LOCAL: Stone Oak, Encino Park, Far North, 78258, 78259, 78260, 78261 December 2015 by San Antonio Local Community News

CISD middle school planned for north Bexar County PG.18

Residents, students shaping future of new middle school in Kinder Ranch

EAT LOCAL

CAFÉ PUNTA DEL CIELO PG.27

Mexico-based java franchise percolates on the North Side

COMMUNITY NEWS STONE OAK

VOL. 2, ISSUE 7

ENCINO PARK

FAR NORTH

TOLL ROAD UPDATE

78258 78259 78260 78261

CENTER COURT PIZZA & BREW PG.26 Familyfriendly watering hole offers loads of fun NOV. 30 - DEC. 28, 2015

Non-tolled expansion of 281 is now possible after vote PG.16

COMMUNITY

Ramping up the dog park

PG.21 Eagle Scout project at

Panther Springs rec area creates canine agility course for fury friends

New Reagan club gets tails wagging PG.22 Paws Cause provides volunteer

services at animal shelters

BUY LOCAL LILI VETERINARY HOSPITAL PG.25

'Dr. Oby' and staff ready to care for your favorite critters

PG. 03 LOCAL COMMENTARY SUSAN YERKES Holidays bring plenty of great books about San Antonio, Alamo and Texas

PG.14 North East ISD holds

coffee talks with patrons Issues aplenty for Superintendent Gottardy’s morning chats; voters approve $500 million bond issue

61 st

Annual

WINTER SALE

NOV. 30 - DEC. 28, 2015

FROM THE EDITOR wwright@localcommunitynews.com

President Harold J. Lees Publisher Gregg Rosenfield

Time for a change

exas voters overwhelmingly passed all seven proposed constitutional amendments on Nov. 3, with many immediately benefiting

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, Neven Jones, Eric Moreno, Edmond Ortiz, Ruben Renteria, Arthur Schechter and Susan Yerkes

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ADVERTISING Advertising Director Jaselle Luna Account Manager Amber Montemayor Controller Keith Sanders 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

area inhabitants. Proposition 1 increases the homestead property-tax exemption for schools from $15,000 to $25,000 beginning with the 2015 tax year, a move returning more than $1 billion to ratepayers. Proposition 2 grants a propertytax exemption for surviving spouses of totally disabled veterans, including qualified survivors of similarly disabled vets who died before 2010. Proposition 4 allows charitable foundations of professional sports teams – such as the San Antonio Spurs – to conduct raffle benefits during all home games, instead of twice yearly. Proposition 6 recognizes the right of all residents to hunt, fish and harvest wildlife subject to laws that promote wildlife conservation. Then there’s Proposition 7, which dedicates portions of the state’s general and motor-vehicle sales taxes to the State Highway Fund. The move is projected to generate $2.5 billion to $3 billion for Texas transportation projects beginning in 2018, and millions more after 2020. Proposition 7 will directly benefit motorists seeking swifter access to U.S. 281 North. It could lead to $300 million for non-tolled improvements on 281 and Interstate 10, and future projects planned for Interstate 35 and Loop 1604. Hailed by most city, county and state agencies and officials, the measure helps maintain current roads, acquires land for future roads and retires existing bond debt. Each proposition could have a direct impact on those who went to the polls and made their voices heard. We can only hope to see similar measures designed to benefit all Texans in future years.

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

WILL WRIGHT MANAGING EDITOR

of Reagan High School's Paws Cause, cuddles a four-legged friend while cleaning cat cages as part of the club's services. See the story on page 22. Photo by Rudy B. Ornelas

ON THE COVER: Serah Wiedenhoefer, president

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NOV. 30 - DEC. 28, 2015

LOCAL COMMENTARY

The gift of reading, San Antonio style by SUSAN YERKES

hen I think of holiday

gifts, my thoughts turn to books. Blame my upbringing — I grew up in a bookstore. When we moved to San Antonio in the 1960s, my parents opened H. R. Higgins Books, named after my stepfather. (It later became The Twig.) I love to read, and I had permission to take most books home and peruse them, as long as they came back spotless. (Even today, a peanut butter and jelly stain on a book page sends me into a momentary panic.) For years after my folks sold the shop I couldn’t walk into

a good bookstore without buying half a dozen titles. And despite occasional Amazon buying binges, I still feel fiercely loyal to independent bookstores, where the proprietors read voraciously and recommend skillfully. In fact, I’d like to give all my readers the gift of a book this Christmas. But since that’s not in the budget, I’ll settle for recommending a few San Antonioflavored books I’ve enjoyed this year. “San Antonio’s Spanish Missions: A Portrait,” by Lewis Fisher, with beautiful photos by Mike Osborne and a foreword by the Rev. David Garcia, celebrates the beautifully preserved missions, now a UNESCO World Heritage site. Another of Fisher’s books, “American Venice: The Epic Story of San Antonio’s River,” tells the history of the River Walk in photographs and text. “San Antonio: The Saga” is another magnificent tome full of images from the fantastic sound-and-light show in Main Plaza. With big changes coming for the Alamo, Paul Walker’s “Remember the Alamo: Texians, Tejanos and Mexicans Tell their Stories” brings a new perspective to the mission’s tale. There’s also the new biography by Ron J. Jackson Jr. and Lee Spencer White, “Joe, The Slave Who Became an Alamo

Legend.” And rock star Phil Collins’ “The Alamo and Beyond: A Collector’s Journey” is a sumptuous book on the Briton’s huge collection of Alamo artifacts, which he subsequently donated to the state. It features many of the historical pieces that will someday be on display in an Alamo museum downtown. Classic film fans will enjoy “Not Thinkin’…Just Rememberin’…The Making of John Wayne’s ‘The Alamo.’” Paula Allen’s fascinating “San Antonio Then and Now” pairs stories of the city with past and present photographs. Most recent of all is “San Antonio: Our Story of 150 Years in the Alamo City,” from Trinity University Press – a big, impressive coffee-table book with a sesquicentennial’s worth of stories and pictures. Foodies will love restaurateur Cappy Lawton’s “Enchiladas: Aztec to Tex-Mex” or “San Antonio Beer,” an account of the city’s brewing biz from the 19th century to today by LOCAL Community News contributor Travis E. Poling and Jeremy Banas. Sandra Cisneros’ new memoir “A House of My Own” is high on my hot list of fiction books. Jan Jarboe Russell’s “The Train to Crystal City” is an important, eye-opening account of the long-secret internment camp in Crystal City, where

thousands of Japanese and German families were imprisoned during World War II. Cynthia Leal Massey’s “Death of a Texas Ranger: A True Story of Murder and Vengeance on the Texas Frontier” is a great Wild West read. Bryce Milligan’s Wings Press is a San Antonio treasure, and you’ll find some great books on the website wingspress.com. Notables are the new anthology of Texas women’s work, “Her Texas: Story, Image, Poem & and Song”; poet Naomi Shihab Nye’s new offering “Famous”; and Joe Holley’s rollicking story “The Purse Bearer: A Novel of Love, Lust and Texas Politics.” Also new is a book that brought back many memories for me: Mary Carolyn Hollers George’s “Rosengren’s Books: An Oasis for Mind and Spirit.” The beloved downtown bookstore was my parents’ biggest competitor. And finally, here’s a great tip for all readers – a free app called OverDrive that gives you access to e-books, audio books and more from hundreds of libraries, including the San Antonio Public Library. In return, the best gift you could give me is to recommend the books you have enjoyed this year. Happy holidays, and read on! syerkes@localcommunitynews.com

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OUR TURN Views and opinions about your community

Move city elections to November

oter participation in local elections continues to drop, but District 8 Councilman Ron Nirenberg has an idea to stop the decline that is worth supporting — move the balloting from May to November. Nirenberg touts the example of Austin, which saw a 40 percent rise in electorate turnout when municipal elections switched from the spring to mid-fall, to coincide with state and national balloting. Another advantage to changing election dates is the savings passed on to taxpayers by combining one election season managed by the Bexar County Elections Department. Analysts know that more voters turn out during a countrywide contest, such as the one to select a president, so why not build on that momentum by adding municipal

balloting? If not, voter apathy could worsen, with participation continuing to fall. During the key race for San Antonio mayor in May, in which 14 candidates sought the position, only 14 percent of registered voters even showed up at the polls. When fewer voters cast ballots, then special-interest groups and those with very narrow agendas control the balloting and the ultimate fate of a city. Nirenberg’s idea deserves consideration. So far, most of his colleagues on City Council have not exactly given the notion a ringing endorsement. Mayor Ivy Taylor even worries that partisanship could enter the local races if they are held the same time as state and national contests. Truthfully, local elections for City Council rarely have split along party lines and have a lot more to do with money, demographics, neighborhoods and geography. Plenty of cities in the area already hold November elections with nary a whiff of partisanship or problems — Converse, Cibolo and Windcrest come to mind. This idea has merit and could boost local democracy. Contact your San Antonio council member and let them know you support moving the elections to November.

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

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RATTLER ROUNDBALL The Reagan High School boys basketball season is underway. Home contests, 19000 Ronald Reagan Drive, include a 7:30 p.m. tipoff versus Laredo United Dec. 11, and Dec. 22 against Brandeis at 5:30 p.m. For more including a complete 2015-16 schedule, visit the link at www.neisd.net.

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, call Dyan Montesclaros at 481-7890.

JOHNSON HIGH SCHOOL DECEMBER HOOPS The Jaguars’ boys basketball schedule has begun. Home games include a Dec. 1 contest with Stevens at Littleton Gym, 12002 Jones Maltsberger Road at 8 p.m., and a Dec. 14 7:30 p.m. matchup with Brandeis on campus, 23203 Bulverde Road. For more including a complete 2015-16 schedule, visit the link at www.neisd.net.

HOLIDAY ENTERTAINMENT The 14th annual Stone Oak Winter Celebration returns 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. across from the North Central Baptist Hospital parking lot, 520 Madison Oak Drive. Cost is free, with the donation of a toy. A scavenger hunt, 60,000 pounds of snow, rides, parades, performances and Santa Claus

DECEMBER

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HAPPENING continues on pg. 07

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SALOCALLOWDOWN.COM HAPPENING continues from pg. 06 descending from the sky highlight the festivities. For more or sponsorship opportunities, call 348-8233. CHRISTMAS SHOPPING Not sure what to get everyone on your holiday list? The second annual Reagan Holiday Market, held in the high school cafeteria at 19000 Ronald Reagan Drive, from noon to 4 p.m. should help. Vendors selling toys, custom woodwork, books, glasswork, paintings, candles, jewelry, embroidery, wreaths, ornaments and more will be available. Enjoy area dance teams and choirs while bargain hunting, and be on the lookout for a bake sale and Santa Claus, too. For more including vendor opportunities, contact Laura Allen at lallen@trinity.edu or call 326-4123.

DEC. 5

HOLIDAY CRAFT FAIR The 2015 Holiday Craft Fair & Market presented by the Johnson High School Band is 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the cafeteria, 23203 Bulverde Road. The event features vendors and artists, the perfect gift for that special someone and plenty of music. For more, call 407-0040.

WHAT’S YOUR STORY? Meeting Room A in the Parman Branch Library, 20735 Wilderness Oak Road, hosts an informative session from 2-4 p.m. Instructor Tim Johnson will provide a free workshop on the art of memoir writing. For more, call 207-2703.

DEC. 5

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. Enjoy free popcorn while supplies last. For more, call 2079250 or email Barbara Kwiatkowski at barbara.kwiatkowski@sanantonio.gov.

DEC. 6

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.

DEC. 10

DEC. 11-13

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NOV. 30 - DEC. 28, 2015

HAPPENING continues from pg. 07 a three-day event. The Christmas Pageant will begin at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 6:30 p.m. on Sunday. For more, call 490-1600 or visit www.sacornerstone.org. CELEBRATE THE SEASON The Encino Branch Library, 2515 E. Evans Road, hosts the Encino Multicultural Winter Festival from 2-4 p.m. Enjoy holiday traditions from around the world via crafts, food, dance and music. There’s bound to be a visit from Santa Claus, too. The free activities are fun for all ages. For more, email Barbara Kwiatkowski at barbara.kwiatkowski@ sanantonio.gov or call 207-9250.

DEC. 12

I’M ALL EARS Reagan High School, 19000 Ronald Reagan Drive, will be the site for a music extravaganza with the 2015 All Region Clinic and Concert. The middle school orchestra performs at 4 p.m., followed by the high school at 6 p.m. For more, call 356-1800.

DEC. 12

SCHOOL BOARD MEETING Trustees of the North East Independent School District regularly meet the second Monday of each

DEC. 14

month at 5:30 p.m. in the boardroom at 8961 Tesoro Drive. To confirm dates and times, call 407-0533. CHRISTMAS DINNER Two organizations at Cornerstone Church, 18755 Stone Oak Parkway, unite at 7 p.m. to enjoy a meal. Singles with Purpose, an evolving ministry for those 35-50, join The Blessed Life, for single-parenting adults, to commemorate the holiday season. Five dollars gets families dinner, games and fellowship. Tickets are available at the Special Events office. For more, call 490-1600.

DEC. 15

PRE-CHRISTMAS RUN The JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa, 23808 Resort Parkway, is the site of an unusual running event beginning at 5:30 p.m. The third annual Illuminations Half Marathon and St. Nick at Night 5K run is a San Antonio original with a nighttime race/relay and one-of-a-kind illuminated course normally reserved for golf carts. Cost varies. For more information and to register, visit www.athleteguild.com.

DEC. 19

HAPPENING continues on pg. 09

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SALOCALLOWDOWN.COM HAPPENING continues from pg. 08 PAPERCRAFTING AND SCRAPBOOK CLUB Visit the Parman Branch Library, 20735 Wilderness Oak Road, from 1-6 p.m. 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, call 207-2703.

DEC. 19

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 262-5839.

DEC. 19

HO, HO, HO – SCHOOL’S OUT Campuses at the North East and Comal independent school districts will be closed for Christmas break.

DEC. 21 - JAN. 1

DEC. 27

HOCKEY OUTING Special seating has been reserved for Stone Oak residents who want to attend

the 4 p.m. game between the San Antonio Rampage and Texas Stars at the AT&T Center, 1 AT&T Center Parkway. There will also be a limited 30-minute general public pregame skate beginning at 1 p.m. Cost is $20 by using special offer code: Stone Oak. For more and to purchase tickets by Dec. 6, call 444-5140. DOG-EARED BOOKS Come to the Encino Branch Library, 2515 E. Evans Road, every Wednesday (except Dec. 23) 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.

WEEKLY

SHAPING UP FOR A NEW YOU While the Parman Branch Library, 20735 Wilderness Oak Road, is usually a place to exercise your mind, on Mondays come by at 10 a.m. and exercise your body. An instructor from the San Antonio Parks & 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, call 207-2703.

WEEKLY

HAPPENING continues on pg. 10

NOV. 30 - DEC. 28, 2015

HAPPENING continues from pg. 09

LOCAL LOWDOWN

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

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

WEEKLY

Sundays

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

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

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 to cooking may be on the potluck agenda. For more, call 207-2703.

WEEKLY

GOODWILL PICKUPS Goodwill Industries offers donation pickup services for large amounts of clothing, household items and furniture at Bexar County residences. For more, call 271-8881 or fill out pickup forms available at www. goodwillsa.org/home-pickup-services.

ONGOING

SUBMITTING EVENTS: Email all

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

Open and Opening Soon 1. EUROPEAN MED SPA, 19323 Stone Oak Parkway, provides laser hair removal, Botox and microdermabrasion treatments, oncology massages, chemical peels, spider-vein removal, facials and more. Hours are 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and by appointment only on Saturday. For more, call 494-7170 or visit facebook.com/Europeanmedspa or www.europeanmedspasa. com. (See story on page 24) 2. LILI VETERINARY HOSPITAL, 20210

Stone Oak Parkway, Suite 301, offers an array of services for domestic pets. Hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday. Closed Wednesday and Sunday. For more, call 257-8496 or visit www.liliveterinaryhospital. com. (See story on page 25)

3. CENTER COURT PIZZA & BREW,

bills to your insurance as a specialty office visit, NOT an urgent care or emergency room visit, saving you money. Most insurances are accepted but, for those patients who may be out-ofnetwork or uninsured, TSAOG also offers discounted cash rates. 150 E Sonterra Blvd., Ste 300 San Antonio, TX 78258 (in the 3 story building behind the CVS Pharmacy at the corner of Stone Oak and Sonterra) 210-804-5424 www.tsaog.com/orthonow

Name of local business

recently opened and serves cold craft beers, pizza and televised sports in a comfortable environment. There’s also a playground. Hours are 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 11 a.m. to midnight Friday and Saturday. For more, call 497-5152 or visit www.centercourtpizza. com. (See story on page 26)

4. CAFÉ PUNTA DEL CIELO, 115 N. Loop 1604 East, Suite 1105, inside the La Arcata retail center, debuted this summer, part of a Mexico-based coffee-shop franchise. Hours are 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday and 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday. For more, call 549-3583 or visit facebook.com/Puntadelcielostoneoak or www.puntadelcielousa.com. (See story on page 27) 5. LILI ALESSANDRA HOME, 1207 N.

Loop 1604 West, Suite 115, recently opened

LOWDOWN continues on pg. 11

20711 Wilderness Oak Road, Suite 113,

Don’t wait until the New Year. Start today.

Walk-In Injury Clinic Offers Urgent Care Access Without the Extra Charge The San Antonio Orthopaedic Group (TSAOG) has opened a second location for its OrthoNow WalkIn Injury Clinic in the Stone Oak area. With hours from 11:30am until 7:30pm Monday through Friday, the clinic is open to anyone with an urgent musculoskeletal need (from acute muscle pain, sprains and strains to sports injuries, fractures, and minor dislocations). OrthoNow treats children and adults and has onsite digital x-ray and casting services available. Best of all, OrthoNow

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SALOCALLOWDOWN.COM LOWDOWN continues from pg. 10 in The Vineyard at 1604 and Blanco Road offering fine linens and soft furnishings including bedding, coverlets, bedspreads, decorative pillows, drapery panels, throws, bed skirts, upholstered headboards and house accessories. Hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday. For more, visit lilialessandra. com or facebook.com/lilialessandra.

IN OTHER NEWS

VOTERS NOV. 3 APPROVED A $499.95 MILLION BOND ISSUE in the North East Independent School District for facility improvements. According to officials, 66 percent of those who cast ballots favored the district’s referendum, which outlines 69 projects to renovate and upgrade out-of-date facilities at older campuses and enhance other needs. NEISD officials said the bond will not increase taxes for at least five years, with most of the money designated for campus improvements, $225.8 million; extracurricular programs, $89.8 million; technology upgrades, $72.4 million; district operations, $60 million; safety and security, $20 million; bond-program management, $17 million; and a $15 million bond-contingency program.

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SAN ANTONIO RECENTLY DELAYED HEARINGS on a decision to annex five unincorporated Bexar County areas into the city’s extraterritorial jurisdiction, including U.S. 281 North. If all are annexed, they could add 70 square miles and 120,000 residents to the Alamo City. Three areas – Stone Oak, the Interstate 10 West corridor northwest of Loop 1604, and between Interstate 35 and I-10 on the county’s eastern end, are the first considerations. Two others – Alamo Ranch on the far West Side and the I-10 corridor near U.S. 90 – follow early next year. City Council postponed public sessions on the first three by resetting I-10 East annexation discussions for Dec. 2, Dec. 19 and prior to a potential final determination Jan. 14, 2016. Hearings regarding the Stone Oak/281 annexation were rescheduled for Jan. 13, Jan. 20 and before the council’s projected final vote Feb. 11. HAGEE HOSPITALITY GROUP RECENTLY ACQUIRED the Homewood Suites by Hilton’s San Antonio North location at 125 N. Loop 1604 West in Stone Oak. The group, which helped develop the 106-room, five-story hotel, will now own and operate the facility. The hotel, opened in 2008, will undergo an

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LOWDOWN continues from pg. 11 $800,000 renovation. Chris Hagee, CEO and founder of Hagee Hospitality Group, said his organization is also developing additional Hilton hotels in the Gulf Coast and Rio Grande Valley regions, slated for construction later this fall. THE HARDY OAK BOULEVARD EXTENSION PROJECT is progressing, said District 9 City Councilman Joe Krier. In October, workers began drilling light-pole shafts, graded roadway medians and started installing sidewalks, traffic signals and driveways. Officials expect additional progress in all areas, including landscaping, will continue through December. The $8.8 million 2010 bond project extending Hardy Oak Boulevard from Stone Oak Parkway to Knights Cross Drive will improve traffic flow and safety, planners said. JOHNSON HIGH SCHOOL TEACHER Justin Felux is one of 12 recipients of the 2015 Outstanding Teaching of the Humanities Award. Felux, the school’s Advanced Placement World History teacher, was cheered by his students after hearing about the award presented by Humanities Texas, the state affiliate of National Endowment for the Humanities. The

honor annually recognizes state classroom educators for exemplary teaching contributions, curriculum development and extracurricular programming. Felux was among more than 450 instructors nominated this year. U.S. Rep. Lamar Smith, R-San Antonio, and Humanities Texas Executive Director Michael L. Gillette presented Felux with the award at the school on Oct. 19. Felux receives $5,000, along with $500 for the school to purchase instructional materials. Felux sponsors such activities as the University Interscholastic League’s Current Events, Academic Quiz Bowl and National History Day competitions, and has twice been honored as the school’s “Teacher of the Month.” “As humanities teachers, we know that our disciplines are essential to understanding the great issues of our time,” Felux said. “We hope that our students leave our classroom not simply with more facts in their brains, but with an increased social conscience and a desire to make the world a better place.” CITY COUNCIL RECENTLY APPROVED AN ORDINANCE TO IMPLEMENT Safe Exchange Zones at six police substations across San Antonio, including the San Antonio Police Department North Substation at 13030 Jones Maltsberger

Road serving the North Side. District 10 Councilman Mike Gallagher said SAPD helped spearhead the effort, designed to reduce the likelihood of criminal activity during online marketplace exchanges. “Providing the community with an option to safely conduct business like this is long overdue,” Gallagher said in a prepared release. “With the establishment of Safe Exchange Zones, not only will our residents be afforded an opportunity to safely conduct e-commerce exchanges with strangers, but they will also have the opportunity to meet their neighborhood patrol officers.” Safe Exchange sites will offer designated parking spaces and inside lobbies at SAPD substations for residents to use in completing transactions, as well as monitoring by security cameras, said officials. The new program will not incur additional costs to taxpayers. For more, visit a link at the SAPD website, www.sanantonio.gov/sapd. SPECHT ELEMENTARY SCHOOL STAGED A BLOOD DRIVE supporting kindergarten student Ella Johnson, who is fighting leukemia. More than 60 units of blood were collected by the South Texas Blood & Tissue Center during the recent event.

LOWDOWN continues on pg. 13

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SALOCALLOWDOWN.COM LOWDOWN continues from pg. 12 “I think it’s wonderful that so many members of the Specht community, from parents to teachers to high school students, came by to donate,” said Jackie Sundt, principal. “Ella is a strong little girl and we are all pulling so hard for her. We’re going to do anything we can to support her.” An account has been established to aid in Ella's medical expenses. To donate, visit www.gofundme.com and type “Everyone Loves ELLA (Johnson)” in the search engine or go directly to www.gofundme.com/c43bgp5ps. TIMBERWOOD PARK ELEMENTARY SCHOOL TEACHER JENNINE ZEPEDA recently won her second KENS 5 ExCEL Award, becoming the first two-time winner in the program's 17-year history. Zepeda, who teaches Gifted and Talented kindergarteners through fifth-graders, received her trophy – which celebrates innovation in education – during an Oct. 13 ceremony in the school cafeteria. She also received a $1,000 check from San Antonio Credit Union. Zepeda previously won in 2010 as a seventh-grade Texas history teacher in the Edgewood Independent School District. Zepeda was instrumental in starting Timberwood

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Park’s chess club, First LEGO League robotics team and the student newspaper. “Mrs. Zepeda is very enthusiastic in the classroom,” said student Allison Howe in a Comal Independent School District news release. “If something goes wrong with a project we’re working on, she encourages us to come up with a solution to fix it. … She inspires us to think differently and to try and give our classmates self-confidence in what they are trying to accomplish to get the best results.” Zepeda was grateful to be a twotime recipient. “I am overwhelmed by their generosity and am humbled to be recognized for my teaching,” Zepeda said. COMAL COUNTY AND BULVERDE OFFICIALS RECENTLY OPENED Kleck Park, a 43-acre, heavily wooded site featuring 1.2 miles of hiking, biking and horse-riding trails, and 16 marked and numbered birdhouses. In 2014, the Helen Kleck Vivian Living Trust donated the land located east of Bulverde on Stahl Lane, about 1.5 miles north of FM 1863, to Comal County. Last summer, county commissioners approved $14,000 for constructing trails at the park, which joins Curry Nature Center, Jumbo Evans Sports Park and Hidden Valley Sports Park as county-owned parks and recreation areas.

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NEISD continues from pg. 01

No new high school planned north of Loop 1604 by EDMOND ORTIZ

t’s 7 a.m. on a recent weekday at the Reagan High School library and Superintendent Brian Gottardy is hard at work covering dozens of topics with residents including a major bond issue. On Nov. 3, voters in the North East Independent School District approved by 65 percent the nearly $500 million bond to upgrade facilities. Among other efforts, those preelection chats with district patrons — which NEISD termed coffee talks with the superintendent — helped push the bond issue into the spotlight and allowed voters to digest pertinent information before going to the polls, Gottardy said. “I’m proud of the entire process,” he

said after the vote. “We provided so much information to our community, and we could not have been any more transparent.” The superintendent plans to continue the coffee talks, which were held at NEISD high schools in October and September. “I think they have gone over well. Yes, 7 a.m. is early but people can attend, then go to work or whatever else they have to do,” Gottardy said. Attending parents said they like the access to information that Gottardy and his office provided to the community. “It’s nice to know he’s giving honest answers,” said Andrew Norwood, who has a son at Las Lomas Elementary School, which is in the Reagan feeder cluster. “For the superintendent to make himself available like this to parents and taxpayers is wonderful,” added Mandi JohnstonMendoza, also a Las Lomas parent. On that particular Wednesday morning in October at Reagan, Gottardy had no shortage of topics to cover with a handful of community members – campus construction, security, public school financing and more, in addition to the bond issue. Fifteen to 20 people, many of them parents toting coffee and pastries, surrounded Gottardy to hear what he had to say. NEISD's top administrator answered

various questions from several audience members. The inquiries ranged from student population projections to public school funding. On the latter, Gottardy said he hopes the Texas Supreme Court will rule within the next five months on public schools’ collective effort to sue the state over its current financing formula. Gottardy told a reporter he appreciates the small yet eager crowds that attended his early morning information sessions. “I’m a firm believer in listening to the community. This is just another venue to listen to their concerns,” he said. At the meeting, Gottardy described how district residents convinced a citizens’ steering committee to pare down initial projects and estimates in the bond package before the school board called for the election. This is the fourth time in 12 years NEISD has floated a bond issue. It allocates money for, among other things, upgrades to facilities, technology, safety and security, and portable building replacements districtwide. More specifically, the new bond allows for security check-in vestibules, expanding the wireless network for technology devices, replacing the 60-year-old bleachers at Comalander Stadium, and expanding or replacing band halls and fine-arts structures at several middle and high schools.

“That was $43 million freed up to go to equity and technology,” Gottardy told the audience about bond preplanning. “We and district staff started with Plan A. We’re now on Plan I.” Higher appraised values in recent years have enabled the school district to pay down its overall debt. That has given the district room to refund and refinance old bond obligations. That will help NEISD to hold off on a tax-rate increase for at least five to seven years with the new bond program, Gottardy said. “My goal has been to keep your taxes low as possible,” he added. Gottardy said he expects no more new middle schools for NEISD north of Loop 1604, especially with the lack of available land. He also said the district foresees that Reagan and Johnson high schools will keep growing, but there’s no long-range plan for a third high school north of 1604. The superintendent added that the district, with bond approval, will seek to do what it can with existing facilities to accommodate student-growth projections. One line item in the new bond converts NEISD’s complex on Perrin Central Boulevard and Wurzbach Parkway into a trade/career academy. Gottardy

NEISD continues on pg. 15

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Superintendent Brian Gottardy of the North East Independent School District speaks with community members in midOctober at Reagan High School. He discussed the upgrades a nearly $500 million bond could bring to the district; the referendum was approved by voters Nov. 3. Photo by Edmond Ortiz

NEISD continues from pg. 14 recalled how his brother did not go a traditional high school-to-college route, but rather learned a trade and has built a successful, happy life around that. “I’m going to be honest, not all high school kids will go to college. There’s nothing wrong with that,” Gottardy said. “People have to define what success is for themselves and let students do what they want to do.” The superintendent added that a career/trade academy could lure away some students from Reagan and the other NEISD high schools, but would also give each of those campuses some

flexibility in student-population capacity. Now that voters gave the new bond their blessing, it will take most of 2016 for the district to bring on consultants and design plans for any renovations or new construction. Meanwhile, a new facility has joined the NEISD ranks by acquisition. The school district has purchased Time Warner Cable Park, the recreational complex on Wetmore Road, after the previous owners put it up for sale. The district had been leasing it for athletic and Project Graduation activities. The new bond allocates $10 million to help NEISD cover a swimming pool at the park and heat the water in it, as well as fix bathrooms and dressing rooms.

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PROP 7 continues from pg. 01

AAMPO to involve public on projects in next four-year plan by WILL WRIGHT

onths before Texas voters approved Proposition 7, the Alamo Area Metropolitan Planning Organization’s Transportation Policy Board approved a resolution changing a planned tolled expansion of U.S. 281 North into a roadway without tolls.

The decree hinged on the electorate passing a multibillion-dollar statewide highway-funding measure, which overwhelmingly came Nov. 3. Subsequently, the MPO followed by committing to a non-tolled $532 million project to expand 281 from Loop 1604 to the Bexar-Comal county line. Also, a collective sigh of relief sounded

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from opponents of tolling the busy highway, more congested than ever as population and development swells on the far North Side. Plans for high-occupancy lanes, exclusive for multi-passenger vehicles, are still raising some eyebrows, though. Isidro Martinez, director of the MPO, which prioritizes and designates funding for regional mobility initiatives, said 281 now rates as a “priority project” with secured state and federal funds, but minus private subsidies associated with tolled undertakings. “Private funding would have tolled certain portions of the project,” he said. “The resolution said passing Proposition 7 would make all of 281 a non-tolled project.” The first phase, planned as a $228 million tolled expansion of 281 from 1604 to Stone Oak Parkway, already received federal, Texas Department of Transportation and city funding, plus MPO authorization. Its new, non-tolled designation means there will be additional phases of environmental-study reviews and public input before construction commences. “The project had already been environmentally approved and was ready to move forward as a toll project,” Martinez said. “Now that it’s ... a non-toll project, TxDOT will have to go back and review the environmental documentation,

which will take a little over six months.” The Alamo Regional Mobility Authority and the MPO prepared the initial 281 Environmental Impact Statement, which was examined by the Federal Highway Administration and accepted by TxDOT in July. Martinez said any new assessments should spur only minor alterations, adding, “It could lead to some adjustments and changes … and it will probably have to go through another public hearing on how it is funded and how it will be built.” Proposition 7 could generate $2.5 billion to $3 billion for statewide transportation projects beginning in 2018, with as much as $300 million locally. However, such funding is years away, and falling oiland gas-tax revenues fuel speculation additional funds might be insufficient when confronting Texas’ ever-increasing demand for transportation improvements. Martinez said current 281 plans call for the design on the first phase to begin in 2016, with construction starting mid-2017. It might not be until late 2018 or early 2019 before Proposition 7 kicks in, augmenting the second phase of 281 upgrades – a $304 million expansion from Stone Oak Parkway north to the Bexar-Comal line. “The first (Proposition 7) funds won’t be available until fiscal year 2018, and

at this point, we don’t know what that allocation will be,” Martinez added. “Because of that, we haven’t selected any other projects for that funding.” Bexar County Precinct 3 Commissioner Kevin Wolff said by then the price tag for the second phase could increase. “The right of way for (land acquisitions) north of Stone Oak Parkway to the county line hasn’t been purchased yet, so just to buy it alone amounts to $100 million,” Wolff said. “It could get ridiculously expensive when you’re buying up the most expensive land in the entire county.” ARMA and MPO recommended a non-tolled alternative for 281, which increases the number of main lanes from two to three, includes three frontage lanes in each direction and interchange ramps at the 281/1604 intersection. Managed lanes considered part of a tolled option aren’t in the first phase, Martinez said. However, planned highoccupancy vehicle/priority transit lanes along the 8-mile route, one in each direction, are drawing fire. “We are cautious about having any kind of restricted lanes (as part of the process),” said Terri Hall, founder and director of the anti-toll group Texans

PROP 7 continues on pg. 23

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KINDER RANCH continues from pg. 01

Bond money destined for districtwide improvements by WILL WRIGHT

EW BRAUNFELS – Comal Independent School District officials are well on the way to implementing 2015 bond projects that will fund two new middle schools, including one north of San Antonio in Kinder Ranch.

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

The $147.4 million measure calls for the construction of the new campuses, as well as capital improvements at existing facilities, technology and safety/security upgrades at all CISD schools, and land acquisitions for future learning sites. Improvements are also scheduled at Timberwood Park, Indian Springs, Johnson Ranch, Specht and Kinder Ranch elementary schools; plus Smithson

Valley and Spring Branch middle schools and Smithson Valley High School. The district’s sixth middle school is set for Hubertus Road, west of Interstate 35 in Garden Ridge, with a seventh planned near Borgfeld Road and Kinder Ranch Boulevard in far north Bexar County. The need for both helped propel voters to approve the overall bond last May.

Together, they will cost $94.25 million and relieve enrollment capacities at Smithson Valley and Canyon middle schools. The Kinder Ranch-area campus, projected to accommodate 1,150 students, will cost $50.2 million; the Garden Ridge facility (1,050 students) is $44 million. Both are scheduled to open in August 2018. “Most of our capacity is at our

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SALOCALLOWDOWN.COM KINDER RANCH continues from pg. 18 like to see in the two middle schools – what works, what doesn’t work, what improvements need to be made as far as functionality, and things of value and importance to the community.” Also making contributions was CISD’s Student Advisory Committee, which Kim formed shortly after becoming superintendent in 2012. “I believe this is an important forum where our future leaders get a chance to team up and work together on whatever important issues they may be facing as part of Comal ISD’s student body,” Kim said. “In this instance, they are of great assistance to us in coming up with innovative ideas for our newest schools. We want to have as many design concepts as possible available to us when we ultimately decide the blueprints for our new middle schools.” Architects have been selected for both projects – Pfluger Architects at Kinder Ranch and O’Connell Robertson in Garden Ridge. Suggestions from both CISD committees should be reflected in their designs, which trustees will consider after the holidays, Stanford added. Other CISD bond projects designate $20.2 million for capital improvements

CISD NEW MIDDLE SCHOOLS CISD MIDDLE SCHOOL NO. 7 Location: In the Kinder Ranch development on Kinder Ranch Boulevard, west of U.S. 281 Architect: Pfluger Architects Timeline: Dates for final architectural designs, construction start are to be determined; project completion in August 2018. Summary: The school will relieve overcrowding at Smithson Valley Middle School.

CISD MIDDLE SCHOOL NO. 6 Location: Hubertus Road, west of Interstate 35 Architect: O’Connell Robertson Timeline: Dates for final architectural designs, construction start are to be determined; project completion in August 2018. Summary: The school will relieve overcrowding at Canyon Middle School.

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KINDER RANCH continues from pg. 19 in high-growth areas along U.S. 281 North and Interstate 35. The district’s timetable includes four phases. The first, launched this fall, began technology upgrades and safety improvements at elementary schools. The final phase involves districtwide capital enrichments, technology and added security by August 2019. Shortly after voters rejected a $451 million bond request in November 2013, audits indicated services by architectural and construction corporations overcharged CISD by millions in connection with its 2008 and 2005 bonds. After approving a repayment settlement with those companies, trustees executed measures to increase oversight over subsequent dealings. “We will work to ensure that the process of implementing these bond projects is transparent, so that we can be held accountable by our community,” Kim said.

The 2015 version is being scrutinized by CISD’s Bond Advisory Committee, which will provide input and evaluation on all bond projects and review expenditures, scheduling and timelines. “Our overall goal is to inform our local leaders of progress on the bond as well as on demographic and growth trends in our district,” Morawski said. “We also welcome any feedback our community leaders might have.” Comprised of local government and community figures, the committee first met on Sept. 29 and plans future quarterly meetings until 2015 bond projects are completed. After assembling in mid-November, it will again convene in March 2016. “As we move forward on implementing each of these bond projects, our focus is to ensure the projects will be delivered on time and on budget,” Kim said. “To that end, we are spending a considerable amount of time on processes and procedures to help us successfully accomplish that goal.”

SALOCALLOWDOWN.COM DOG PARK continues from pg. 01

Jennifer Borus encourages Sisu, an 8-month-old vizsla, to climb the A-frame ramp Nov. 17 at Panther Springs Dog Park. Borus would like her dog to learn to use the agility equipment and is looking into enrolling Sisu in agility-training classes. Jacob Hunt, 14, coordinated the construction of the ramp and other equipment as part of an Eagle Scout service project. Photo by Neven Jones

Ninth-grader closer to getting his Eagle badge by NEVEN JONES

anines visiting the new Panther Springs Dog Park may come away a little more fit and trim thanks to a Scout’s determination to build a fitness course as part of a service project.

Johnson High School ninth-grader Jacob Hunt was looking to do a good deed for the community to meet his Eagle Scout requirement when his father, Jeff Hunt, alerted him to a post on the Panther Springs Park Facebook page requesting agility equipment at the dog park, 22635 Wilderness Oak Road. Taking heed, the 14-year-old Troop 360 member created a plan, rolled up his sleeves with others and went to work. “Adults and Scouts from our troop came to help build it and we basically took the

material, we cut up the material into the right length, right shape and then assembled it,” Jacob said of the five-day endeavor. Initially studying Hardberger Park’s dog-agility setup, he wanted to construct an A-frame ramp, tire jump and poles of PVC piping allowing dogs to weave in and out with their owner’s guidance. Jacob presented his plan to the troop’s Eagle committee, which voted to let him proceed. He then needed permission of the San Antonio Parks & Recreation

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Department, which maintains the 289-acre facility. The park opened in the spring. “He cannot do an Eagle project on somebody’s personal property,” said Pat Wofford, Troop 360 assistant scoutmaster. “It has to be for community gain or for the betterment of a non-taxing entity such as a church or a foundation.” Jacob spoke with a nature preserve officer at Hardberger Park about the project. “He came and visited Hardberger Park, saw the equipment here, and

then he presented us his ideas of which agility elements he could do,” said Robert Rinn, assistant manager of natural areas for Parks & Recreation. The teen created drawings detailing the size and specifications of the equipment; the city verified the design, Rinn said. “Projects like that are really good projects for Scouts. It’s a way for us to utilize them to help us and help the community, too,” he said. Jacob began the work in March and finished in August; he built six pieces in all with help from fellow Scouts — one set for large dogs, another for small. “Once we put it up, I saw an instant interest in it,” he said. Jacob also found a website he could use to request donations. The Boy Scouts of America requires candidates for Eagle rank to find a nonprofit to collect donations on their behalf; the money accrued is tax-deductible, Jeff Hunt said. The Scout partnered with the San Antonio Parks Foundation for funding, and the Hunts paid $1,500 out-of-pocket and accumulated $500 in donations. Still $1,000 short of what was needed, they carried on, the elder Hunt said. “He was about to start high school. We

DOG PARK continues on pg. 22

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DOG PARK continues from pg. 21

REAGAN continues from pg. 01

needed to move forward or his project would take another year before we could even get started,” the father added. Then, an anonymous benefactor appeared. “It is our responsibility in our community to help those that are trying to better themselves as individuals so that they can in turn better the community,” said the donor, who asked not to be named. “They took on a very expensive project and I felt it was my responsibility to this young man in his efforts to support him.” According to the National Eagle Scout Association website, only 5 percent of Scouts achieve the rank of Eagle. “It’s not a quick one- or two-year thing, it’s a multiyear thing. It probably takes the average person a good five or six years to become an Eagle Scout,” Wofford said. Though Jacob, who started as a Tiger Cub in first grade, concluded his project, he has yet to achieve the rank. There are a few more steps to complete, such as his Eagle Scout Service Project Workbook and earning a few more merit badges, he said. As a troop guide for younger Scouts for six months, planning their meetings and acting as their leader, Jacob

Holidays a good time to give pet a nice home Tessa, a 2-year-old red heeler, leaps through the tire jump Nov. 17 at Panther Springs Dog Park. Kathy Lundblad encourages Tessa to run through by holding up a ball. Lundblad enjoys bringing her dog to the park because it’s convenient and dog owners are good about cleaning up after their pets, she said. Tessa learned how to use the tire jump after four tries, she added. Photo by Neven Jones

fulfilled his leadership assignment. After completing all the requirements, he said, those on the path to Eagle rank attend a consortium with the troop masters and added evaluation. “After the scoutmaster conference, then you go on to your board of review and that’s where you really sit down and you look through your book and they talk to you a lot about your Eagle project and what you did and your leadership positions that you’ve held throughout your whole entire being in the troop,” Jacob said. For more on the park, visit facebook.com/pantherspringspark.

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new club at Reagan High School has become the cat’s meow — Paws Cause, a student-run volunteer service predominantly dedicated to providing assistance at local animal shelters.

The club has seen a heavy turnout this semester, especially at the initial meeting. “It was so crowded, I could barely get to the front to do the presentation,” said Paws Cause President Serah Wiedenhoefer. “At the first meeting, we had about 120 people show up and that many people cannot fit in a classroom. The classroom is only suited for 35 people,” added the 17-year-old junior who lists the swim team, Leo Club and Winner’s Circle – a drug and alcohol-free association – among her other school-based activities.

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“I was expecting there to be maybe 10 to 20 students,” said Jamie McLeod, club faculty adviser and math teacher. “I’ve just been blown away by the response.” Paws Cause sessions address animal well-being, coordinating monthly outings with various intown shelters and associations such as San Antonio Pets Alive, Spay Neuter Inject Protect of San Antonio, more popularly known as SNIPSA, and the Animal Defense League of Texas. At their first excursion in October, volunteers walked dogs around Brackenridge Park, beautified an animal facility and played with four-legged creatures for a four- or five-hour span. “When I go to volunteer, I really enjoy cleaning out the cages,” Wiedenhoefer said. “Afterwards, when I’m done, I do love socializing with the animals. It’s like my reward after I’ve done good work.” Seeing the furry friends makes it all worthwhile. “Honestly, I think the animals are the most rewarding part, seeing them happy and feeling the love,” she said. “They have so much love, even if they’ve come from horrible situations, and it makes

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SALOCALLOWDOWN.COM REAGAN continues from pg. 22 me so happy. I feel that animals care on a higher level than we can understand.” As visitors frequent shelters searching for pets, Wiedenhoefer, who also works as a lifeguard, safeguards here, too. “I get to bring an animal to them and explain all the different characteristics that make up the animal’s unique personality, and when the person decides that they want to adopt that animal and want to take it home, and I get to facilitate the adoption process, that is the most amazing thing,” she said. “It makes me so happy because that animal is finding their forever house, which is what they call it at Animal Defense League.” She added, “You’re changing numerous people’s lives and you’re helping a family bond.” Wiedenhoefer successfully put Paws Cause on track with her classmates. “I would go around and ask: “Do you like animals? … Do you have animals at home? … I showed people about 10 photos of the animals that I volunteer with,” she said. “They fell in love, and I think everyone knew at that moment that they would join.” The club, including board members, numbers some 140 pupils. “I actually have kids asking to join, pretty much on a daily basis,” McLeod said. “I’m just excited to see so many

young people who are excited to serve and who are excited about a good cause.” According to club officials, annual dues cost $20. Participants receive an aqua Paws Cause T-shirt. The organization is partnering with nearby Lopez Middle School, involving other youth to donate or make toys or blankets for animals. Also, the group appreciates contributions of goods and/or services from pet-oriented businesses. “Knowing that there are so many people who want to help animals in our community – it warms my heart,” Wiedenhoefer said. The teen’s home menagerie including dogs and cats has overflowed just like her in-school club meetings. “I’ve always had animals, like since I was little. I was definitely the animal caretaker in my family,” she said. Is she interested in becoming an animal doctor? “I don’t think I can ever be a veterinarian because I can’t stand it when my animals get shots,” she said. “If someone wanted me to put their dog down, it would be very difficult.” Paws Cause members wish to remind everyone the holidays are drawing nigh. “Who doesn’t want a new puppy, or a kitten or a rescue dog underneath the Christmas tree?” McLeod said. For more including donations to Paws Cause and upcoming field trips, email jmcleo@neisd.net.

PROP 7 continues from pg. 16 Uniting for Reform & Freedom, or TURF. She said the move would create additional congestion and limit driver options. “We want it to be open to all traffic,” she added. “We’d be thrilled with a nontolled expansion that wouldn’t shrink access to all of our existing vehicles.” Martinez said HOV lanes tie into VIA Metropolitan Transit’s financial contribution to the 281 project, which includes access to its planned park-and-ride facility at 281 and Stone Oak Parkway. “In removing the toll component, it was only fair that we leave the HOV/ transit lanes because VIA had contributed Advanced Transportation District funds to the first phase of the project,” he said. There could be additional revisions ahead for the 281 plan, as the MPO’s Transportation Policy Board will soon begin formulating its next four-year Transportation Improvement Program, covering fiscal years 2017-20. Area governments and agencies have until Dec. 7 to submit project considerations, part of the MPO’s Mobility 2040. The 2015-18 TIP distributed more than $215 million for dozens of mobility projects – including roadways, hike-bike

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Focus on 4-legged friends at Lili Veterinary Hospital by ERIC MORENO

tone Oak animal lovers have a new ally when it comes to caring for their four-legged friends.

Veterinarian Obiageli Okafor, with more than 20 years of experience in the field, recently opened Lili Veterinary Hospital, 20210 Stone Oak Parkway, Suite 301, in the Stone Canyon Crossing shopping center. The facility offers a wide range of services. Lili was the nickname Okafor's father gave her growing up. “We’re really a full-service veterinary clinic here at Lili,” said veterinary technician Tania Bosch. “We do everything from simple vaccines to dental cleaning to emergency services. We really do it all.” The staff and “Dr. Oby,” as she is

affectionately known, are committed to compassionate care and making both pet and owner feel as comfortable as possible during their visit, employees said. Staffers also take pride in the clinic’s cleanliness, efficiency and state-of-the-art equipment. “We see a lot of spay and neuter patients, but we also see regular checkups, which we encourage,” Bosch said. “The whole team here is committed to educating our clients in how to keep pets healthy year-round.” Lili Veterinary Hospital is mainly intended for dogs, cats, rabbits and other “pocket-pet” animals such as gerbils, hamsters and mice. The clinic also specializes in internal and external parasite control, neurology treatment such as spine, inner ear or brain conditions, and dermatological conditions. “Dr. Oby really cares about the animals she sees,” Bosch said. “I think

Veterinarian Obiageli Okafor (left) and veterinary technician Tania Bosch (right) perform a routine checkup on Sam by listening to his heartbeat. Photo by Collette Orquiz

that’s what sets Lili apart from other places. She really wants to help.” Hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday. Closed Wednesday and Sunday.

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Get slice of the good life at Center Court Pizza & Brew by JACQUE CROUSE

ooking for a casual neighborhood family restaurant that serves good food without breaking the bank, offers mom and dad some craft brews and happy-hour specials, and includes a kid-friendly atmosphere?

Give Center Court Pizza & Brew a try. Located at 20711 Wilderness Oak Road, Suite 113, dishes include pizza (fresh dough made daily), wings, wraps and sandwiches. In addition, children have their own menu. Mondays mean large pizzas with up to 11 toppings for $12, sporting specialty signatures such as Free Throw (pepperoni, sausage, onions, mushrooms and bell peppers); Touchdown (pepperoni,

sausage, ham, beef, black and green olives, tomatoes, onions, mushrooms and bell peppers); or Ninja Turtle (loaded with pepperoni and mozzarella). The Houston-based chain opened its first out-of-town spot on Sept. 11 in Stone Oak. Terence Lyon, corporate trainer, notes the restaurant’s not gourmet or highend, but a good family-style place with a full-service bar, a patio overlooking a greenbelt, and a kids’ playground. Add 26 televisions and two projectors tuned to sports, craft brews (often local), plus happy-hour prices, and you have a classic neighborhood watering hole. “We are so very grateful for the Stone Oak and local community and their outstanding support of Center Court,” Lyon said. The eatery sponsors local school sports with team nights from elementary

on up, “and we always support Texas college teams, and are up for alumni viewing parties,” Lyon said. “We have team parties, high school to beginners, and fantasy-football parties. We support corporate tournaments and activities, the YMCA and all local teams.” Hours are 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 11 a.m. to midnight Friday and Saturday.

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‘Respect the beans’ coffee shop’s motto by OLIVIER J. BOURGOIN

ove over, Starbucks — Mexico-based Café Punta del Cielo coffee house is brewing up plenty of business on the far North Side. Located at 115 N. Loop 1604 East, Suite 1105, inside the La Arcata retail center, the new 1,800-square-foot shop carries on the tradition of percolating the precious bean revered by the Mayans. Mexico ranks as one of the planet’s leading coffee producers. Punta del Cielo, roughly translated as the tip or top of the sky, employs “respect the beans” as its motto. The store opened three months ago under the guidance of owner Manuel Saidi, who hails from the silvermining town of Taxco. He already

owns three franchises in Mexico. To promote his business, Saidi serves coffee samples at community events, including a recent meeting of the Asociación de Empresarios Mexicanos. “Many people are surprised to hear this, but not many people in Mexico drink coffee,” Saidi said. “Even though we (Mexico) are one of the top coffee-producing countries in the world, only 30 to 40 percent of the people drink it. It’s very low, but here in the United States it’s more like 70 or 80 percent.” His Mexican stores sell other beverages, such as Italian sodas. “This one (in San Antonio) is a new concept,” he said. “We specialize in coffee. We offer four different blends, which are all made from beans from three different regions of Mexico — Chiapas, Oaxaca and Veracruz. Each has different characteristics.” Punta del Cielo also offers

Oaxaca chocolate mocha. Hours are 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday and 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday.

CAFÉ PUNTA DEL CIELO 115 N. Loop 1604 East, Suite 1105 For more, call 549-3583 or visit www.puntadelcielousa.com or facebook.com/Puntadelcielostoneoak

Lo Visit us at 19141 Stone Oak Pkway Sa, Tx 78258 P: 210.490.2011

From lattes to cappuccinos, Café Punta del Cielo features different blends of coffee from all over Mexico, and also serves breakfast and lunch fare, San Pellegrino sparkling water and flavored beverages. Photos by Collette Orquiz

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