LOCAL: Stone Oak, Encino Park, North Central, 78258, 78259, 78260, 78261 February 2015

ENERGY

PG.14

CPS Energy plans new substation for north Bexar County

Growth of population, business outpacing current power infrastructure

STONE OAK COMMUNITY PG.18 Swim team wants

Stone Oak kids to plunge right in

Registration for summer competition to begin soon for Knights Cross Crusaders aquatics

COMMUNITY NEWS VOL. 1, ISSUE 9

STONE OAK

ENCINO PARK

FAR NORTH

78258 78259 78260 78261

JAN. 26 - FEB. 23, 2015

FOOD

IN YOUR COMMUNITY

EAT LOCAL

Encino Park

KITCHEN

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PG.24 TARKA INDIAN New restaurant brings tasty treats of the subcontinent to Stone Oak

PG.14 Cindy Haines

PG.25 BIG BOB'S BURGERS

helps reunite lost or found animals with their owners

Serving up flame-grilled burgers, fries and shakes on the far North Side

FANTASTIC DEALS

COUPONS INSIDE Discover the city through LOCAL deals from restaurants, retailers and services in your community, and save money while you do it! pg. 27 WWW.SALOCALLOWDOWN.COM

PG.23 BUY LOCAL

GOOD LIFE PHARMACY

New business on Overlook Parkway wants to get to know customers by name

PG.20 Reagan construction

project to add science classrooms

Phase 2 of a 4-phase, $36 million project could finish by summer

invEst WisEly!

2

JAN. 26 - FEB. 23, 2015

FROM THE EDITOR

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President Harold J. Lees Publisher Gregg Rosenfield Assoc. Publisher Rick Upton EDITORIAL Executive Editor Thomas Edwards News Staff Collette Orquiz, Bain Serna and Will Wright Contributing Writers Lakendra Lewis, Eric Moreno, Arthur Schechter and Susan Yerkes

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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 Ste. 201 San Antonio, TX 78229 Reproduction in whole or in part without our permission is prohibited, 2015 Helen Publishing, LLC and Local Community News, LLC, all rights reserved.

Here’s to 2015

W

e have been busy here at LOCAL Community News as the new year gets started.

But as we face the challenges of 2015, the staff is more determined than ever to serve the information needs of our readers.

For starters, LOCAL has embarked on its third year of delivering free, monthly community newspapers filled with hyperlocal information. That’s no easy task, considering all the competition.

Since the spring of 2012, we have increased our newsroom staff, added some truly excellent freelance writers and photographers and launched five zoned editions across the greater San Antonio area, reaching an audience of more than 200,000.

Readers have embraced our coverage philosophy, which is not to compete with other media but to bring street-bystreet news to our audience — filling the news gap no one else is tackling.

This strategy seems to be working, because 2014 was LOCAL’s most successful year yet. But we’re not sitting on our laurels.

Our plans call for the creation of another edition of LOCAL sometime this year, bringing to six the number of papers we publish. Likes for our Facebook page continue to grow, and our revamped website will be up soon.

In the days ahead, Will Wright — the managing editor of LOCAL’s Metrocom paper — will take over editing duties for the edition that serves the U.S. 281 corridor from Loop 410 to Loop 1604. Meanwhile, I will be turning my attention to our new ventures while still editing the other publications.

So, as 2015 gets underway, I want to thank our readers and advertisers for their continued support. Don’t forget to drop me a line at tedwards@ salocallowdown.com when you have a suggestion, observation or story idea.

THOMAS EDWARDS EXECUTIVE EDITOR FACEBOOK.COM/SALOCALCOMMUNITYNEWS

3

SALOCALLOWDOWN.COM

LOCAL COMMENTARY

Warning! This could happen to you

by SUSAN YERKES

E

very year, one in six drivers in the United States gets a ticket. About the same number

get a warning.

It happened to me recently, late one evening — a time I have always suspected traffic police stop folks for little things like changing lanes without a turn signal, on the off chance it produces a DWI arrest.

Over time I’ve been stopped and given warnings, and in each case, the officer began by asking, “Where are you coming from?” or “Have you been partying?”

Since I don’t drink, I have nothing to hide.

In this instance, I politely answered

the officer’s questions, waited patiently and felt sweet relief when the officer said the word “warning.” I took my little computer-generated warning slip and wished him a hearty good night.

My relief lasted about a week. That’s when letters from various lawyers arrived, advising me they’d be happy to help resolve the traffic violation they found recorded in the Bexar County Integrated Justice System. Traffic violation? Wait – it was a warning!

I reached a nice clerk in the Bexar County Precinct 3 Justice of the Peace office, who told me I had gotten a speeding ticket, and I was scheduled to pay the fine or appear before a judge.

“But I got a turn-signal warning, not any kind of ticket!” I said.

“In our records, it’s a speeding ticket,” she said. “It happens. Come in and talk to the prosecutor.”

First, I was appalled. Next, I was grateful for the lawyer letters. Without them, I wouldn’t have known I had a court appearance scheduled. If I had failed to show, a warrant could have been issued for my arrest.

Fortunately, I found the discarded warning in the recycling bin. I emailed the helpful clerk a copy, and a few days after Christmas the case was “dismissed.”

What happened? Precinct 3 Place 2 Justice of the Peace Jeff Wentworth, who would have heard the case, looked into my records. He explained that somehow my name, address and accompanying data was recorded on the warning, but had also somehow migrated to a speeding ticket received that same night by a woman we’ll call Ms. X. So the computer recorded it as my ticket.

“It’s weird, but it does happen,” said Capt.

James Roberts, operations supervisor for Precinct 3 Constable Mark Vojvodich. “It’s a glitch. The officer enters information on the computer in his car and his handheld.

The information auto-populates directly to the system and is synced to the court.

Somehow it attached your data to the next ticket. The input field on it does not auto-erase. So say the officer writes 30 tickets one night; if he doesn’t erase the input field, or move the mouse far enough on the screen, it can flip like that. It’s even harder for motorcycle cops, since they’re working off an inch-and-a-half screen.”

“I think sometimes it worked better handwritten,” Roberts added. “But the good thing about this system is, you can go look it up and see exactly what happened.”

I wasn’t completely reassured. I wondered if the Department of Public Safety might have received the erroneous ticket and put it on my driving history.

But after calling Austin I learned traffic tickets don’t go on your driving record unless you're convicted.

I know a lot more about the business of traffic tickets now, including that the average traffic cop generates about $300,000 in revenue, when you add in court costs and various fees. I started the new year with renewed determination not to do anything that would give an officer any excuse to pull me over, and to save every single piece of paper I receive from any officer or court.

Now, readers, I’d like to hear about your encounters with traffic officers.

Email comments to syerkes@ salocallowdown.com.

I KNOW A LOT MORE ABOUT THE BUSINESS OF TRAFFIC TICKETS NOW, INCLUDING THAT THE AVERAGE TRAFFIC COP GENERATES ABOUT $300,000 IN REVENUE.

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This political game of musical chairs undermines public trust, often adds to the taxpayers’ burden of paying for unnecessary special elections to fill sudden vacancies, and interrupts the continuity of government operations.

Simply put, once a candidate is in office, he or she should stay for the full term — barring illness or tragedy, of course. In other words, finish the job.

Instead, voters in the greater San Antonio area since 2013 have been treated to a merry-go-round of midterm and new-term officeholders turning into office seekers.

JAN. 26 - FEB. 23, 2015 Didn’t win an election for a higher office? Don’t like your current elected position? Then just throw your hat into the ring again, even if you haven’t finished your current term.

That seems to be the message broadcast by some candidates.

In the latest postings, state Rep. Mike Villarreal has stepped down to run for mayor of San Antonio, even though he won a Nov. 4 re-election bid. State Sen. Leticia van de Putte, smarting from her loss in the run for lieutenant governor on the Wendy Davis gubernatorial ticket, is also seeking the San Antonio mayor’s spot against fellow Democrat Villarreal.

Meanwhile, Villarreal’s bid for the mayor’s office prompted City Council District 1 representative Diego Bernal to tell voters he was leaving City Hall to run for Villarreal’s House District 123 seat, which also led to a special election Jan. 6 — with the costs paid by voters. That was followed by a runoff. Voters returned Bernal to the council in May 2013.

Plus, there was District 10 Councilman Carlton Soules, who left office after his successful re-election in May 2013 in a fruitless bid to unseat

OUR TURN continues on pg. 05

5

SALOCALLOWDOWN.COM OUR TURN continues from pg. 04 Bexar County Judge Nelson Wolff during the November balloting.

Not to be outdone, District 9 Councilwoman Elisa Chan also left office to run against state Sen. Donna Campbell, who beat Chan during the March 2014 Republican primary.

San Antonio City Hall has seen plenty of other arrivals and departures, too, prompted by re-elected Mayor Julian Castro’s decision to pick up stakes and take over as head of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. A domino effect followed, led by District 2 Councilwoman Ivy Taylor’s ascension to the mayor’s spot, which prompted not only a special election, but also a runoff election for her old seat.

Whew! One almost needs a scorecard to keep the campaigns and hopefuls straight.

More than likely most of these folks have the best intentions, but their comings and goings from the halls of power can only make voters’ heads spin. That hardly seems fair to the electorate.

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

LOCAL LETTERS DON’T GENERALIZE ABOUT POLICE CONDUCT EDITOR: I agree with the general point of the recent From the Editor column that “every group has a few bad apples” — including our police forces. But when you write that critics shouldn’t “tar and feather all police” and that protesters “want anarchy,” I submit that you are way off base.

I don’t think you could cite one spokesperson at any of the protests who says that “all police” are killers of black men. On the contrary, these are specific cases that are being protested. The claim that the choice we face is between a police force doing its duty and anarchy is a false one. The protesters want accountability for those officers involved in the killings of Eric Garner, Tamir Rice and others.

Stephen Amberg OUR POLICE ARE DOING A GREAT JOB EDITOR: Thanks for the From the Editor column about our police force. We live in a neighborhood where our local police force is appreciated, and we like the feeling of being protected by those

LETTERS continues on pg. 06

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6 LETTERS continues from pg. 05 who serve. Every Christmas our neighbors provide a meal for our police officers and firefighters to show our appreciation.

Sure, there are those who abuse their position, but they are in the minority. I’m appreciative of those who put their lives on the line for us. Thanks for telling it like it is.

Margery Beitzel WE ARE BLESSED TO HAVE SAPD EDITOR: The From the Editor opinion piece supporting police officers is a very wellwritten article and I could not agree more.

I spent 10 years with the San Antonio Fire Department’s EMS division and had many experiences with the San Antonio Police Department. Not once in the 10 years did I observe an abuse of force.

We are blessed to have the men and women in the SAPD. Thank you for your column.

Ed Dietz NFL DREAMS BLIND POLITICIANS EDITOR: I want to roundly congratulate opinion writer Susan Yerkes for her January column regarding NFL football and San Antonio. What is it that infects the brains of our otherwise somewhat intelligent city leaders that makes them think it’s a good deal to tax the rest of us to spend millions of

JAN. 26 - FEB. 23, 2015 dollars to build playpens for billionaires?

I wish more writers and publications would have the integrity to ask the question, but Yerkes was refreshing and insightful.

Stanley Kuenstler DON’T FORGET IMPACT OF SOCCER EDITOR: I liked Susan Yerkes’ Local Commentary “San Antonio a world-class city without NFL” in Local Community News. I am one who feels the city should be rolling out the red carpet for Major League Soccer, as that is far more feasible, and MLS teams are a better investment in terms of cost and loyalty. Oakland and other teams in the NFL carry a sense of arrogance about their value and enjoy holding cities hostage for taxpayer-paid stadiums.

I am frustrated seeing local business leaders going all-out for an NFL pipe dream and little effort for MLS. That being said, Yerkes failed to mention our NASL team the San Antonio Scorpions. They are a top-notch organization like the Spurs and have a large fan base. Gordon Hartman has put together a business model providing funding for Morgan’s Wonderland, and puts a high-quality product on the pitch week after week. In three years they have built a soccer-specific stadium and won the NASL title. Our SA Scorpions deserve to be promoted with our other high-quality professional sports teams at every chance.

Blaine Adams

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SALOCALLOWDOWN.COM

HAPPENING LOCAL

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

OUR GUIDE TO YOUR MONTH

HAPPENING KEY

FITNESS

ART

JAVA WITH JOE District 9 Councilman Joe Krier meets every Wednesday with the public at his field office, 16500 San Pedro Ave., Suite 290 (U.S. 281 North and Thousand Oaks Drive). Resident appointment hours are 10:30-11 a.m. For more and to reserve a block of time, email district9@ sanantonio.gov or call 207-0955.

WEEKLY

TEEN TIME Every Tuesday, WEEKLY 6-7:30 p.m., the Parman Branch Library, 20735 Wilderness Oak St., hosts a potpourri of activities for teenagers, 13-18. Everything from board games to crafting to cooking may be on the agenda. Have fun, chill out and make new friends. For more, call Marisa DeBow at 207-2703 or email to marisa.debow@sanantonio.gov.

TALK

OUTDOOR

MUSIC

everyone interested in taking steps for a better lifestyle. While strolling at your own pace, have questions answered by local physicians. For more, call 6142229 or visit www.walkwithadoc.org.

DISTRICT 26-6A HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL For Johnson and Reagan, the 2014-15 campaigns are waning. Jan. 31 highlights their remaining contests when the two battle each other at Blossom Athletic Center Littleton Gym, 12002 Jones Maltsberger Road. The girls play at 1:30 p.m., followed by the boys at 3 p.m. For a complete list of this season’s North East Independent School District’s high school basketball games for boys and girls, visit http://www.neisd.net/athletics/wintersports/documents/2014-15VarsityBB.pdf.

RUNNING EVENT The Red Dress 5K Fun Run & Walk will take place 7-10 a.m. at Methodist Stone Oak Hospital, 1139 E. Sonterra Blvd.

Wear red or your favorite red dress and participate in a 5K run or walk around the campus, honoring those affected by heart disease. Enjoy refreshments and visit various tables with educational material.

Entry fee is $20 with proceeds going to The American Heart Association. For more and online registration, visit sahealth.com.

THROUGH FEB 17

FOOD

SHAPING UP FOR A NEW YOU While the Parman Branch Library, 20735 Wilderness Oak St., is usually a place to exercise your mind, on Mondays, come by Meeting Room B at 10 a.m. and exercise your body.

The San Antonio Parks and Recreation Department offers Fitness in the Park, a year-round, free program. Learn & Burn is a 10-minute health-education class followed by 30 to 40 minutes of exercise.

For more, contact the library staff at 207-2703 or visit www.sanantonio.gov/ parksandrec/fitness_in_the_parks.aspx.

WEEKLY

LET YOUR VOICE BE HEARD It’s not often you’re allowed to talk in a library, so take advantage of a rare opportunity. The public is invited to the Parman Branch Library, 20735

THROUGH JAN 18

Wilderness Oak St., to sound off when the San Antonio Public Library board convenes at 4:30 p.m. in Meeting Room A. For more, call Jessica Ramos at 207-2632 or email Jessica.ramos@sanantonio.gov.

WALK WITH A DOC The first Saturday of each month, come to the parking lot at Methodist Stone Oak Hospital, 1139 E. Sonterra Blvd. at 9 a.m. for fun, educational and healthy exercise. Supported by the Texas Medical Association and powered by Stone Oak Women’s Center, Wellness Division, the community walk is for

FEB 7

FEB 7

DRIVER’S ED The North East Independent School District Driver Education program has been teaching teens for more than 35 years. Successful completion of the NEISD seminar can result in a 15 percent discount in auto insurance. The full program includes 32 hours of classroom instruction, a minimum of 14 hours

FEB 9 - MAR 5

HAPPENING continues on pg. 08

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HAPPENING continues from pg. 07 in-car training and requires 30 hours of driving documented by a parent or adult. Classes are 5-7 p.m. at Reagan High School, 19000 Ronald Reagan Drive, or 4:30-6:30 p.m. at Johnson High School, 23023 Bulverde Road. For additional information and online registration, visit www.neisd.net/drive or call 407-0170.

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

FEB 9

THERAPEUTIC YOGA Four consecutive Tuesdays, 6:30-8:30 p.m., at Room MPR in Johnson High School, 23203 Bulverde Road, learn the eight limbs of classic yoga while improving muscle tone, flexibility, alignment, balance, concentration and more. For beginners and the experienced, modifications will be provided to accommodate student limitations.

Bring a yoga mat or towel. Wear comfortable workout attire and plan to exercise in bare feet. Instructor Darshan Singh has been practicing yoga more than 30 years. Cost is

FEB 10

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$60. For more and to register, call 407-0140 or visit https://communityed.neisd.net.

VALENTINE’S DAY IS COMING Just in time for the holiday, come to Johnson High School, 23023 Bulverde Road, Room A137, between 6:308:30 p.m. to sculpt a 14-inch wire heart with an initial embedded in the center. Tools are provided. Instructor is Kim Hartman. Cost is $32. For more and to register, call 4070140 or visit https://communityed.neisd.net.

FEB 10

ARE YOU A SONGWRITER? Part lecture, part workshop, this class covers applications of the writing process using both lyric and melody. With more than 30 years in the country-music industry, instructor Renee Coale Willis will teach the fundamentals of professional songwriting. Come to Reagan High School, 19000 Ronald Reagan Drive, Room CA 106, 6:30-8:30 p.m. on four consecutive Wednesdays. Cost is $129.

For more and to register, call 407-0140 or visit https://communityed.neisd.net.

FEB 11

FEB 17

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

HAPPENING continues on pg. 09

9

SALOCALLOWDOWN.COM HAPPENING continues from pg. 08 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.

PUTTING THE “HEAL” IN “HEALTH” Realize your own healing potential 6:30-7:30 p.m. at the Parman Branch Library, 20735 Wilderness Oak St. Mastering and balancing your body’s energy and keeping it flowing smoothly may result in reducing pain, breathing more easily, sleeping better and gaining vitality. Learn helpful information and practice Spring Forest Qigong exercises in a supportive environment. Practicing in a group helps magnify the energy and healing.

No experience necessary. Dress comfortably in nonrestrictive clothes. Exercises can be modified for standing, sitting or lying down. For more, contact the library staff at 207-2703 or visit www.mysapl.org.

FEB 19

FIND INNER PEACE Experience the art of living. Find happiness and relieve stress as instructor Shantanu Tripathy guides you through free meditation sessions at the Parman Branch

FEB 21

Library, 20735 Wilderness Oak St., monthly, every third Saturday 1-3 p.m. in Meeting Room A. For more, call 207-2703 or email Amy Miller at amy.miller@sanantonio.gov.

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

FEB 21

FUN RUN Get on the right foot with health, wellness and fun at the 5th annual Run for the Heights. The fitness event, highlighted by a 5K run starting at Tuscany Heights Elementary School, 25001 Wilderness Oak St., has something for all levels and ages. Ceremonies begin at 8 a.m. Top runners receive medals and gift certificates from local supporting businesses. For more, visit http:// runfortheheights.tuscanyheightspta.org.

FEB 28

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JAN. 26 - FEB. 23, 2015

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

Open and Opening Soon

Address of local business

1

Name of local business

1. GOOD LIFE PHARMACY, 26108

Overlook Parkway, Suite 4, a new fullservice retail pharmacy, accepts most insurance including Medicaid and Medicare Part D. In addition, Good Life provides “deep discounts for customers who have no insurance or high deductibles,” a business representative said. “We offer customized compounded medications that are not readily manufactured or available. We feature a full retail store with basic groceries (milk, eggs, bread, soda, beer, snacks, etc.), a full line of over-the-counter medications, vitamins, supplements and first-aid products.” The store also provides a drive-thru window and delivers to nearby neighborhoods.

The pharmacy is open 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Saturday and closed Sunday. The retail area is open 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through

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SALOCALLOWDOWN.COM LOWDOWN continues from pg. 10 Saturday and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday.

For more, call 819-4515 or visit www. goodlifepharm.com. (See story on page 23)

2. WAXING THE CITY, 427 N. Loop 1604 West, Suite 207, in the Sonterra Village shopping center, just opened in early December to offer customers facial and body waxing. Hours are 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Saturday and closed Sunday. For more, call 494-2026 or visit http://www.waxingthecity. com/stoneoak/. (See story on page 22) 3. BIG BOB’S BURGERS, 4553 N. Loop 1604 West, Suite 1133, opened in January at The Ridge shopping center, at the intersection with Lockhill Selma Road.

This is the third Big Bob’s location in San Antonio. The menu includes flame-grilled burgers, giant onion rings and hand-cut fries. In addition, there is a full bar, a play area for kids and a big-screen TV. Hours are 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily. For more, call 408-2627 or visit http://www. bigbobsburgers.com. (See story page 25) 4. TARKA INDIAN KITCHEN, 427 N. Loop 1604 West, Suite 101, in the Sonterra

Village shopping center, is a fast-casual eatery with made-to-order traditional Indian cuisine and some modern interpretations, such as “naaninis,” or pressed hot sandwiches similar to Italian paninis. The restaurant offers freshly baked Indian flatbreads, and unique specialty drinks such as whipped fruit lassi or mango lemonade. Hours are 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Sunday through Thursday and 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday. For more, call 499-0982 or check out tarkaindiankitchen. com. (See story on page 24)

5. IMAGINE WELLNESS CENTER,

115 Gallery Circle, Suite 209, uses alternative functional medicine to focus on disorders involving diabetes, thyroid issues, autoimmune conditions, food allergies, gastrointestinal problems and hormones. Hours are 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Monday through Thursday, closed Friday through Sunday. For more, call 798-9322 or visit www.drjimaginewellness.com.

6. ORANGETHEORY FITNESS, 427 N. Loop 1604 West, Suite 106, plans a February opening in the Sonterra Village shopping center to offer group personal training.

Instructors say they have a “scientifically

LOWDOWN continues on pg. 12

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JAN. 26 - FEB. 23, 2015

LOWDOWN continues from pg. 11 proven” workout guaranteed to produce results for clients, including pushing them into the “orange zone” — or 80 percent of the maximum heart rate to burn calories.

Hours are 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 5 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday, 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday and 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday. For more, call 802-4348 or visit www.orangetheoryfitness.com.

7. FIT THERAPY OF TEXAS, 19141 Stone

Oak Parkway, Suite 603, offers a holistic mind and body approach using personal and group training, plus mental-health and nutritional counseling in a convenient setting. Each Fit Therapy client can receive a personal plan, which includes fitness training, nutritional instruction and behavioral coaching. Individual services are also available. Hours are 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 5 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday and closed Sunday. For more, call 4953131 or visit www.fittherapyoftexas.com.

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SALOCALLOWDOWN.COM LOWDOWN continues from pg. 12 including half of the Gold Key Awards.

The Gold Key winning artwork advances to nationals in New York City. Winners included students from Harris, Eisenhower, Tejeda, Jackson, Krueger and Lopez middle schools; and Churchill, Design and Technology Academy, Engineering & Technologies Academy, International School of the Americas, Madison, Johnson, Lee, MacArthur, North East School of the Arts, Reagan and Roosevelt high schools.

The Scholastic Art Awards recognize the vision of middle and high school students for their creative talents. SAY Si is the regional affiliate for the San Antonio Scholastic Art Awards, officials said.

DURING THE HOLIDAYS, CIBOLO GREEN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL held its 4th annual Holiday Charity drive, with every grade adopting a local charity to collect goods from the community and donate to the organization. The charities for 2014 included San Antonio Food Bank, Animal Defense League, Boysville, Alexis Angel Ministries, Fisher House and Toys for Tots.

A NEW MAGNET PROGRAM INTRODUCED next academic year at White Middle School will offer the only specialized education of

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The construction of the proposed Bulverde Substation near U.S. 281 North and FM 1863 will be on 5 acres designated for the building, as well as the necessary transmission and distribution lines.

“This substation will provide more electric capacity needed in this fast-growing area near U.S. 281 and FM 1863,” said District 9 Councilman Joe Krier. “It will do the same for areas south of this new substation within the city limits. The project is set to begin construction in mid-2016.”

“It’s really such a simple thing that I do,” Haines said. “That’s what I think the beauty of it is, that it’s so simple and it works.”

While Haines is modest about her abilities, others say her pet-finding skills would make a bloodhound proud.

“She has always been a great asset to our neighborhood, being willing to make and take phone calls and often keeping the lost animal at her house until they are united with their owner,” said Elice Palmer, Haines’ acquaintance for about 20 years who often telephones about lost dogs she finds.

Haines receives about 170 messages a

ENCINO continues on pg. 15

A new substation will not only meet the electric-service demands of the area’s burgeoning population and commerce, but will also increase the quality and dependability of the power service, according to CPS officials.

“The Bulverde area is fast growing and is currently served by a substation in the Stone Oak area,” said CPS Energy Project Manager Cathleen Ballard. “The new substation will improve the reliability of the service and create capacity for new population growth.”

According to Ballard, the Bulverde Substation is designed to receive power at a 138-kilovolt transmission and step down to a distribution level of 35 kilovolts.

Initially, CPS plans for three distribution circuits, with the ability to expand to 12.

“The number of customers in the area and the projected growth are outpacing CPS Energy’s capacity with the existing infrastructure,” Ballard said.

CPS is working on acquiring the property easements.

The utility expects to have the substation up and running by June 2017, Ballard said.

Residents can follow the progress of the Bulverde Substation Project online at www.cpsenergy.com.

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ENCINO continues from pg. 15 year concerning strays. She maintains a binder filled with collected pet information to help her find or identify the animals.

Pet finder is Haines’ title on her “committee of one” as an official organization for the Encino Park Homeowners Association. She started her volunteer position a quarter-century ago, four years after moving into the neighborhood with her husband to raise two daughters and multiple pets.

Haines’ work began when she figured it would be beneficial to form a central place local residents could contact for furry friends found or those that disappeared. Her animalloving family includes a veterinarian husband, and her children help at local shelters.

Though her hubby is now retired, they still see a few animals from time to time, and have a microchip reader, making it easier for dogs and cats to reunite with masters.

“We let people know if they find an animal we’re happy to scan them to see if there’s a microchip,” Haines said, adding while technology is great, simple tags with the pet’s name and at least one phone number are even better.

ENCINO continues on pg. 17

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17 ENCINO continues from pg. 16 “It’s very, very helpful, and it also makes people more inclined to stop and help that animal,” she said.

When residents contact the pet finder, Haines fills out a self-created handwritten document which includes the date, if the animal is found or lost, the pet’s description (including breed, coloring, sex and age), and whether the pet wore a collar and/or tags. Also specified is the area the animal was found or where the lost pet lives.

Then she waits for inquiries or sightings, and records residents’ comments to build a database.

The pet finder said while cats can become lost, usually she deals with dog cases.

Haines also helps find homes for unclaimed animals, including a large turtle she and Palmer located on a busy street.

Though she sometimes takes in pets someone else finds, Haines stresses she’s not running a kennel. If an animal is in good shape and friendly, chances are it belongs to a neighbor and will be returned home soon, she added.

“If we took them all in, we’d be splitting at the seams,” Haines said. “(There are) a lot of really good, kindhearted people here in the neighborhood that are more than willing to hold on to a dog.”

Haines receives numerous calls during holidays such as July Fourth and New Year’s Eve as pets tend to get loose or escape from backyards when fireworks explode.

She has a few hints for any pet owner seeking a lost animal.

First, make posters.

“I know no one likes to litter the neighborhood with signs, (but) signs work better than anything,” Haines said.

Also, the pet finder lauds Facebook as a resource for lost-and-found pets, as well as Nextdoor.com. Social-networking sites give owners or people finding animals the opportunity to post photos and interact with those who may have seen the pet.

She also has a resource sheet with other helpful tips and contacts for local veterinarians.

“In my community, and in my eyes, our animals are a part of our family. That’s how it is, it’s very traumatic when people lose an animal,” Haines said. “That’s why I’ve been doing it for so many years, because I know the frustration if you lose an animal.”

Haines said the search for missing animals is rewarding, because she helps reconnect pet and owner. Though she may not see her job as a big deal, most neighbors are grateful for her presence.

“I know that all homeowners in our neighborhood who have a pet are glad she is also part of the neighborhood,” Palmer said.

To contact Haines, visit http://www. encinopark.org/organizations/.

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inter weather isn’t stopping the Knights Cross Crusaders swim team from gearing up for a warm, wet summer of friendly, spirited competition.

Crusaders’ administrators, already preparing for the new season, will soon send reminders to families regarding enrollment taking place this spring. The team practices at the Stone Oak Community of Mutual Amenities, or SOCOMA, recreational facility at 1000 Knights Cross Drive.

“We’ll open up registration to returning swimmers and their siblings first and then branch out to other families, and start practicing before the end of school lets out so that it’s a smooth transition into summer,” said David Doderer, a team representative.

Up to 100 youngsters aged 5 to 18

SWIM continues on pg. 19

David Doderer, a representative for the Knights Cross Crusaders swim team, is reminding families that sign-ups are just around the corner, during the warmer days of spring. Photo by Leland A. Outz

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SALOCALLOWDOWN.COM SWIM continues from pg. 18 will comprise the team, which takes part in a series of meets put on by the Lone Star Summer Swim League.

The league is a South Texas program that provides youth an opportunity to competitively swim while learning about sportsmanship and camaraderie.

“To see the little kids just barely making it across the pool at first, and then they get across — that excitement they have that ‘Wow, I’m getting this!’ — That’s the highlight,” said Stone Oak resident Kristin Carey, the squad’s volunteer coordinator.

“You see how much week after week the kids improve, and how much stronger and competent they get. How they encourage each other at practice. It’s just something amazing to see, and at the end of the year to see how much they’ve improved is inspiring.”

The Crusaders will compete in four meets culminating in a championship typically held in June. Afternoon practices begin the second week in May, then switch to mornings when school is over to afford young swimmers a chance to hone their skills.

According to the rules, children under 5 years old by June 1 are ineligible. Doderer said another requirement is participants must be able to swim the length of the pool, 25 meters (a little more than 82 feet),

without touching the wall or the bottom.

Doderer said joining the team is not the equivalent of swim lessons, “but for someone familiar with the water who wants to start to use their stroke to get across the water.”

Doderer, who has three children competing for the Crusaders, said, “Being able to swim for safety reasons is so important. It’s a lifelong treasure to be able to swim well.”

Registration cost for family members in the SOCOMA homeowners association is $70 for the first swimmer, and $50 for each additional child. Those living elsewhere must pay $125 and $100, respectively, and membership only entitles families to use the pool during swimteam activities. In all cases, there’s a $15 discount for swimmers older than 14.

Returning participants and their families may update information online starting March 25, but must pay their registration and merchandise fees in person at the pool on March 28. Enrollment for new families will be poolside on April 4. The registration deadline is April 16, with a $20 late fee afterwards, if a maximum 100 swimmers hasn’t been reached.

“That number accommodates the size of the pool, and the more swimmers

SWIM continues on pg. 20

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SWIM continues from pg. 19 you have, the more options you have to perform well in the meets individually and as a team,” Doderer said.

Tryouts will be held before the first meet, but the date hasn’t been determined.

Parents will be given a refund if their child doesn’t make the team.

The team has two assistant coaches, both certified lifeguards, but needs head coaches and unpaid helpers.

Swim-team families are obligated to help the team, working at least five slots. There is a variety of first-come, first-serve roles, including scorekeeper helper, bench greeter, team photographer, concessions and clean up.

“Being a volunteer has given me more of an appreciation for swimming, and for how much is involved in getting people to help out with the team,” said Carey, whose three children are all Crusaders.

Carey volunteered a decade ago

JAN. 26 - FEB. 23, 2015 when her eldest daughter, now a high school junior with coaching aspirations, joined the team at age 5.

“For my kids, it provides some structure during the summer that isn’t overwhelming,” Carey said. “It’s helped them from a team aspect of being committed to something. It keeps them motivated and on a schedule.

They’re not just sitting in front of a television or playing video games. It’s just a great way for them to start their day.”

The Crusaders seek business sponsorships to help maintain the selfsupporting organization, which remains afloat through funds provided from registration fees and merchandise sales.

“None of this would happen without the volunteers and the sponsors,” Doderer said. “We always need people to step up and it’s never an easy task, but it’s much better to be involved for everybody.”

For more information on registration, volunteering and sponsorships, visit knightscrosscrusaders.com.

YOU SEE HOW MUCH WEEK AFTER WEEK THE KIDS IMPROVE, AND HOW MUCH STRONGER ... THEY GET. KRISTIN CAREY, VOLUNTEER COORDINATOR

REAGAN continues from pg. 01

Trustee: NEISD builds facilities ‘only when necessary’

by BAIN SERNA

T

he second phase of a long-range, $36 million construction project — including science classrooms — is underway at Reagan High School to accommodate a growing student populace, officials said.

The new additions are needed because the goal of the North East Independent School District is to keep campuses under 90 percent of capacity, and Reagan — where enrollment is projected to advance from 3,600 students in 2019 to 4,200 in subsequent years — has attained such a level, officials said.

Current enrollment is 3,108 students.

Reagan’s expected student-body

increase incorporates about 80 additional students coming from Bush Middle School next academic year due to a recent realignment of attendance zones.

“The school is already approaching 15 years of age and it was time for some upgrades,” said Garrett Sullivan, executive director of the NEISD Construction Management and Engineering Department. “The school has a larger student enrollment than in 1999 when the school first opened, so there are some necessary additions needed to support that growth.”

According to Sullivan, construction on the new facilities and infrastructure began in December 2013 and is being done in four main phases.

The project’s second phase, and corresponding science wing, will help reduce the need for temporary structures. Reagan currently has 12 portables housing classrooms, with two-thirds containing two classrooms in each, and the other third utilized for science classes.

“So we have four science labs in portables and we have 16 generalpurpose classrooms in portables,” Sullivan said. “The new science

REAGAN continues on pg. 21

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21 REAGAN continues from pg. 20 additions will provide permanent facilities to all science labs, as well as all the classrooms on the portables and will give some growth into the future.”

The second stage is on pace to finish this summer. All four phases should be completed by July 2016.

The first component included construction of a new soccer field; with the current phase, the addition of science classrooms and athletic venues; followed by the upcoming third element, renovating existing athletic sites; and finally, parkinglot expansion at the new athletic facility and upgrades to the football field.

“With the assistance of the Research and Planning Department, NEISD has

THE SCHOOL IS ALREADY APPROACHING 15 YEARS OF AGE AND IT WAS TIME FOR SOME UPGRADES. GARRETT SULLIVAN, NEISD CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT AND ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT

been able to constantly monitor growth trends and projections allowing for detailed and succinct planning,” said school board President Letti Bresnahan, who also is the District 6 trustee.

Because of the 90 percent rule, the district can match growth needs on a case-by-case basis.

“Hence, our district has a history of building facilities only when necessary, complying with our obligation to use the taxpayers’ money prudently,” Bresnahan said. “District leadership and the board deemed this a smarter, less costly alternative to building a new high school. Construction of a new science wing, necessary to comply with state requirements and the renovations of gyms, meeting spaces, athletic facilities and training rooms, is currently underway.”

Funding for the Reagan construction project, which totals $36,282,022, comes from the 2011 bond program approved by voters.

The figure encompasses design fees, technology installation after construction is completed, and furniture and equipment.

The contractor for the project is local builder Joeris General Contractors.

Transit Improvements in Your Community SyStem-wide improvementS – As part of the fiscal year 2015 budget, VIA Metropolitan Transit is bringing many improvements and enhancements to the entire service area. We are increasing bus service levels by 3.8 percent, helping our workers improve their skills and capabilities, introducing new technologies for fare payment, and coordinating with the City of San Antonio on the local comprehensive planning effort. pASSenGer AmenitieS – With the overall service increases coming, VIA’s passengers will also see tangible improvements to their riding experiences. We are initiating the purchase of new buses to replace more than half of our fleet over the next five years (with most of the new buses powered by compressed natural gas), and we are installing 900-1,000 new bus shelters over the next couple of years.

ServiCe CHAnGeS For tHe new yeAr – The increases in service levels started with the New Year. On January 5, 2015 the service frequencies improved on over a dozen of VIA’s busiest bus routes in all sectors of the service area. Most of these routes currently have buses coming by every 30 minutes during the busy times on weekdays, but after January 5 the frequencies improved to every 20 minutes, in most cases. Besides receiving increased service, route 534 has been modified to move to NW Military Drive. This change provides continuous service along NW Military and increases access and connectivity for business in Castle Hills. Routes on the North Side that are being improved include: • 2 Blanco • 5 McCullough • 534 Wurzbach • 550/551 Looper Skip

Capital improvements on the North Side U.S. 281 nortH pArK And ride – A new park-and-ride facility is being developed at the intersection of U.S. Highway 281 North and Stone Oak Parkway. The facility will have a ramp that will allow for direct access to the managed lanes being constructed with the expansion of U.S. 281 by the Regional Mobility Authority and the Texas Department of Transportation. iH-10 weSt pArK And ride – A proposed IH-10 West facility will serve as a collector for commuters coming in from outlying cities (such as Boerne and Fair Oaks Ranch) and counties north and west of Bexar County, including Kendall, Kerr, Gillespie, and possibly portions of Comal and Bandera counties.

This facility will have major connections to other activity centers such as the South Texas Medical Center, UTSA, the central business district, and the greater airport area.

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JAN. 26 - FEB. 23, 2015

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

Comfort, friendliness offered at Waxing the City

by COLLETTE ORQUIZ

A

t Waxing the City, a new hair-removal studio, razors are jettisoned as customers experience services that put comfort first.

“We want to be the best waxers, not the fastest waxers, so we take our time,” said Lorrie Baggs, who co-owns the franchise with her brother. “We’re results-driven.”

Appointments can last from 15 to 60 minutes.

The duo opened the studio Dec. 4 in the Sonterra Village shopping center, 427 N. Loop 1604 West, Suite 207.

The first location debuted in Dallas in 2010. Another is planned for Alamo Heights, plus two Austin locations.

Removing hair from eyebrows, legs,

arms and more, the salon provides headto-toe services including facial and body waxing for both sexes. Baggs said her studio is one of the few in San Antonio offering male Brazilian waxing.

Waxers are called cerologists, or wax experts; “cera” means wax in Latin. In addition to being aestheticians or cosmetologists, each cerologist undergoes extra training, about 50 to 60 hours, Baggs said.

“We really are the best waxers in the city and education is a big piece of what we do — educating our clients and also internally educating ourselves,” she said.

Waxing pulls hair from the root.

Done consistently, hair returns finer, sparser and more slowly, Baggs said.

Cerologist Leslie Asher said waxing makes people feel good about themselves.

Staffers try maximizing comfort while building relationships and recommend

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Yahaira Dillon (left) and Ellen Ball, coordinators for new hair-removal service Waxing the City, are part of a team that puts customers and their comfort first, said co-owner Lorrie Baggs. Photo by Collette Orquiz

clients exfoliate skin before arriving.

There’s no tipping at the salon. Baggs said if customers insist on tipping, the money is transformed into gift cards.

“Everything that Waxing the City does is about the experience, from the moment they walk in the door, through the waxing, through the educational pieces, through the checkout process,” Baggs said.

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

Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday.

WAXING THE CITY 427 N. Loop 1604 West, Suite 207 For more, call 494-2026, or visit waxingthecity/stoneoak

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

Good Life has right prescription for neighborhood, owners say

by ERIC MORENO

B

rothers Riyad and Aziz Hasanali, owners of Good Life Pharmacy, shared a vision when they opened their drugstore at 26108 Overlook Parkway, Suite 4, in November.

Pharmacist Riyad Hasanali (above) wants to ensure all customers at Good Life Pharmacy enjoy personalized attention, which he says is missing from a lot of big stores. In addition to medications, the store also sells staples such as bread and milk.

Photos by Collette Orquiz

Wishing to invest in their far North Side community, they also longed for yesteryear when local druggists greeted patrons by name.

“I used to be a pharmacy manager with one of the chain stores,” said Riyad Hasanali, who’s also the pharmacy manager at Good Life. “I saw that … the relationship with the customers was

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becoming a lot more transactional. It was a get-them-in-and-get-them-out mentality.

I’m more of an old-school pharmacist. I wanted to be a part of the neighborhood and I thought opening an independent pharmacy would allow me to do that.”

The brothers believe they have just what the doctor ordered by combining a friendlier approach with

more services, including free home delivery and customizing compound medications not readily manufactured.

“We really try to offer that personal, one-on-one touch that seems to be missing in the major stores these days,” Hasanali said. “Medication is an important part of a person’s treatment and we try to make it as pleasant an experience as we can.”

Aiming for a neighborhood one-stop shop, Good Life also offers many over-thecounter medications and vitamins, plus grocery staples including dairy products, canned goods, beverages and snacks.

“We’re already seeing a lot of success,” Hasanali said. “Many people are already seeing what good customer service can offer. Everyone knows their doctor’s name, and I think it is just as important to know your pharmacist’s name, as well.”

The pharmacy is open 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Saturday and closed Sunday. The retail area is open 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday.

GOOD LIFE PHARMACY 26108 Overlook Parkway, Suite 4 For more, call 819-4515, or visit www.goodlifepharm.com

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JAN. 26 - FEB. 23, 2015

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

New restaurant brings foods of India to Stone Oak

by COLLETTE ORQUIZ

J

ourneying south from Austin to San Antonio, the “fresh, fast and flavorful” Tarka Indian Kitchen recently landed in the Stone Oak area with delicacies in tow.

“We have been blown away by the enthusiastic support for Tarka in Austin, and many of our guests have been asking us to open in San Antonio,” General Manager Rajina Pradhan said in a prepared release.

“We are looking forward to becoming a part of the community and sharing our love for Indian food with everyone in San Antonio.”

Pradhan and her husband, Project Manager Tinku Saini, opened their fourth Tarka Indian Kitchen on Dec. 17 at 427 N. Loop 1604 West, Suite 101, in the Sonterra Village shopping center.

They originally owned Clay Pit in Austin, but sold it to their head chef to enjoy parenting their two children. After a few years they partnered with Clay Pit’s current owners, creating a more casual version of the restaurant, Tarka Indian Kitchen. “(It’s) founded on the same principles of high-quality, fresh-made Indian food, stellar customer service and a modern vibe,” Saini said.

Tarka features made-to-order traditional Indian cuisine and some modern interpretations, such as naaninis, or pressed hot sandwiches similar to Italian paninis.

The restaurant offers freshly baked Indian flatbreads, and unique specialty drinks such as whipped fruit lassi or mango lemonade.

Though selections come from north and south India, the dishes primarily are northern Indian, or Punjabi-style.

Saini said the eatery serves classic

Tarka Indian Kitchen brings together flavors from all over India, exemplified by dishes such as kabobs paired with drink specialities like the mango lemonade (far left), garlic naan (center) or Shrimp Vindaloo (top right). Photos by Collette Orquiz

curries, kabobs, biryanis and more.

“The food is made with fresh, quality ingredients, bursting with flavor, and delivered to our guests quickly. It’s great for lunch and dinner, and great for takeout,” he said, adding pickup orders can be made online, and via an iPhone app.

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

TARKA INDIAN KITCHEN 427 N. Loop 1604 West, Suite 101 For more, call 499-0982, or visit www.tarkaindiankitchen.com

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

Big Bob’s Burgers brings family-friendly restaurant to 1604 and Lockhill Selma

by COLLETTE ORQUIZ

B

ig Bob’s Burgers has ventured to the Shavano Park area, bringing the family friendly restaurant, flamegrilled burgers and gigantic beer-battered onion rings to The Ridge shopping center.

Located at 4553 N. Loop 1604 West, this is the third location opened by coowners Bob Riddle and Larry Walker, the latter being the ex-publisher of the San Antonio Express-News.

The other locations are at 447 W. Hildebrand Ave. and 100 N. Santa Rosa St. The newest space at 1604 and Lockhill Selma Road used to house Old West Burgers

and has seen its fair share of tenants during the past six years, according Riddle.

“A lot of people thought I was nuts to go in this spot. I just saw the potential,” the co-owner said.

What used to be red-painted walls are now brightened with white and feature the Big Bob’s logo and other decorations. This is the largest Big Bob’s yet, accommodating more than 200 customers with seating on the patio as well as inside. The space also has a large playground area where parents can let their children run loose.

Big Bob’s Burgers is known for the 50/50 burger, made with equal parts angus chuck and bacon. The patty is freshly ground, char-grilled and topped with a hefty amount of cheddar cheese. It also has a pink hue,

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Onion rings and the veggie burger will be on the menu at the new Big Bob's Burgers, in addition to all the other favorites. Photo by Collette Orquiz

which Riddle said is normal— he promises the burger is cooked to perfection.

“We’re going to go back to what we do, which is just very simple. It’s just great food, keep the place clean and treat people like they matter,” Riddle said.

In addition to the usual menu, the new location features two full bars, an ice cream station serving up milkshakes and malts, and a stage for live music, with performances starting in February.

“Big Bob” Riddle has been cooking for 31 years and attended the Culinary Institute of America in the 1980s. Sometimes

he gets to use his French-chef skills, but he said mostly his job is to make sure everybody’s happy at his burger joints.

“I’m going to do the best I can.

I’m going to work really hard, I’m going to be as sincere as I can be and hopefully that’s enough,” Riddle said.

Hours are 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily.

BIG BOB'S BURGERS 4553 N. Loop 1604 West, Suite 1133 For more, call 408-2627, or visit www.bigbobsburgers.com

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