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

SAFE EXCHANGE ZONES

PG.13 Police substations

become protected areas for e-commerce trades

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Third location to debut

ENCINO PARK

FAR NORTH

78258 78259 78260 78261

DEC. 28, 2015 - JAN. 25, 2016

WALL OF HEROES

PG.20 First NEISD honoree is military vet who helped take out Osama bin Laden

PG.25 BUY LOCAL

LILI ALESSANDRA HOME Upscale linen manufacturer opens first retail outlet with Stone Oak store

Wilderness Oak mural spells out leadership PG.18 Project helped students combine music and

PG.27 EAT LOCAL

LUSH ROOFTOP

New lounge features dancing under the stars at far North Side trendsetter

emotions to develop effective habits

Transportation planners facing hard decisions

Ride-hailing firms back in San Antonio

PG. 04 LOCAL COMMENTARY SUSAN YERKES

PG.16 MPO set to consider

PG.22 Uber, Lyft agree to

PG. 10 LOCAL LOWDOWN

HOV lanes among nontollway roads for U.S. 281

city’s additional safety measures for services

The time for tolerance among different faiths and communities is now

Check out a quick and helpful summary of neighborhood news

2

DEC. 28, 2015 - JAN. 25, 2016

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President Harold J. Lees Publisher Gregg Rosenfield Assoc. Publisher Rick Upton EDITORIAL Executive Editor Thomas Edwards Managing Editor Will Wright News Staff Collette Orquiz and Bain Serna Contributing Writers Olivier J. Bourgoin, Jacque Crouse, Neven Jones, Carole Miller, Eric Moreno, Edmond Ortiz, Arthur Schechter and Susan Yerkes ART Creative Director Florence D. Edwards Contributing Photographer Rudy B. Ornelas

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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 For advertising, customer service or editorial, please call us at 210-338-8842 or write to us at: Local Community News 4204 Gardendale St., Ste. 201 San Antonio, TX 78229 Reproduction in whole or in part without our permission is prohibited, 2015 Helen Publishing LLC and Local Community News LLC, all rights reserved.

Challenges in 2016

T

here’s a lot ahead for area residents, who will be asked to consider a variety of state and local issues – and slates of political candidates – in the coming months.

The Alamo Area Metropolitan Planning Organization will be soliciting public input for methods to update its short-term regional transportation plan. It will hold hearings on dozens of projects for state and federal funding, as well as act on non-tolled expansion options for U.S. 281 and Interstate 10.

Stone Oak residents got a reprieve from annexation by San Antonio, when the city suspended action on adding unincorporated areas until officials sift through reviews of the plan – which will also hinge on contentious contract talks with police and firefighters. The goal to expand city boundaries might not see movement for several months.

Some local candidates already have filed prior to the Dec. 14 deadline for spots in the March 1 primaries, which will ask Texas voters to also select party preferences for president and other federal and state offices.

Public school districts will consider potential effects of revisions to federal education policy. Education officials also are bracing for the University Interscholastic League’s biennial redistricting and reclassification process, to be announced in February.

Area military could be affected by changes involving federal budget sequestration and increased involvement against worldwide terrorism threats.

Our community will face these and other challenges in the new year – one I hope will result in prosperity and peace for all.

WILL WRIGHT MANAGING EDITOR

ON THE COVER:

Amelia Loveland, 11, points to the square she designed on the 'LEAD' mural Dec. 3 at Wilderness Oak Elementary School. The fifth-grader said she likes making pinwheels because they are pretty. See the story on page 18. Photo by Neven Jones

4

DEC. 28, 2015 - JAN. 25, 2016

LOCAL COMMENTARY

Peace and mutual respect for Muslims

by SUSAN YERKES

T

his holiday season, I gave a lot of thought to peace.

As a Christian, I celebrated Christmas — a joyful recognition of the birth of a man known as the Prince of Peace.

I was fortunate enough also to be invited to observe the Jewish holiday of Hanukkah with dear friends.

The last couple of years, I have also had the happy opportunity to share Muslim Ramadan celebrations and prayers with friends.

While the folks I refer to might customarily worship in different ways and on different days than I do, they

respect my beliefs, and they share my view the United States is the greatest place in the world to live.

Like me, they treasure the extraordinary freedoms we have in this country – including freedom of speech and freedom of religion.

As do most of the people I know.

So, I find it disturbing when any group is repeatedly singled out in hateful speech, and more disturbingly, hateful actions. People of every nation, including ours, have persecuted others on the basis of religion throughout history.

Many pilgrims came to America to freely practice a faith, and the Founding Fathers passed on such ideals to us.

True, at different times Catholics, Jews and others have borne harsh burdens of discrimination, but religious freedom still remains part of the American fabric.

In the wake of terrorism in Paris and California, there has been a big spike nationally in the intimidation, threats and violence targeting American Muslims and their institutions. In San Antonio, an armed man appeared at a mosque in November shouting obscenities after the attacks in France.

Yet all of the Muslims I know, both individually and in organizations, have clearly condemned terroristic

acts committed in the name of Islam, which they choose to practice peacefully – just as most Christians have condemned acts of violence by gunmen like the accused Planned Parenthood shooter, the Oklahoma City bomber and others whose inspiration came from twisted, angry minds.

It’s a shame when politicians play on fear by targeting an entire religion, rather than focusing on specific extremist groups we have reason to dread. Those groups do not represent the vast majority of American Muslims.

Several thousand San Antonians are Muslim. They are our neighbors, operating small businesses, teaching in universities, raising funds for common causes such as Habitat for Humanity and the San Antonio Food Bank. Their mosques and community organizations welcome friends of different faiths. At the Raindrop Turkish House, Turkish Muslims share their culture through cooking, art and language classes. Their Muslim members practice the tenets of peace, charity and harmony.

San Antonio’s chapter of the Dialogue Institute of the Southwest hosts regular lectures and events celebrating diverse religions and promoting understanding and peace. This fall they sponsored interfaith dialogues with Congregation

Agudas Achim and The Woodlands First Baptist Church. This month the Dialogue Institute and the Community Relations Council of the Jewish Federation of San Antonio are partnering to bring a special exhibit to town from the Jewish Museum of Turkey. On Feb. 1, the institute will partner with the University of the Incarnate Word to bring a prominent scholar to speak on the place of Jesus in Islam.

Many members of San Antonio’s peaceful Muslim community are reaching out to encourage understanding and respect. It’s up to us to accept their offered friendship. I’ve found it enriches my life and expands my horizons.

I’m all for protecting our borders, thoroughly vetting folks who come here to earn America’s blessed freedoms, and taking strong action against those who would harm us or weaken our treasured American values.

The Muslim Americans I have met in San Antonio want those same things. syerkes@localcommunitynews.com

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• $20 entry fee (all proceeds go to the American Heart Association) • Enjoy refreshments and various educational areas

Please register early at SAHealth.com/HeartandSoul

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DEC. 28, 2015 - JAN. 25, 2016

OUR TURN Views and opinions about your community

Safe Exchange Zones help reduce risk of e-commerce sales

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n this age of do-it-yourself Internet shopping using classified websites and other exchanges, some transactions when buyer and seller meet can be problematic or hazardous.

Therefore, the City Council’s decision to support Safe Exchange Zones at the six San Antonio Police Department substations makes perfect sense.

The idea, championed by District 10 Councilman Mike Gallagher, received unanimous approval from fellow elected leaders just a few weeks ago. Under this system, individuals who arrange to buy and sell merchandise over the Web, but decide to finalize the process in person, can meet in a secure area at a substation.

The Safe Exchange Zones are designated sites in the parking lots to transfer and pay for products listed on online marketplaces including Craigslist and Facebook. The spots are under camera surveillance, but if the parties involved desire additional security, they can go inside to the substation lobby.

The city’s substations — which started around the time of Chief Charles Rodriguez in the 1980s, and continued under the progressive administration of Chief William Gibson — are always staffed by sworn personnel, conveniently located and well-lit.

An appointment to use these new rendezvous destinations is not needed, but calling ahead to the police substation is always appreciated.

Anyone can use the service.

While in-person exchanges based on Internet sales usually take place without incident, there still have been enough episodes nationwide involving fraud, assault and even worse to warrant the local Safe Exchange Zones.

One of the obligations of government is to protect its citizens, and the council — working with the Police Department — is fulfilling this duty by creating these safe havens.

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

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YEAR-END SOCIALIZING Sponsored by the Singles 30 Professional Network, come to Kennedy’s Irish Pub, 19179 Blanco Road, at 5 p.m. and make new acquaintances during social hour.

For more, visit www.spn-sa.org.

DECEMBER

WINTER WALK Enjoy holiday and scenes out of a DEC. 31 lights wonderland during a free, self-guided stroll on the trail behind the Parman Branch Library, 27035 Wilderness Oak Road, every evening from 6-8 p.m. For more, call 207-2703.

THROUGH

DON’T BE TARDY Bells are ringing in the North East 4 and Comal independent school districts as students return to classes after the holiday break.

JANUARY

TALK

OUTDOOR

MUSIC

FOOD

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

JANUARY

SAT PRACTICE Teenage students, at 11:30 a.m., can 9 prepare for the collegeentry examination with a practice Scholastic Aptitude Test and get positive feedback. Know exactly what to expect on the big day and receive a complete analysis of your results.

Bring a calculator to the Parman Branch Library, 20735 Wilderness

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HAPPENING continues on pg. 08

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DEC. 28, 2015 - JAN. 25, 2016

HAPPENING continues from pg. 07 Oak Road. Registration is required. For more, call Marisa DeBow at 207-2703.

NEISD SCHOOL BOARD Trustees of the North East 11 Independent School District regularly meet the second Monday of each month at 5:30 p.m. in the boardroom at 8961 Tesoro Drive. To confirm dates and times, call 407-0533.

JANUARY

DRIVER EDUCATION The North East Independent 11 School District starts its spring-semester series of driving classes for teens 15 and older. The options are Complete Classroom/In-Car Training, Classroom Instruction Only and InCar Only, with prices ranging from $140 to $370. Classroom sessions are available at NEISD high schools, and the instructors are professionals. For a look at the programs, prices and places, and to learn how to register, go to www.neisd.net/drive/index.html.

JANUARY

ENCINO PARK GAME DAY Come to the Encino Park 14 Community Center, 1923 Encino Rio St., at 1:30 p.m. on the second

JANUARY

Thursday of every month for various game-related activities. Non-Encino Park residents are welcome, too. For more, contact Dyan Montesclaros at 481-7890.

CALLING ALL SINGLE SENIORS Are you 50 or 16 over? If so, fellowship, games, fun and lunch await noon to 4 p.m. every third Saturday of the month at Cornerstone Church’s Bythel Hagee Life Center, 18755 Stone Oak Parkway.

Cost is $3. Reservations must be made in advance by calling 493-9535, ext. 4.

JANUARY

SCHOOL’S OUT Campuses in the North East and 18 Comal independent school districts will be closed in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

JANUARY

ART EXHIBIT JANUARY Meeting Room B at the 19 Parman Branch Library, 20735 Wilderness Oak Road, will host an exhibition of contemporary photographs from West Africa from 6:30-7:30 p.m. “Reviving Benin” focuses on a better understanding of the culture. A presentation by Olaju Art will also take place. For more, call Tim Johnson at 207-2703.

COMAL ISD BOARD MEETING Trustees of the Comal 21 Independent School District will convene at 6 p.m. in the boardroom at the Support Services Administration Offices, 1404 Interstate 35 North, in New Braunfels.

For more, visit www.comalisd.org.

JANUARY

PAPERCRAFTING AND SCRAPBOOK CLUB 23 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 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.

JANUARY

GAITHER VOCAL BAND Come to Cornerstone Church, 23 18755 Stone Oak Parkway, from 6-8 p.m. for a spiritual and musical event. Spend an evening listening to the Gaither Vocal Band and other special guests. Children are welcome. Reservations cost $25. To register, call 1-855-4841991 or visit www.sacornerstone.org.

JANUARY

DISTRICT 9 NEIGHBORHOOD ALLIANCE Meetings are 25 held the fourth Wednesday of each month at 7 p.m. in Stone Oak Methodist Hospital, classroom No. 1, 1139 E. Sonterra Blvd. The hospital is just off U.S. 281 North. For more, call Art Downey, alliance president, at 497-8873.

JANUARY

RATTLER ROUNDBALL The Reagan High School boys basketball season is underway. The 2016 home schedule is highlighted by two contests at Littleton Gym, 12002 Jones Maltsberger Road. On Jan. 5, the team entertains Johnson at 8 p.m., followed Jan. 13 with a 7 p.m. tipoff against Churchill. The squad also hosts Lee on campus at the Reagan Gym, 19000 Ronald Reagan Drive, at 7 p.m. Jan. 19.

For more including a complete 2015-16 schedule, visit a link at www.neisd.net.

ONGOING

JOHNSON HOOPS The Jaguars’ ONGOING boys basketball season is underway. The high school team hosts a Dec. 30 6:30 p.m. contest

HAPPENING continues on pg. 09

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SALOCALLOWDOWN.COM HAPPENING continues from pg. 08 against Lee at Littleton Gym, 12002 Jones Maltsberger Road. In 2016, featured home games include a 7:30 p.m. Jan. 8 competition with Roosevelt on campus at 23203 Bulverde Road, and an 8 p.m. Jan. 19 tipoff with Churchill at Littleton Gym. For more details and a complete 2015-16 schedule, visit a link at www.neisd.net.

JAVA WITH JOE District WEEKLY 9 Councilman Joe Krier meets with the public at his field office, 16500 U.S. 281 North, Suite 290, at Thousand Oaks Drive. Resident appointments, in 15-minute intervals, are 9-11 a.m. For more information on selected dates and to reserve a time, email district9@sanantonio.gov or call 207-0955.

SHAPING UP FOR A NEW YOU While the Parman Branch WEEKLY Library, 20735 Wilderness Oak Road, usually is a place to exercise your mind, on Mondays come at 10 a.m. and give your body a workout. An instructor from the San Antonio Parks & Recreation Department will lead a class in low-impact circuit training.

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

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 at the Parman Branch Library, 20735 Wilderness Oak Road, from 2-4 p.m. For more, call 207-2703.

WEEKLY

SO, YOU THINK YOU CAN SEW For an afternoon of advice and conversation leaving you in stitches, the Encino Branch Library, 2515 E. Evans Road, hosts experienced needle enthusiasts Wednesdays from 12:30-3 p.m.

The “Encino Hand Bees” are a close-knit group of adults and seniors. If you’re sewinclined and seek more, call 207-9250.

WEEKLY

JOIN THE FITNESS KICK The Encino Branch Library, 2515 E. Evans Road, tests your body at 4 p.m. or 4:30 p.m. on Mondays.

Learn martial arts from a third-degree black-belt instructor. This program teaches basics while improving strength, flexibility, conditioning and balance. Coordinated

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

WEEKLY

ONGOING

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.

A Renter’s Five Worst Nightmares: 1

ON THE HORIZON

RUNNING EVENT The sixth annual “Run for the Heights” will 27 take place at Tuscany Heights Elementary School from 8-11 a.m. The community is invited to participate for a morning of health, wellness and fun with a 5K, Kids’ Fun Run, and Health Fair & Sponsor Expo. Run a race, receive wellness information, obtain health screenings, and sample nutritional products. Proceeds benefit the school’s PTA. For more and to register, visit http:// runfortheheights.tuscanyheightspta.org.

2

FEBRUARY

ELSEWHERE IN SAN ANTONIO

CHEERS! The fifth annual San JANUARY Antonio Cocktail Conference 14-17 takes place on the city’s downtown streets for four consecutive days.

Join top bartenders, international experts and national cocktail enthusiasts as they imbibe, eat and play for charity. There will be guided tastings, parties, educational seminars, dinners and more benefiting Houston Street Charities and children’s causes. For more including ticket purchasing and specific event times, visit http://www. sanantoniococktailconference.com or https:// www.facebook.com/SACocktailConference.

MONSTER TRUCKS UNDER The Alamodome, 23-24 A100DOME Montana St., hosts two performances in the Monster Jam truck series. The first night revs up at 7 p.m.; the following day at 2 p.m. Seats start at $10.

Tickets are available at the Alamodome box office and www.ticketmaster.com.

For more, visit www.alamodome.com.

JANUARY

BASKETBALL FOR A CAUSE As part of their 2016 tour, 26, 28 the world-famous Harlem Globetrotters will bring their unrivaled family show to the AT&T Center, 1 AT&T Center Parkway, for two 7 p.m. exhibitions.

As a precursor to displaying basketball skills, trickery and tomfoolery, the Ambassadors of Goodwill are introducing a program titled “The Great Assist.” The players will leave a mark on the community by encouraging fans to visit GreatAssist. com to nominate a worthwhile cause or deserving family. Game tickets start at $13. For more, go to harlemglobetrotters. com, ticketmaster.com, the AT&T Center box office, or call 800-745-3000.

JANUARY

SUBMITTING EVENTS: Email all

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

3 4 5

Giving Mom a key.

Getting caught with a pet.

Living next to Rock Star Ron.

Too many loads, too few quarters.

Discovering your landlord’s insurance doesn’t cover your stuff.

It’s a dark day indeed when you learn that your landlord’s coverage doesn’t include your things.

That’s why you should give us a call about renter’s insurance. We’re right in the neighborhood, offering the same kind of protection millions of homeowners trust to cover their stuff.

State Farm renter’s insurance is really affordable too—about the price of a couple of pizzas a month—even less if your car’s insured with us.

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DEC. 28, 2015 - JAN. 25, 2016

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

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club bringing New York-style nightlife to San Antonio, the owner said. With deejays and the most current music, patrons can dance under the stars or inside, thanks to the layout of the lounge. Hours are 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. Tuesday through Saturday. For more, visit www.lushrooftop.com or facebook. com/Lushrooftop. (See story on page 27)

2. LILI ALESSANDRA HOME, 1207 N.

Village at Stone Oak, will soon open the third San Antonio-area location of its national chain featuring Italian cuisine. Like the other two in-town restaurants, hours will be 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily. For more, visit www. grimaldispizzeria.com. (See story on page 26)

3. LUSH ROOFTOP, 4553 N. Loop 1604 West,

210-534-2566

Suite 1201, is a recently opened rooftop

t

Name of local business

1. CAMP BOW WOW, 20750 Stone Oak Parkway, opened its third local venue in October, offering dog boarding, training and day care. Additional services include grooming, in-home pet care and dog walking. The facility can accommodate up to 120 canines, and each is separated by weight and size. Hours are 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily.

Call 496-9969 or visit www.campbowwow. com/stoneoak. (See story on page 24) Loop 1604 West, Suite 115 in The Vineyard at Blanco Road, offers fine linens, soft furnishings, bedspreads, decorative pillows, drapery panels, throws, bed skirts, upholstered bed boards and home accessories. Hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Monday through Saturday. To learn more, visit www.lilialessandra.com or facebook. com/lilialessandra. (See story on page 25)

HealthCare For the Entire Family!

Address of local business

4. GRIMALDI’S COAL BRICK-OVEN PIZZERIA, 22810 U.S. 281 North in the

5. PLANET FITNESS, 20760 U.S. 281

North at Evans Road, offers a unique and affordable exercise experience in a nonintimidating environment, company officials

LOWDOWN continues on pg. 11

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6. LUIS & CO. FINE JEWELRY, 3111 TPC Parkway, Suite 116 in the Stone Oak Commons shopping center, recently moved from Castle Hills to this location. The store offers full-service sales and services that include custom design, manufacturing, diamond setting, hand engraving and on-site jewelry and watch repairs. Hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday. For more, call 4991300 or visit www.luiscofinejewelry.com.

IN OTHER NEWS

SAN ANTONIO’S PROPOSED ANNEXATION OF FIVE UNINCORPORATED BEXAR COUNTY AREAS might not occur until mid-2016, as city officials await the results of commissioned studies providing additional information. Among the five tracts considered for annexation is a region north of Stone Oak to the Comal County line. Others include the Interstate 10 West corridor north of Loop 1604 and an area between Interstate 35 and I-10 in east Bexar County, along with two more. Public hearings, first scheduled for November and December, were then postponed until early 2016 and now are

delayed indefinitely while city planners, Mayor Ivy Taylor and City Council members receive and review financial and logistical findings, expected to arrive by early January.

JAMES TIPPETS, A 2005 REAGAN HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATE and former Air Force captain, was named a Bank of America Scholar for a second consecutive year for his achievements at the Yale School of Management. The merit-based scholarship, funded by Bank of America Charitable Foundation, is annually awarded to honorably discharged service veterans. Tippets, one of three 2015-16 recipients pursuing a Master of Business Administration through the Yale SOM, is set to earn his degree in May 2016. “After completing my service commitment, I decided to pursue my MBA at Yale because I believed its cross-sector focus and collaborative culture would best prepare me for a business career,” Tippets said. “I want to thank Bank of America for this scholarship and for its continued support of veterans at SOM.”

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LOWDOWN continues from pg. 11 memorials in Washington, D.C. The school’s Student Council led the way with fundraising, which began Oct. 11 and concluded Nov. 11, Veterans Day. Pupils, faculty, staff and the community raised $1,446.01, surpassing a goal of $1,400, the amount to fund one veteran on a two-day trip. The check was presented during the first annual Honor Flight Veteran’s Dinner, an event organized by the Parent Teacher Student Association, and included Johnson High School’s JROTC and color guard members; the groups expressed gratitude to more than 20 veterans and their families in attendance.

NORTH EAST INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT ASSOCIATE SUPERINTENDENT Pauline Dow recently was appointed to serve on the Texas Commission on Next Generation Assessments and Accountability

by Speaker of the House Joe Straus, R-San Antonio. Dow is the committee’s only representative from a San Antonio public school district. She has been an educator for more than 28 years in various capacities.

DISTRICT 9 COUNCILMAN JOE KRIER IS THROWING HIS SUPPORT BEHIND ECONOMIC INITIATIVES for both San Antonio International Airport and San Antonio Water

System. During recent City Council votes, he opted in favor of a new incentive package he said would strengthen the city’s pursuit of more nonstop flights, and also approved changes to SAWS’ rate structure, which he said would buoy the area’s water future. The measure paves the way for a 7.5 percent increase in the utility’s bills next year and a 7.9 percent hike in 2017. “A portion of the new revenue will help pay for two projects that will be important to our water security in the years to come — the desalination plant in south Bexar County and the Vista Ridge pipeline,” Krier said in a newsletter. “San Antonio’s population is expected to more than double by 2040, and we’ll need these new water supplies.” The council also voted to waive impact fees for construction, which will deliver SAWS water to San Antonio’s military installations, the councilman added.

ON DEC. 2, SAN ANTONIO ENDED STAGE 2 DROUGHT RESTRICTIONS after City Manager Sheryl Sculley consulted with San Antonio Water System President and CEO Robert R. Puente. Year-round watering rules are now in effect. Rains and cool weather lifted the Edwards Aquifer above the trigger of 660 feet mean sea level, with reservoir levels stabilizing. As a result, SAWS advised Sculley to conclude limitations in place since summer.

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SALOCALLOWDOWN.COM EXCHANGE continues from pg. 01

Gallagher: Program adds another layer of safety

by EDMOND ORTIZ

T

he San Antonio Police Department is helping put at ease individuals looking to complete an online transaction safely and in person on the North Side.

The City Council recently approved creating Safe Exchange Zones at San Antonio’s six police substations, including the North Substation at 13030 Jones Maltsberger Road — which serves Stone Oak, Sonterra and Encino Park.

Those finishing e-commerce transactions face to face can meet in specially marked parking areas monitored by surveillance cameras, or go indoors to the lobby where police are on duty.

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District 10 Councilman Mike Gallagher, supported by SAPD, led the campaign to reduce any likelihood of criminal activity occurring as a result of an online marketplace exchange through deals originating on sites such as Craigslist.

“We just felt there needed to be a solution,” he said. The council OK’d the program Oct. 22.

Police said historically the parties rarely know each other in these procedures, creating a potential for robbery or other crimes.

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conduct a legal, private transaction, whether arranged online or by other means,” said police Sgt. Javier Salazar in a city video posted not long after the council’s vote.

The number of cities implementing similar secure zones is rising, with Arlington the latest in Texas.

According to a television news report there, Arlington officials recognized as additional people shop online, more individuals with criminal intent might capitalize on a sense of vulnerability and complacency.

Gallagher spoke with Police Chief William McManus and realized it was a problem gaining visibility nationwide.

With Internet commerce’s popularity on the rise, San Antonio leaders wanted to have protected places to finish those deals, officials said. Craigslist reported more than 60 million accounts as of late November.

According to a city press release, there have been several instances of online transactions turning violent around the country.

“We’re constantly looking for ways to encourage our community to feel safe, welcome and secure,” Salazar said in the video. “Safe Exchange Zones do just that.”

Rebecca Kaufmann Podowski, a spokeswoman with Gallagher’s office, said SAPD doesn’t have comprehensive figures on any specific incidents reported in the city.

Regardless, SAPD and the city’s Public Safety Committee felt compelled to be proactive, Gallagher said.

The councilman has received positive

feedback at community meetings for implementing the secure areas, he added.

“I have heard from some people — they just wanted to feel safe in completing a transaction, and not feel uncomfortable in another person’s place,” Gallagher said. “That reinforced for us that we’re on the right path.”

Because Safe Exchange Zones use existing camera-monitored police parking lots and don’t require hiring more personnel, the new program comes at no cost to the taxpayers.

Gallagher said so far in trades taking place at the substations, police haven’t needed to intervene nor seen anyone entering the lobby to finish a transaction.

He said the city could consider expanding the number of secure spots, but it depends on how busy the substations become.

“We would then see what other places would be acceptable to do that,” the councilman added.

Gallagher said another benefit is the Safe Exchange Zones encourage residents to get better acquainted with their neighborhood police officers.

“It forces people to know where our substations are. Some have never even been to a substation for any reason,” he added.

In addition to a YouTube video, the city is publicizing the Safe Exchange Zones via SAPD social media and with public officials informing the community at gatherings.

“We’re going to never have to let up on spreading the word,” Gallagher said. “It’s essential that this become a constant reminder that it is now just another service the city provides.”

WE’RE CONSTANTLY LOOKING FOR WAYS TO ENCOURAGE OUR COMMUNITY TO FEEL SAFE, WELCOME AND SECURE. SGT. JAVIER SALAZAR, SAN ANTONIO POLICE DEPARTMENT

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MPO continues from pg. 01

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The Alamo Area Metropolitan Planning Organization distributes state and federal dollars for transportation projects in Bexar, Comal and Guadalupe counties, plus portions of Kendall County. The MPO’s Transportation Policy Board, or TPB, met Dec. 7 to consider several presentations, including revising previously agreed upon expansions for U.S. 281 and Interstate 10 that no longer uses

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toll-road funding, and $414.6 million in project proposals inside the new four-year Transportation Improvement Program.

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MPO continues on pg. 17

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Reverse on/off ramps to 1604 and install turnaround lanes at Bulverde Road — $10.1 million

MPO continues from pg. 16 billion for statewide transportation measures beginning in 2018, has changed the overall roadmap. The old plans, which included proposed tollways, are being reconsidered as non-tolled projects that also could include controversial highoccupancy vehicle lanes, unpalatable to many drivers and officials alike.

Henry White, a retired city planner, wondered why it’s taking so long to finalize actions regarding 281.

“Ten years ago, money was allocated for 281, including $50 million for overpasses with $112 million left over to complete the project,” he said, adding he questioned HOV lanes as part of 281’s non-tollway component.

“That was not the way it was (intended) in the first place,” he added.

The MPO will formally consider nontolled options for a $532 million expansion of 281 from Loop 1604 to the Comal County line, and a $200 million plan revising I-10 north of 1604, at its next meeting on Jan. 25.

Both projects have already received federal, Texas Department of Transportation and other area funding, as well as MPO authorization. However, retooling both without tollways could mean additional environmental-study reviews and public-input sessions that might delay construction on either route.

There’s $228 million for the first phase of 281 expansion from 1604 to Stone Oak Parkway, as well as nearly $200 million for I-10 improvements, which designate $70 million for four tolled lanes along a 5.7-mile section of the route from La Cantera Parkway north to FM 3351 (Ralph Fair Road), and $130 million for direct connectors linking La Cantera and 1604.

Don Dixon, another retiree, questioned HOV lanes as part of I-10’s non-tolled option.

“The problem I have with the plan is the waste in it,” he said. “Two of those lanes are bus-HOV lanes, which are always underutilized. We get virtually nothing into putting $35 million for two lanes that very few people will use. We’re having false hopes in using our tax money to build those lanes – it’s a waste of money.”

County commissioners and TPB members Tommy Calvert and Kevin Wolff also had reservations about HOV lanes in the newest proposals, but the HOV additions to both projects meet requests sought by VIA Metropolitan Transit, which helps fund area projects, said MPO Director Isidro Martinez.

Martinez also said non-tolled designations for both routes exchange previously guaranteed private-funding sources for Proposition 7 dollars, unavailable for two years.

There is $71.8 million available to add one free lane and high-occupancy vehicle lane in each direction on the 5.7-mile stretch on I-10.

The non-tolled option, however, lacks financing to complete the direct connectors – a $58.2 million shortfall, which also could defer that part of the project until Proposition 7 rolls in.

The newest funding will also factor into updating the next regional transportation blueprint. Officials said $100 million is accessible for the latest projects, though additional allocations could be expected through Proposition 7 and other means.

Area agencies submitted $414.6 million in backing to update its Transportation Improvement Program, or TIP, a federally required overview of proposed projects by area agencies and governments over a fouryear period and amended every two years.

Projects will be scored on technical

merit and public input during a four-month process to determine a final submission to TxDOT representatives in May. Officials said public involvement in the process should begin sometime in February.

The MPO’s 2017-20 TIP will consider 41 new transportation-funding requests. Included are 16 proposed added-capacity projects – those tacking on travel lanes to major roadways – totaling $205.2 million; 21 proposed operational projects – which improve roadways without additional travel lanes – amassing $189.4 million. Three bicycle/pedestrian project requests total $19.3 million. Also included is an $800,000 proposal to extend Alamo Area Council of Governments’ Commute Solutions program past 2019 into 2022.

Notable local projects submitted for the 2017-20 TIP include $14.7 million to expand Blanco Road from West Oak Estates Drive to Borgfeld Road; $5.4 million for intersection improvements at 1604 and Blanco (FM 2696); and $10.1 million to reverse on/off ramps to 1604 and install turnaround lanes at Bulverde Road.

TPB members on Jan. 25 will also consider amendments to the MPO’s 2015-18 TIP, which distributed more than $215 million in funds to improve and expand roadways, hike-bike trails and other amenities as part of the regional Surface Transportation Program.

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MURAL continues from pg. 01

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new mural at Wilderness Oak Elementary School that grew out of a musically inspired, collaborative effort involving teachers, students and even parents emphasizes the importance of leadership, they say.

The large mixed-media display is the brainchild of the school’s art teacher Stacey Morrison, who enlisted the help of music instructor Gabriella Madrid. It can be viewed on Wilderness Oak’s “bridge,” a main corridor.

The word “LEAD” is spelled with blue items to stand out. The motivational concept behind the artwork is The Leader in Me, a FranklinCovey program based on the book “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People” by Stephen Covey.

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Stacey Morrison, an art teacher at Wilderness Oak Elementary School, shows off a mixed-media display designed by students that emphasizes leadership, one of the qualities that helped the campus achieve recognition in The Leader in Me program. Photo by Neven Jones

school to earn a Lighthouse designation, which means the campus is an example of how to work, live and be successful even when there is a delta, or a negative.

“Being a Lighthouse School is quite an honor, but it also comes with quite a responsibility because you are a beacon to other schools of what being a leader and being responsible for yourself is all about,” said Principal Stacia FitzSimon.

A delta is seen as an opportunity to learn and grow, and the term “LEAD” represents all the habits together, added the leader at Wilderness Oak.

Theories from Covey’s book are worked into the school’s curriculum, Morrison said The elementary school’s music and art classes combine on Fridays, and Morrison conceived an idea involving both disciplines.

Madrid agreed and the collaboration began in September. The unveiling followed Nov. 18.

The project started with students hearing music of various formats, followed by the pupils’ reactions depicted in black print on 4-inch square cards.

“Their directions were, in silence, they needed to take their emotions that they felt through the song whether it was a fast song and they felt excited, or a slow, sad song and they felt sad, and use their marker to communicate that on the little paper,” Morrison said.

She created a classroom-friendly playlist including recordings from the 1950s, classical, country, opera and pop.

Only snippets of songs were played.

“We didn’t let the students listen to the whole song. We would stop it at a certain part and then transition to a whole new genre of music,” Madrid said.

Before the students started sketching, the class talked about how feelings are drawn and put some examples on the board, she said.

“So if I’m angry, maybe I want some

MURAL continues on pg. 19

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SALOCALLOWDOWN.COM MURAL continues from pg. 18 more pointed lines, and if I’m sad, maybe I want lines that are more curved, and then we talked about shading; how can we do different shading that evokes emotion? If it’s a very heavy emotion, maybe we want a lot of shading — darker shading,” Madrid said.

During the process, an international group from FranklinCovey spent a day visiting classes and talking to schoolchildren, FitzSimon said.

FranklinCovey is working on a guide to help campuses determine and maintain Lighthouse status. They came to Wilderness Oak to test it, FitzSimon said.

The North East Independent School District campus has been a Lighthouse School since 2012, a process started in 2009, FitzSimon added.

The visit inspired Morrison to put letters on the mural that spelled out “LEAD”; before that, the project was black and white, she said.

While teachers saw the relevance to every student’s participation, if everybody had done a square, the mosaic collage would’ve been twice the size, Morrison added.

“We had to double up, so some kids drew the music-emotion part, some kids painted or put the color on,” she said.

Pupils were discouraged from inking

19 their names on the back of the squares.

“It’s really cool to look at some of the details, because when we added the color some of them really played off of what was designed,” Morrison said.

Because of the project's size, it couldn’t just hang from a wall.

“I thought, ‘Well, it would be cool if we could stitch it together,’” Morrison said.

She solicited assistance of PTA volunteer coordinator Kellie Copeland, who recruited parents for sewing duty.

“They were just kind of cycling in my room while I was teaching. They would come in and kind of wave at me and take a panel and go home and bring it back finished the next day,” Morrison said. “They were like little elves that did magic.”

Once the squares were stitched into columns, Morrison glued each column to a panel in the correct order. She then built a frame and attached the panels to it.

Some students still relate certain emotions to specific songs the teachers played that day, Madrid said.

“We kind of established something for them more long term than short term because now I feel like they are listening to music completely differently because they know that emotion is attached to music, emotion is attached to color, emotion is attached to art,” Madrid said.

20

DEC. 28, 2015 - JAN. 25, 2016

HEROES continues from pg. 01

McRaven advises audience to make a difference

by COLLETTE ORQUIZ (Photo left) Retired Navy Adm. William 'Bill' McRaven (second from left), Roosevelt High School Class of 1973, is the first honoree on the North East Independent School District's Wall of Heroes (photo above). Joining McRaven during his recognition ceremony are Superintendent Brian Gottardy (left), Roosevelt Army JROTC cadets Samantha Bakaysa and Aries McLachlan, and McRaven's wife Georgeann Brady McRaven (right). Photos by Collette Orquiz

T

he North East Independent School District’s fledgling Wall of Heroes is open to more recipients, but competition is tough — this year’s honoree, the first, helped coordinate the attack that took out terrorist Osama bin Laden.

The district honored Roosevelt High School 1973 graduate and retired Navy Adm. William “Bill” McRaven with a plaque and his story on the Wall of Heroes at Heroes Stadium. McRaven is chancellor of the University of Texas System.

“I’ve been fortunate to be recognized by presidents and kings and prime ministers; frankly, nothing means more to me than being recognized by my friends from high school and by the North East Independent School District,”

McRaven said in his acceptance speech.

Last spring, NEISD selected McRaven from eight eligible candidates.

Nominations are only accepted during odd-numbered years.

“Admiral McRaven was chosen because of his stellar military career, his long list of honors and accomplishments, his dedication to his family and country, the example he sets for others, his work ethic and the fact that he is a Roosevelt

High School graduate,” said NEISD spokeswoman Aubrey Chancellor.

According to the school district, President Barack Obama credits McRaven for helping plan and direct the Navy SEAL raid contributing to the May 2011 death of the al-Qaida founder and one of the masterminds behind 9/11.

It’s been 40 years since McRaven set foot in his alma mater, but he said his trip was like a homecoming. During

a 10-minute address Oct. 16, he gave thanks and advice to the Rough Rider JROTC Battalion in the crowd.

Battalion commander cadet Lt. Col. Samantha Bakaysa, a senior, and freshman Aries McLachlan took photos with McRaven and his wife Georgeann Brady McRaven.

“It’s not everyday that you get to be chosen to stand next to a war hero and his wife, and get to shake his hand.

That’s not like a daily basis thing, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime chance,” Aries said.

Future nominations, available by contacting NEISD or emailing achanc@ neisd.net, include a form and a written essay, which touches on the following criteria: n Demonstrated courage, service and self-sacrifice in one’s life’s work, which brought honor to family or community n Made a positive impact in the lives of current and future generations through unselfish commitment to community/military service n Excelled academically and/or achieved a high level of postgraduate success n Is deserving of enshrinement on the Wall of Heroes NEISD officials said the new program recognizes and celebrates achievements of people who embody

HEROES continues on pg. 21

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SALOCALLOWDOWN.COM HEROES continues from pg. 20 heroic values while making a positive impact in their community. The school board approves final selections.

The wall is situated on the home side of the field at Heroes Stadium, 4799 Thousand Oaks Drive. The building grew out of the 2007 bond program. The district’s other events complex is Blossom Athletic Center.

McRaven joined the military as a SEAL, and recently ended a 37-year career. He graduated from the University of Texas at Austin in 1977 with a bachelor’s degree in journalism, followed by a master’s degree from the Naval Postgraduate School in 1991.

His last assignment was leading U.S. Special Operations Command, where he conducted counter-terrorism campaigns worldwide.

McRaven has received numerous accolades, including a Distinguished Alumnus Award from the University of Texas, the Légion d’Honneur from France, 2011 Texan of the Year, and the USO’s 2013 Military Distinguished Service Award.

Bakaysa is proud of McRaven’s Roosevelt roots.

“He’s not this high exalted person, he’s down-to-earth, he’s like us,” the cadet said.

Speaking at Roosevelt, McRaven said “one act of courage, one act of kindness, or one act of compassion”

could make a huge difference.

“Never, ever pass up a chance to help someone. Never, ever pass up the chance to be kind. The students you help can go on to change the world and you can be a part of it,” said the military man who actually never joined Roosevelt’s JROTC. He attributes his success to friends and family, but also his high school teachers and coaches.

Col. Robert Foutz, one of three Army instructors for Roosevelt’s JROTC, said the admiral’s words inspired the students.

“It was a sea of gray uniforms all the way up to the second row. As he talked, there wasn’t a phone out, there wasn’t a sleepy eye, every cadet was glued to Adm. McRaven’s comments,” Foutz said. “I just felt that energy, that sense of inspiration, that desire to say I’m a part of this great organization.”

McRaven also spoke to the Rough Rider football players and admitted being more of a benchwarmer than a player when he was on the Roosevelt team.

“For all of us that spent time in high school, they are formative years and they make a difference and they really do kind of start your trajectory towards the future. If it was a good experience, which mine was great, then you go off and do good things,” McRaven said.

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RIDE-HAILING continues from pg. 01

Driver background checks conducted

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n the past few months, ride-hailing firms reached agreements with San Antonio and resumed operations within city limits, though their services never left the suburban cities.

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Last spring, San Francisco-based competitors Uber and Lyft refused to accept stricter rules set by San Antonio, which required additional driver drug testing and background checks, as well as additional scrutiny over vehicle inspections and insurance requirements.

Both companies ceased operating in San Antonio on April 1, but continued rides in area suburbs. During the summer, Mayor Ivy Taylor asked city staffers to review the situation and suggest a model, which eventually paved the way for both — each known as a transportation network company, or TNC — to return to the Alamo City.

DEC. 28, 2015 - JAN. 25, 2016 After a series of negotiations, the businesses reached preliminary agreements and City Council approved revised rules for ride-hailing operations on Aug. 13.

Uber hit the streets in October; Lyft rode in early in December. The duo is now on board with city terms calling for increased vetting of drivers, conducted by the San Antonio Police Department.

“Effective immediately, residents of San Antonio can once again begin using the car-hailing service Lyft,” Taylor said.

“Along with Uber, Lyft agreed to enter a pilot program with the city in which their drivers can voluntarily undergo additional background checks that will be included on their app profile.”

Taylor said the city structured its new TNC ordinance for a nine-month trial period that will include a review of short-term effects, allowing planners to propose changes “if the public safety or other data shows a need.”

“We can’t know exactly what the utilization, costs or benefits of TNCs will be because we haven’t yet had these companies operating in San Antonio under our new system,” Taylor added. “We may have to adjust the structure in the future, but we often carry out this kind

RIDE-HAILING continues on pg. 23

23

SALOCALLOWDOWN.COM RIDE-HAILING continues from pg. 22 of analysis regarding city services and contracts, and TNCs will be no different.”

Prospective customers access ridehailing services through cellphone apps and are then assigned local drivers, who use their personal vehicles for shuttling.

With San Antonio’s pilot program, patrons can now verify those operators who underwent additional background clearances through company mobile apps prior to scheduling a ride.

San Antonio could soon be joined by other cities seeking to beef up ridehailing security measures. In November, NBC affiliate KXAN-TV in Austin reported its police department opened investigations into seven sexual-assault claims against Uber and Lyft drivers filed from April to August, and three allegations of the same involving cabbies.

According to reports, representatives from both ride-hailing companies said they were unaware of the accusations in the story; the narrative added Austin officials are considering establishing new guidelines for TNCs and other groundtransportation operators in the city.

Sandra Pickell, an SAPD spokeswoman, said the department “has received no reports of sexually oriented criminal

complaints filed against ride-hailing (TNC) drivers in San Antonio.”

San Antonio’s more stringent requirements have yet to pose a problem for potential employees.

“We have received 82 applications from (prospective ride-hailing) drivers; 39 have passed the background (checks) and 36 have picked up their verification cards,” Pickell said.

Forty-three other applicants are either applying for, or have yet completed, the fingerprinting process, and none “have failed the background check thus far,” she added.

Numerous emails and phone calls requesting comment from Uber and Lyft went unanswered.

Shortly after announcing its San Antonio return, Uber issued a search for 2,000 additional area drivers – especially Spanish-speaking operators – as well as heralded special rates for customers at San Antonio International Airport and other area locales. Before trumpeting Lyft’s re-emergence, it also began recruiting and training additional drivers.

“We applaud San Antonio for finding a way forward that prioritizes public safety while embracing innovative, new technologies that are beneficial for its residents,” said Joseph Okpaku, Lyft’s director of government relations.

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DEC. 28, 2015 - JAN. 25, 2016

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

Camp Bow Wow speaks to canines and owners

by ERIC MORENO

F

or nearly 20 years, Camp Bow Wow has been a haven for man’s best friend, according to officials with the nationwide franchise of dog-care facilities.

Now, Stone Oak canines can join the pack with socialization, pampering and the safe environs dogs relish. Opened in October, the newest San Antonio location is at 20750 Stone Oak Parkway.

It already is proving popular for customers — both the two-legged and four-legged kind, employees said.

“Camp Bow Wow is an open-play environment where dogs can come and burn off some energy and socialize,” said assistant manager Viviana Lusk.

“We’re kind of like an indoor dog park.

We also do boarding, but our open-play environment is what we’re most known for.”

Additional services include grooming, in-home pet care, training and dog walking. The facility can accommodate up to 120 dogs. Each is assigned by weight and size to one of four yards ranging from tiny animals (10 pounds and smaller) to large (35 pounds and up).

Camp Bow Wow has a 20-1 dogto-counselor ratio, and the Stone Oak venue is the franchise’s first completely climate-controlled facility.

“We just ask that all dogs are spayed or neutered and they are up-to-date with their rabies, distemper and Bordetella vaccinations,” Lusk said. “Also, they need to be happy here. Our main goal is for all the dogs to be happy. They don’t have to play, but they definitely have to be comfortable

Viviana Lusk, assistant manager at Camp Bow Wow, plays with the dogs during their socialization period (left).

Dogs are separated into groups by size and temperament (right). Photos by Collette Orquiz

with this type of environment.”

Employees evaluate animals on the initial visit.

“We do an assessment for all dogs brought here for the first time to see if this is the right environment for them,” Lusk said.

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

The kennel isn’t open for day care on Sundays, but staff is there for boarding.

CAMP BOW WOW 20750 Stone Oak Parkway For more, call 496-9969 or visit campbowwow.com/stoneoak

CAMP BOW WOW IS AN OPEN-PLAY ENVIRONMENT WHERE DOGS CAN COME AND BURN OFF SOME ENERGY AND SOCIALIZE. VIVIANA LUSK, CAMP BOW WOW ASSISTANT MANAGER

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SALOCALLOWDOWN.COM

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

Elegance on tap as Lili Alessandra opens retail store

by JACQUE CROUSE

S

ince its inception seven years ago, Lili Alessandra has become the well-established darling of the luxury linen wholesale market, serving hundreds of retail shops in the United States, Canada, Mexico and Panama.

In early December, owner Sandra Hernandez Yedor opened the San Antoniobased company's first retail enterprise — Lili Alessandra Home — at 1207 N. Loop 1604 West, Suite 115 in The Vineyard at the intersection with Blanco Road.

“We have been selling wholesale for the past few years to specialty stores and places like Neiman Marcus,” she said.

“Now, I decided to open a retail space in my hometown of San Antonio.”

Outlets for Lili Alessandra products can be found in several Texas locales including Dallas or Houston, but nothing like this has been available locally until now, Hernandez Yedor said.

This direct-to-consumer mechanism is one of the main reasons she decided to open in the Stone Oak area, selling fine linens, but also offering a “lifestyle store” which includes designeraccent furniture, chandeliers, lighting and many home accessories.

Linens range from bedspreads, decorative pillows and drapery panels to throws, bed skirts and upholstered headboards. There are luxury rugs and a candle line at the new location.

Hernandez Yedor said the company’s fine throws, bedding and decorative pillows are detail-oriented.

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LILI ALESSANDRA HOME 1207 N. Loop 1604 West, Suite 115 For more, visit www.lilialessandra.com or facebook.com/lilialessandra

Throws, linens, pillows and other fine wares are offered at Lili Alessandra Home, the San Antoniobased company's first retail store. Photos by Collette Orquiz

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DEC. 28, 2015 - JAN. 25, 2016

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

Third SA Grimaldi’s slated to open midJanuary in Stone Oak

by OLIVIER J. BOURGOIN

R

ecently recognized as one of the five best U.S. pizzerias by the Food Network, New York City-based Grimaldi’s Coal BrickOven Pizzeria plans to debut a third San Antonio location in mid-January.

Located in the Village at Stone Oak, 22810 U.S. 281 North, the new restaurant’s neighbors include World Market, Victoria’s Secret, Gymboree and Super Target.

“I love pizza,” said Alejandra Aguirre, one of Grimaldi’s local managers transferring to Stone Oak. “My favorite is like a meat lover’s pizza. It has pepperoni,

meatballs, Italian sausage. It’s called ‘The Don.’ I also like our calzone. It’s nice and crispy and filled with ricotta cheese and mozzarella and served with sauce on the side so you can dip it in if you want.”

The fledgling 3,850-squarefoot restaurant, projected to seat around 100, will feature a patio and private dining events.

The menu has the same offerings as the two existing San Antonio venues.

“During the first week or two after we open, we will only be open for dinner to make sure we have all the employees trained properly and comfortable handling a steady flow of customers, then we will start opening our regular hours.” Aguirre said.

At 37 national franchises and counting, CEO Joe “Joey” Ciolli is busy with 13 statewide including two locally at Quarry Village and The Shops at La Cantera.

Three more, including in Stone Oak, are expected for a Texas launch in the next few months.

Regular hours at the Stone Oak pizzeria will be 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily.

Dishes such as this cheese pizza, which can be found at the two existing San Antonio locations of Grimaldi's Coal Brick-Oven Pizzeria, will also be on the menu at the new eatery slated to open in mid-January in Stone Oak. Photo by Collette Orquiz

GRIMALDI'S COAL BRICK-OVEN PIZZERIA 22810 U.S. 281 North For more, visit www.grimaldispizzeria.com

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SALOCALLOWDOWN.COM

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

Lush Rooftop nightclub offers skyline dancing

by CAROLE MILLER

D

espite some recent cold snaps, the newly opened Lush Rooftop lounge is warming up as one of San Antonio’s hottest new nightclubs.

Since its mid-October debut, Lush — located at 4553 N. Loop 1604 West, Suite 1201 at LockhillSelma Road — has already played host to local celebrities, with reported sightings of Spurs Danny Green, Kawhi Leonard and Jonathon Simmons.

“This is one of the only rooftop bars in the area. It’s a classic, modern nightclub with a touch of elegance,” said owner Rafael Nunez. “And we have attracted some big artists.”

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Because of the layout, patrons can dance the night away under the stars outside or go inside as well to cut a rug.

Deejays mix the sounds of dance music.

The chic atmosphere includes Egyptian and Austrian crystal chandeliers, a state-of-the-art sound system and a video LED. There are also hookahs.

The rooftop lounge, with a tree and a waterfall, offers a breathtaking view and a great place to relax.

The dress code is “upscale fashionable attire,” and the club does not permit “hats, sandals, sneakers, hard-soled shoes and boots, ripped or baggy clothing and athletic wear,” according to its Facebook page.

“Collared shirts are required for men.”

Theme nights at the lounge include college night on Tuesday,

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Patrons can enjoy dancing under the stars at Lush Rooftop, a new nightclub on the North Side that features deejays, libations and a dance floor on the roof as well as inside. A tree on the top level adds to the ambiance.

Photo by Collette Orquiz

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