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

NATIONAL NIGHT OUT

PG.15 Stone Oak, Encino Park

prep to celebrate event during cooler weather in October

PAGES 17-19

A look at the 2015 season

COMMUNITY NEWS STONE OAK

VOL. 2, ISSUE 4

ENCINO PARK

FAR NORTH

78258 78259 78260 78261

AUGUST 24 - SEPTEMBER 28, 2015

FAR NORTH ANNEXATION

PG.22 Some residents say effort will result in unnecessary services, additional taxes

INSIDE YOUR COMMUNITY

PG.26 Reagan

wrestlers tackle communityservice project Athletes helped fix up playground at preschool ministry, part of giving back

PG. 04 LOCAL COMMENTARY SUSAN YERKES PG. 12 LOCAL LOWDOWN

BUY LOCAL

Check out a quick and helpful summary of neighborhood news

WILDFIRE PREVENTION PG.21 Big Springs: SAFD guides community session to protect homes

STONE OAK

DANCE ACADEMY PG.24

Registration is underway for fall classes and competition at studio

EAT LOCAL

Is the city on the right track with Lone Star Rail?

TIU STEPPI'S OSTERIA PG.25

Homemade pastas, pizza and other Italian fare are on the menu at new eatery

2

AUGUST 24 - SEPTEMBER 28, 2015

FROM THE EDITOR wwright@localcommunitynews.com

Delivering Integrity Since 1954.

President Harold J. Lees Publisher Gregg Rosenfield

Keep kids safe in the summer heat

Assoc. Publisher Rick Upton

ith the Texas summer furnace at fullblast, thousands of San Antonioarea high school students already are participating in extracurricular outdoor activities.

EDITORIAL Executive Editor Thomas Edwards Managing Editor Will Wright News Staff Collette Orquiz and Bain Serna Contributing Writers Jacque Crouse, Emeline Lakrout, Edmond Ortiz, Ruben Renteria, Arthur Schechter and Susan Yerkes ART Creative Director Florence D. Edwards Contributing Photographer Rudy B. Ornelas

South Texas’ Original Pool Company. Gary Pools has been building and servicing swimming pools in and around San Antonio and South Texas since 1954. We are the largest family owned and operated pool builder in Central and South Texas. If you’re thinking of a pool, give us a call at 210-494-1313 – we’d love to hear from you.

ADVERTISING Advertising Director Jaselle Luna Account Manager Amber Montemayor Controller Keith Sanders READER SERVICE Mailing Address 4204 Gardendale St., Ste. 201, SA, TX 78229 Fax Phone (210) 616.9677 (210) 338.8842 Advertising Inquiries jluna@localcommunitynews.com Story Ideas: tips@salocallowdown.com Website: www.salocallowdown.com LOCAL Community News publications

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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.

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Debilitating temperatures, ranging at or above 100 degrees with heat indices climbing near 110 on occasion, create sauna-like effects, which can spur muscle cramps and fatigue; exhaustion from water and salt depletion; and even heatstroke.

Thus, football coaches in recent decades have limited practices to early mornings and early evenings. So have other fall-sports coaches, as well as marching-band directors, many holding their drills on school blacktops.

How things have changed. In the old days, most kids reported to fall practices without undergoing today’s thorough medical assessments, didn’t get frequent water breaks and were only given tablets to boost body salt levels.

Current coaches are better trained about athletes’ physical conditions and spotting warning signs of heat stress. Yet, more needs to be done. The National Center for Catastrophic Sport Injury Research reported 31 heat-related high school football deaths from 2004 to 2013.

The University Interscholastic League, the state’s governing body for public high school sports, has instituted a four-day acclimatization period for incoming players, which reduces practices to a single session.

The UIL also limited contact practice times and extended rest periods during the fall.

Parents can also do their part and learn preventative steps. Several sources are available to help identify indicators of heat stress, including the UIL, the National Federation of State High School Associations, the National Athletic Trainers’ Association, and the U.S. Labor Department’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration.

WILL WRIGHT MANAGING EDITOR CORRECTION: A story in the August edition had an incorrect first name for a staffer at Oak Tree Orthodontist. It is Belinda Melendez.

4

AUGUST 24 - SEPTEMBER 28, 2015

LOCAL COMMENTARY

Lone Star Rail: the right track?

by SUSAN YERKES

H

ave you driven Interstate 35 to Austin recently?

It’s not a pleasant trip.

From the traffic jam getting out of San Antonio to the traffic jam that usually starts around Kyle and continues into Austin, the 75-mile drive can take three to four hours – and it’s getting worse.

San Antonio and Austin are among the five fastest-growing cities in the country, and the towns along the I-35 corridor are growing, too. With more people come more cars, and more congestion. That’s bad not only in terms of travel time and costs, but in terms of air quality.

Among Texas cities, San Antonio recently ranked second only to Dallas-Fort Worth for high ozone readings. It’s near the tipping point into “nonattainment” under Environmental Protection Agency clean-air standards. If the trend isn’t reversed, folks may face annual vehicleemissions tests, more EPA regulations on some businesses and, ironically, less federal money for highway construction.

There’s no quick fix. Soon, however, San Antonio leaders will decide whether to invest in one potential solution – Lone Star Rail.

Lone Star is a proposed regional commuter rail line to connect key cities along the booming I-35 corridor, from Georgetown in the north to San Antonio in the south. Running along existing Union Pacific Corp. tracks, up to 32 commuter trains would travel the line daily, with daytime and evening services. The trip from downtown Austin to downtown San Antonio would take about 75 minutes, according to current projections. Lone Star’s website notes that fares in similar commuter rail districts run from $3 to $13 for a oneway trip, depending on how far you go.

There are 16 planned stations along the way so far. San Antonio-area stops are planned at Schertz, Loop 1604, San Antonio International Airport,

downtown, Port San Antonio and Texas A&M University-San Antonio at the end of the line. With 17 colleges and universities near the route, Lone Star would be a big plus for some 250,000 San Antonio higher-education students.

This has been planned for some years.

Back in 1997, the Legislature approved a rail district from Bexar County to Travis County. Since then, the Lone Star Rail District has been gathering funds. San Antonio, Georgetown, San Marcos, Williamson County, Hays County, the cities of Schertz and New Braunfels and several metro-planning groups have joined the rail district.

The project got a big boost when Union Pacific agreed to consider building a new, upgraded freight rail line on San Antonio’s outskirts. That would free up their current line – the one that goes through the heart of San Antonio, currently causing more traffic tie-ups with the long, lumbering freight trains — for Lone Star’s planned commuter service.

There is, of course, a price tag. The rail district already has state and federal funds, but San Antonio, VIA Metropolitan Transit and Bexar County will be responsible for the cost of maintenance and stations in our area. Austin and San Marcos have already committed their share, and New

Braunfels is close to an agreement.

San Antonio’s City Council is considering allocating funds for Lone Star Rail in the new city budget, which will be finalized by September. For the next three years or so the commitment is relatively small – about $500,000 a year, according to rail interim Executive Director Ross Milloy.

Then it would “stair-step” up as the railroad gathered steam. The challenge is to figure out how the city will fund its part, whether from tax-increment zones around the new stations, general revenue or other sources.

It seems telling that District 9 Councilman Joe Krier, the former 20year president and CEO of the San Antonio Chamber of Commerce, has been a champion of Lone Star Rail.

Krier opposed the downtown streetcar project.

“People in my district-neighborhood meetings were firmly against streetcar, but they are firmly in favor of Lone Star Rail,” Krier said. “It’s not streetcar, it’s not light rail, and I’m passionate about the potential economic growth, the reduction in traffic jams and the reduction in pollution.”

I love the idea of hopping a Wi-Fi-equipped commuter train to Austin and points between.

What do you think?

Drop a line at syerkes@ salocallowdown.com.

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AUGUST 24 - SEPTEMBER 28, 2015

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new state truancy law based on a San Antonio system goes into effect in September, decriminalizing the process and instead trying to address the root causes of skipping school.

The measure is a step in the right direction, recognizing that not every social ill can be corrected simply by declaring something illegal.

A closer examination of most truancy violations shows that absenteeism arises from hardship, often in low-income families hit by economic or health issues.

Criminalizing truancy only creates more obstacles for struggling students, an issue recognized by the San Antonio model.

The old system didn’t work, even with the prospect of facing fines up to $500 and going to jail.

According to state figures, in 2014

nearly 100,000 Class C failure-to-attendschool misdemeanors were filed.

The previous law also seems draconian.

Kids no older than 12 could face a court appearance for three unexcused absences in four weeks. The statute called for campuses to file misdemeanor charges against pupils who logged more than 10 unexcused absences in six months. Students with unpaid fines could be hauled off to jail when they reached 17, and parents also could face penalties.

The new law heralds a better approach to address student absences.

The statute replaces criminal prosecutions for truancy with civil hearings. In addition, before educators file charges, school districts are called to help identify and alleviate the underlying causes of truancy, which can include homelessness, chronic illness or other needs.

School districts still have the option of sending students with 10 unexcused absences over six months to civil court, where a judge can assess treatment and community service.

Truancy laws shouldn’t penalize kids who want to go to school but can’t when confronted by challenges in life or at home.

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

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HAPPENING LOCAL

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

OUR GUIDE TO YOUR MONTH

HAPPENING KEY

FITNESS

PAPERCRAFTING AND AUG. 22, SCRAPBOOK CLUB Visit SEPT. 26 the Parman Branch Library, 20735 Wilderness Oak Road, from 1-6 p.m. the fourth Saturday every month for an afternoon of paper therapy. Begin with a demonstration of a technique, layout idea or project, and then have the opportunity to work on your own paper projects such as cardmaking or scrapbooking. All levels of expertise are welcome. Registration is required. For more, call 207-2703.

IS SUMMER VACATION AUG. REALLY OVER? Don’t be late 24 for the first day of class in the North East Independent School District’s 2015-16 semester. Silver lining: School will not be in session Sept. 7, Labor Day.

ART

TALK

OUTDOOR

MUSIC

FOOD

JOIN THE FITNESS KICK The AUG. Encino Branch Library, 2515 E. 24, 31 Evans Road, is usually a place to exercise your mind, but 4-5 p.m. in August, stop in and exercise your body. Learn martial arts from a third-degree blackbelt instructor. This program will teach basics while improving strength, flexibility, conditioning and balance. Coordinated by Fitness in the Park, the sessions are free and families are encouraged to participate together. For more, call 207-9250.

ENCINO KNIGHT CLUB Whether you’re just learning or a grand master, the Encino Knight Club invites you to play chess. All ages are welcome. The group meets from 5:30-

We’ll help your child build confidence, boost grades and improve study skills so you can look forward to the next report card.

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HAPPENING continues from pg. 07

AND SURVEILLANCE SYSTEMS

7:30 p.m. at the Encino Branch Library, 2515 E. Evans Road. For more, call 2079250 or email Barbara Kwiatkowski at barbara.kwiatkowski@sanantonio.gov.

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 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.

AUG. 26

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WEE WIGGLE DANCE PARTY Proving you’re never too young to shake your groove thing, come to the Parman Branch Library, 20735 Wilderness Oak Road, 10:30-11:30 a.m., when kids move to the beat with music, balloons and scarves. Registration is required. For more, call 207-2703.

AUG. 28

Sha

MAKE BIDS, HELP KIDS The 49th annual Wildest Auction in the West takes place from 6:30-11 p.m. at the JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa, 23808 Resort Parkway. Proceeds benefit Boysville, a Texas home for boys and girls, established in 1943. This charity event will have live and silent auctions. For more and to purchase tickets, call 659-1901 or visit https://www. boysvilletexas.org/boysville-auction/.

AUG. 28

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

Sunday matinee. For more, call 830-980-7745.

AUG. 28-30

AUG. 29

PSAT PRACTICE From 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. teenage students can erase summer-vacation rust

and experience the exam’s new full-length time and structure by taking a practice PSAT and getting positive feedback. Know exactly what to expect on test day and get a complete analysis of your results. Bring a calculator to the Parman Branch Library, 20735 Wilderness Oak Road. Registration is required. For more, call 207-2703.

ARE YOU READY FOR SOME HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL – PART I? Johnson High School kicks off its 2015 season Aug. 28 at 7:30 p.m. with an away game against Brandeis at Farris Stadium, 8400 N. Loop 1604 West. The campaign continues Sept.

4 at 7:30 p.m. as the Jaguars entertain Cedar Ridge at Heroes Stadium, 4799 Thousand Oaks Drive. Next, another home contest Sept. 12 at 7 p.m. opposing Wagner at Comalander Stadium, 12002 Jones Maltsberger Road. Then, Johnson returns to Farris Stadium Sept. 18 for a game with O’Connor at 7:30 p.m. The Jaguars close out the month going back to Comalander Stadium at 7:30 p.m. Sept.

25 to host Lee. For the complete Johnson schedule, follow a link at www.neisd.net.

AUG./ SEPT.

ARE YOU READY FOR SOME HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL – PART II? Reagan High School kicks off its 2015 season Aug. 28 at 7:30 p.m. hosting O’Connor at Heroes Stadium, 4799 Thousand Oaks Drive. The campaign continues Sept. 4 at 7:30 p.m. as the Rattlers travel to Harlingen and Boggus Stadium, 2521 S. Expressway 83. On Sept. 12, Reagan visits Gustafson Stadium, 7001 Culebra Road, for a 7 p.m. away contest versus Warren. Then, Comalander Stadium, 12002 Jones Maltsberger Road, is the site Sept. 19 at 7:30 p.m. when the Rattlers host East Central. Reagan closes out the month returning to Heroes Stadium on Sept. 25 at 7:30 p.m. for a contest with Roosevelt. For the complete Reagan schedule, follow a link at www.neisd.net.

AUG./ SEPT.

HAPPENING continues on pg. 09

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SALOCALLOWDOWN.COM HAPPENING continues from pg. 08 ENCINO PARK OVER 50 CLUB For folks a half-century old, come to the Encino Park Community Center, 1923 Encino Rio St., at 11:30 a.m. the first and third Tuesday of the month for fun activities including tours, dinner gatherings and events. For more, call Dyan Montesclaros at 481-7890.

SEPT. 1, 15

PET MICROCHIPS AVAILABLE Come to various San Antonio parks or pooch playgrounds the first Friday of every month where Animal Care Services will insert a tracking device in your pet. A microchip can be purchased for $15 (cash only).

No appointments are necessary. Owners should have pets leashed or in carriers. For a schedule of clinics near you with specific times, call Lisa Norwood at 207-6665 or email lisa.norwood@sanantonio.gov.

SEPT. 4

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

SEPT. 10

FALL DONATION AND DUMPING SEPT. EVENT Sponsored by the 12 Stone Oak Property Owners Association, residents can donate gently used items while separately dumping large, bulky rubbish. A truck will be on-site from Arms of Hope to collect the donations, and the city will set up a large dump trailer for the trash. The event is 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the POA parking lot, 19210 Huebner Road. Paint, bricks, concrete, hazardous waste, construction or remodeling materials, soil, sod and railroad ties are not accepted. For more, call 490-9481.

FALL RAIN BARREL WORKSHOP Learn how to make and take your own environmentally friendly rain barrel at a workshop organized by the Stone Oak Property Owners Association and the Trinity Glen Rose Groundwater Conservation District, 9 a.m. to noon at the POA office, 19210 Huebner Road. Cost is $25. To make reservations, call Angel Torres of the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service at 467-6575 by Sept. 3.

SEPT. 12

SEPT. 14

SCHOOL BOARD MEETING Trustees of the North East Independent School District

HAPPENING continues on pg. 10

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AUGUST 24 - SEPTEMBER 28, 2015

HAPPENING continues from pg. 09 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.

COUPLES COUNSELING For sound unions, or those seeking hope and healing, attend a 12-week marriage-intimacy course presented by Cornerstone Church and conducted by the Rev. Gerry Lawrence and his wife Carol at 7 p.m.

The sessions will originate from 18410 Sonterra Place, second floor. Registration is required. Class size is limited. Child care is provided. Cost is $75 for church members, $85 for nonmembers. For more and to register, call 477-1550, ext.

2 or visit www.sacornerstone.org.

SEPT. 14

SINGLES MIXER SEPT. Companionship and dinner 15 is on the menu at 7 p.m. every third Tuesday of 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.

TALKIN’ ‘BOUT MY GENERATION From 2-4 p.m. on the third Saturday every month, the Encino Branch Library, 2515 E. Evans Road, affords an opportunity to learn more about your ancestors. “Generations,� the library’s genealogy club, welcomes anyone who wants to investigate their family history and make friends. For more, call 207-9250 or email Barbara Kwiatkowski at barbara.kwiatkowski@sanantonio.gov.

SEPT. 19

CALLING ALL SINGLE SENIORS SEPT. Are you 50 or over? If so, 19 fellowship, games, fun and lunch await noon to 4 p.m. every third Saturday of the month at Cornerstone Church’s Life Center, 18755 Stone Oak Parkway. Cost is $3. Reservations must be made in advance by calling Jeannine Owens at 821-5073.

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

SEPT. 23

SLEEPOVER WITH TEDDIES Drop off your teddy bear or other stuffed friend between 10 a.m.

SEPT. 25

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and 6 p.m. to the Parman Branch Library, 20735 Wilderness Oak Road, for a slumber party. Come back the following day at 10:30 a.m. to pick up your friend and see a slideshow of what the animals did while the library was closed. For more, call 207-2730.

CHOSEN TO STAND Part worship service and part girls’ weekend, the conference features national speakers, live entertainment, prayer, shopping and more. The Summit Christian Center, 2575 Marshall Road, hosts the weekend event for women. Day one activities will be from 5-11 p.m.; day two is 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Cost is $75 for adults; $35 for teens; $95 at door; and $65 each for groups of 10.

To register, visit www.chosensa.com. For more, contact Christina Irons at 4020565 or email cirons@summitsa.com.

SEPT. 25-26

ART EXHIBIT The works of cartoonist Mike Fisher will be on display at the Parman Branch Library, 20735 Wilderness Oak Road, for an extended period. Fisher’s creations have appeared in magazines and videos.

Plus, on Aug. 22 from 2-3 p.m. in Meeting Room A, the animator will conduct a presentation on Comic-Con art and culture.

For more, call Tim Johnson at 207-2703.

THROUGH NOV. 6

DOG-EARED BOOKS Come to the Encino Branch Library, 2515 E. Evans Road, every Wednesday from 3-4 p.m. and read to a dog. Bring your favorite animal story or choose one off the shelves. Even children who aren’t reading yet can come and narrate a story from one of the library’s wordless books.

Recommended for ages 3 and up. For more, call Keri Moczygemba at 207-9250.

WEEKLY

SHAPING UP FOR A NEW YOU While the Parman Branch Library, 20735 Wilderness Oak Road, is usually a place to exercise your mind, on Mondays (except Labor Day, Sept. 7), come by at 10 a.m. and exercise your body. An instructor from the San Antonio Parks and Recreation Department will lead a class in low-impact circuit training. Exercises will focus on agility and flexibility, resulting in a great workout. For more, call 207-2703.

WEEKLY

TEEN TIME Every Tuesday, from 6-8 p.m. the Parman Branch Library, 20735 Wilderness Oak Road, hosts a potpourri of activities for teenagers, 13-18. Everything from board games to crafting and cooking could be on

WEEKLY

HAPPENING continues on pg. 11

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SALOCALLOWDOWN.COM HAPPENING continues from pg. 10 the potluck agenda. Have fun, chill out and make new friends. For more, call 207-2703.

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

ONGOING

Tour returns to the Alamo City for the 31st time with the same great senior field at the AT&T Canyons Course. The renamed San Antonio Championship will be back at TPC San Antonio, 23808 Resort Parkway.

Proceeds will benefit more than 20 local nonprofit organizations. For more, visit www.sachampionship.com.

ELSEWHERE IN SAN ANTONIO

NEVER TOO OLD TO LEARN ONGOING Kids don’t have to be the only ones returning to school this fall. The North East Independent School District Community Education department presents a multitude of enriching programs for adults, including mastering new languages and much more. Many classes are taught at NEISD classrooms or the district’s Community Learning Center, 8750 Tesoro Drive in San Antonio. For more, visit https://communityed.neisd.net or call Carrie Smith, NEISD community education coordinator, at 401-0140.

“LIGHTING THE WAY” The seventh annual Weston Wright “Lighting the Way” 5K/10K Run Walk will raise funds for the San Antonio Lighthouse for the Blind. The races are chip-timed; there will be activities for the kids, and food and drinks will be available. Check-in starts at 7 a.m. and runners set off at 8.

Registration costs $25 until Sept. 10; it’s $30 Sept. 11-24 and $35 the day of the event. To learn more or to register, go to www.salighthouse.org/events/. The event takes place at the Wheatley Heights Sports Complex, 200 Noblewood Drive.

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SUBMITTING EVENTS: Email all

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SEPT. 26

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

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AUGUST 24 - SEPTEMBER 28, 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 1. STONE OAK DANCE ACADEMY, has

opened at 26108 Overlook Parkway, Suite 2102 in The Shops at Overlook.

Registration is underway for classes – in ballet, hip-hop, tap, contemporary and more – beginning Sept. 1. For more, call 9201204 or visit www.stoneoakdanceacademy. com. (See story on page 24)

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2. TIU STEPPI’S OSTERIA, 17311 Bulverde Road, plans an opening for late September. This marks the second Tiu Steppi’s Osteria in San Antonio. Italian fare includes homemade pastas and handtossed specialty pizzas, as well as steaks, chicken and salads. Hours will be 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

For more, call 688-9885 or visit www. tiusteppis.com. (See story on page 25) 3. BASKIN-ROBBINS/DUNKIN’ DONUTS,

18135 Bulverde Road at Loop 1604, Suite 102, are celebrating a grand opening Sept.

Address of local business Name of local business

29 in a shared venture at Nobu Plaza, a new shopping center which also celebrates its debut. The complex that includes the ice-cream shop/pastry-and-coffee combo will also house Comet Cleaners and Liquors Etc, the owners said. In addition to frozen treats and doughnuts, other menu items at Baskin-Robbins/Dunkin' Donuts include breakfast sandwiches, shakes and ice-cream cakes. Hours are 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily. For more, visit dunkindonuts.com or baskinrobbins.com.

IN OTHER NEWS

STARTING IN JULY, THE NORTH EAST INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT BEGAN DISTRIBUTING letters to households with children eligible for benefits including free and reduced-price meals based on income guidelines. NEISD worked with local agencies to identify students who

LOWDOWN continues on pg. 13

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SALOCALLOWDOWN.COM LOWDOWN continues from pg. 12 qualify. If members of a household did not receive a letter and feel they should, or would like to decline benefits, call the School Nutrition Office at 356-9113 or email mealapplication@neisd.net.

THE NORTH EAST INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT ACADEMIC YEAR RESUMED Aug. 24. For a refresher on rules and regulations, or a welcome packet for new students and families, go to neisd.net/ neisdinfo/student_parent_411.html.

'TEX HILL' MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENTS HELPED GIVE a rousing welcome for World War II and Korean War veterans who returned home after taking an Honor Flight trip to Washington, D.C., in July. The students joined the crowd in applauding the veterans at San Antonio International Airport. Honor Flight San Antonio de Valero sponsors the free Honor Flight trips that enable veterans to visit war memorials and other sites commemorating the service and sacrifices of those who served abroad. 'Tex' Hill Middle School, which opened in August 2014, is named for World War II Flying Tiger pilot and combat ace David Lee “Tex” Hill, who served as part of the decorated unit in the Army Air Corps’ 1st American Volunteer Group. “It was an honor to have the chance to say ‘thank you’ and show appreciation to the veterans,” said Principal Rudy Jimenez.

“The Hill campus and students look forward to a continued partnership with this important organization and the veterans who make up this great group.”

THE JOHNSON HIGH SCHOOL CHEERLEADERS AND MASCOT JJ THE JAGUAR brought home honors from the Universal Cheerleaders Association Camp at Texas A&M University Aug. 3-6, sponsors said. All three squads and the mascot won spirit sticks each night.

The Johnson program received the “Top

Banana” award as the most spirited team the first day. At the end of the week, the Johnson program won the overall Top Banana Award for the most spirited team for the entire camp. JJ the Jaguar, performed by Brianna Trinidad, won the Mascot Spirit Award on the third night of camp and also won the Most Spirited Mascot Award for the week, taking home the “Mushy the Monkey” Mascot Spirit Award. Team members selected for UCA All-American Awards include varsity members Mya Carnahan, Kaitlyn Hamilton, Kate Hudson and Meghan Mollicone; junior varsity members Parker Canario and Grace Valderama; freshmen Kennedy Hrncir and Maddie Hrncir; and Trinidad was named as All-American Mascot. Three Johnson seniors received invitations to try out for UCA staff positions including Carnahan, Hudson and Mollicone.

DANCERS CARMEN AND ALEXA GUANA, TWO STUDENTS ENROLLED IN THE NORTH EAST INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT’S DUAL-LANGUAGE PROGRAM, gave a a recent flamenco performance at Ridgeview Elementary School to summer classes. “Not only were the students exposed to a facet of a different culture but also heard about the hard work, dedication and perseverance needed to be a flamenco dancer and a student of two languages,” said Monica Herrera, Ridgeview’s summer school principal. The dancers are enrolled at Vineyard Ranch Elementary School and Lopez Middle School.

ATHLETES WITH REAGAN HIGH SCHOOL’S VARSITY, JUNIOR VARSITY AND FRESHMAN football teams “continued the Rattler tradition of giving back to the local San Antonio community” during the summer by volunteering for service projects that included Habitat for Humanity and the San Antonio Food Bank, according to the North East

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LOWDOWN continues from pg. 13 Independent School District website.

The teams showed up at the Coleman Ridge Habitat for Humanity community June 19 to clean and weed empty lots, place moisture barriers on house frames and install siding. Team members on July 15 volunteered at the Food Bank, sorting through more than 16,000 pounds of canned food and nearly 12,000 pounds of frozen or prepackaged food. The Rattlers processed 21,739 meals that will feed the hungry across the San Antonio area, NEISD said.

FIFTY-SEVEN STUDENTS FROM THE BUSH AND LOPEZ MIDDLE SCHOOLS’ HONORS BANDS performed at the 68th annual Texas Bandmasters Association Convention held in late July at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center.

Thousands of band directors from middle and high schools across Texas attended the convention, where music educators learn about the latest developments, tools and training. Kim Garza and Jessica Powell direct the Lopez band, and the Bush band is led by Gabriel Rosas and Erin Sharkey.

LYNN BODET, AN EDUCATOR AT TEJEDA MIDDLE SCHOOL, HAS BEEN SELECTED as

AUGUST 24 - SEPTEMBER 28, 2015 the 2016 Education Service Center-Region 20 Secondary Teacher of the Year. Bode has been teaching for 35 years and is in her 13th year at Tejeda. She is the North East Indepenent School District’s most recent Secondary Teacher of the Year.

THE NORTH EAST INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT BOARD OF TRUSTEES RECENTLY WAS NAMED as this year’s Region 20 Outstanding School Board. The Texas Association of School Administrators’ annual School Board Awards Program recognizes outstanding Texas school boards and members’ commitment to students and their communities.

DISTRICT 9 COUNCILMAN JOE KRIER SAID September will be a very busy month as the city fine-tunes a proposed $2.5 billion budget. “I’ll be a strong advocate for projects and services that we need in District 9 and that are good for our city as a whole,” Krier said in a newsletter. By law, a budget must be in place by Oct. 1. An increase in entry wages for fulltime and part-time city employees has been proposed by City Manager Sheryl Sculley. She recommends raising pay to $13 per hour in the 2016 Fiscal Year budget. The proposed budget also calls for a slight property-tax decrease.

SEVERAL SPOTS ARE OPEN ON CITY BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS that affect District 9. Councilman Joe Krier is encouraging interested residents to apply.

At press time, seats remained on the Affirmative Action Advisory Committee, Arts and Cultural Advisory Committee, Building Standards Board, Citizens Environmental Advisory Committee, SA2020 Commission on Education, San Antonio Youth Commission, and Small Business Advocacy Committee.

For more, call 207-7325 or 207-0955.

To fill out an online application from the City Clerk’s Office, visit https://www.sanantonio.gov/Clerk/ Legislative/BoardsCommissions.aspx.

COMAL COUNTY COMMISSIONERS RECENTLY APPOINTED DIRECTORS to the Comal Trinity Groundwater Conservation District. They will be responsible for establishing a conservation plan and regulating wells that tap into the Trinity Aquifer in Comal County. Those selected included Spring Branch-area rancher Larry Hull; Garden Ridge rancher Jim Bower; New Braunfels-area farmer and rancher Clinton Dietert; Spring Branch resident and former waterwell driller H.L. Saur; Tidua CEO and

Bulverde resident Larry Sunn; Canyon Regional Water Authority General Manager David Davenport; and New Braunfels lawyer Robert Johnson. “(The) appointments are the culmination of a long and careful (selection) process that will help ensure the long-term viability of groundwater in Comal County,” Precinct 2 Commissioner Scott Haag said.

JENNIFER JOHNSON, COMAL INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT elementary school coordinator, was recently selected by the Texas Board of Education to serve on the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills review committee that oversees English language arts and reading. The committee will review and recommend revisions to TEKS subjectcriteria requirements for students in kindergarten through second grade.

“I believe my participation will enable Comal ISD to stay in the forefront of any changes which will positively impact our curriculum, our ability to support teachers, and most importantly our service to our students,” Johnson said. The Texas Education Agency will host an introductory web seminar for committee members before they meet during three sessions in Austin during the coming months.

15

SALOCALLOWDOWN.COM NIGHT OUT continues from pg. 01

Several events lead up to anticrime observance

by EDMOND ORTIZ

T

he annual observance of National Night out on Oct. 6 gives neighbors across Texas a chance to fight back against crime, including on the far North Side.

Presented by the National Association of Town Watch, NNO is a communitybuilding campaign promoting partnerships between police and residents, as well as neighborly camaraderie, to help keep an eye on neighborhoods.

“We are spreading the word to hold block parties so that we can compete in the awards competition,” said Katherine Matulis, a manager for the Bulverde Village Homeowners Association in Encino Park.

“We just hosted a (Citizens On Patrol) blitz to get the neighborhood excited and involved, and (Bexar County) Sheriff

Susan Pamerleau joined us for the event.”

This year the HOA is overseeing NNO events within the Blackhawk, Creekhaven and Stratford neighborhoods, she added.

Communities can get an early start on NNO festivities with help from the San Antonio Police Department, the Sheriff ’s Office and other law-enforcement agencies.

As of August, only a few neighborhoods in Stone Oak sought a police presence for the get-togethers, said Officer Gerardo Hernandez, who is assigned to the Police Department’s San Antonio Fear Free Environment program covering the area.

“Most requests normally start coming in as we get closer to the celebration,” Hernandez said. “Usually the requests start coming in early to mid-September, right before the event.”

Neighborhoods indicating their participation this year include the Quarry at Iron Mountain and the Heights of Stone Oak. Since 1984, NNO has enabled community members and first responders to unite in deterring crime and raising drug-prevention awareness.

Though the night-out celebration typically occurs nationally on the

NIGHT OUT continues on pg. 16

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In the early years, residents usually observed the event simply by shining porch lights, staying outside and talking with neighbors, but recently, block watches, nonprofits, businesses and law-enforcement agencies have teamed up to sponsor larger activities.

Some small cities have an official NNO event open to crowds. Many neighborhood and homeowner associations organize their own celebrations.

It’s no different in Stone Oak and Encino Park, among other communities north of Loop 1604.

The Stone Oak Property Owners Association includes more than 30 HOAs within its official boundaries.

Meg Lorente, property manager, said though there hasn’t been a widespread NNO previously encompassing Stone Oak, various individual subdivisions developed activities for residents.

“While Stone Oak has never coordinated a communitywide National Night Out event, I know several of our residential communities have hosted events for their residents,” she said.

NNO events often feature police officers providing children with fingerprinting kits, sharing crimeprevention tips, and informing about neighborhood-crime trends.

Bulverde Village — which falls under the jurisdiction of the Sheriff ’s Office — experiences the same neighborhood crimes as most others, Matulis said, describing offenses such as vehicle break-ins and the occasional prankster egging cars. She added issues with graffiti don’t exist.

“Actually, the biggest problem we have (is) with parking violations. The streets are narrow and the driveways are short, so parking is always an issue,” Matulis said.

“We just want to raise awareness about this. Parking violations are not POA rules, they are state laws and are enforced by the Bexar County Sheriff ’s Department.”

This year, from June 1 to Aug. 1, SAPD reports that the highest criminal activity in ZIP codes 78258 and 78259 is related to theft, and is concentrated around retail centers such as Stone Ridge Market and The Village at Stone Oak. To keep valuables safe, police advise locking your vehicle and not exposing possessions.

But while many neighborhoods and cities will mark National Night Out on the first Tuesday of October, some such as Big Springs choose to observe it at another time in October — Oct. 31, or Halloween.

NIGHT OUT continues on pg. 27

A LOOK AT the 2015 season

FOOTBALL KICKOFF

Excellence ER Stone Oak

Compiled by Will Wright

17 AUGUST 2015

JOHNSON JAGUARS

DISTRICT: 26-6A COACH: Ron Rittimann (39-38 in eighth season at school and overall) LAST YEAR: 6-5; 4-2 district (tied for second) LOWDOWN: Two years after ascending to the 5A-DII state semifinals, the Jaguars return 10 offensive starters and four on defense. Leading the offense is QB Josh Theissen (5-11, 170, Sr.), who completed 48 of 104 passes for 683 yards and three scores, rushed for 520 yards, plus added another 125 receiving. Other offensive stalwarts include RB Mike Morgan (154-756, 5 TDs), RB Braedon Williams (6-1, 190, Sr.), TE-DE Drake Flores (6-4, 210, Sr.; 15-151), WR Hunter Trinidad (5-10, 150, Sr.; 6-139, 1 TD) and WR-DB Dylan Pouncy (6-0, 155, Jr.; 24-392, 2 TDs), with OL Brennan Joles

(6-2, 220, Sr.) clearing the way. DE Stevin Fields (6-2, 240, Sr.; 54 tackles, 9 sacks) and DT Matt Espinosa (5-11, 225, Sr.) anchor the D-line, while P Santiago Macias (6-3, 200, Sr.; 38.3-yard average) and K Zach Elder (5-10, 190, Jr.; 11 FGs) contribute for kicks.

Notable: Joles, Pouncy, Fields and Espinosa are returning 2014 all-district performers … The Jaguars defeated Clemens before losing a rematch with Brandeis in the second round of the 6A-DII playoffs – which should add flavor to their season-opener at Brandeis on Aug. 28.

FOOTBALL continues on pg. 18

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FOOTBALL 2015 18 AUGUST 2015 FOOTBALL continues from pg. 17

REAGAN RATTLERS

DISTRICT: 26-6A COACH: David Wetzel (95-39 in 13th season at school; 14468 in 19th season overall) LAST YEAR: 12-2 DI state quarterfinalist; 6-0 district champion LOWDOWN: The Rattlers return five starters on each side of the ball. QB Kellen Mond (6-2, 190, Jr.) who had more than 3,000 yards total offense last season leads the offense. Other top returnees include RB-WR Skyler Wetzel (5-9, 185, Sr.), OL Derek Kerstetter (6-4, 285, Jr.) and OL Joe Latronico (6-4, 295, Sr.).

Leading the defense is LB Patton Williams (6-0, 205, Sr.), DE Jonathan Cox (6-4, 220, Jr.), DT Brooks Roy (6-1, 210, Sr.) and DB Vince Hunter (5-9, 180, Sr.).

Notable: Mond, Wetzel, Hunter and Roy were named to 2014 all-district teams … Reagan defeated Smithson Valley, Stevens and Los Fresnos before falling, 34-24, to Judson in the 6A-DI regional final … The Rattlers open the season entertaining O’Connor on Aug. 28.

NEW BRAUNFELS CANYON COUGARS

DISTRICT: 25-6A COACH: Joe Moczygemba (3-7 in second season at school and overall) LAST YEAR: 3-7; 1-5 district (tied for fifth) LOWDOWN: Moczygemba served as Smithson Valley’s defensive coordinator from 1993 to 2013 and succeeded Matt Elliott, who resigned just before 2014 fall drills. The Cougars return only two offensive and three defensive starters who had to adjust to a new offensive scheme.

WR Kristian Drake (6-2, 190, Sr.) snared 30 passes for 629 yards and seven touchdowns; he’s the Cougars’ lone returning 2014 all-district first-team selection. LB Dustin Reidhead (6-2, 190, Sr.), who tallied 66 tackles in 2014, and DE-TE Mason Hawkins (6-3, 220, Sr.) pace the defense.

Other top returnees include DB Jordan Holmes (6-1, 205, Sr.), OL Matt Booth (6-1, 250, Jr.), OL-TE Tucker Addington (6-1, 190, Sr.), DL Michael Stippich (5-11, 210, Jr.), and K-P Reeves Mundschau (5-10, 160, Jr.).

Notable: The Cougars’ last postseason appearance was in 2013, a loss to Reagan

in the 5A-II first round … Canyon’s latest deep playoff run was in 2005, falling to Corpus Christi Calallen in the 4A-I state quarterfinals … Canyon opens the season hosting Round Rock Cedar Ridge on Aug. 28.

SMITHSON VALLEY RANGERS

DISTRICT: 25-6A COACH: Larry Hill (219-60 in 23rd season at school; 229-71 in 25th season overall) LAST YEAR: 6-5; 4-2 district (third) LOWDOWN: The Rangers return three offensive and five defensive starters.

Leading the offense is QB Josh Adkins (6-2, 210, Jr.), who completed 116 of 209 passes for 1,705 yards and 16 TDs with six interceptions, while outdistancing team rushers (121-348, 9 TDs). WR Derek Housler (6-0, 185, Sr.) led the team in receiving, snatching 35 passes for 822 yards and nine scores. WR Matt Sandoval (5-9, 145, Sr.) contributed six catches for 61 yards. Top O-line veterans include C Justin Bell (5-9, 220, Sr.), OG Davis Perry (6-2, 280, Sr.), OG Christian Cruz (5-9, 225, Sr.) and OG Caleb Kneupper (6-3, 245, Sr.).

The premier D-line returnees include

LB-DE Josh Ernst (5-8, 180, Sr.; 83 tackles, 9 tackles for loss); linebackers Ben Zeug (5-10, 190, Jr.; 69 tackles; 5 TFL), Jeff Savard (5-10, 185, Sr.; 35 tackles; 5 TFL) and Hayden Altmann (6-0, 185, Sr.; 32 tackles; 6 TFL). Alfonso Bafidis (5-9, 175, Sr.) is a threat at receiver, punt returner (14-302; 21.6-yard average) and safety (31 tackles, 1 INT).

Notable: The Rangers entered 2014 posting four consecutive double-digit win seasons, but fell short of a fifth, succumbing to Reagan, 21-14, in the 6A-I bi-district playoffs … Returning 2014 all-district performers include Adkins, Housler and Zeug, who made the 25-6A first-team defense at LB and punter … The Rangers open the season at Midland Lee on Aug. 28.

CORNERSTONE CHRISTIAN ACADEMY WARRIORS

TAPPS 11-MAN DIVISION II-DISTRICT 3 COACH: Bryan Marmion (5-5 in second season at school) LAST YEAR: 5-5; 2-4 district (tied for fourth)

FOOTBALL continues on pg. 19

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AUGUST 2015 19 FOOTBALL continues from pg. 18 LOWDOWN: The Warriors return five offensive and six defensive starters. On offense, QB Ryan Huerta passed for 1,400 yards with 18 scores, and rushed for 110 yards plus a touchdown. His top target could be WR Nick Perez, who had 111 receiving yards and one touchdown last year. LB Keller Pierce (122 stops) is the top returning tackler. Other standouts include OL Troy Gunckel, LB Tony Reese and OL Ray Gutierrez.

Notable: Huerta (5-9, 165, Jr.), Gunckel (62, 170, Sr.) and Pierce (6-2, 195, Sr.) received 2014 all-district honors … The Warriors open the season at Austin Savio on Aug. 28.

LEE VOLUNTEERS

DISTRICT: 26-6A COACH: Danny Kloza (12-38 in sixth season at school and overall) LAST YEAR: 4-6; 1-5 district (sixth) LOWDOWN: With seven starters back on both sides of the ball, the Vols are poised for

a serious run toward their first playoff berth since 1993. Offensive leader, QB Kyle Fuller, last season completed 216 of 404 passes for 3,138 yards and 30 TDs, while rushing 96 times for 350 yards and two scores. The top receiver returning is Mark Sullivan (40-764, 11 TDs); the premier returning rusher is RB Sammy Davis IV (92-547, 9 TDs).

Linebackers anchor Lee’s defense: Nick Lugo (116 tackles, 4 sacks), Frank Barron (124 tackles), and Brett Lamb. Additionally, DB Mohamed Barow (100 tackles, 3 INTs).

Notable: Fuller (6-3, 190, Sr.), Barow (5-7, 160, Sr.) and Lugo (6-1, 208, Sr.) received all-district honors in 2014 … The Vols begin their 2015 campaign at Taft on Aug. 29.

Sources include: Dave Campbell’s Texas Football Magazine; Texas High School Coaches Association; Texas Sports Writers Association; University Interscholastic League; MaxPreps; The Athletics Department; Texas High School Helmet Project; area newspapers; Texas High School Football History and local coaching staff.

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SALOCALLOWDOWN.COM FIRE PREVENTION continues from pg. 01

More seminars scheduled in city

by WILL WRIGHT

B

ecause wildfires aren’t limited to purely rural areas, fire officials are urging far North Side communities to follow a national program’s guidelines to help fireproof their dwellings.

A long drought and dry, brushy areas have left Stone Oak neighborhoods especially vulnerable to blazes, which is why the National Fire Protection Association supports homeowners’ participation in its Firewise Communities Program.

Big Springs Homeowners Association residents recently took part in a daylong seminar on wildfire dangers and how to protect domiciles from infernos.

“It’s about homeowners taking responsibility in preparing their homes in the risk of wildfires,” said San Antonio Fire Department Capt. Brian Stanush, a 21-year veteran. He became SAFD’s wildfire-prevention coordinator in January.

The NFPA, which created the Firewise program, is a nonprofit organization founded in 1896 and dedicated to reducing the threat of fire and other hazards by providing, advocating and establishing prevention standards.

The Firewise program encourages local solutions for fire safety through many methods – primarily by encouraging homeowners to safeguard their property against wildfire outbreaks. The national program is co-sponsored by the U.S. Agriculture Department’s Forest Service, the Interior Department and the National Association of State Foresters.

During NFPA’s Wildfire Community Preparedness Day on May 2, homeowners in more than 140 areas nationally participated in Firewise seminars.

Topics included reasons why structures can ignite in wildfires, tips and tools for preventing and limiting damage, and ways residents can work in unison to protect their homes by clearing the grounds around their residence.

Big Springs, a gated community off Evans Road and U.S. 281, includes three neighborhoods. The HOA website lists 45 homes in the Village in the Hills; 186 within the Village in the Glen; and 143 residences in the Village at Cactus Bluff.

Stanush said several groups joined

SAFD in the session, held from noon to 4 p.m. at the HOA’s Philip Mueller Park and Playground. Volunteers from San Antonio’s Parks and Recreation Department as well as Transportation & Capital Improvements assisted city arborists and representatives from the Texas A&M Forest Service.

“We tried to make it a collaborative effort, with city and state services working side by side with the citizens,” said Stanush, who credited HOA President Viki Melton for helping with a strong turnout.

“It was a great event that was really well-planned by the city’s fire and parks departments, and our HOA residents worked really hard,” Melton said. “It was a great opportunity for them to learn how to prevent (residential damage by) wildfires.”

Stanush said he’d expected only a few dozen Big Springs residents at the community park, but was surprised when more than 90 attended. The demonstration was a tutorial on reducing hazardous fuels – eliminating underbrush around trees and homes liable to ignite and spread large fires.

Shrubbery around the park was gathered and transferred to chipping and disposal areas.

“Due to the overwhelming response, we were able to do three times the amount of work,” Stanush added.

Although rains earlier this year helped

ease a four-year drought, those conditions haven't left South Central Texas. The most destructive wildfire in state history occurred in September 2011, when two people were killed, more than 1,700 homes and businesses lost, and $350 million in property damage occurred in largely rural Bastrop and Caldwell counties.

Stanush said in metropolitan areas such as Stone Oak, where homes are closely connected, it’s even more important neighbors band together.

He estimates more than 100 San Antonio-area communities could be susceptible to wildfire threats.

Big Springs HOA received a NFPA designation for its Firewise program.

Stanush said SAFD has 60 firefighters specifically trained in wildfire prevention and noted all will be involved in other city seminars before the NFPA’s next national preparedness day on May 7, 2016.

“We need to get the word out on something that’s relatively easy for people to do,” Stanush said, encouraging folks to visit www.firewise. org or www.safdwildfire.com.

“People who are interested in finding out more about wildfire safety, or would like to sign up for a free assessment, can schedule a time to us to come out to their home,” the captain added.

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AUGUST 24 - SEPTEMBER 28, 2015

FAR NORTH continues from pg. 01

Growth on the far North Side means new neighborhoods, new construction and a proposal

by San Antonio to annex an area stretching to the Comal County line.

Not all residents are in favor of the plan, said Bexar County Precinct 3 Commissioner Kevin Wolff. Photo

by Rudy B. Ornelas

Residents plan to work with officials on alternative solution to growth

by WILL WRIGHT

W

hile city officials see the U.S. 281/Loop 1604 corridor as crucial in a proposal to annex five unincorporated Bexar County areas, many residents aren’t on board for fear they’ll pay more for services they don’t want or need.

Many far North Side neighbors also expressed worries about an increase in taxes if they become part of San Antonio.

“The folks I now represent in the unincorporated areas of the county made it very clear to me (and others) that they don’t have any wish to be annexed,” said Bexar County Precinct 3 Commissioner Kevin Wolff.

However, Mike Gallagher,

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representing City Council District 10, supports annexation.

“What people don’t really know is that they will be protected, zoning-wise, from development if they live outside of the city limits,” he said, noting residents in unincorporated communities often can’t stop undesired developments.

While admitting issues exist, opting for annexation would be beneficial, he added.

“With all of the growth – going on now and in the future — we need to make sure those neighborhoods are protected now and later on down the line,” Gallagher said.

Last December, the city initiated

limited-purpose annexation and regulatory plans for five priority tracts contiguous to city limits and within its 5-mile extraterritorial jurisdiction – inside Bexar County and into Comal County.

If approved by City Council, annexation of the combined areas – over 36 months – will add 66.47 square miles and at least 117,517 residents, possibly leapfrogging San Antonio over Philadelphia and Phoenix as the nation’s sixth-largest city by 2020.

While Wolff acknowledged other unincorporated locales could benefit,

FAR NORTH continues on pg. 23

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SALOCALLOWDOWN.COM FAR NORTH continues from pg. 22 he noted it’s not right for the 281/1604 corridor — which he represents.

“I think it’s a bad idea,” he said. “I believe cities don’t exist to become profit centers, they exist to provide service.

While other areas need those services, folks out here already have those services.

All you’re asking them to do is pay more for what they already have.”

According to the city, however, annexations will align zoning and development and environmentalprotection standards; more efficiently deliver city services; maximize San Antonio’s financial return on business and infrastructure investments; and protect and expand its tax base.

Residents won’t incur city taxes until annexation is finalized within three years. Afterwards, denizens would pay for city services like waste disposal and police and fire protection.

Nina Nixon-Mendez, planning administrator with the city’s Department of Planning & Community Development, is working to help residents get more information – such as tax rates not beginning until the limited-purpose period ends.

“It’s a new subject for (residents), which is totally understandable,” she said.

“Yes, their taxes would go up, but there are other services – such as water and wastewater rates – that would go down.”

The 281/1604 limited-purpose annexation area consists of 7,621 acres (12.01 square miles) in Bexar and Comal counties. The city cited 2010 U.S. Census figures indicating 24,936 residents within the proposed zone, and projected to nearly double in population – reaching 43,940 by 2030.

In the past two decades, area residential and business development created a transportation and infrastructure nightmare not yet resolved. Although flyovers helped at the 1604/281 intersection, there’s no consensus how to alleviate traffic further north on 281, currently utilizing regulated turn lanes and traffic lights.

Managed lanes, akin to toll roads, have been suggested.

However, the city’s annexation plans focus mainly on clearing the way for future commerce and residential development.

Because 24 master-planned communities were created within the projected annexation area over 20 years, the city wants to control development, infrastructure and other issues the next two decades.

Officials said limited-purpose annexation would extend zoning and city codes to address public health and safety, and install improved standards for residential and

commercial development, while protecting the city’s regional economic vitality.

Nixon-Mendez said San Antonio plans to invest in a fire station and improving emergency-response times. She added annexation would also give residents a voice in area planning and development.

Wolff said most of his residents are fine with the quality of services currently provided through Bexar County and neighborhood homeowners associations, noting growth along the 281 corridor represents “a double-edged sword.”

“One, they obviously prefer to live in gated neighborhoods,” he said, “but it also means they are responsible, through their HOA dues, for street repairs, infrastructure, even security.”

He added, “In their minds – and they’re not incorrect in this – their (city) taxes would go up from 31 cents per $100 (assessed) property valuation to 57 cents per $100 valuation, and without additional city services.”

Based on those figures, taxes on the average home – currently $277,365, according to the city – would eventually increase from $860 to $1,580.

Businessman Michael Soulek, representing 10 subdivisions located in the affected tracts, offered other reasons residents are troubled. He cited flaws in

a commissioned county study, which served as the basis for the city’s plans.

On July 30, Soulek joined Wolff, District 122 state Rep. Lyle Larson, District 9 Councilman Joe Krier and others to meet with Mayor Ivy Taylor, and expressed discrepancies with the 439-page document.

Soulek said the report’s projections incorporated cloudy assumptions on the potential impact on area commerce and future development; the additional debt the city would incur to add infrastructure and roads improvements and expand police and fire services; and much more.

“All of these items are huge in the big picture,” he said. “Taking a step back from any (type of) annexation at this time, including limited-purpose annexation, will give City Council a chance to address these items.”

Skeptical residents attending an annexation forum Aug. 1 at Tejeda Middle School voiced concerns to city officials, who plan additional public events before the council’s December decision.

“I was really pleased with the turnout (at the Aug. 1 public forum),” Gallagher said. “There were several hundred people there, and it was great to get their input.”

In upcoming weeks and months, Soulek said his group would work with council members on options.

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AUGUST 24 - SEPTEMBER 28, 2015

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Dance academy wants to keep students on their toes

by RUBEN RENTERIA

A

veteran instructor has opened Stone Oak Dance Academy in The Shops at Overlook for students from novice to professional.

Kelsea Kaplan, owner of Stone Oak Dance Academy, poses with a banner during a recent recruiting session to get novices to professionals to sign up for her school in The Shops at Overlook. Kaplan brings a wealth of dancing experience to the academy. Photo

by Collette Orquiz

Texas native Kelsea Kaplan, longtime ballet and contemporary-dance performer, is accepting registrations for classes beginning Sept. 1 at 26108 Overlook Parkway, Suite 2102.

“There are so many benefits to be derived from studying dance,” Kaplan said.

Instruction in ballet, tap, jazz, acrobatics/ tumbling, hip-hop, contemporary, pre-pointe, pointe, jumps and turns, combo classes and creative movement are available for anyone over age 2.

Dancing cultivates self-discipline,

THERE ARE SO MANY BENEFITS TO BE DERIVED FROM STUDYING DANCE. KELSEA KAPLAN STONE OAK DANCE ACADEMY

self-confidence and self-esteem — lessons in life, instructors said.

Starting at $60 a month, tuition varies based on weekly dancing sessions. Students commit to a ninemonth season for competitions or fun, running from September to May. Competitive dancers are sorted by

age to participate in a company with practices that prepare them for three regional and one national contest, team fundraisers, community performances and an all-school, end-of-year recital.

Kaplan, who first danced as a child in her mother’s Schertz studio, recently returned to Texas after living in New Jersey and New York. She and husband Matthew have three sons, Connor, Caleb and Cody.

When her family moved east, Kaplan trained and performed with dance professionals in multiple schools and theater programs.

She brings experience as an Off-Broadway performer, director, choreographer, educator, plus regional and national dance judge.

A faculty member of Broadway Dance Center, Peridance Contemporary Dance Co., and ImPulsTanz in Austria, Kaplan also was artistic director and lead instructor at theater and dance academies, and owned a New Jersey studio for six years.

The new Stone Oak Dance Academy’s hours of operation vary according to class schedules. Visit the website for details.

STONE OAK DANCE ACADEMY 26108 Overlook Parkway, Suite 2102 For more, call 920-1204 or visit www.StoneOakDanceAcademy.com

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SALOCALLOWDOWN.COM

EAT LOCAL

Tiu Steppi’s Osteria features handtossed specialty pies such as the Greek pizza (far left) and homemade pastas including the chicken piccata (left). Photos by Collette Orquiz

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

Tiu Steppi’s Osteria promises causal elegance, great dining

by JACQUE CROUSE

W

ith a successful Two Step Restaurant and Cantina and Tiu Steppi’s Osteria at Braun Road and Loop 1604, chef Steve Warner and brothers Jacques and Steve Braha are venturing to the southwest corner of Bulverde Road and 1604 to open a second Tiu Steppi’s.

Homemade pastas, hand-tossed specialty pizzas and a host of other unique Italian foods served in a casual, elegant atmosphere are all part of the appeal of Tiu Steppi’s, 17311 Bulverde.

“I think the market in the area is underserved, and people really like the concept of Tiu Steppi’s,” Warner said.

“There is nothing like it in the area.”

The brick and copper accents and menu items made from scratch give it a casual elegance that is welcoming to all, including the kids and “people in flip-flops and T-shirts,” he added.

Menu offerings include the chef ’s steak specials (usually New York Strip or beef tenderloin) that change nightly, and saltimbocca, which is prosciutto-wrapped shrimp or chicken breast sautéed with sage, artichokes and cherry tomatoes, served with Asiago lemon-butter sauce on fettuccine.

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Warner is aiming for an opening in mid- or late September. Hours will be 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

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WRESTLERS continues from pg. 01

Wrestlers looking for more projects

by EMELINE LAKROUT

F

or the Reagan High School wrestling team, winning is about more than just pinning an opponent to the mat — which is why the athletes took part in a project to better their community this summer.

The students’ recent endeavor involved giving a makeover to the playground at Lifehouse Kid’s Day Out and Preschool, a local ministry service provided by Lifehouse Church, 20825 Wilderness Oak Road.

The play area’s mulch was made of recycled-tire bits, and started deteriorating.

“It was safe, but it was dirty. The kids sat there playing and they would come in, (and) they would look like Great Depression children,” said Nancy Fay, a teacher at Lifehouse KDO for 11 years. “They would have dirt all over their face and their clothes, and their shoes would be ruined.”

The wrestling team saw the school’s

need as a great challenge, said Joshua McDaniel, the Reagan head wrestling coach and assistant football coach.

“We always do community-service activities with football, and I felt like the wrestlers needed exposure to that,” he said. “I know the director, and she’d mentioned that and I thought it’d be a great opportunity.”

The grapplers removed the rubber mulch so the grounds could be refurbished.

“All the teachers wanted resurfacing for the playground,” said Michelle McDaniel, a Lifehouse teacher and the coach’s wife, “but someone has to come in and take it all off, and then we have to buy the product, and somebody has to come put it on. It was just a lot of money.”

Local-service projects not only benefit the neighborhood, they make athletes into better people, Joshua McDaniel said.

“I think it gives them the opportunity to think about something bigger than themselves,” he noted. “It gives them an opportunity to go out there and be significant in the community.”

The squad was victorious, teachers said, in restoring the surface.

“They shoveled off all the old mulch, and then they shoveled on all of the new pebbles, and that was an extraordinary amount of

WRESTLERS continues on pg. 27

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SALOCALLOWDOWN.COM WRESTLERS continues from pg. 26 physical labor,” Michelle McDaniel said.

“We also cleaned the whole playground playscape that is attached to the ground.

We have a lot of those kids’ playhouses, little water tables, trucks and just kind of toys that you can take off the playground.

We took all the toys off the playground.

They washed all of the toys with soap and water, we powerwashed the sidewalk, we powerwashed the front of the school, and we washed all of the outdoor carpets.”

The wrestlers also had a great attitude, she added.

“Nobody complained; they had fun. They kept the joy in it even though it was hot out, and it was super-physical labor, but they were just so joyful and they worked hard and fast the entire time,” she said. “Sometimes you think of teenagers and you think they’re lazy, but they weren’t. They worked super hard.”

On top of getting a virtually new playground, the Lifehouse KDO

used the opportunity to reach out to the neighborhood.

“A lot of people don’t know we’re here because we’re kind of tucked away, and our sign’s not very big,” McDaniel said. On the school side, we fill up every year. “It’s just word-of-mouth, families that have been here, and so we’re just trying to let people know that we are here; we’re in the community, we want you to come here.”

The revamped venue is open for all to enjoy, the educator added.

“We’re just trying to be a place for the kids and the community to just be able to come,” she said. “We have a beautiful backyard, an amazing patio with a fireplace.

It’s just a really great space for people to use.”

Coach McDaniel said his team welcomes more projects.

“It’s a great experience, and if anybody has any other opportunities for us or for other teams at Reagan to come help them in the community, we’d love to hear about it and make contact,” he said.

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NIGHT OUT continues from pg. 16 Big Springs Homeowners Association President Viki Melton said she recalls when NNO meant community members illuminating front porches, enjoying cookouts and being friendly.

“Now, National Night Out is a big thing, with churches and schools getting involved,” she added.

The Big Springs HOA connects NNO to a trick-or-treat celebration and the neighborhood’s fall festival.

SAPD is presenting events citywide to heighten NNO awareness so more neighborhoods can participate.

NNO will be highlighted during

the San Antonio Missions’ Sept. 3 game at Wolff Stadium. In addition, residents are invited to a publicpreparedness workshop 8 a.m. to noon Sept. 12 at the Emergency Operations Center at Brooks City-Base.

On Sept. 16, San Antonio leaders will gather at City Hall to declare a formal proclamation celebrating NNO. Then, 10 a.m. Oct. 6, they assemble again at City Hall for an NNO lighting and kickoff.

Neighborhoods, churches, businesses and other groups are encouraged to register with the Police Department at www.sanantonio. gov/sapd/NationalNightOut.aspx.

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