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

BUY LOCAL K2 CRYOSPA - PG. 25 EAT LOCAL MARIO’S OF NYC - PG. 26 LOCAL DEALS SHOP AND SAVE BIG - PG. 27 AUGUST 29 - SEPTEMBER 26, 2016

VOL. 3, ISSUE 4

COMMUNITY NEWS SERVING THE COMMUNITIES OF STONE OAK

ENCINO PARK

FAR NORTH

78258 78259 78260 78261

HIGH SCHOOL

DEKHED: Her attorney is seeking more answers

It’s kickoff time. Get the lowdown on this year’s teams in your area. PG. 17-20

FOOD FOR THE MIND

NATIONAL NIGHT OUT

NEISD mobile café serves good reads, good eats PG. 23

Stone Oak, Encino Park to mark event safeguarding neighbors PG. 21

SCHOOLS

Ups, downs in area campus enrollments PG. 12

2016-17 SEASON

INFRASTRUCTURE U.S. 281 to see HOV lanes PG. 14

BRIDGING THE CULTURAL DIVIDE

Rolling out the welcome mat PG. 16

2

AUG. 29 - SEPT. 26, 2016

DELIVERING QUALITY AND INTEGRITY.

FROM THE EDITOR

SINCE 1954.

wwright@localcommunitynews.com

President Harold J. Lees

Publisher Gregg Rosenfield

Assoc. Publisher Rick Upton

Director of Operations Jaselle Luna

EDITORIAL Executive Editor Thomas Edwards Managing Editor Will Wright News Staff Collette Orquiz and Bain Serna Contributing Writers Gaby Galindo, Norma Gonzalez, Eric Moreno, Edmond Ortiz, Arthur Schechter and Susan Yerkes ART Creative Director Florence D. Edwards Contributing Photographer Rudy B. Ornelas ADVERTISING Account Manager Amber Montemayor

WE ARE PROUD OF OUR MANY YEARS OF SERVING THE SAN ANTONIO AREA WITH HONESTY, INTEGRITY, AND REALISTIC PRICING, FEATURING ECONOMICAL CREATIVE DESIGNS FOR YOUR ENJOYMENT OF LIFE AND GOOD HEALTH.

SWIM READY POOLS STARTING AT $38,000

Controller Gracie Cortinez

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 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

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Reproduction in whole or in part without our permission is prohibited, 2016 Helen Publishing LLC and Local Community News LLC, all rights reserved.

Bond, SA Tomorrow top City Hall agenda

C

ity Council members returned in early August from a monthlong break to tackle a number of issues, including the SA Tomorrow comprehensive plan and the 2017-22 bond election.

A split council on Aug. 11 approved the first steps to update SA Tomorrow, which will guide future city growth through 2040.

Acceptance of the initiative, as well as 2017 budget decisions, will be on the plate in coming weeks.

Mayor Ivy Taylor recently announced three chairpersons to coordinate five bond committees, setting the stage for community meetings to solicit opinions on projects.

Each council member nominated three residents to serve on boards covering streets, bridges and sidewalks; city facilities; parks and recreation; drainage and flood control; and neighborhoods.

The council will consider submitted wish lists in December. Over the following months, those will be pared down and could become part of the expected May referendum, estimated at $850 million.

Critics of annexation might offer a sigh of relief, since the issue appears to be on the back burner. A word to the wise: Don’t relax too much, because it is sure to come up again.

WILL WRIGHT MANAGING EDITOR

ON THE COVER It’s time for that South Texas fall tradition — high school gridiron grudge matches, or football. For the latest updates on your favorite area teams, turn to the special LOCAL Community News football section starting on page 17. Courtesy photo

Join us at Village at Stone Oak for our 7th annual breast cancer awareness event celebrating survivors and benefiting Susan G. Komen®.

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4

AUG. 29 - SEPT. 26, 2016

LOCAL COMMENTARY

Reimagining the Alamo

by SUSAN YERKES

B

efore you read further, I’d like to ask you to do one quick thing.

Ready? OK. Imagine the Alamo.

You probably thought about the Shrine of Texas Liberty, or the Battle of the Alamo or the iconic little stone building downtown. Even if you’ve never actually visited, you can probably picture it. Most of us have a pretty good notion of what the Alamo resembles now, and a vague, Hollywood-formed idea of its 1836 appearance during the battle immortalized in Texas history and legend.

If you’re keen on Texas lore, you may go further, and visualize what the Alamo might look like if you razed all the neighboring buildings and recreated the throes of conflict 180 years past. An endeavor of this magnitude has been advanced and shelved several times, but these days, such a sweeping reconstruction is in the works, since the state, the city and the private Alamo Endowment are raising many millions to finally act on an ambitious Alamo Master Plan.

This time, something big is guaranteed to happen. It will take several years to do things right. It probably won’t involve reconstructing the entire compound, and while it will focus on the Battle of the Alamo, it will encompass much more.

This go-round, the folks who will design the changes in Alamo Plaza aren’t just imagining the Alamo ­— they are reimagining — incorporating the most familiar images into a broader picture, starting with what was here even before the Alamo was established as a Spanish mission. It’s about understanding how the Alamo, the priests, and later the soldiers,

came here, changed life for the natives, and became part of the fabric of San Antonio.

It’s even about how the building itself altered, and how downtown and thriving businesses grew around the crumbling fortress and almost swallowed it, until the Daughters of the Republic of Texas took a stand to protect and maintain it.

DRT deserves much credit for its dedicated work, but the Daughters could never have mustered the kind of wallop the current partnership of city, state and private donors bring to the table. Today, the Alamo and the four other Spanish missions are part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site; the Alamo has the most complex history.

I really believe something fine is afoot after talking to folks who have been involved with the Alamo Plaza Advisory Committee since it was formed in 2014, attending the first Alamo Master Plan public meeting, studying reimaginethealamo.org and watching YouTube videos of fascinating daily briefings on a recent archaeological dig.

The comprehensive project’s first draft won’t be ready until next spring; the

current timeline has construction starting in 2021. It’s likely the three landmark historic structures across the plaza from the Alamo and the beautiful old post office building at the north end will remain, with a visitors’ center, museums and exhibits housed in some of them.

I’m hoping the street in front of the Alamo will close, enlarging the plaza and making it more walkable. Planners say accessibility remains a key. At the first Master Plan public session Aug. 2, George Skarmeas, whose firm Preservation Design Partnership was selected to integrate and organize the project, assured us there wouldn’t be an admission charge for the Alamo. He also predicted people will visit in timed groups, instead of just wandering in off the street, to prevent crowding.

Skarmeas stressed how public engagement is critical. The Alamo is still profoundly emotional for many. Check out reimaginethealamo. org. Listen to all the presentations you’ll find there. Get involved, and let me know what you imagine. syerkes@localcommunitynews.com

Summer Music Series

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5

SALOCALLOWDOWN.COM

OUR TURN Views and opinions about your community

Graffiti cleanup

I

n spite of progress curtailing graffiti, the defacement of public and private property still plagues our community. One answer could be channeling the efforts of the taggers who create these eyesores into more creative outlets.

Like many local municipalities, San Antonio’s graffiti-removal program relies on both municipal crews and unpaid neighborhood helpers. Illegal markings are a year-round problem with an uptick in the summer when school is out.

No matter when the offense occurs, these city employees and volunteers work hard to erase the defacement of bridges, buildings, street signs and other edifices.

When tagging appears on walls and

spaces, it is not art — it is a crime.

Showing disrespect to public possessions is showing disrespect to the community.

Removal of the damage also is costly. San Antonio budgets about $1.2 million a year for graffiti abatement.

A 15-member team labors six days a week, aided by 2,500 volunteers.

Wouldn’t it be nice if all those dollars and man-hours could be spent on something more progressive than cleaning up messy doodles?

The best deterrent is not only rapidly scrubbing the scribbling, but also encouraging taggers to alter their anti-social behavior through positive expressions of creativity.

How about art class in school, painting on a real canvas or pitching in with a creative community project? Those, too, are artistic endeavors and don’t involve defiling someone else’s property.

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

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AUG. 29 - SEPT. 26, 2016

HAPPENING LOCAL

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

OUR GUIDE TO YOUR MONTH

HAPPENING KEY

FITNESS

ART

NATIONAL NIGHT OUT Registration concludes on 1 this date for the Oct. 4 event recognizing the relationship between police and residents for safeguarding communities. Register block parties, both locally and nationally, at http://www. sanantonio.gov/SAPD/NationalNightOut/ NNOOnlineApplication.aspx and https://natw.org/registration. For questions, contact Alison Band, District 9 team captain, at alisoncalloway@ hotmail.com or call 896-1492.

SEPT.

FIND ALL DIGITAL EDITIONS AT WWW.SALOCALLOWDOWN.COM

EVENT

OUTDOOR

MUSIC

FOOD

ENCINO CINEMA PRESENTS: MATINEE Encino 4, 11,18,25 SUNDAY Branch Library, 2515 E. Evans Road, will show a free film suitable for the whole family at 2 p.m.

For movie titles and more, call 2079250 or contact Barbara Kwiatkowski at barbara.kwiatkowski@sanantonio.gov.

SEPT.

NO SCHOOL—LABOR DAY Students in North East 5 and Comal independent school districts receive time off on the holiday. For more, visit www. neisd.net or www.comalisd.org.

SEPT.

HAPPENING continues on pg. 07

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SALOCALLOWDOWN.COM HAPPENING continues from pg. 06 ENCINO PARK OVER 50 CLUB For folks a half-century 6, 20 old, come to 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.

HOW GREEN IS YOUR GARDEN? Bexar County Master Gardeners 10 visit Milberger’s Landscape Nursery, 3920 N. Loop 1604 East, from 10:30 a.m. to noon. A free seminar presented by horticulturist David Rodriguez of Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service will help you prepare fall and winter vegetable gardens. Bring a notebook. For more, go to http://www.milbergernursery. com/event/its-more-than-the-spring/.

SEPT.

owners at 5 p.m. from Summit Christian Center, 2575 Marshall Road. The event is free and open to all. For more, call 402-0565 or visit www.summitsa.com.

AUTUMN CLEANING Clean-ups don’t only occur in springtime.

10 Visit the parking lot at Stone Oak Property Owners Association, 19210 Huebner Road, from 8 a.m. to noon for a free shredding event. Limited to four bags/ boxes. For more including a list of acceptable items, visit www.stoneoakpoa.com.

SEPT.

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NEISD BOARD The next meeting of North East 12 Independent School District trustees will be 5:30 p.m. at 8961 Tesoro Drive. To confirm dates and times of sessions normally scheduled on the second Monday of the month, call 407-0533.

FOLLOW THE LEADER SEPT. Leadership consultant and 10 best-selling author Samuel R. Chand will give advice to local business

SEPT.

SEPT.

13

SEW BEE IT The club meets on the second Tuesday of the month at Encino Park

HAPPENING continues on pg. 08

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AUG. 29 - SEPT. 26, 2016

HAPPENING continues from pg. 07

AGE IS JUST A NUMBER The Encino Older Adults 16 Club explores the Seven Wonders of the World on the third Friday of the month at 2 p.m. in the Encino Branch Library, 2515 E. Evans Road.

Admission is free. For more, call 2079250 or contact Barbara Kwiatkowski at barbara.kwiatkowski@sanantonio.gov.

SEPT.

Community Center, 1923 Encino Rio St., from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Please bring a power strip or extension cord.

For more, contact Sylvia Jolet at sjolet@ earthlink.net or call 497-3383.

ENCINO PARK GAME DAY Come to Encino Park 15 Community Center, 1923 Encino Rio St., at 1:30 p.m. on the second Thursday of the month for various game-related activities. Non-Encino Park residents are welcome, too. For more, contact Dyan Montesclaros at 481-7890.

SEPT.

UKELELE TUTORIAL Come to meeting room B at the 20 Parman Branch Library, 20735 Wilderness Oak Road, from 6:30-7:30 p.m. and learn to play the instrument. Gamini Haluwana will teach attendees. All skill levels welcome. Chord diagrams and song sheets provided. For more, call Tim Johnson at 207-2703.

SEPT.

FEELING CRAFTY? Apply for spot at the Parman Craft SEPT. 15 aShow, hosted by Parman Branch Library, 20735 Wilderness Oak Road, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 15. Entries from local arts, crafts and services are eligible. For more including registration costs, call 207-2703. For applications, visit http://parman.wufoo. com/forms/parman-craft-show/.

THROUGH

COMAL ISD BOARD Comal Independent School District 22 trustees regularly convene at 6 p.m. on the fourth Thursday of each month in the Support Services boardroom, 1404 Interstate 35 North in New Braunfels.

For more, visit www.comalisd.org.

SEPT.

CHRISTIAN WOMEN’S 23-24 CONFERENCE San Antonio Mayor Ivy Taylor is one of several prominent figures scheduled to speak during a two-day event at Summit Christian Center, 2575 Marshall Road.

The gathering – part girls’ weekend, part worship service – will feature live entertainment, shopping, pampering, prayer and more. Festivities are 7:3011 p.m. Sept. 23 and 8:45 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sept. 24. Cost is $75 for adults; $35 for teens; and $95 at the door. To register, visit www.chosensa.com. For questions, call Christina Irons at 4020565 or contact cirons@summitsa.com.

SEPT.

PAPERCRAFTING AND SCRAPBOOK CLUB Visit 24 Parman Branch Library, 20735 Wilderness Oak Road, from 1-6 p.m. on the fourth Saturday of the month 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

SEPT.

expertise levels welcome. Registration is required. For more, call 207-2703.

DISTRICT 9 NEIGHBORHOOD ALLIANCE Meetings are usually 28 held on the fourth Wednesday of the month at 7 p.m. in Stone Oak Methodist Hospital, 1139 E. Sonterra Blvd., classroom No.1. The hospital is just off U.S. 281 North. For more, call Art Downey, alliance president, at 497-8873.

SEPT.

RATTLER FOOTBALL Reagan will be busy playing five contests this month, all starting at 7:30 p.m. On Sept. 2, the Rattlers journey to Laredo to battle United. The following week, they return for a game against Harlingen at Comalander Stadium, 12002 Jones Maltsberger Road, only to hit the road again Sept. 16, visiting Hays at Bob Shelton Stadium in Buda. The team is back in town Sept. 23 at Heroes Stadium, 4799 Thousand Oaks Drive, and Comalander on Sept. 30, to face

FRIDAYS IN SEPT.

HAPPENING continues on pg. 09

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SALOCALLOWDOWN.COM

Located in Stone Oak HAPPENING continues from pg. 08 MacArthur and Churchill, respectively.

For more including a complete schedule, visit www.neisd.net/athletics.

JAGUAR FOOTBALL Johnson SEPTEMBER battles in four games this month. The team travels to Corpus Christi Sept. 2 for a 7:30 p.m. tussle with Calallen. On Sept. 8, the Jaguars play closer to home in Farris Stadium, 4400 N. Loop 1604 West, against Brennan at 7 p.m. The next two contests are at Comalander Stadium, 12002 Jones Maltsberger Road, 7 p.m.

Sept. 17 and 7:30 p.m. Sept. 23, against O’Connor and Roosevelt, respectively.

For more including a complete schedule, visit www.neisd.net/athletics/.

TEEN TIME Parman TUESDAYS Branch Library, 20735 Wilderness Oak Road, hosts a potpourri of activities for teenagers, 13-18. Everything from board games to crafting to cooking

could be on the agenda from 6-8 p.m.

Have fun, chill out and make new friends. For more, contact 207-2703.

DOG-EARED BOOKS Come to Encino Branch Library, 2515 E. Evans Road, from 3-4 p.m. and read to a certified therapy dog. Bring your favorite animal story or choose one off the shelves. Even children not yet reading can narrate a wordless book. For more, call 207-9250.

WEDNESDAYS

CHECK THIS OUT Whether WEDNESDAYS you’re just learning or a grand master, the Knight Club invites you to play chess for free from 5:30-7:30 p.m. All ages and skill levels welcome. The group meets at Encino Branch Library, 2515 E. Evans Road. For more, call Barbara Kwiatkowski at 207-9250.

SUBMITTING EVENTS: Email all

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

or contact us by phone at 210.967.3432

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AUG. 29 - SEPT. 26, 2016

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

From flu care to critical care, our experienced Board Certified Emergency Medicine Physicians and staff are available 24/7 to care for you.

Comprehensive Care: • State of the art laboratory & radiology services • Inpatient observation suites • Experienced and compassionate staff • Pediatric Care

Open and Opening Soon 1. K2 CRYOSPA, 946 N. Loop 1604 West,

Suite 125, recently opened offering various body-wellness treatments, spa and sauna services and health coaching. Hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday; 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday; and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday.

For more, call 616-2295 or visit facebook. com/K2cryospa. (See story on page 25)

2. MARIO’S OF NYC, 26610 U.S. 281 North, Suite 8 (at the corner of Bulverde Road), features New York-style pizzas, salads, calzones, sandwiches and other dishes. Hours are 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. weekdays, noon to 9 p.m. Saturday and noon to 8 p.m. Sunday. For more, call 830-438-1202 or visit www.mariosofnyc. com. (See story on page 26)

16403 Huebner Road • San Antonio,TX 78248 210-564-9790 • www.inwood-er.com Locally owned and operated by US Veterans From the Community ~ For the Community

Address of local business Name of local business

3. MUSICAL ARTS CENTER OF SAN ANTONIO INC., 2106 E. Sonterra

Blvd., Suite 211, recently opened next to Staples. The venue offers beginning and advanced voice and instrumental lessons for adults and children, plus other services. For more, call 697-7111 or visit facebook.com/MusicalArtsCenter or musicalartscenter.com.

IN OTHER NEWS LOCAL ALZAFAR SHRINERS commemorated a 100th anniversary Aug. 6 at San Antonio Shrine Auditorium, 901 N. Loop 1604 West between Stone Oak Parkway and Blanco Road. Since its inception, the organization has helped

LOWDOWN continues on pg. 11

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SALOCALLOWDOWN.COM LOWDOWN continues from pg. 10 provide medical treatments for thousands of pediatric patients at Shriners Hospitals for Children, including Texas locations in Galveston and Houston. Attendees enjoyed a catered dinner, danced to music performed by Two Tons of Steel and participated in fundraising raffles and live auctions. Shriners said their nationwide organizations annually collect $900 million to operate 22 children’s hospitals. “Any child that can be treated in our burn centers and orthopedic hospitals are treated, regardless of their ability to pay anything for their treatment.

Events like this gala raise the funds so that a child can receive the proper care that they need,” a spokesman said.

METHODIST STONE OAK HOSPITAL, 1139 E. Sonterra Blvd., has been ranked at the top of a San Antonio medical-center survey by Medicare.gov/HospitalCompare.

The hospital received a score of five out of five in a listing of comprehensive medical facilities. As indicated by the

site, 78 percent of patients surveyed said nurses “always communicated well,” same for 83 percent of doctors.

NORTH EAST INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT Aug. 9 welcomed new teachers during an orientation at Churchill High School. About 400 instructors attended the launch for a week of training. They met with NEISD leaders, attended motivational events and received information about the district’s history and goals for the new school year. “Welcome to the greatest school district,” said Superintendent Brian Gottardy. “I encourage you to be passionate about your kids and their success. Take your passion for learning and teaching and motivate your students to do their very best in the classroom as well as outside the classroom.” NEISD students returned to classes Aug. 22.

JOHNSON JAGUARS OPENED THE 2016 FOOTBALL SEASON against the Brandeis Broncos in the first-ever “Peanut Butter Bowl” Aug. 27 at Northside Independent School District’s Farris Stadium. The

event collected donated jars of peanut butter to benefit “Snack Pak 4Kids,” which bolsters weekend food supplements to needy children. The program serves three North East Independent School District elementary schools, including other San Antonio-area districts. “This really does go beyond it being just a game,” said Ron Rittimann, Johnson head football coach. “This is two communities reaching out to the whole city of San Antonio to help raise awareness.”

LOPEZ MIDDLE SCHOOL PTA OFFICERS including new first Vice President Julie Neer, Treasurer Sara Patterson and President Katie Brown attended the recent Texas PTA Summer Leadership Seminar 2016 held in San Antonio, according to the organization’s social-media site.

THE NORTH EAST INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT is providing accident insurance for students. The policy covers mishaps that occur at school or while

LOWDOWN continues on pg. 24

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AUG. 29 - SEPT. 26, 2016

ENROLLMENT continues from pg. 01

NEISD plans do not call for adding new schools

by WILL WRIGHT

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he North East Independent School District is registering fewer students this year while neighboring Comal ISD reports a slight increase, though voters in both approved bond measures to pay for growth needs.

NEISD classes resumed Aug. 22; CISD Aug. 23.

NEISD has 11 elementary schools, four middle schools and two high schools serving nearly 20,000 schoolchildren in communities along the U.S. 281 North corridor north of Loop 1604, primarily

in Stone Oak and Encino Park.

“Overall our enrollment is going down – not just in the (Stone Oak) area, but all over the district,” said NEISD spokeswoman Aubrey Chancellor.

Nearly 8,000 area pupils are expected to attend CISD’s five elementary schools, two middle schools and a feeder high school this fall.

“We are expecting 213 more elementary students (in the district); 90 more students at Spring Branch and Smithson Valley middle schools, and 236 more students at Smithson Valley High School,” said Steve Stanford, CISD communications coordinator. “Once again, we are anticipating significant growth along the 281 corridor in (the district’s) Bexar County portion as we enter the 2016-17 school year.”

In NEISD, the projected student body on the far North Side will be 93 percent of the previous year. In CISD for north Bexar County and south Comal County, there will be a 6 percent increase.

NEISD residents in 2015 approved an almost $500 million bond measure

to upgrade and improve district facilities and programs in San Antonio’s secondlargest school district, which in 2016 served more than 70,000 youngsters.

A $42.8 million proposal for a new elementary in the Johnson High School feeder zone was cut from the final 2015 bond proposal, but several area schools will benefit from other enhancements OK’d by voters.

Officials say as district boundaries become more landlocked, including homes without school-age children, they expect fewer students in upcoming years.

“We don’t have any additional facilities planned, in the way of elementary, middle school and high schools,” said Chancellor, adding 70 percent of district residents no longer have children attending NEISD schools.

The district’s $399 million, 2011 bond measure created “Tex” Hill Middle School and completed additions at Reagan High School and other district facilities. Construction on the 2011 bond projects wrapped earlier this year.

ENROLLMENT continues on pg. 13

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SALOCALLOWDOWN.COM ENROLLMENT continues from pg. 12 The district’s 2015 bond concentrated on upgrades at older campus facilities.

Improvements at the district’s newest institutions include fine-arts building expansions and JROTC program improvements at Reagan and Johnson high schools, as well as technological and safety/ security enhancements at all area schools.

Chancellor said NEISD has a continuing plan to address district needs, but noted NEISD doesn’t expect to add schools anytime in the near future.

During a talk last year with parents, NEISD Superintendent Brian Gottardy acknowledged that enrollment had slowed, even in the burgeoning Stone Oak area.

“Overall, NEISD’s student population is not growing,” he said. “The numbers have plateaued. We watch enrollment daily, especially at the high school level, but we do not have plans for another high school.”

Meanwhile, Comal ISD is bracing for growth on both sides of Cibolo Creek. The district straddling Comal and Bexar counties numbered 21,158

students in 2015-16, but 5,400 and 11,500 more schoolchildren are expected within five and 10 years, respectively.

CISD voters passed a $147.4 million bond for two new middle schools and funding for physical improvements and enhanced technology and safety/ security upgrades at all campuses.

Stanford said recent changes to attendance boundaries designed to shift pupils between zones would temporarily ease growth at the elementary school level. A new school at Borgfeld Road and Kinder Ranch Boulevard will alleviate the same at the middle school tier.

Funded through CISD’s 2015 bond measure, the $50.2 million facility will break ground in September and is projected to enroll 1,150 pupils upon opening in August 2018.

However, all three area middle schools will eventually feed into only one high school.

“We are now keeping a close eye on the growth at Smithson Valley High School, which will top 3,600 students by 2021-22,” Stanford added.

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AUG. 29 - SEPT. 26, 2016

HOV continues from pg. 01

VIA official: More multimodal options should be developed

by EDMOND ORTIZ

W

hile toll roads are no longer options for U.S. 281 and Interstate 10 West expansions, motorists in the not-toodistant future will instead see highoccupancy vehicle lanes reserved for buses and multi-passenger transports.

The Texas Transportation Commission earlier this summer approved the new projects, which envision HOV lanes along 281 between Loop 1604 and the Comal County line and on I-10 from Ralph Fair Road and La Cantera Parkway.

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If everything proceeds accordingly, the Texas Department of Transportation will widen 281 into a six-lane route with one designated for HOV each way and I-10 north of 1604 with an HOV lane and a regular lane in each direction.

Bicycle and pedestrian paths will be provided, too, along the 281 expansion.

Construction could start later this year.

“I’m certainly happy to the point that we’re actually doing something,” said Kevin Wolff, Bexar County Precinct 3 commissioner.

He also sits on the Alamo Area Metropolitan Planning Organization’s Transportation Policy Board.

MPO prioritizes infrastructure projects, including roadways such as I-10 and 281, and channels government funding.

HOV lanes are dedicated for carpools, vanpools and, in this case, buses operated

by VIA Metropolitan Transit. For cars, some lanes allow a minimum of two passengers, others require at least three.

Hope Andrade, VIA board chairwoman, said HOV options offer reliable travel speeds and trip times, and have

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encouraged Houston and Dallas drivers to use public mass transportation.

One HOV lane in Houston carries 50 percent more commuters during rush hour than the nearest highway lane, she said. Growth in transit ridership results in higher frequency services; buses run every five minutes in some instances, she added.

Proponents argue that HOV lanes also promote better air quality, especially critical for San Antonio, which keeps growing and is poised to exceed federal ozone limits by year’s end. Nonattainment could lead to a loss of government dollars.

Meanwhile, not all are on board with creating HOV alternatives.

Texans Uniting for Reform and Freedom President Terri Hall said she’s glad tolls are being removed from 281 and I-10, but she and her group oppose HOV passageways, feeling buses will hog routes and force motorists into congested general lanes.

Hall also discounts reports touting HOV success stories.

“Lanes built with our tax money should be freely accessible and open to all taxpayers, not just those in a politically

correct mode of travel. Studies show HOV lanes do not increase carpooling or relieve congestion, so why would any thinking person want to implement such a failed, bankrupt policy?” she said.

“Those who want control ... seek to steal your freedom of mobility in order to force you to ditch your car and get on a bus or into a carpool,” she added.

Wolff said several events over time culminated in a different approach for lawmakers and regional planners toward traffic management in the burgeoning San Antonio area.

State legislators limited the Texas Mobility Fund, a source of highway bonds, and stopped some gas-tax revenues and vehicle-registration fees for projects outside of road construction. During the last two years voters approved Propositions 1 and 7, which established new revenue streams for non-toll road projects.

Wolff acknowledged political backlash on toll roads, including opposition by TURF.

HOV continues on pg. 15

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HOV continues from pg. 14 “There is a desire, which the MPO has, to increase our mass-transit options. So, I think what we did was a good compromise on both 281 and I-10,” Wolff said.

District 8 Councilman Ron Nirenberg said the transportation commission’s approval of HOV lanes was “anticlimactic” given recent legislative action.

“The Legislature weighed in heavily in this debate, that toll roads wouldn’t be part of our immediate future,” he added.

Wolff noted Proposition 7 would add $2.5 billion to the state highway fund annually starting in 2018, and contribute $430 million in vehicular sales-tax revenue after 2020. Proposition 1 apportions $1.1 billion in severancetax revenue to the state highway fund this fiscal year, ending Sept. 30.

MPO has the monies to expand 281 between 1604 and Stone Oak, which has a $228 million price tag, with $300 million more needed to support expansion to the Comal County line.

The transportation commission provided help months ago, shifting $81 million for acquiring rights of way along the project’s northern part; proposed 1-10 improvements are estimated at $180 million.

Wolff said if HOV lanes fail, they could be used for general-purpose driving.

Nirenberg encouraged local officials and planners to endorse a multimodal approach emphasizing public mass transit and alternative forms of road transportation, with less focus on increasing highway construction. Otherwise, traffic congestion will keep rising, he added.

“The definition of insanity is to do the same thing over and over again and expect a different result,” Nirenberg said.

Wolff said the completion of San Antonio’s environmental-impact studies on these corridors is beneficial and demonstrate the viability of supporting HOV lanes. He also stressed the importance of VIA planning to build new Park & Ride facilities north of 1604 at I-10 and at 281.

Andrade said VIA is happy to be a partner in the implementation of HOV routes.

“We cannot build roadways wide enough or long enough to build our way out of congestion. We must continue to innovate and collaborate in a multimodal fashion,” she said.

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SPANISH continues from pg. 01

Official: Networking helps break down business barriers

by NORMA GONZALEZ

A

s more Mexican nationals with disposable income settle north of Loop 1604, especially in Sonterra, many local businesses are augmenting Spanish-language skills while civic groups bridge the cultural divide.

Some establishments and services are employing additional bilingual employees or training workers in a second language. Other merchants are offering products and amenities found in Mexico to help new arrivals feel more at home.

“We try to hire people that reflect our community that we serve, so we

AUG. 29 - SEPT. 26, 2016 have quite a bit of a mix,” said Ruben Carrasquillo, manager of Homewood Suites by Hilton San Antonio North, located at 125 N. Loop 1604 West.

“Over half of them (hotel front-office staff) speak Spanish fluently.”

Resources offered by churches and other organizations play an important role in helping immigrant families feel at ease in a new city, officials said.

Iglesia Cornerstone, part of Cornerstone Church in Stone Oak, holds services geared to new and established residents.

The church provides several services in English and Spanish, such as “UNeT,” where Spanish-speaking young adults come together every Friday to grow in their faith.

“Stone Oak is a unique place with a lot of different cultures from the Hispanic world, and whatever we do we have to be open to all of them, and we are open to all of them,” said Rubén Méndez, pastor and director.

Many newcomers are wealthy businesspeople choosing to buy second

homes and expand their companies into San Antonio or elsewhere north of the border, while giving their families a safe environment.

Access to quality education, bilingual programs in local schools, additional business opportunities and improving English are among other reasons the immigrants say they are coming to San Antonio.

“Most of the people that are traveling and moving into the Sonterra area speak fluent English, a lot of them are from Monterrey or Mexico City where they are learning English,” Carrasquillo said.

Meanwhile, merchants seeking business success are opening area locations catering to both locals and settlers, which explains why it’s becoming common to see more restaurants and coffeehouses on the far North Side that appeal to Mexican nationals.

“Many restaurants open, but also many others close,” said Jose Ramos, owner of Vida Mia, a Mexican eatery serving traditional Monterrey foods.

Proprietors must adapt to the

differences of owning a business in this country versus Mexico, he added.

Meanwhile, there is support for businesspeople trying to adjust to a new culture and region.

Asociacion de Empresarios Mexicanos en Estados Unidos provides assistance.

“Doing business and establishing one in the USA is way different than in Mexico,” said Ruben Linder, who was elected president of the AEM San Antonio chapter with his term starting in 2017. “At AEM, we help Mexican merchants understand the environment in every aspect (legal, taxes, culture, etc.), shortening their learning curve.”

AEM members attend events and network with different companies on both sides of the border.

AEM’s continual efforts make the transition seamless, Linder added.

“As for my vision for 2017, it’s all about value. Value for our members, for San Antonio and Texas, for Mexico, our families, and most of all, value for our projects that brought us here in the first place,” he said.

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SALOCALLOWDOWN.COM

HIGH SCHOOL

Compiled by Will Wright. Edited by Arthur Schechter.

EDITOR’S NOTE: Special thanks to the following publications and websites: Dave Campbell’s

Texas Football; Texas High School Coaches Association; Texas Sports Writers Association; University Interscholastic League; MaxPreps; The Associated Press; Texas High School Helmet Project; Texas High School Football History; The Old Coach Friday Night Football Texas; San Antonio-area high school coaches and school district athletic departments.

JOHNSON JAGUARS District: 26-6A Coach: Ron Rittimann (46-42 in ninth season at school and overall) Last year: 7-4 6A-DII bi-district finalist; 5-1 district (second) Lowdown: The Jaguars return six offensive and four defensive starters. WR/DB Dylan Pouncy (6-0, 160, Sr.) compiled 507 rushing yards and 4 TDs, with 426 receiving yards and 4 more TDs last season. Other offensive standouts include QB Royal Davis (5-11, 165, Jr.); WR Brandon McDuffie (6-1, 180, Jr.); OL Ethan Ruckman (6-3, 280, Sr.) and TE Michael Goff (6-3, 220, Sr.). Defensively, LB Tanner Reed (5-10, 165, Jr.) recorded 77 tackles and two interceptions, while DB Jack Scarborough (6-2, 170, Jr.) snagged 2 INTs. K/P Zach Elder (6-0, 190, Sr.) also is back.

Notable: The Jaguars lost 54-51 to Clemens in the bi-district playoffs … Returning all-district players include Ruckman, Goff, Elder, Reed, Scarborough, Pouncy and OL Riley Duncan (6-1, 229, Sr.) … Johnson opened the season at Brandeis on Aug. 27.

REAGAN RATTLERS District: 26-6A Coach: David Wetzel (105-40 in 14th season at school; 154-

60 in 20th season overall) Last year: 10-1 6A-DI bi-district finalist; 6-0 district (first) Lowdown: The Rattlers return four offensive and five defensive starters. QB Cade Bormet (6-3, 205, Sr.), OLs Derek Kerstetter (6-5, 290, Sr.) and Brandon Smith (6-3, 260, Jr.) and RB/WR Marquis Duncan (5-5, 165, Sr.) lead the offense.

Heading the defense is LB Kyle Andersen (6-1, 205, Sr.); DL Josh Ogbonna (6-1, 310, Sr.); and DBs Jake Hoggatt (6-0, 200, Sr.) and Spencer Gilliam (6-0, 175, Jr.).

Notable: The Rattlers lost 17-7 to Smithson Valley in the bi-district playoffs ... Andersen shared 26-6A’s defensive MVP award after posting 120 tackles, including 22 for losses; he also earned all-state honors … Other returning all-district players include Ogbonna, Kerstetter, Duncan, Hoggatt, DL Calvin True (6-2, 200, Sr.) and OL Kyle Brookover (5-11, 235, Sr.) …

Reagan hosted Brennan in the Aug. 26 season-opener for both teams.

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FOOTBALL continues on pg. 18

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AUG. 29 - SEPT. 26, 2016 SMITHSON VALLEY RANGERS

FOOTBALL continues from pg. 17 third season at school and overall) Last year: 2-8; 0-6 district (seventh in 25-6A) Lowdown: It could be another lean year for the depth-challenged Cougars.

RB Issac Lamar helped last season’s rushing attack with 582 yards and 6 TDs; RB Logan Ammons added 302 yards and 2 scores. Leading the defense is DL Collin Nerby and LBs Hunter Thompson (6-1, 225, Sr.) and LB/ RB Casey Nagy (5-8, 195, Sr.). Fabian Facundo has athletic ability at the skilled positions. K-P Reeves Mundschau (6-0, 170, Sr.) averaged 39 yards per punt, plus five field goals and 39 extra points. Other stalwarts include OL/DL Michael Stippich (5-11, 210, Sr.); DB/ WR DaQuan Slupski (5-10, 165, Sr.) and DB Klayton Steele (5-10, 165, Jr.).

Notable: Mundschau is the lone returning all-district player … The Cougars’ last postseason appearance was in 2013 … Canyon opened the season at Cedar Park Vista Ridge Aug. 26.

District: 27-6A Coach: Larry Hill (229-64 in 24th season at school; 239-75 in 26th season overall) Last year: 10-4 6A-DI regional finalist; 3-3 district (fourth in 25-6A) Lowdown: Rangers return four offensive and eight defensive starters. Three-year veteran QB Josh Adkins (6-3, 215, Sr.) again guides the offense. He completed 199 of 293 passes for 3,038 yards and 28 TDs and added 301 yards and 15 TDs rushing last fall. LB Jack Gibbens (6-3, 220, Sr.) is a 2016 preseason all-state pick who tallied 138 tackles (75 solo, 21 for losses) and four sacks last season. RB/DB Trevon Moehrig-Woodard (6-2, 185, Jr.) amassed 38 stops and 7 INTs (returning two for scores), averaged 31.9 yards in kickoff returns, returning two for TDs. Other top contributors include DE Kolt Fullen (6-2, 215, Sr.), with 27 tackles; LB/ RB Jaden Deaton (6-1, 195, Jr.), pounding 70 tackles; and OLs Caden Dicks (5-10, 250, Sr.) and Brock Scherber (6-0, 240, Sr.).

Notable: The Rangers bested Reagan 17-7 in bi-district; dispatched Stevens 35-0 in

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area playoffs; defeated Harlingen 35-20 in regional semifinal, before falling 38-24 to Judson in DI-Region IV title game …

Adkins, Moehrig-Woodard (also allstate), Gibbens and OL Nick Hamrick are returning all-district players … Smithson Valley hosted Pflugerville Hendrickson in the season-opener for both on Aug. 26.

BULVERDE BRACKEN CHRISTIAN WARRIORS District: TAPPS 6-man Division II-District 6 Coach: Hosea Stredic Last year: 6-5 DII bi-district finalist; 3-3 (fourth in DII-District 3) Lowdown: Five starters are back on both sides for the Warriors. RB Presley Day (5-11, 180, Jr.) rushed for 1,476 yards last season; LB Cade Middleton (6-0, 175, Jr.) made 48 tackles. Another figure is QB Brady Beene (5-9, 170, Sr.).

Notable: The Warriors lost 92-61 to Dallas Tyler Street Christian in the bi-district playoffs … Bracken Christian opened the season at Bastrop Tribe Consolidated on Aug. 26.

SPRING BRANCH/BULVERDE LIVING ROCK BOBCATS District: TAPPS 6-man Division II-District 6 Coach: Matt Tarbutton Last year: 3-8 DIII bi-district finalist; 1-3 (fourth in DIII-District 3) Lowdown: The Bobcats return five starters on both sides of the ball. Top players include QB/CB Chris Meza (5-9, 130, Jr.), RB/CB Isaiah Johnson (5-6, 130, Sr.), and TE/LB Thomas Johnson (6-0, 165, Jr.).

Notable: The Bobcats lost 64-14 to Longview Trinity in last year’s bi-district playoff … Living Rock opened the season at San Antonio Lutheran on Aug. 26.

CORNERSTONE CHRISTIAN ACADEMY WARRIORS District: TAPPS 11-man Division II-District 3 Coach: Bryan Marmion (9-11 in third season at school) Last year: 4-6 DII bi-district finalist; 2-3 district

FOOTBALL continues on pg. 19

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SALOCALLOWDOWN.COM FOOTBALL continues from pg. 18 Lowdown: Six offensive and five defensive starters return. Spearheading the offense is WR/FS Elijah Villarreal (6-0, 190, Sr.), with 390 yards and 4 TDs receiving; WR/ FS Justin Johnson (6-1, 175, Jr.), with 82 tackles and 4 INTs; QB Ryan Huerta (5-8, 160, Sr.) and OL/DL Michael Trevino (6-0, 245, Sr.). Other top veterans include RB/DB Caleb Jernigan (6-0, 165, Jr.) and WR/DB Caleb Dill (6-4, 190, So.).

Notable: Cornerstone fell 52-0 to Grapevine Faith Christian in the first playoff round … The Warriors opened the season at La Pryor on Aug. 26.

SAN ANTONIO CHRISTIAN LIONS District: TAPPS 11-man Division II-District 3 Coach: Carl Gustafson (first season at school) Last year: 3-7; 2-3 (fourth in DI-District 2) Lowdown: The Lions return nine starters on each side of the ball. RB Zach Zinsmeyer (5-10, 180, Jr.) rushed for 855 yards and 12 scores last fall. Other top

players include WR Landon Specia (6-4, 175, Sr.); QB Holden Phillipus (6-2, 175, Jr.); WR/LB Garrett Knight (6-0, 180, Sr.); WR/LB Brandon Trevino (6-3, 190, Jr.); RB/LB Cayden Still (6-0, 175, Sr.); and WR/DB Brandon Richard (5-11, 160, So.).

Notable: Zinsmeyer and Knight are returning all-state players …

Christian hosted Cole in the Aug. 26 season-opener for both teams.

Longoria (5-10, 185, Sr.) and DLs Juan Sosa (6-0, 265, Sr.) and Sam Brooks (6-1, 265, Sr.), who combined for 114 tackles.

DBs Brandon Falkquay (6-0, 185, Sr.), Sonny Orozco (5-10, 170, Jr.) and Vincent Taylor (5-10, 170, Jr.) head the secondary.

Notable: Casarez, Davis and Sosa are returning all-district players … The Vols hosted Taft in the Aug. 26 season-opener.

LEE VOLUNTEERS

District: 26-6A Coach: Ron Harris (6-5 in second season at school and overall) Last year: 6-5 6A-DI bi-district finalist; 3-3 district (tied third) Lowdown: An experienced offensive unit featuring seven returning starters will spark the Chargers, who return four defensive starters. Jordan Billups (6-0, 190, Sr.) shifted last season to QB from WR and passed for 400 yards and a TD, plus 170 receiving yards and a TD. RB Jordan Cardenas (5-9, 175, Sr.) rushed for 950 yards and 11 TDs. OL Gabe Cabrera (6-2, 280, Sr.), who tallied 43 pancakes, will clear the path. Top

District: 26-6A Coach: Danny Kloza (18-42 in seventh season at school and overall) Last year: 6-4; 2-4 district (tied for fifth) Lowdown: Lee came within a win of securing its first playoff berth since 1993.

The Volunteers return five starters on both sides of the ball. RB Sammy Davis IV (6-0, 200, Sr.) is expected to carry the load following the graduation of two-time all-district QB Kyle Fuller. Davis rushed for 1,113 yards and 13 TDs, with 221 yards and 4 TDs receiving in only seven games last fall. Other top returnees include OL Anthony Casarez (6-0, 245, Sr.), LB Tim

returning defenders include LB Cort Jaquess (6-1, 230, Sr.), who totaled 160 tackles and two INTs after posting 90 stops in 2014. NG Ben Andrade (6-0, 295, Sr.) made 53 stops and three sacks, with LB Joseph Isenhart (5-11, 190, Sr.) adding 54 tackles. Another impact player is DE Seth Jaquess (6-4, 210, So.), who amassed 24 tackles and three sacks as a freshman.

Notable: The Chargers lost 40-13 to Judson in last year’s bi-district playoffs … Cabrera, Billups, Cort Jaquess and Andrade earned all-district honors in 2015 … The Chargers hosted Clark in the Gucci Bowl, which opened the season for both teams Aug. 25.

CHURCHILL CHARGERS

SAINT MARY’S HALL BARONS District: TAPPS 11-man Division II-District 3 Coach: Ivan Mason (first season at school) Last year: 6-2 overall as SPC independent Lowdown: Mason takes over as interim coach. Veterans include WR/DB Nick Cione (5-11, 170, Sr.); RB/DB Jesse Llamas

FOOTBALL continues on pg. 20

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FOOTBALL continues from pg. 19 (5-5, 152, Sr.); OL/DL Luke Kazmir (6-2, 190, Sr.); RB/DB Deion Locklear (5-8, 155, Jr.); TE/LB Jeremy Ritter (5-9, 160, Sr.); RB/LB Joe Heath (5-9, 154, Jr.); and QB Dominic DeBernadino (5-10, 170, Sr.).

Notable: Saint Mary’s Hall opened the season Aug. 26 at Austin St. Andrew’s.

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District: 26-6A Coach: Ben Cook (18-34 in sixth season at school and overall) Last year: 6-5 6A-DII bi-district finalist; 3-3 district (tied for third) Lowdown: The Brahmas return three offensive and four defensive starters.

QB Tyler Vitt (6-2, 200, Jr.), 26-6A’s top offensive newcomer, earned all-state honors completing 63 percent of his passes for 3,405 yards and 32 TDs, plus 335 rushing yards and four scores last season. RB Zach Perez (6-0, 200, Sr.) and WR Reece Deering (6-3, 190, Jr.) are other weapons, with OLs Johnathan Gessner (6-2, 300, Sr.) and Michael Ramirez (6-0, 270, Sr.) leading the way.

Top defenders include DE Xavier Bryant (6-3, 240, Sr.); DE Kam Bryant (6-2, 230, Sr.), producing 82 tackles and three sacks last fall; DB Coulton Hamby (6-1, 175, Sr.); DL T.J. Cook (6-2, 200, Jr.) and DB Martin Apopot (5-8, 170, Jr.).

Notable: MacArthur lost 62-13 to Steele in last year’s bi-district playoff … Along with Vitt, other returning all-district players include Gessner, Kam Bryant, Ramirez and K Grant Becker (5-10, 160, Jr.) … MacArthur hosted O’Connor in the season-opener for both on Aug. 27.

MADISON MAVERICKS District: 26-6A Coach: John Campbell (first season at school) Last year: 0-10; 0-6 district (seventh) Lowdown: Campbell replaces Mark Smith, who retired after posting a 4-16 mark in two seasons. The Mavericks return five offensive and three defensive starters. RB Nate Davis (5-9, 185, Sr.) totaled 760 rushing yards last season.

Other returnees are dual offensive threats in RB/QB Jack Bellinger (5-11, 180, Sr.) and RB/QB Joseph Dominguez (5-11, 180, Sr.); OL Brandon Busby (5-11, 250, Sr.) and OT D’Wayne Anthony (6-4, 300, Jr.). Returning veterans on defense

AUG. 29 - SEPT. 26, 2016 include LB Mitchell Perez (6-0, 180, Jr.); DL Giovanni Flores (5-10, 240, Sr.) and DB Dante Carhill (5-9, 170, Sr.) Notable: Returning all-district players include Anthony, Busby and P Jalen Battles (6-2, 170, Jr.) … Madison hosted Steele in the season-opener for both on Aug. 27.

FEAST (FAMILY EDUCATORS ALLIANCE OF SOUTH TEXAS) PATRIOTS District: TAIAO 6-man-Division I Coach: Michael Dagerath (4614 in sixth season at school) Last year: 10-1 (state champion) Lowdown: The Patriots, loaded again following last season’s success, return five starters on each side of the ball, led by QB/ DE/K Jeffrey Dagerath (6-0, 200, Sr.), a three-year starter. Dagerath totaled more than 2,300 passing and rushing yards and pounded 66 tackles on defense. RB/ LB Bryce Benitez (5-7, 170, Sr.) scored 37 TDs and more than 1,350 yards total offense, with 75 stops on defense. In 2014, Dagerath passed for 1,558 yards and 22 TDs and rushed for 14 TDs; Benitez added 1,071 rushing yards and 24 TDs. Notable: FEAST avenged its 2014 titlegame loss by pasting Tyler HEAT 45-0 in the bi-district playoffs and then crushing Austin Capital Christian HomeSchool 68-14 in the semis. Finally, the Patriots became champions dispatching Fort Worth THESA Home School 28-18 … All-state players returning include Dagerath, Bryce Benitez, WR-DB Greyson Lee (6-3, 180, Jr.), and DB Jacob Benitez (6-2, 180, Jr.) …

The Patriots opened the season at Bryan Christian Home School on Aug. 26.

LUTHERAN HIGH SCHOOL OF SAN ANTONIO MUSTANGS District: TAPPS 6-man Division I-District 4 Notable: The Mustangs opened the season by hosting Bulverde/Spring Branch Living Rock on Aug. 26.

ATONEMENT ACADEMY CRUSADERS District: T-CAL 6-man Division I-District 1 Notable: The Crusaders opened the season at Seguin Lifegate Christian on Aug. 26.

TMI-THE EPISCOPAL SCHOOL OF TEXAS PANTHERS District: 11-man independent Notable: The Panthers opened the season at Boerne Geneva on Aug. 27.

21

SALOCALLOWDOWN.COM

neighborhoods in each City Council district to have a team captain, a volunteer resident who helps organize NNO activities in their jurisdiction.

“This is the night we honor all law-enforcement personnel who help keep us safe and we educate our residents how to work in partnership with the (Police Department),” said Jo Alexander, District 10 team captain.

According to Alexander, enclaves north of Loop 1604 such as Summit at Bulverde Creek, Roseheart and Stone Ridge are planning NNO parties. Many other communities and groups inside 1604, such as Friends of Comanche Lookout, High Country and Turkey Point also will have activities.

Additionally, District 10 organizations including the Northeast Senior Center and Hamilton Community Center will host NNO parties.

According to Alison Band, District 9 team captain, two neighborhoods north of 1604 — Canyon Rim and Quarry at Iron

NNO continues from pg. 01

Awards coming for best NNO observances

by EDMOND ORTIZ

F

ar North Side communities are getting ready to put crooks on notice during annual National Night Out observances Oct. 4.

While most of the U.S. celebrates the event in August, Texas and Florida towns wait until it’s cooler to foster neighborly spirit and stand united against lawbreakers.

On the first Tuesday in October, state residents are urged to turn on night-lights, plus gather with one another and local law enforcement.

This year, the San Antonio Police Department has worked with

NNO continues on pg. 22

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NNO continues from pg. 21 Mountain — will observe the gathering.

Several other District 9 neighborhoods and organizations south of 1604, including Deerfield, Oakwood, Cadillac Drive and North Central Thousand Oaks, plan get-togethers.

“Some of the neighboring streets combine to have larger parties,” Band said of her North Central Thousand Oaks Neighborhood Association.

NCTONA’s boundaries include 110 streets and more than 2,000 homes east of U.S. 281. By press time, the group was anticipating six parties in October.

Adeline Facundo, lead block captain for Citizens On Patrol in Quarry at Iron Mountain, said about 160 folks attended her community’s NNO event last year. Police officers and firefighters also participated.

“We have all kinds of activities for the kids, as well as hamburgers and hot dogs,” she said, adding some neighbors who are business owners donate food and other resources.

Facundo said she and her neighbors

feel safe and close-knit in the area thanks in part to an active COP program, where trained residents act as the eyes and ears of the Police Department.

“We have a very tight community.

We have one way in and one way out,” Facundo said. Quarry at Iron Mountain neighbors rely on an app to keep each other informed on suspicious activity and other public-safety issues.

As for local criminal trends, police said nothing stands out of the ordinary this year. According to Raids Online, a public crime-mapping app, commercial and residential burglary has been the most commonly reported offense in Stone Oak and Encino Park in 2016.

“Out of all the crimes, property crimes is probably the most prevalent — thefts, burglaries, criminal mischief — in the area,” said Officer Doug Greene, an SAPD spokesman.

The Police Department hosted events this summer to promote NNO this fall, including a safety fair in July at headquarters downtown.

City leaders will make a formal

proclamation Sept. 28 to honor NNO, and at the end of the year, award neighborhoods and organizations for best run observances.

According to District 10 Councilman Mike Gallagher, San Antonio took second place nationwide for its overall NNO participation.

“Last year, San Antonio came second in the nation for citywide National Night Out events, and we aim to take first place this year,” Gallagher said in an online release.

For more information, visit www.sanantonio.gov/SAPD/ NationalNightOut.aspx.

Since 1984, NNO has encouraged community members and first responders to get together to talk crime prevention and stop drug abuse.

In past years, neighborhoods could ask local police and firefighters to visit block parties or other celebrations during NNO. Public-safety personnel offer crimeprevention tips, fingerprint children and get better acquainted with townsfolk.

The National Association of Town Watch oversees NNO as a way to build partnerships between police and residents.

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Brothers Jose (left) and Jesus Rodriguez enjoy a nutritious lunch and the chance to check out library books aboard a special bus operated by the North East Independent School District that provided meals in lowincome neighborhoods this summer. The pilot program could return next year after a review. Photo by Gaby Galindo

NEISD continues from pg. 01

After review, district has plans to roll out program again

by COLLETTE ORQUIZ

A

mobile program this summer serving up a diet of good books and good food in low-income neighborhoods proved so successful the North East Independent School District plans a repeat next year.

Dubbed Books & Bites, the pilot program involved a school bus retrofitted as a mobile café that provided free, nutritious lunches and books for check-out to students in five economically challenged communities.

NEISD officials said the program helps children if they can’t get to a school cafeteria serving free or reducedprice lunches during the summer.

Some students also say the program just helps them balance their many responsibilities during the time school is out.

“It’s a big blessing, because it’s less stress off of me because I have

to cook for (my siblings) during the summer,” said Genevieve Apodaca, a Churchill High School student.

Books & Bites ran from June 13 through July 28 and stopped at the five neighborhoods Monday through Thursday. Each visit lasted 20 minutes to serve lunch and allow kids time to grab some reading materials.

“The idea was that we wanted to reach kids with free meals in areas that weren’t close to a campus, because we’ve been feeding children in the summer at our schools for years,” said Sharon Glosson, the executive director of NEISD School Nutrition Services.

Meals were served by Cafeteria Manager Veronica Miranda and School Nutrition Assistant Carlota Gonzalez.

Three middle school librarians volunteered to help check out books — Christie Hirst from Bush, Jamie Jennings from Wood and Michelle Born from Krueger.

In the first two weeks, the NEISD staffers served 865 meals and checked out 149 books.

Based on positive feedback from parents and the communities, Glosson said they will continue the program after a review.

“We’re definitely not pioneers in the state, but in the city we are,” Glosson added. “We looked to other cities who already had similar models last summer to get an idea of what to do,

NEISD continues on pg. 24

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LOWDOWN continues from pg. 11 traveling to and from the campus. A 24hour policy is also available for campus.

Parents or guardians can enroll in the voluntary program at mmc-ins.com.

RESIDENTS WILL SOON HAVE ANOTHER AREA CODE, according to the Public Utility Commission of Texas. The North American Numbering Plan assigned 726 to complement 210. The old code, established in 1992, includes most of Bexar County and portions of Atascosa, Comal, Guadalupe, Medina and Wilson counties. PUC officials said 210 listings would be exhausted by late 2018. Current 210 numbers will be unchanged; new customers will be assigned a 210 or 726 prefix. Everyone will be required to dial 10 digits for all local connections, 11 for long distance. Beginning March 2017, the PUC order calls for a six-month period of either seven- or 10-digit local dialing; thereafter, the latter will be mandatory. Activation of the new system is scheduled for October 2017.

THE SMALL-DOG AREA OF PANTHER SPRINGS PARK is now open, according to Friends of Panther Springs Park.

Work began about June 1. The existing dog park was temporarily closed during construction, according to an online account. First, workers poured the foundation for the small-dog portion, resulting in a closure of nearly a month.

Then, an additional three-week shutdown ensued when the contractor centered on the all-dog park to build a shade structure, which encompasses a concrete floor and limestone bench, as required by the city’s Parks & Recreation Department, officials said. The dog areas are part of the 289-acre park at 22635 Wilderness Oak Road.

ARTWORK DEVELOPED BY KINDER RANCH ELEMENTARY SCHOOL students is on display at Texas A&M UniversityGalveston. The Wyland Foundation and other sponsoring partners provided schools with supplies. The creation, titled “Our Texas Coasts and Climates,” unveiled July 8, will be exhibited during the 2016-17 academic year.

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NEISD continues from pg. 23 and so we’re just trying to encourage other school districts in the city to think about this for the future.”

Stops for the mobile cafe required that at least half of the children qualified for free or reduced-price meals at school. Officials said 37 percent of students enrolled at NEISD campuses take advantage of the program when they are at school, a decrease from 42 percent during the previous school year.

The five stops included the Dellview Park and Pool and San Pedro North Mobile Home community, as well as other areas to service students from Lee, Madison, Roosevelt and Churchill high school clusters.

Apodaca lives in San Pedro North Mobile Home community, which is surrounded by neighborhoods that didn’t meet the eligibility requirements.

“Not to say that anybody is really poor, but it’s hard to feed a family with kids during the summer because they eat everything,” Apodaca said.

Books & Bites is a part of the Department of Agriculture’s Summer Food Service Program, which provides food to help families stretch tight budgets.

Parents do not have to apply in order for their children to have access to the meals.

NEISD is reimbursed by the USDA for each meal served on campuses and for the mobile cafe in the summer.

The bus was donated by the district’s transportation department and redesigned to create booth-style seating and a food-preparation area. All meals

were cooked at a central location and kept warm until they were served.

Children were encouraged to eat lunch first and then check out a book, even if they weren’t enrolled in school yet.

“Feed your stomach and feed your mind,” Hirst said. “A child is more likely to read a book if he or she has the comfort of a full stomach.”

Meals included nachos, a stromboli with marinara dipping sauce and chicken nuggets, all served with fruits, vegetables and milk.

“It’s still meeting all of the National School Lunch Program guidelines for all the nutrients,” Glosson said. “It just looks like fun food so the kids are enticed, too.”

Cafeteria staff members tried to keep the food kid-friendly, while staying away from messier items such as spaghetti and meatballs.

According to Glosson, any time they can offer a program in conjunction with meals, more kids will attend, so she reached out to the Library Services department to help coordinate the project.

Not only could students check out books, but they could also take home audiobooks or an e-reader.

“I think it’s great that NEISD came up with just a fantastic program that takes some of the transportation issues out of the equation. Kids can get nourishment for the bodies — brains and souls — both through food and books” Jennings said.

For more and to keep up with Books & Bites, check out twitter. com/BooksAndBites_.

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K2 Cryospa offers big chill for better health

by GABY GALINDO

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sing extremely cold liquid nitrogen to improve health is the philosophy behind K2 Cryospa, which debuted its first San Antonio location in early June.

The business at 946 N. Loop 1604 West, Suite 125, celebrated a grand opening July 16.

The family operation is owned and run by Steve Verbeke and his wife, plus Jimmy Fulcher, Verbeke’s cousin and general manager.

Cryotherapy is often used to treat

inflammation, dermatitis, insomnia, depression and more, staffers said. Other benefits include improved metabolism, skin repair and weight loss, they added.

“Cryotherapy basically uses liquid nitrogen to reduce your body temperature,” Verbeke said. “It pulls the blood out of your extremities, which is called vasoconstriction, back to your core. When your blood is in your core it circulates through your liver and all core veins in your lungs and it gets rich in oxygen, rich in nutrients. When you come out of the treatment and your blood goes back out to your extremities, that’s when the treatment really starts.”

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Reporter Gaby Galindo (left) tries out cryotherapy at K2 Cryospa; the business (above) also offers NormaTec Compression Therapy, far infrared sauna and other services. Photos by Collette Orquiz

ranging from minus 210 to minus 220.

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Mario’s of NYC trumpets ‘true’ Big Apple pizza

by ERIC MORENO

A

recent addition to the culinary landscape of the far North Side aims to be everyone’s favorite pizza spot, bringing authentic Big Apple tastes to the Alamo City.

Mario’s of NYC, which debuted about nine months ago, is located at 26610 U.S. 281 North, Suite 8.

“We were tired of seeing people saying they had New York-style pizza when they really didn’t,” said owner Mary Gerardo.

“True New York-style pizza has a really thin crust, a bubbly edge, and you can fold it in half like a taco. That’s New York pizza. That’s what we have and so far, everyone has really responded to it.”

Gerardo and her husband Gerry are truly passionate pizza-makers. Fresh dough, flown in from New York, is baked into their pizzas and house-made calzones.

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210.651.1698 | Lawndoctor.com * For full details, visit LawnDoctor.com. ©2016 Lawn Doctor, Inc. All rights reserved. Offers valid at participating franchise locations and applies to first-time customers only with purchase of an annual program. Offers cannot be combined with any other discounts, coupons, promotions or prior purchases. Services may vary by location. Certain restrictions apply.

Coupon May Not Be Combined With Any Other Offer. Expires 9/30/2016

50 OFF

$

Termite Treatment New Customers Only. Coupon May Not Be Combined With Any Other Offer.

Expires 9/30/2016

Quarterly

$

95

General Pest Control Treatment

Up to 2.500 Sq. Ft. New Customers Only. Coupon May Not Be Combined With Any Other Offer.

Call For Details. Expires 9/30/2016

Eliminate Your Mosquito Population by 85% on the 1st Spray!

Mosquito Max is a Division of Adios Pest Control

Factory Dir Direct rect e Hardwood Flooring Ha ar rdw dwood F loorin ing 6” HARDWOOD FLOORING

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4204 GARDENDALE STE. 201 SAN ANTONIO, TX 78229