LOCAL: I-10 Corridor, Leon Springs, Fair Oaks Ranch, The Dominion, Sonoma Ranch January 2016

UPDATE ON SCHOOLS

A new bond for Boerne ISD? PG. 16 School board may call for May election

PG. 23 EAT LOCAL RUSSO'S COAL-FIRED ITALIAN KITCHEN Traditional recipes with a little zest added

PG. 22 BUY LOCAL DOMINION RIDGE DENTISTRY Practice looks at both oral and overall health to benefit patients

COMMUNITY NEWS VOL. 1, ISSUE 4

I-10 CORRIDOR

LEON SPRINGS FAIR OAKS RANCH THE DOMINION 78015 78023 78255 78256 78257

SONOMA RANCH

JAN. 11 - FEB. 8, 2016

Transportation planners facing difficult decisions MPO considering HOV lanes instead of toll roads for I-10

PG.13

Boerne Stage Road Improvements are now a reality PG.18 Businesses, residents

hope drainage project will prevent future flooding

PG. 05 LOCAL COMMENTARY SUSAN YERKES The time for tolerance among different faiths and communities is now

PG. 06 LOCAL EDITORIAL Using police substations for face-toface online trades is a good idea

PG. 11 LOCAL LOWDOWN Check out this quick summary of new businesses and area news

This is the Children’s Hospital of San Antonio.

We put children first with our very best pediatric care in the only free-standing children’s hospital in San Antonio and South Texas, and a top-notch network of services including 45 specialty clinics, multispecialty centers, two ERs, and physician groups. Our collaboration with Baylor College of Medicine and community physicians allows us to provide world-class care.

The Children’s Hospital of San Antonio continues to transform to meet the many needs of our area’s children and families. We always put your children first. Just like you do.

To find a physician, visit chofsa.org/findadoc or call 1.844.778.KIDS.

™

Our children will always be first.

A privilege.

And a responsibility.

15-CHO-1338 General Awareness Ad_Local Community News.indd 1

11/19/15 4:12 PM

ONLY THE

BEST C U S T O M

S H O P

G U I T A R S

Some of the finest guitars available

4

JAN. 11 - FEB. 8, 2016

FROM THE EDITOR tedwards@localcommunitynews.com

President Harold J. Lees Publisher Gregg Rosenfield Assoc. Publisher Rick Upton EDITORIAL Executive Editor Thomas Edwards News Staff Collette Orquiz, Bain Serna and Will Wright Contributing Writers Olivier J. Bourgoin, Peter Moralez, Eric Moreno, Edmond Ortiz, Arthur Schechter and Susan Yerkes ART Creative Director Florence D. Edwards Contributing Photographer Rudy B. Ornelas ADVERTISING Advertising Director Jaselle Luna Zone Manager Marc Olson Controller Keith Sanders READER SERVICE Mailing Address 4204 Gardendale St., Ste. 201 SA, TX 78229 Phone Fax (210) 338.8842 (210) 616.9677 Advertising Inquiries jluna@localcommunitynews.com Story Ideas: tips@localcommunitynews.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 6: 78258, 78259, 78260, 78261

customshopguitars.com 17803 LA CANTERA TER #7110 (NEXT TO PIATTI IN THE EILAN) SAN ANTONIA, TX 78256 210-560-2700 INFO@CUSTOMSHOPGUITARS.COM

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, 2016 Helen Publishing LLC and Local Community News LLC, all rights reserved.

WWW.SALOCALLOWDOWN.COM

Monthly schedule has ups, downs

T

here is no shortage of challenges producing a newspaper that only comes out once a month.

Foremost is the effort to offer stories that remain fresh and relevant to our readers. Because many of the subjects we cover have already appeared in daily media, it is our task to bring readers deeper coverage by going behind the scenes and digging down to the real stories and the real issues.

That means our news staff often has to gaze into an imaginary crystal ball and extrapolate how some of these issues will develop over the next three or four weeks. This isn’t easy when even the people involved in the stories have no idea how things will turn out or what direction events will take.

Luckily, the six monthly papers published by LOCAL Community News are never short of stories to consider.

Add to the mixture a comprehensive monthly calendar, a solid roundup of news briefs and articles on the newest restaurants, bars, shops and services, and our readers are presented each month with an in-depth, award-winning community newspaper filled with the kind of information they can’t find anywhere else.

So far, 2016 promises to offer plenty of news nuggets for our reporters to mine — annexation, the debate over highway funding, neighborhood growth, education issues across the area’s various school districts, crime and so much more.

No matter what, our goal is always to deliver the most local coverage possible. That’s why so many of our stories deal specifically with individuals and neighborhoods. As the name of the newspaper implies, we like to keep things local.

THOMAS EDWARDS EXECUTIVE EDITOR

CLARIFICATION

A story in the Dec. 14, 2015-Jan. 11, 2016 edition of LOCAL Community News titled “Fair Oaks Ranch: Deer in the Spotlight” should have said nearly 73 percent of attendees at a town-hall meeting showed support for a feeding ban on deer.

5

SALOCALLOWDOWN.COM

LOCAL COMMENTARY

Peace and mutual respect for Muslims

by SUSAN YERKES

T

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

As do most of the people I know.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Compassionate Assisted Living & Memory Care Community Located in Beautiful Shavano Park.

Beautifully situated in the heart of the Shavano Park community, Shavano Park Senior Living offers the finest senior living experience for those needing assisted living or memory care support services.

For a Limited Time, Join The Founder's Club.

Founder’s Club Members Packages are reserved for those depositors who choose and secure their apartment before Shavano Park Senior Living opens. Special discounts, services and recognition are valued up to $2,000*!

Pre-Le asing N ow.

Call To d Schedu ay to le Private Your Tour!

3220 North Loop 1604 West - Shavano Park, TX 78231 (210) 492-4040 www.ShavanoParkSeniorLiving.com - Superb Restaurant Style Dining - Complimentary Scheduled Transportation - Beauty & Barber Shop - Fitness Center - Resident Gardens and Walking Paths

6

We are local.

We are luxury.

JAN. 11 - FEB. 8, 2016

OUR TURN Views and opinions about your community

Safe Exchange Zones help reduce risk of e-commerce sales

What’s your luxury? I

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

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

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

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

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

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

Anyone can use the service.

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

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

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

FLOORING

210-239-9173 Hardwood • Laminate • Carpet • Tile • Sand & Refinish

5.49

$

$3.49

5” Handscraped Wood Floors!

TILE Special

Let us help you buy or sell your luxury property in 2016.

Locally, nationally or globally.

*Includes wood, glue, and basic labor

Financing Available

Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist

w.a.c.*

The

Graves Group www.thegravesgroup.com 830-331-9898 I 210-408-4053

TM

12x12 or 18x18

Includes: Tile & Basic Labor *See store for details.

Expires March 31, 2016

0%

Denise Graves

What’s your luxury?

Installed

FREE

In-Home Estimate We can bring the showroom to you!

Call today for Appointment

Winner of the 2014 Super Service Award

F R E E Furniture Moving & F R E E Floor Cleaning Kit With Purchase *

*

210-239-9173 Visit Our Showroom At:

Laminate

Starting at $2.99sf Installed *see store for details

Carpet

Starting at $1.99sf Installed *see store for details

Bath & Shower Remodels Available

26610 US Hwy 281 N San Antonio, TX 78260 Mon. - Sat. 10am - 5pm

www.SAFlooringPerfections.com

Andalucia at The Dominion START THE NEW YEAR IN A NEW CUSTOM HOME IN THE DOMINION Call Phil @ 210-372-9207 for your personal tour Visit www.McNair Custom Homes.Com

IF YOU’RE LOSING YOUR HAIR, YOU’RE NOT ALONE.

8

JAN. 11 - FEB. 8, 2016

LIMMER HAIR TRANSPLANT CENTER MAY BE YOUR SOLUTION IS THE PROCEDURE PAINFUL? The transplant is done under local anesthesia and post-op medications are provided for your comfort. Most patients are able to drive themselves home.

HAPPENING LOCAL

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

HOW MANY GRAFTS WILL I NEED?

By age 50, up to 70% of men and nearly 30% of women experience hair loss. The Limmer Hair Transplant Center, established in 1987, has performed over 10,000 hair transplant cases serving patients all over the United States, Mexico and abroad. Hair restoration is the “gold standard” for natural looking results in hair transplantation. Dr. Jennifer Krejci is a board certified Dermatologist and a fully trained expert in hair restoration. Dr. Krejci provides all consultative, restorative and surgical services.

Hair transplantation can be a potentially permanent solution that can profoundly affect the way you feel about yourself and your outlook on life. Contact our office to schedule a consultation and discuss a customized solution.

OUR GUIDE TO YOUR MONTH

This depends on the extent of your hair loss, which will be discussed before you make a decision. In general, 1500-2000 grafts is recommended to restore the frontal hairline.

HOW LONG DOES THE PROCEDURE TAKE? On average, it takes eight hours for 15001800 grafts. Larger cases, if desired or needed, can be scheduled in multiple sessions.

COST? Word of mouth continues to be our main source of referrals. By avoiding high advertising costs, we are able to pass the savings along to our patients.

Depending on the number of grafts and harvest method, the price ranges from approximately $4.00 to $8.00 per graft.

Dr. Jennifer Krejci M.D. Diplomate American Board of Dermatology

FITNESS

ART

TALK

OUTDOOR

MUSIC

FOOD

MUSICAL PERFORMANCE The First United Methodist 8 Church, 205 James St. in Boerne, at 7:30 p.m. presents Camerata San Antonio, part of Las Americas Winter Festival performed by the San Antonio Symphony. The sixth annual citywide program will play compositions from North, South and Central America. For more including ticket information and a complete seasonal concert schedule with venues, dates and times, visit http:// sasymphony.org/las-americas-festival.

share their time and their lovable dogs. For more, call 830-249-3053.

DOG-EARED BOOKS Come to the Youth Department Activity Room at the Heath Public Library, 451 N. Main St. in Boerne, from 10:30-11:30 a.m. and share a book with a trained and certified therapy dog.

Through “PAWS 4 Reading,” masters

MARKETPLACE DEALS Located in the heart of Boerne’s historical district on Main Plaza, 100 N. Main St., Boerne Market Days is a monthly two-day event,

JANUARY

JAN. 9 & FEB. 6

1-800-424-7210 | 14615 San Pedro Avenue, Suite 245 | San Antonio | limmerhtc.com

HAPPENING KEY

ARE YOU AN ANIMAL LOVER? Visit 21395 Milsa Drive 9 from 10-11 a.m. for the Friedrich Wilderness Park Second Saturday Program. Master Naturalist Tom Kinsey will conduct an informative workshop on the animal kingdom.

There will be live, furry creatures to observe, examine and touch. RSVP is required. For more, call 207-3782.

JANUARY

JAN. 9-10, FEB. 13-14

HAPPENING continues on pg. 09

9

SALOCALLOWDOWN.COM HAPPENING continues from pg. 08

DO YOU HAVE A LITTLE JAN. 13, 27 EXPLORER? Most Wednesdays & FEB. 3, 10 from 10-11 a.m. the Cibolo Nature Center & Farm’s Visitor Center, 140 City Park Road in Boerne, hosts preschoolers. Young adventurers will sing songs, make crafts, play games, explore the outdoors and listen to stories. For more, call 830-249-4616 or contact Stephanie Colvard at Stephanie@cibolo.org.

Saturdays 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sundays 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Enjoy the outdoor setting and browse the wares of vendors, artists and craftsmen, while listening to Texas homegrown music. For more, call 8448193 or visit www.boernemarketdays.com.

ART: IT’S MORE THAN A NAME JAN. 9 On the month’s second & FEB. 13 Saturday, stroll Boerne’s streets or take the bus from 5-8 p.m. and enjoy an art experience. During “Second Saturday Art and Wine,” galleries are free and open to the public. Artwork from local dealers can be viewed, as beverages and hors d’oeuvres are consumed. For more, visit www.secondsaturdayartandwine. com or call 830-833-0621.

PUT ON YOUR DANCING SHOES selected Sundays, strut 17, 24, 31 On your stuff beginning at 6 p.m. when everyone is welcome at John T. Floore Country Store, 14992 Old Bandera Road in Helotes, for “Family Night & Free Dance,” with various entertainers.

For more, visit www.liveatfloores.com.

CURVES, CHANDELIERS CHAMPAGNE...

Celebrating the Elegance of Lili Alessandra’s Fine Linens.

JANUARY

SCHOOL’S OUT Classes are canceled in the Northside 18 and Boerne independent school districts in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

JANUARY

LEON SPRINGS TRAIL NIGHT JANUARY Come to Fralo’s Art of Pizza, 10 23651 Interstate 10 West in Leon Springs, from 5-9 p.m. and support The Trail at Leon Springs. For every $3 draught beer purchased, half the cost will help fund a hike/bike route for recreation and exercise at Leon Creek. For more, contact Art Smith at asmith1@gvtc. com or visit www.leonspringstrail.org.

BISD TRUSTEES The third Monday of every month, the 19 Boerne Independent School District board regularly meets in the

JANUARY

HAPPENING continues on pg. 10

ACADEMIC SKILLS/SAT & ACT Prep/Subject Tutoring

Explore the world of Lili Alessandra.

E

xperience the aesthetic feel of home furnishings that whisk you away to a time of neoclassical elegance. Lili Alessandra, maker of fine linens and soft furnishings, celebrated their flagship store opening at The Vineyard Shopping Center in San Antonio, Texas.

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

Here’s how Huntington can help: • An academic evaluation identifies problem areas • Programs are tailored to address each student’s needs • Highly trained tutors work individually with students • Huntington helps improve skills, confidence and grades To find out more about Huntington Academic Skills / SAT & ACT Prep / Subject Tutoring, CALL NOW!

Working with highly skilled artisans, Lili Alessandra transforms luxurious linens into magnificent works of art for the home. Home collections include a complete line of decorative pillows, coverlets, bedding, drapery panels, upholstered headboards and occasional furniture.

This season, Lili Alessandra introduces an Italian bed sheet collection.

For Private Showings, call 210-997-0128 or send an email to home@lilialessandra.com.

SAVE 50 $

*

1 800 CAN LEARN • HuntingtonHelps.com 10003 NW Military Hwy #1103 (210) 558-0636

19141 Stone Oak Parkway (210) 494-5858

Now Open at The Vineyard Shopping Center 1207 N Loop 1604 W. Suite 115 210-977-0128 | home@lilialessandra.com

10

HAPPENING continues from pg. 09 Administration Building at 123 W. Johns Road. A closed session begins at 5 p.m., with an open-to-the-public forum at 6:30 p.m. For more, call 830-357-2000.

PRESCHOOL FUN Mother Nature makes a special appearance 20 at the Cibolo Nature Center & Farm’s Visitor Center, 140 City Park Road in Boerne, from 10-11 a.m. for a discovery session about rocks and minerals. Check out her collection and learn how to start yours. Cost is free, but a $5 donation is suggested. For more, call 830-249-4616 or contact Stephanie Colvard at Stephanie@cibolo.org.

JANUARY

The body shaping experts at invite you to our Grand Op pening on Event Celebratio Thursday, Feb 11, 2016 6 5pm-9pm Reservee yourr space, VP by email kindly RSVP if accep pting

CAN WE TALK? The third Thursday of each month, 21 the second-floor conference room at the Heath Public Library, 451 N. Main St. in Boerne, hosts a multifaith talk from 10-11:30 a.m. The “Soul Salon” brings folks together to discuss current topics. A library volunteer leads the program. Coffee is provided. For more, visit www.ci.boerne.tx.us.

JANUARY

WHODUNIT? Solve a mystery as The Boerne Community Theatre, 907 E. Blanco Road in Boerne, presents “The Crazy Quilt Club.” Performances are Thursdays 7:30 p.m.; Fridays and Saturdays 8 p.m.; and Sundays 2:30 p.m. Tickets cost $20 or less. For more, call 830-249-9166.

JAN. 22-24 & 28-31; FEB. 4-6

Over $2000 in prizes and special offers, including:

NISD TRUSTEES The Northside JANUARY Independent School District 26 board regularly meets the fourth Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. in the conference room at 5900 Evers Road. For more, visit www.nisd.net.

Light hors d’oeuvres & cocktails

CHINESE NEW YEAR ENTERTAINMENT Welcome the 30 new year from the Community Room at the Heath Public Library, 451 N. Main St. in Boerne, from 11 a.m. to noon. Enjoy a music and dance display by the Chinese Culture Performance Association. For more, call 830-249-3053.

Botox™ • Brand MD™ Skin Care Image Skin Care™ • Cellu-Light Sculpt™ Treatment Glo Mineral Makeup™ • Salt Room Sessions + more!

Featuring SculpSure 25 minute fat loss treatment Available only at Sculpt Away ™

As seen on KSAT, SA Living & Fox Daytime at 9 Dr. Roberta Krueger • Dr. Marco Lopez & in collaboration with Dr. Neera Bhatia 9991 W IH 10 @ The Colonnade III CALL NOW 210-227-3051 www.sculptaway.com Proven short cuts to your ideal body

Evening & Saturday hours available

Kindly RSVP to info@SculptAway.com

JANUARY

I’M ALL EARS The music lineup at John T. Floore Country Store, 14492 Old Bandera Road in Helotes, includes Shane Smith & the Saints (Jan. 15); Corey Smith (Jan. 16); Billy Joe Shaver (Jan. 22); Crooks (Jan. 29); and The Dirty River Boys (Jan. 30). For more including cost and set times, visit liveatfloores.com.

JANUARY

WATCH THE BIRDIE at the Cibolo Nature 4&5 Meet Center & Farm Pavilion, 140 City Park Road in Boerne, and explore winter

FEBRUARY

JAN. 11 - FEB. 8, 2016 prairie birds. The observing is open to those experienced and inexperienced wishing to contribute to ecological science and learn techniques. There will be a lot of walking through thick grass; long pants and closed-toed shoes are highly recommended. Leading the group at the Nature Center Feb. 5 will be Dave Bolster and Ray Kutzman; at neighboring Cibolo Preserve, Tom and Patsy Ingelt will serve as guides on Feb. 4. Tuition is free. For more information including exact times, contact Donna Taylor at donna@cibolo.org or call 830-249-4616.

FIRE ECOLOGY Learn how to a prescribed burn by 5&6 conduct attending a training session at the Cibolo Nature Center & Farm Auditorium and Herff Farm Prairie, 140 City Park Road in Boerne. Workshops are from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Prescribed burn experts Bill Armstrong, Dusty Bruns and Marsh Weiershausen will teach techniques for safe and beneficial burns for wildlife and brush control.

For more including registration and tuition costs, contact Ben Eldredge at ben@cibolo.org or call 830-249-4616.

FEBRUARY

EAR CANDY Boerne Champion Auditorium, 201 6 Charger Blvd. in Boerne, hosts “A Night at the Oscars” performed by the Hollywood Concert Orchestra. Movie and TV themes can be heard from 7:3010 p.m. For more, call 830-331-9079.

FEBRUARY

MORNING JOG The second in a three-part race series, 7 Chase My Shadow 5K/10K Trail Run, will start from Eisenhower Park, 19339 N.W. Military Highway at 8:30 a.m. Registration before Jan. 24 costs $25 and $30 for the 5K and 10K, respectively. The final leg is on March 6.

For more, visit www.athleteguild.com.

FEBRUARY

YOGA FOR NATURE LOVERS Attend the Cibolo Nature Center & Farm, 140 City Park Road in Boerne, from 6-7:15 p.m. for outdoor exercise. Meet at the Visitor Center where an instructor from The Yoga House welcomes beginners and advanced practitioners. Cost is $10. For more, call 830-249-4616 or visit nature@cibolo.org.

WEEKLY

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

ONGOING

HAPPENING continues on pg. 21

11

SALOCALLOWDOWN.COM

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

Open and Opening Soon

Address of local business Name of local business

o t e m o c l e W

Bourbon Street Seafood Kitchen

Boerne Independent School District pupils such as Kendall Elementary School fifth-grader Dakari Hodge (right) participated in the recent worldwide Hour of Code, an initiative designed to familiarize students with the basics of computer-programming code. Courtesy photo

1. DOMINION RIDGE DENTISTRY, 22211

Interstate 10 West, Suite 1103, opened about six months ago. Dr. Louis R. Garcia has been in practice almost 30 years and uses state-of-the-art technology. In addition to dental work, the clinic staff also treats obstructed sleep apnea and conducts blood-pressure checks. Hours are 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Wednesday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday. For more, call 910-6903 or visit dominionridgedentistry. com. (See story on page 22)

2. RUSSO’S COAL-FIRED ITALIAN KITCHEN, 17631 La Cantera Parkway,

Suite 102 in The Rim, is a franchise cooking made-from-scratch Old World meals based on Russo family recipes imported from Naples and Sicily to New Jersey and then Galveston. In addition to handcrafted pizzas (including a 28-inch “monster pizza”), calzones, soups and salads, pastas and desserts, the menu also offers “eating-well” and gluten-free options.

Another favorite is the eggplant Parmesan, or eggplant Milanese, which includes layers of eggplant Parmesan topped with marinara sauce, Pecorino Romano and buffalo mozzarella cheeses and baked in Russo’s coal-fired oven. Hours are 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

For more, call 561-7616 or visit www. russoscoalfired.com. (See story on page 23)

3. SUN & SKI, 5811 Worth Parkway,

Suite 103, is staffed with certified ski, bike and skateboard technicians with years of

experience tuning and repairing water skis, snowboards, bikes and skates, according to managers. A full line of wakeboards and skis are offered, including Hyperlite, Liquid Force and HO Sports. Employees can also build a ski, snowboard, bike or skate “from the ground up,” the managers add. There’s also a wakeboard section and a bike shop. The store has on-site ski and snowboard service with stone grinders and custom boot-fitting specialists “to ensure customers a complete ‘fit and tune’ before hitting the slopes,” according to a release. “Come see us for expert advice and professional tuneups this season.”

Hours are 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday and noon to 6 p.m.

Sunday. For more, call 485-3352.

4. EMME NAIL SPA, 17803 La Cantera

Terrace, Suite 7103 in the Éilan complex, bills itself as “a trendy and not-youreveryday nail salon,” according to the management. “We like to set ourselves apart from other salons in that we strive to bring you a quiet and peaceful environment where you can escape and relax. …

Consider our place your sanctuary.” Hours are 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday. For more, call 562-3643 or visit www.emmespa. com or www.facebook.com/emmenailspa.

5. TILE STUDIO 925, 28721 Interstate 10

West in Boerne, features “tile that talks,” according to the staff at the family-run business. In addition to tile, other products

LOWDOWN continues on pg. 12

Mention this ad get

15% Off your Food

(excluding alcohol beverage

Daily Lunch Specials Happy Hour 4-7pm Daily!

1/2 Price Bottle Wines w/ Entrees on Mondays Seafood Kitchen

BourbonStreet

24165 IH 10 West, Ste. 433, San Antonio, TX 78257

Phone: 210-698-9888

wwwBourbonStreetSeafoodKitchen.com

12

JAN. 11 - FEB. 8, 2016

LOWDOWN continues from pg. 11 include glass, mosaics, porcelain, stonewall coverings, hardwood flooring and quartz. According to the business’ website, “Tile Studio 925 is an upscale tile store for designers, builders, remodelers and homeowners to come and purchase unique tile from all over the world.” Hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday. For more, call 830-3684204 or visit www.tilestudio925.com.

6. POTBELLY SANDWICH SHOP, 17711 Interstate 10 West, Suite 107 in The Rim, is now open and is part of a “retro-style, counter-serve chain known for madeto-order sandwiches, salads and baked goods.” According to a company release, “We choose high-quality meats, cheeses and veggies, then slice, cut and chop them ourselves. Our sandwich-makers build amazing, toasty sandwiches to order and get you through the line really fast.”

Hours are 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily. For more, call 424-1401 or visit potbelly.com.

IN OTHER NEWS

JANUARY IS MENTOR MONTH FOR THE BOERNE INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT, according to officials. A release

from BISD spokesman David Boggan notes, “National Mentoring Month each January highlights the need for Americans to be volunteer mentors. In Boerne, Mayor Mike Schultz signed a proclamation encouraging volunteers to help make a profound difference in the lives of students by serving as mentors to local students.” The school district is seeking male volunteers as mentors, according to program coordinator Elizabeth Nolen. “The number of male students added to the program increases each school year,” she said, and there are 16 waiting to be assigned a male mentor. “My mentee has opened my eyes, looking at and enjoying life through the eyes of a child,” says six-year volunteer Ken Maxymof. “So often we get caught up in the daily routine and forget how excited life was being a child.” Volunteers and students share stories and experiences, play games and listen to each other, creating relationships built on trust, which can produce longlasting, positive results. Volunteers agree to meet with a student for an hour each week during the school day. Prospective mentors are vetted, including a background check and character-reference inquiry.

Accepted applicants attend a one-hour training session, and then are matched with a pupil based upon shared interests, location and schedules. To learn more,

visit www.ablementor.org. The next Boerne ISD Mentor Program volunteertraining meeting is 1 p.m. Feb. 3 at the BISD Administration Building, 123 W. Johns Road in Boerne.

buses, parents and staff were all asked to not travel in and around this area for safety reasons and classes were canceled.”

A component of state education funding is based on daily attendance levels.

DEER-MANAGEMENT OPTIONS FOR FAIR OAKS RANCH could be under consideration during the Jan. 21 City Council meeting, according to town officials. The choices are listed on the city website at www.fairoaksranchtx.org/, then click on deer-management options.

The session is slated for 7 p.m. in council chambers, 7286 Dietz Elkhorn Road.

DISTRICT 8 COUNCILMAN RON NIRENBERG was recently appointed chairman of the National League of Cities 2016 Energy, Environment & Natural Resources, according to NLC President Melodee Colbert-Kean, who is also a council member from Joplin, Missouri.

The position, according to a release, “will draw national policy support for some of San Antonio’s most pressing challenges, including improving air quality, meeting water-supply demands and ensuring energy needs amid significant population growth and economic expansion.” The committee helps develop federal policy positions on environmental and public issues, including air and water quality, energy, national wetlands, noise control and solid- and hazardous-waste management.

“I am honored to have the opportunity to shape the national dialogue on key challenges facing San Antonio,” Nirenberg said. “From securing our water future to improving air quality, these issues have a critical impact on our region’s economic vitality and quality of life.”

ERIC TOBIAS, former principal of Garcia Middle School, has been appointed executive director of secondary administration in the Northside Independent School District, according to a summary of a recent trustees’ meeting.

THE NORTHSIDE INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT is seeking a school-closure attendance waiver from the state for McAndrew Elementary School, hit hard by flooding during heavy rains Oct. 31 in and near the Scenic Loop Road area. According to an NISD spokesman, “After consulting with police and emergency response teams, school

Dental Implants Invisalign™ • Snoring $ Oral-Systemic Health Dental Sleep Medicine

210-910-6904 In The Dominion Ridge Shopping Center 22211 W IH 10, Suite 1103 San Antonio, TX 78257

99

30 minute In-Office Professional Whitening

$

99

Cleaning, Exam and X-Rays

Serv rving Leon Springs, Dominion, Fair Oaks and Boerne Communities

Evening Appointments: Monday, Tuesday and Thursday Complimentary Second Opinion Complimentary “Laughing Gas” Patient Loyalty Discounts for patients without insurance

HARGROVE & NAPOLEON

Gas Logs Headquarters

JANUARY MUST-HAVE

Buy One Executive Membership Receive 50% Off A Seconde Grooming Service (valid only in Jan) (SkinMetics Treatment, Scalp Metics Treatment, Straight-Razor Shave, Grey-Blending Coloror MAN-icure)

2016

25% off scalp treatments (valid only in Feb)

Limit to one offer per customer. Cannot be combined with any other offers. Only valid at participating 18’8 locations.

210-462-1705 • Huebner Oaks next to Chipotle 11745 W. Interstate Highway 10, Ste. 400, San Antonio, TX 78230 • www.eighteeneight.com

Visit Our Showroom 2250 Jackson Keller

210-340-4623

LOG LFIREE With G GHTE R a sL ase a og Set nd Ins tall.

Purch

13

SALOCALLOWDOWN.COM MPO continues from pg. 01

Several short-term regional projects await public input

by WILL WRIGHT

M

obility planners updating the area’s short-term regional transportation initiative are faced with another dilemma – having to make a U-turn and convert tolled-roadway improvements into non-tolled projects.

The Alamo Area Metropolitan Planning Organization distributes state and federal dollars for transportation projects in Bexar, Comal and Guadalupe counties, plus portions of Kendall County. With tollroad funding no longer a driving force, the MPO’s Transportation Policy Board will meet Jan. 25 to consider revising previously agreed-upon expansions for U.S. 281 and Interstate 10, and $414.6 million in projects proposed for the region’s new four-year

Transportation Improvement Program.

Voter approval of Proposition 7, expected to generate $2.5 billion to $3 billion for statewide transportation measures beginning in 2018, has changed the overall roadmap. Old plans, calling for partial funding through tolls, are being re-evaluated as non-tolled projects – with some, including controversial highoccupancy vehicle lanes, unpalatable to many drivers and officials alike.

On Jan. 25, the MPO will seek non-tolled options for a $200 million revision of I-10 north of Loop 1604 and a $532 million expansion of 281 from 1604 to the Comal County line.

Existing plans already have received federal, Texas Department of Transportation and other area funding, as well as MPO authorization. However, retooling both as non-tolled could necessitate additional environmentalstudy reviews and public-input sessions, possibly further delaying construction.

There’s nearly $200 million for I-10 tolled improvements to add four tolled lanes along a 5.7-mile span from La Cantera Parkway north to Ralph Fair Road, and $130 million for direct connectors linking La Cantera and 1604.

Jennifer Santrock e-Pro, REALTOR® 24200 IH-10 West, Ste. 101 San Antonio, Texas 78257 C (210) 602-6999 O (210) 698-4700 x 1716 jsantrock@phyllisbrowning.com

MPO continues on pg. 14

Winter is Here!

A TENTION

N W IS HE IME O TRIM Y TRIM YOUR OUR OAK OAK TREES TREES Did you know know that thatt proper care and pruning off your rees can help increase heir li e and keep your home safe saffe from from damage?

Call he xper s t Teague’s Tree Service or a R E s ima e.

• Trimming • Removal • Demossing • Hauling • Stump Grinding • Lot Clearing • Lot Shredding • 24 Hour Emergency Service • Licensed and Insured

TEAGUE’S TREE SERVICE

20% OFF! Call the friendly professionals at Teague’s Tree Service and receive 20% off your tree service.

Offer Expires 2-15-2016 Call 210-658-4765.

TEAGUE’S TREE SERVICE

210-658-4765

v r 15 Y a s in Busin s! A Na e You an u . all or a , No Oblig ion i .

WWW.PHYLLISBROWNING.COM

The Next Step

14

I-10 Expansion – Possible Non-Toll Plan

JAN. 11 - FEB. 8, 2016

Proposed Non-Toll Plan I-10 POSSIBLE NON-TOLLED PLAN

“Living at Adante has been an easy transition for us, and moving was far less traumatic than we feared. We soon discovered that we had far more friends here than we had in our 35-year neighborhood. We love the ambiance, our neighbors, the associates, the friendly atmosphere, the food and the activities.” ~ Jimmy, resident since 2013 Our pet-friendly, 26-acre community offers month-to-month living with no entry fee for our spacious cottage homes, and independent living, assisted living and memory care apartments.

Call (210) 493-0101 today to see how Adante can help you with your next step

(210) 493-0101 2702 & 2739 Cembalo Blvd.

San Antonio, Texas 78230 COTTAGES•INDEPENDENT LIVING•ASSISTED LIVING•MEMORY CARE

AdAnteLife.com

AL#104864

THE HEALTHIEST HAPPY HOUR IN SAN ANTONIO!

NEW RIDER SPECIAL

3 for 30 www.joyridestudio.com $

JoyRide Texas On Broadway 1915 Broadway Street San Antonio, TX 78215 210-228-0797

Like us on

Follow us on

JoyRide Texas At Alon 10003 NW Military Hwy San Antonio, TX 78231 210-332-5240

An artist's rendering of proposed changes to Interstate 10 West shows high-occupancy vehicle lanes for buses and cars carrying multiple passengers. Passage of a transportation-funding measure in November means tolls won't be needed. Courtesy illustration

MPO continues from pg. 13 Fair Oaks Ranch Mayor Cheryl Landman said I-10 improvements are long overdue, as more residents are crowding the roadway during peak hours.

“The commercial truck traffic continues to expand, adding to (the) traffic jams,” she said.

“I suspect everyone has an opinion on toll roads,” Landman added. “Personally, current highway pavement paid with tax dollars (that are) converted into toll is not the path I prefer. If new pavement is laid for toll, I would consider it (by) examining the whys and why nots.”

Tolling would’ve expedited the construction timetable.

“The only thing less popular than toll roads are roads that are congested and in disrepair,” said San Antonio District 8 Councilman Ron Nirenberg. “Tolls are an option of last resort, and I’m in favor of removing them when revenue is available to expand and maintain San Antonio roadways using the precious few resources we have for infrastructure.”

He added, “We can no longer build our way out of the transportation issues that we face. Plus, it doesn’t work. We need a comprehensive, multimodal transportation plan and implementation strategy to

8 accommodate growth in our region and ensure quality of life in the years to come.”

There is $71.8 million available to add one free lane and high-occupancy vehicle lane in each direction on the 5.7-mile stretch on I-10. The non-tolled option, however, lacks financing to complete the direct connectors – a $58.2 million shortfall, which also could defer that part of the project until Proposition 7 funds roll in.

MPO Director Isidro Martinez said non-tolled designations to improve I-10 and 281 exchange previously guaranteed private-funding sources for Proposition 7 dollars, unavailable for two years. He added that HOV components in both are because of requests from VIA Metropolitan Transit, which also contributes funds to area projects.

During the MPO’s Dec. 7 meeting, retiree Don Dixon questioned why.

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

County commissioners and

MPO continues on pg. 15

BRING THIS AD IN FOR A DISCOUNT on your FIRST CLASS Building your practice from the ground up

10%

Mention Local10 to redeem • Discount Also Available Online

NEW STUDENT SPECIAL 30 DAYS UNLIMITED YOGA

ONLY

$

100

(830) 428-3022 • www.AerialYogaBoerne.com 37131 IH-10, Suite 300-2, Boerne, TX 78006

15

SALOCALLOWDOWN.COM MPO continues from pg. 14 Transportation Policy Board members Tommy Calvert and Kevin Wolff also have reservations about HOV lanes. Terri Hall, founder and director of the anti-toll group Texans Uniting for Reform & Freedom, or TURF, remains firmly against HOV lanes as part of non-tolled improvements.

“We applaud the removal of tolls from these vital corridors, whose residents have been stuck in a quagmire of political controversy over double taxation for a decade,” she said. “However, we fear the HOV-bus lanes will only continue the congestion problems for commuters.

“The best solution is to add generalpurpose lanes all Texans can access, especially considering that every taxpayer’s money is being used to build these lanes.”

Proposition 7 funding will also help steer the next regional transportation blueprint. Officials said $100 million is accessible for the latest projects, though additional allocations could be expected through other means.

Area agencies are requesting $414.6 million for 41 proposals to update the regional Transportation Improvement Program, a federally required list of proposed projects submitted by local entities and governments over a four-

year period, amended every two years.

Projects are scored on technical merit and public input during a four-month process, leading to a final submission to TxDOT representatives in May. Officials said public involvement in the procedure should begin sometime in February.

Notable area proposals include $16 million for betterments along Ralph Fair, or FM 3351, between I-10 and Old Paseo Way, and $20.2 million to construct a new I-10 overpass over Balcones Creek, and add intersection improvements.

Landman said Ralph Fair, a prime link from I-10 to Texas 46, the main connector between Boerne and New Braunfels, is “heavily traveled by both area and out-of-area residents.”

“Another element on 3351 is a very low bridge at the Bexar County line,” she added. “Heavy rains (in) October 2015 closed the bridge, making it unavailable to those needing to go to work and/ or return to home. This is a serious drainage issue for all using 3351.”

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

• GROUP CLASSES • PERSONAL TRAINING • SPORT PERFORMANCE • WOMEN CLASSES AVAILABLE

RONG ORGING A STRO FO NTONIO SAN AN 5139 North Loop 1604 W, Ste 107, San Antonio TX 78249 | 210.464.5282 info@ballisticcrossfit.com | www.ballisticcrossfit.com

HUGE DISPL A Y America’s Most Trusted Brand Name America’s Most Trusted Brand Name

SAVINGS UP TO

2500

$

OFF SELECT DISPLAY MODELS, USED SYSTEMS, INVENTORIED ITEMS, SPRINGFREE TRAMPOLINES, & GOALSETTER BASKETBALL GOALS.

INVEN CLE A R TORY A NCE

SALE!

RENT TO OWN AVAIL ABLE

2015 © Rainbow Play Systems, Inc.

Visit One of Our Convenient Locations Call : 1-800-Rainbow Click : RPSofTexas.com

16 BISD continues from pg. 01

Trustees could see committee’s report by February

by EDMOND ORTIZ

B

OERNE — Voters in the Boerne Independent School District could soon decide a bond proposal for the second time in three years.

ENJOY BRITISH FAVORITES AT SAN ANTONIO’S PREMIERE PUB

FISH AND CHIPS

SHEPHERDS PIE

BLACKSMITH SKILLET

SCOTCH EGG

ENJOY NEW EXCITING MENU ITEMS INCLUDING

• HERBED SALMON • FLATBREAD PIZZAS • STREET TACOS • JAMESON-BACON CHEDDAR BURGER

FREE LUNCH

One free entrée with purchase of an entrée of equal or greater value and two beverages.

Valid Monday - Friday 11am to 3pm. Dine In Only. Cannot be combined with any other discount.

Present this coupon when ordering at The Lion and Rose Pub. Expires 2-16-16 Ring: LOCAL Lunch

4 LOCATIONS TO SERVE YOU: ALAMO HEIGHTS: 5148 Broadway • 210-822-7673 LIVE OAK: 8211 Agora Pkwy #112 • 210-547-3000

PARK NORTH: 842 NW Loop 410 • 210-798-4154 NOW OPEN AT THE RIM: 17627 La Cantera • 210-798-5466

thelionandrose.com

Early in 2016, BISD trustees may request a May bond election, based partly on recommendations from a 60-member Long Range Facilities Planning Committee.

The committee, composed of district patrons and leaders developing a roadmap for the school system’s future, will have met five times before making suggestions to the school board in February.

As of late December, individual propositions and a price tag remained undecided, but the committee has been mulling a range of $140 million to $160 million.

JAN. 11 - FEB. 8, 2016 “We’ll have to address growth. We’re expecting 4,500 more students to come into the district over the next 10 years,” said Bryan D’Spain, a Broadway Bank executive who chairs the planning committee. “Buildings are well kept, but they’re aging, and we have to meet the needs of our students and faculty.”

Officials found several reasons why a bond could be called.

District representatives and committee members say BISD’s growth mirrors Kendall County’s appreciable population rise.

There are 12,400 residents in Boerne’s school district, with 7,880 pupils registered at nine BISD institutions. Officials noted student enrollment has increased more than 17 percent since 2010, and is projected to jump to 12, 313 by 2025-26.

The city anticipates adding more than 1,000 inhabitants by 2019, according to a new demographic study.

In 2013, voters approved a $99.5 million bond, which funded a variety of new construction, renovations and expansions to existing facilities, as well as technology.

Work continues at a new Fabra Elementary School, scheduled to open for the 2016-17 academic year.

Over the past months, the district developed a long-range technology

BISD continues on pg. 17

17

SALOCALLOWDOWN.COM BISD continues from pg. 16 plan, formed a BISD student profile to address education needs and ordered a facilities assessment.

Through meetings and community input, the facilities-planning committee has helped the district prioritize. New construction and acquiring land to sustain growth are top goals, members said.

Cost estimates to build another new elementary school and middle school are more than $30 million and $62 million, respectively.

The committee also has investigated additions and improvements for present academic and athletic facilities, portable classrooms and enhancing technology districtwide.

The commission is considering renovating and retrofitting the existing Fabra Elementary campus to accommodate a district alternative school, teacher in-service and training spaces, a centralized data center and a relocated and expanded main office.

Other possibilities include refreshing equipment such as fleet radios and school buses, and land for a natatorium. A potential territory purchase and construction combined could cost $19 million.

The planning committee has scheduled two open-to-the-public January meetings, and the following month, the school

board will review its recommendations.

“Throughout the process, community stakeholders are involved, helping us evaluate the information we have before us and seeking to come to consensus about next steps needed in order to fulfill our obligation to the students and families of our district,” Superintendent David Stelmazewski said in an earlier interview.

D’Spain said discussion continues about specific proposals trustees may be presented, and the board could ask the committee to do more work.

“We’re still in the committee’s infancy here,” he added.

District officials and supporters of the 2013 bond note BISD has carefully spent those funds, and with issuing debt in recent years. From 2009 through 2015, the district has achieved $43.7 million in savings.

With a successfully passed bond in May, the facilities-planning committee anticipates debt could be issued at a 5 percent and 5.25 percent interest rate in 2016 and 2017, respectively.

Taxable values are projected to grow at 6 percent this year, and 5 percent annually in 2017 and 2018. The district could raise its interest and sinking, or debt, tax rate to 40 cents per $100 property valuation under a $140 million bond, to 46 cents with a $150 million bond, or to

BOERNE ISD AT A GLANCE CURRENT STUDENT POPULATION

IN 9 INSTITUTIONS (UP 17 PERCENT SINCE 2010)

7,880

ESTIMATED STUDENT BODY BY 2026 12,313 (+4,433) 54 cents under a $160 million bond.

The lowest estimation, $140 million, would increase the cumulative monthly amount of the average homeowner’s bill $10.74 on a $347,202 house through 2020.

For a similarly valued residence, a $150 million bond might result each month in $12.35 extra over the same time.

As for the $160 million figure, the identical homeowner could see a $14.50 monthly hike through the matching period.

While not speaking for the district or

the whole committee, D’Spain said, as a BISD resident, he takes seriously the notion property taxes could escalate if a bond were to be proposed and approved. Bonds, when done right, are a worthwhile public investment, he added.

“Personally, over the years, I’ve enjoyed seeing my property values appreciate. That’s because we have one of the finest school districts in the state,” D’Spain said. “We’re going out into the community and asking what do you need? We want to do what’s right.”

BUILDINGS ARE WELL KEPT, BUT THEY’RE AGING AND WE HAVE TO MEET THE NEEDS OF OUR STUDENTS AND FACULTY. BRYAN D'SPAIN, CHAIRMAN OF THE PLANNING COMMITTEE

18

JOIN FOR $1 24165 IH10 West, San Antonio, TX 78257 210-698-5111 anytimefitness.com

Offer valid with minimum 12 month membership agreement at participating location only.

Monthly membership dues still apply. TX Health Spa 20120060 Expires January 31, 2021 ©2015 Anytime Fitness, LLC

Make 2016 Your Year t

ge d u B

Save Money

D N I F EW N OB J Pay Bills

NOW HIRING Media Sales Reppresentatives Join a culture with vision and fantastic growth opportunities Benefits • Competitive Salary y • Commissions • Bonuses • Paid Vacation • Paid Insurance

Take a Trip

Perks • Work in your community • Say goodbye to your cube and hello to your office

Responsibilities: Service and grow accounts within an assigned geographic territory within San Antonio along with community involvement.

Send cover letter and resume to:

kgarza@localcommunitynews.com -210-338-8842

JAN. 11 - FEB. 8, 2016

Construction in this creek bed near Boerne Stage Road and the Interstate 10 West frontage road is part of an overall Bexar County project to reduce flooding in the area. Photo by Rudy B. Ornelas

DRAINAGE continues from pg. 01

More coming with county’s 10-year plan

by PETER MORALEZ

R

esidents and business operators in Leon Springs who worried when it rained hope the completion of a $10.2 million Bexar County drainage project on Boerne Stage Road means no more flooding.

The initiative, celebrated with a recent dignitary-packed ribbon cutting in the H-E-B parking lot at Boerne Stage and Interstate 10 West, is one phase of a $500 million, 10-year flood-control program to lift the area out of a 100-year flood plain.

The improvements along Boerne Stage couldn’t come soon enough, according to businesswoman Heather Hamilton.

“For the past 21 years, I’ve lived and worked in the Boerne Stage Road area,” said Hamilton, manager of Big’s convenience store, 24457 Boerne Stage. “Completion of construction has been a long time coming – I think almost 18 months – and for us at the store, it has been very stressful.”

She’s keeping fingers crossed the enhancements work.

“I’m anxious to see what all these improvements will mean when we get our first heavy downpour,” she said. “It appears that Boerne Stage Road has been raised at least 6 feet, and I think that is going to make a major difference. In

addition, the creation of overpasses that allow traffic to come and go from the subdivisions like the one at Baywater Stage (Road) are a welcome sight.”

Bexar County Precinct 3 Commissioner Kevin Wolff, who represents the region and grew up there, said more changes are coming.

“The entire price tag of improvements to this area is estimated at $500 million,” he said, “and let’s face it, infrastructure repairs and improvements are always going to play catch up with the area that they are being done in,” Wolff said.

“However, when there is an area that is experiencing the kind of growth that this area is undergoing, it is essential for elected officials to do all they can to provide the best that we can for both the residents and business owners on Boerne Stage Road and the surrounding areas,” he added.

Wolff, who attended the October dedication ceremony, later shared his childhood memories of the neighborhood.

“What I can assure you, as a former resident of this area back to 1972, I welcome all the work that was put into lifting Boerne Stage Road out of this floodprone area,” he said. “When I was a child growing up in this area, I always knew when it rained heavily my family would be stuck in our home for days at a time.”

Subsequent work will affect two more I-10 exits.

“Next on the agenda will be needed improvements to Ralph Fair Road, and then on to Camp Stanley,” he said.

“The way this area has developed in my lifetime has been incredible, and the Bexar County Commissioners (Court has) addressed this growth and the need

DRAINAGE continues on pg. 19

19

SALOCALLOWDOWN.COM DRAINAGE continues from pg. 18 for infrastructure that can support this growth, and will continue to do so.”

Though happy with the advancements, patience was necessary, Hamilton said, such as when when roadwork closed one of the driveways into the parking lot at Big’s.

“When it becomes inconvenient to get into a convenience store, you know business is going to suffer,” Hamilton said.

“Although, I have to admit that every cloud does have a silver lining because many of the construction workers brought us their business, and for that we are very thankful.”

Aue Elementary School, 24750 Baywater Stage, less than a halfmile from Boerne Stage, also felt the effects of construction.

“We are certainly pleased with the completion of the Boerne Stage Road upgrade,” said Principal Kathryn Hayes. “It has been a real challenge for all our families and staff to get to and from the highway and into the neighborhood. We appreciate all the workers that brought this to completion.”

The faculty numbers about 80, with 650 schoolchildren.

According to a preliminary study done for Bexar County, the I-10 West

area under consideration for the longterm project consists of 9,560 acres, or 14.94 square miles, located along the federal expressway adjacent to Camp Bullis from San Antonio’s city limits to Boerne’s extraterritorial jurisdiction.

The region primarily contains single-family dwellings, with some multifamily, commercial and agricultural usage. There are no industrial uses at this time, the study indicated.

According to the 2010 Census, there are 12,871 residents, with estimations increasing in two decades to 22,928.

“I for one feel that the figures from the 2010 Census underestimated the exponential growth in this area,” Wolff said.

Business leaders are happy with the county’s work, including at Éilan, a community five miles from Boerne Stage at 17803 La Cantera Terrace, which includes luxury apartments, office space, a hotel and spa, and shopping.

“We are pleased to see the improvements that are being made to the area,” said Tera Burch, a spokeswoman for Lynd Co., the group managing Éilan. “I feel any improvements to the area benefit us all, especially when the overall plan is to improve traffic and avoid flooding.”

WE BELIEVE IN

HIRE POWER & THE BROOKINGS INSTITUTION BELIEVES IN US

17TH IN THE NATION

St. Mary’s University is ranked 17th in the nation, tops in Texas and best in San Antonio by the national think tank for preparing graduates for success in their careers.

New Home. New You. New Year.

Spend it at Grand at the Dominion

S O C I A L S PA C E S P R I V AT E P L A C E S

Refreshing pool with cabanas Trellis covered outdoor fireplaces Lounge and cooking area Fire and water features Yoga studio with spin bikes and Fitness on Demand®

Wood style flooring throughout kitchen and living Oversized patio/balconies with storage closets Spacious pantries and closets Under cabinet lighting Three different finishes

Follow us on Facebook,Twitter, & Instagram www.facebook.com/GrandAtDominion https://twitter.com/grandatdominion http://instagram.com/grandatdominion

1.844.517.7982

23910 W Interstate 10, San Antonio,TX 78257

www.grandatdominion.com

Ye!!

A Dited Timomes O L TUnits- imrtment H

IN ct pa Eonth-SeleLuxury A V E M oom MOe FRE Bedr On and 3 , 1, 2

The Catholic and Marianist University www.stmarytx.edu

See Your Next Adventure...

More Clearly!!!

ADVERTORIAL

Focal Point Vision Drs. Maverick and Lehmann Helping our neighbors see clearer today!

At Focal Point vision, our mission is to deliver the highest quality eye care with courtesy and compassion for our patients. We aim to combine timely care with advanced technology to deliver the best possible outcomes. Our physicians and team are dedicated to lifelong learning, and above all, we strive to treat our patients as we would treat our friends and families.

With more than two decades of combined experience, Drs. Kenneth Maverick and James Lehmann are highly-trained cornea and cataract specialists who can tailor surgical treatments to each patient’s needs.

• Cataract Surgery • Corneal Specialist • Lasik/PRK • Visian ICL

Focal Point Vision

Along with providing high quality care to their patients, both doctors volunteer locally and abroad, performing free surgeries and teaching other doctors.

Focal Point Vision offers the latest in laser cataract removal with the stateof-the-art LenSx femtosecond laser platform.

We also provide medical and surgical care for: Refractive Surgery (LASIK and PRK), Keratoconus treatment, Corneal transplants, and Glaucoma surgery.

We have two convenient locations in the San Antonio area to better serve you: 4775 Hamilton Wolfe, Bldg 2 (Medical Center) 2520 Broadway, Ste 200 (Alamo Heights)

BeyondLasik

Our well-trained, high energy team is excited to greet you and welcome you to our Focal Point Vision family.

Maverick|Lehmann|San Martin|Burkhart

Call Today – 210-614-3600 or visit us online at www.FocalPointVision.com

4775 Hamilton Wolfe, Bldg 2 2520 Broadway

Call Today 210-614-3600 www.FocalPointVision.com

Take the first step toward clear vision – call us today to schedule a consultation with the doctors at Focal Point Vision!!!

While visiting our Web Page, please go to the Testimonial Tab and see what folks are saying about us and the service they received!

Let Us Help You See Your Next Adventure…More Clearly!

Focal Point Vision…Beyond LASIK! Owners Dr. Kenneth Maverick and Dr. James Lehmann

21 HAPPENING continues from pg. 10 ELSEWHERE IN SAN ANTONIO

CHEERS! The fifth annual San Antonio Cocktail Conference 14-17 takes place on the city’s downtown streets for four consecutive days. Join top bartenders, international experts and national cocktail enthusiasts as they imbibe, eat and play for charity.

There will be guided tastings, parties, educational seminars, dinners and more benefiting Houston Street Charities and children’s causes. For more including ticket purchasing and specific event times, visit http://www.sanantoniococktailconference. com or https://www.facebook. com/SACocktailConference.

JANUARY

RETIRED TEACHERS MEETING The North San Antonio Retired 20 Teachers Association conducts a 9:45 a.m. conference the third Wednesday of each month at San Pedro Presbyterian Church, 14900 U.S. 281 North. Attendees are updated with information useful for former educators. Kelley Grady of the San Antonio Humane Society will speak. For more, call Michele Bibb at 494-8197.

JANUARY

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

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

For more, visit www.alamodome.com.

JANUARY

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

The players will leave a mark on the community by encouraging fans to visit GreatAssist.com to nominate a worthwhile cause or deserving family. Game tickets start at $13. For more, go to harlemglobetrotters. com, ticketmaster.com, the AT&T Center box office, or call 800-745-3000.

JANUARY

LAND HO! For four days, the Antonio Boat and Travel 28-31 San Trailer Show docks into the Alamodome, 100 Montana St., with fun activities, the latest trends and great deals.

Tickets, available on-site, are $10 or less.

Event hours are Thursday 4-9 p.m.; Friday noon to 9 p.m.; Saturday 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.; and Sunday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more, visit www.sanantonioboatshow.com.

JANUARY

SUBMITTING EVENTS: Email all

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

22

JAN. 11 - FEB. 8, 2016

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

Dominion Ridge Dentistry treats teeth, sleep apnea and more

by ERIC MORENO

D

r. Louis R. Garcia opened Dominion Ridge Dentistry last July to treat not only patients’ teeth but their overall health.

Dominion Ridge Dentistry (above and far right, bottom) uses the latest technology to treat patients' oral and overall health. In the top-right photo, Ana Karina Creson (center) watches a movie while dentist Louis R. Garcia (left) performs a tooth extraction with Norma Acosta, a registered dental assistant. Photos by Collette Orquiz

The basis of the practice is building relationships and trust with customers, plus a dedication to excellent service via state-of-the-art technology.

The office is at 22211 Interstate 10 West, Suite 1103 in the Dominion Ridge shopping center.

“I would say that we are an oral, systemic health care clinic,” said Catherine Garcia, the dentistry’s marketing manager.

“However, we don’t just treat teeth, we treat the whole person. We believe that your teeth – your whole mouth – the health of that affects your whole body.

Most people don’t realize that.”

In addition to dental work, the clinic monitors clients’ blood pressure and treats obstructed sleep apnea. Research indicates more than 30 percent of Americans snore, especially adults 45 and older.

Dominion Ridge helps alleviate sleep apnea, which contributes to snoring, a serious health condition itself.

“We do a scan for obstructed sleep apnea using a technology called i-CAT Cone Beam,” Garcia said. “Not many offices have this technology or equipment. We felt like this was a very important (part) of treating patients and their overall health.”

As for dental care, the clinic features teeth whitening, veneers, extractions, root canals and occlusal equilibration — an adjustment to realign a bite.

Dental implants are also available.

“Dentistry has changed a great deal in the last 10 or 15 years and now dental implants are a big part of our practice,” Garcia said. “Ever since fluoridation in San Antonio came about, you don’t see the decay like you used to. So now the older population, their teeth are breaking down, and they want them replaced with

implants. This is a specialty of Dr. Garcia.”

Hours are 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Wednesday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Thursday and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday.

DOMINION RIDGE DENTISTRY 22211 Interstate 10 West, Suite 1103 For more or an appointment, call 910-6903 or visit www.dominionridgedentistry.com

W.H.O.L.E. INSTITUTE

Wellness & Healing Options for Life Extension

Accepting Candidates for

Pilot Studies For The Following Health Conditions:

Arthritis, Glaucoma, Hepatitis C or Chronic Allergies associated with High Blood Pressure Effective, All Natural, Safe Treatment, with No Side Effects

Call Today to Schedule Your FREE Evaluation

210-802-1522

4865 Fredericksburg Rd., Woodlake Plaza Building G • San Antonio, Texas 78229

23

SALOCALLOWDOWN.COM

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

More than just pizza at Russo’s in The Rim

by OLIVIER J. BOURGOIN

T

he new Russo’s Coal-Fired Italian Kitchen at The Rim is the first Alamo City franchise for the Houston-based company, also quickly spreading to territories outside the Lone Star State.

There are more than 30 Texas restaurants, the majority in the greater Houston vicinity. Additional outlets can be found in Hawaii, Florida, Arkansas, Tennessee, Oklahoma and beyond, with upcoming international locations in Bahrain, Qatar and Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

The local eatery opened last July at 17631 La Cantera Parkway, Suite 102.

General manager James Cochran, previously employed at Cypress Grille in

Boerne, said diners who enjoy Grimaldi’s Coal Brick-Oven Pizzeria and BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse will also like Russo’s.

“But, our menu offers a larger selection of pastas and pizzas, with craft beers and wine,” Cochran added.

Gluten-free pizza and pasta are available.

Cochran’s favorite menu item is the eggplant Parmesan, or eggplant Milanese, made from layers of eggplant Parmesan topped with marinara sauce, Pecorino Romano and buffalo mozzarella cheeses and baked in Russo’s coal-fired oven.

The 2,800-square-foot restaurant has about 35 workers and seats 148 patrons.

“Pizzas represent about a third of our sales,” Cochran said. “Our best seller is the New York Village pizza. It comes with pepperoni, crumbled spicy Italian sausage, Canadian bacon, roasted peppers, black olives, sliced button mushrooms and

FREE TACO

RUSSO'S COAL-FIRED ITALIAN KITCHEN 17631 La Cantera Parkway, Suite 102 For more, call 561-7616 or visit www.russoscoalfired.com

Russo's Coal-Fired Italian Kitchen (top photo) features a wide selection of wines, as well as dishes including spaghetti with puttanesca sauce (above).

Photos by Collette Orquiz

CELEBRATE, ITALIAN STYLE

Home of the Trash Can Taco Hours: Monday - Friday 7 am-1:30 pm Sat 8 am - 1:30 pm • Sunday closed

beef, topped with all-natural mozzarella cheese and homemade pizza sauce.”

“People also like the Nonna’s, (eggplant) stuffed with portabella (mushrooms) and Italian sausage,” he added.

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

Sunday through Thursday and 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

210-408-7878

Get 1 Free Bacon & Egg, Potato & Egg, Chorizo & Egg or Bean & Cheese Taco.

Your choice. It’s on us.

10

5123 North Loop 1604 West , San Antonio, Texas 78249

we are on instagram.com/localcommunitynews

SAN ANTONIO PIATTI.COM

ÉILAN – ON THE PIAZZA 17803 LA CANTERA TERRACE 210.251.3542 ALAMO QUARRY MARKET 255 E. BASSE ROAD 210.832.0300

On average, homes in 78249, 78256, 78257, & 78230 took 106 days to sell and were sold at 96.82% of list price.

REMAX AXX Integrity Stats: Average time on market: 61 days

Average List: Sold price ratio: 97.61%

When you absolutely, positively must sell for Top Dollar in the shortest time possible contact the industry experts!!!

*****ECR WSS Postal Customer

Buying or Selling a home? Speak with an Industry Expert

Prsrt Std US Postage Paid Permit 6450 San Antonio TX

Jesse Valdez

Stephanie Gomez

Ben Mason

Karan LaGrange

Angel Garcia

Abraham Dinibutun

Dana Ramsey

Micheal DeChene

Korina Wang

Morgan Handley

Wayne Ramirez

Shirley Cowart

Neal Wickwire

Jacob Delgado

Kelton Day

Vincent Arnall

Albert Moreno

Darren Cormier

Pam Alvarez

Denise Becerra,Office Manager Zachary Taylor, Owner

210-876-5000 5500 UTSA Blvd. | YourEasyMove.com Each Office Independently Owned and Operated

Beautiful home in Boerne to be built. Picture is an example of a home built by River Hills Custom Homes.

$245,000

$239,999

$699,999

Wow factor! Dramatic two-story entry features wood & iron railing & beautiful hand-scraped wood floors.

Huge kitchen/breakfast area, granite countertops, cozy gas fireplace, upgraded raised panel beech 36� cabinets, whirlpool ss appliances, oil rubbed bronze lighting, plumbing and door hardware, sprinkler system. Close to shopping, sea world and six flags. Highly sought after nisd schools.

This is a must see!!!

Wonderful, large, open floor plan with tons of space and lots of upgrades centrally located in an established, small, gated community. Large inside corner yard with lots of mature oaks. No carpet, wood floors throughout most of the entire home other than kitchen and baths. Walking distance to school, and only minutes from major area employers, shopping centers, and roadways. You will not be disappointed, must see to appreciate!

Rare opportunity to own a beautiful custom home situated atop a hill famous for having the best views in Bexar County.

Just under 8 acres of unobstructed beauty and serenity, far end of property with frontage on Helotes Crk. Pictures cannot begin to do it justice, must see to appreciate. Huge 3.5 car garage with craftsman’s workshop, RV parking, multiple wooden decks and walkways. 3rd story sitting area in tower with 360 degree views. Exotic granite counters, travertine floors, Subzero, and designer decor.

$270,000

$215,000

$649,000

COMMUNITY NEWS

Come see this beautiful custom built home. Large family room with raised hearth fire place in sunken family room, custom built in cabinets and bookcase, vaulted ceilings & spacious kitchen. Nice open floor plan and large private backyard, perfect to entertain.

Minutes from SAMCE, Ft. SAM and RAFB.

4204 GARDENDALE STE. 201 SAN ANTONIO, TX 78229

Looking for a magnificent move-in ready home that has it all in the highly sought after Wildhorse community?

Here it is! This dream home has an open floor plan that is idea for entertaining and creating family memories.

One beautiful feature is the kitchen. It has a gas stove w/stainless steel appliances, granite counter tops, 42" cabinets, 18" tile back splash/floors! The entire house is connected to a water purifier and softener that is ran through WHOLE house.