LEGISLATIVE PREVIEW PG. 16 EAT LOCAL
Campbell, Larson vow to revise annexation, property-tax laws
JAN. 09 - FEB. 06, 2017
VOL. 2, ISSUE 3
HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL!
PG.22 SIGNATURE
PG. 06 OUR TURN State lawmakers should give school vouchers another look
PG. 04 SUSAN YERKES
Chef Andrew Weissman debuts new eatery on the far Northwest Side
I-10 CORRIDOR
Military Health Institute promises medical boon for South Texas, SA economy
COMMUNITY NEWS LEON SPRINGS
FAIR OAKS RANCH
THE DOMINION
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HELPING HAND
BOERNE INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT TO OPEN
HERFF ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
VAN RAUB ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
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NEW
SCHOOLS
PG. 14 Campuses honor vanished
Fair Oaks Ranch officer with cancer sees community support
community, Texas medical pioneer and a fallen warrior
PG. 11
Medical bills are rising for policeman diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma
Plenty of 2017 projects on tap for Fair Oaks Ranch PG. 13 Home-rule charter, street and drainage repairs, coordinating a build-out plan are all in the cards
PG.18 BUY LOCAL
MOSAISTA
VOSS MIDDLE SCHOOL
Home decor elements including lighting, fixtures, rugs, bowls and more fromTurkey
PG. 07 HAPPENING LOCAL
PG. 09 LOCAL LOWDOWN
LOCAL EVENTS AND MORE
OPEN AND OPENING SOON IN YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD
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JAN. 9 - FEB. 6, 2017
FROM THE EDITOR tedwards@localcommunitynews.com
President Harold J. Lees Assoc. Publisher Rick Upton EDITORIAL Executive Editor Thomas Edwards
Publisher Gregg Rosenfield Director of Operations Jaselle Luna
News Staff Collette Orquiz and Bain Serna Contributing Writers Valerie Bustamante, Arthur Schechter, Will Wright and Susan Yerkes ART Creative Director Florence D. Edwards ADVERTISING Zone Manager Marc Olson
Controller Gracie Cortinez
READER SERVICE Mailing Address 4204 Gardendale St., Ste. 201 SA, TX 78229
South Texas’ Original Pool Company. Gary Pools has been building and servicing swimming pools in and around San Antonio and South Texas since 1954. We are the largest family owned and operated pool builder in Central and South Texas.
Fax (210) 616.9677
Phone (210) 338.8842 Advertising Inquiries molson@localcommunitynews.com Story Ideas tips@localcommunitynews.com Website www.localcommunitynews.com LOCAL Community News publications
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If you’re thinking of a pool, give us a call at 210-494-1313 – we’d love to hear from you. 13800 San Pedro Ave. • San Antonio, TX 78232 • garypools.com
Zone 1: 78204, 78205, 78209, 78210, 78212, 78215 Zone 2/3: 78213, 78216, 78230, 78231, 78232, 78248, 78249 Zone 4/5: 78109, 78148, 78233, 78239 78108, 78132, 78154, 78266 Zone 6: 78258, 78259, 78260, 78261 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, 2017 Helen Publishing LLC and Local Community News LLC, all rights reserved.
LOCAL’s new website debuts
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OCAL Community News has launched its new website. Readers visiting www. localcommunitynews.com will find the latest hyperlocal coverage of area neighborhoods, schools, government and events. During the last four years, LOCAL has experimented with a variety of website options, including online flip-books. At the same time, our audience kept asking, “When are you going to have a searchable news website?” Well, the time has come. We created LOCAL’s monthly print editions to fill a gap in community news, and our objective has not changed. The newspapers remain our core product. Our website, however, allows us to expand and enhance the coverage that matters most to our audience. There are several advantages to the website. Because of the staggered print deadlines, many calendar submissions go by the wayside. Now, there will be a forum to post these releases in a more timely fashion online. The site also makes it easier for readers to search out stories that appeared in print. The site is conveniently arranged by ZIP codes. We hope readers will enjoy our latest information conduit. Please visit the site and send your feedback to tedwards@localcommunitynews.com.
THOMAS EDWARDS EXECUTIVE EDITOR CLARIFICATION Claudia Heyne, owner of The Beauty Cottage of Boerne (featured in a recent LOCAL Community News), works as an esthetician at Idunna’s Harvest, a skincare boutique owned by Noemi Costlow. To reach Hayley Summers Morrison at the salon in the Beauty Cottage, call 830-446-2303.
Primary Care
Board-Certified Pediatricians Theresa Willis, MD, FAAP Courtney Smith, MD, FAAP Juan Jose “Joe” Ferreris, MD, MHA, FAAP Our expert group provides full-service pediatric care from birth to 18 years, including: • Free prenatal consultations • Well-child visits
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• Care of chronic illnesses, asthma, ADHD, etc. • Treatment of minor injuries • Vaccinations and immunizations • Care of acute illnesses
Stonewall Hill
• School and sports physicals • Hearing and vision screening
Call 210.698.7663 to schedule your child’s appointment today. The Children’s Hospital of San Antonio Primary Care Dominion Crossing 21727 IH-10 West • Suite 205 San Antonio, Texas 78257 www.chofsa.org/primarycare
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JAN. 9 - FEB. 6, 2017
LOCAL COMMENTARY
Good medicine for all by SUSAN YERKES
I
’ve always found it interesting that two of this city’s biggest economic generators are the military medical establishment and the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio. With thousands of military and civilian contract employees and a budget in the billions, military health is a powerful part of San Antonio’s economy. There’s a long history of collaboration between UTHSCSA and the military medical folks. However, the
relationship recently took a huge leap forward with UTHSCSA’s creation of the Military Health Institute. The idea came from Dr. Bill Henrich, health-science center president. “Ask any San Antonian what is unique about the city and I would guess the military here would be one of the answers,” Henrich said. “As president here, I’ve seen a number of successful projects with the military, and a big portion of our teaching involves care of veterans and staffing the (Veterans Affairs medical facilities), but we still weren’t taking full advantage of all the opportunities to collaborate for the benefit of the military, the university and the wider community. The institute was intended to do that.” Dr. Byron Hepburn, former commander of the 59th Medical Wing at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland and a one-time deputy surgeon general of the Air Force, heads the institute, which opened in late 2014. He is the perfect person to create the kind of collaborative incubator Henrich had in mind.
“We have a unique interface with VA and the Department of Defense, with the huge military presence, and the amount of research and teaching. Also, the fact the VA is co-located with us, and our faculty is doing most (of) all the research at the VA,” Hepburn said. The focus is to fast-forward research in military medicine at these institutions through partnerships, and the Military Health Institute is working with the other such facilities, as well as with the entire UT System. Current projects include major research on post-traumatic stress disorder, a study of new pain relief for burns, work on long-term outcomes of vascular-extremity injuries, care of gastrointestinal injuries, new indicators of traumatic brain injury and research in how best to help family caregivers deal with PTSD. While these endeavors are geared to the needs of servicemen and servicewomen, the results can improve care for everyone. “There are layers of goodness,”
Hepburn said. “Research done for the military also has direct applicability to all humans, from a burned child to the victim of a motorcycle crash.” The institute’s networking function is also connecting researchers inside and outside the armed forces to coordinate studies and jump-start pilot projects, Hepburn said. After just two years, the results are impressive. In 2016, total funding UTHSCSA received for DOD-related projects increased nearly 45 percent, from $8.5 million in 2015 to about $12.3 million. When I asked Henrich about how much he envisions the institute growing, he said, “The sky’s the limit.” The Military Health Institute is a great way for a lot of smart folks to work together doing important things. It’s good news for UTHSCSA, for veterans and for active-duty personnel. It’s good news for the South Texas economy. Most important, it’s good news for medical research, and for all of us living here in Military City, USA, and beyond. syerkes@localcommunitynews.com
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JAN. 9 - FEB. 6, 2017
OUR TURN Views and opinions about your community
Considering vouchers
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awmakers of the 85th Legislature should continue pushing for initiatives that ease the financial burden on parents wanting choices about where their kids attend school.
Efforts to use taxpayer dollars — or vouchers — allowing guardians to enroll their offspring in private or parochial institutions failed during the last session. Many public-school educators decry vouchers. They fear taking public monies away from their districts hurts students and undermines the overall performance of Texas’ tax-supported institutions. On the other hand, parents fed up with schools that fail pupils should have a right to decide how and where
their hard-earned dollars are spent to pay for their children’s education. Just like in a free market, the competition could help improve public schools. Proponents also argue vouchers are a mechanism to lift low-income students out of underperforming institutions and place them in a better learning environment. Initiatives in 2017 include giving tax credits to companies donating funds to poor or special-needs students, so they can afford tuition at private or parochial schools. Another option could be the education savings account, which funnels taxpayer dollars to parents as a debit card to pay for schooling other than public. In the end, parents have a right to seek the best education possible for their youngsters, while also being able to decide how to pay for it. -The Local Community News editorial board includes Harry Lees, Gregg Rosenfield and Thomas Edwards.
THE TEX HILL
UT Healthier Care is Coming Soon In March 2017, The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio – now called UT Health San Antonio™ – is bringing a higher level of care to your area. We’re opening a new facility in the Hill Country featuring a wide range of specialties, including primary care for the entire family. Learn more at UTHealthHillCountry.org.
UT Health Hill Country 25723 Old Fredericksburg Road Boerne, TX 78015
SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM ACCEPTING APPLIC CATIONS October 1, 2016–January 10, 2017 The Tex Hill Scholarsh hip Program provides tuitio on, fees, textbooks and uniforms to two fifth grrade boys who will attend San Antonio Academy during their 6th, 7th and 8th grade years.
sa-academy.org 210.733.7331 San Antonio Academy admits students of all race, color, and national or ethnic e origin. Accredited by the Independent Schools Association of the Southwest. Member M of the National Association of Independent ndent Schools Schools.
BE HONEST. BE KIND. BE THE BEST YOU CAN BE.®
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LOCALCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM
HAPPENING LOCAL
Plan your month with our calendar of upcoming events in the community.
OUR GUIDE TO YOUR MONTH
HAPPENING KEY
FITNESS
ART
BOERNE CITY COUNCIL council usually meets 10, 24 The on the second and fourth Tuesday of the month in chambers, 124 Old San Antonio Road, from 6-8 p.m. For more and to confirm dates and times, visit www.ci.boerne.tx.us.
JAN.
ALTRUSA INTERNATIONAL At work in San Antonio 12 since 1928, the international nonprofit — striving to make communities better through leadership, partnership, service and charity — holds meetings at 6:30 p.m. on the second Thursday of the month at Mimi’s Cafe, 17315 Interstate 10 West. For more, call 685-3281 or visit www.SanAntonio.Altrusa.org.
JAN.
CAMERA CLUB Photo SA, a camera club for all levels, 12 meets 6:30-8 p.m. at Dominion Country Club, 1 Dominion Drive, on the second Thursday of each month. Guest speakers make presentations. Cost is $10 at the door. RSVP not required, although helpful. For more, visit http://www.meetup.com/photosa or call Jim Landers at 681-8552.
JAN.
CHINESE NEW YEAR ENTERTAINMENT Come 13 to Heath Public Library’s Community Room, 451 N. Main St. in Boerne, from 6-7 p.m. to welcome 2017 (The Year of the Rooster) with a dance presentation by the Chinese Culture Performance Association of San Antonio. For more, visit www.ci.boerne.tx.us.
JAN.
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED Meet at Cibolo Nature Center 14 & Farm’s Visitor Center, 140 City Park Road in Boerne, from 9 a.m. to noon and help beautify the grounds. Assist in readying plants and gardens for spring by pruning and weeding. Bring gloves, if you have them, and sturdy shoes. For more, contact Joely Cifre at
JAN.
EVENT
OUTDOOR
MUSIC
FOOD
volunteer@cibolo.org or call 830-249-7230. MARKETPLACE DEALS On the second weekend of each 14-15 month, located in the heart of Boerne’s historical district on Main Plaza, 100 N. Main St., is Boerne Market Days, Saturdays 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sundays 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Enjoy the outdoor setting, browse the wares of vendors, artists and craftsmen, and listen to Texas homegrown music. For more, call 8448193 or visit www.boernemarketdays.com.
JAN.
DOG-EARED BOOKS Children can visit 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 share their time and lovable canines. For more, call 830-249-3053.
JAN. 14 & FEB. 4
ART: IT’S MORE THAN A NAME On the second Saturday of 14 the month, stroll Boerne’s streets from 4-8 p.m. and enjoy a fine-art experience. During “Second Saturday Art and Wine,” participating galleries are free and open to the public. Meet artists and enjoy art, wine, hors d’oeuvres and live music. For more, call 830-248-1184.
JAN.
SCHOOL’S OUT Northside and Boerne independent 16 school district campuses will be closed in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. For more, visit www.nisd.net or www.boerne-isd.net.
JAN.
WATCH THE BIRDIE Come to Herff Farm, 33 Herff 17 Road in Boerne, from 9 a.m. to noon for a heron rookery monitor workshop. Presented by J.W. Pieper and Donna Taylor, this class covers research on great blue heron rookeries
JAN.
HAPPENING continues on pg. 08
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JAN. 9 - FEB. 6, 2017 room at Heath Public Library, 451 N. Main St. in Boerne, hosts a multicultural 10-11:30 a.m. klatch. “Soul Salon” unites folks to discuss current and relevant topics in an informative and respectful manner. A library volunteer leads the program. Coffee is provided. For more, visit www.ci.boerne.tx.us.
HAPPENING continues from pg. 07 and explains how the Cibolo Preserve project adds to this body of knowledge. A $10 donation is suggested. To register, visit a link at www.cibolo.org. For more details, contact Donna Taylor at donna@ cibolo.org or call 830-331-8992. PRESCHOOL FUN Mother Nature makes a special appearance to 18 tykes for story time at Cibolo Nature Center & Farm’s Visitor Center, 140 City Park Road in Boerne, from 10-11 a.m. For more, call 830-249-4616 or contact Stephanie Colvard at stephanie@cibolo.org.
KEEP ROADS CLEAN Organized by the Fair 21 Oaks Ranch Homeowners Association, come to 7286 Dietz Elkhorn Road at 8:30 a.m. for breakfast and then head out to Ralph Fair Road to clean up trash as part of the Adopt-A-Highway program. For more, visit www.forha.org.
JAN.
JAN.
FAIR OAKS RANCH CITY COUNCIL Regular meetings 19 begin 7 p.m. on the third Thursday of each month in City Hall chambers, 7286 Dietz Elkhorn Road. To verify dates and times, call 698-0900.
JAN.
JAN.
19
NATURE PHOTOGRAPHY Go to Cibolo Nature Center 22 & Farm, 140 City Park Road in Boerne, from 1-4:30 p.m. for “Picture Your World,” a photography workshop for ages 8-18, presented by Green Spaces Alliance. The program is designed to foster an appreciation of the environment. Bring your camera, or one will be supplied.
JAN.
CAN WE TALK? The third Thursday of each month, the second-floor conference
The event will be repeated March 5 at Friedrich Wilderness Park, 21395 Milsa Drive. For more including registration costs, visit www.greensatx.org. BISD TRUSTEES The next Boerne Independent School 23 District board meeting, open to the public, will be 6:30 p.m. in the Administration Building at 123 W. Johns Road. For more and to confirm dates and times, call 830-357-2000.
JAN.
NISD TRUSTEES The Northside Independent 24 School District board’s next scheduled meeting, normally the fourth Tuesday of the month, will be 7 p.m. in the conference room at 5900 Evers Road. Sessions are open to the public. For more and to confirm dates and times, visit www.nisd.net.
JAN.
DO YOU HAVE A LITTLE EXPLORER? Cibolo Nature Center & Farm’s Visitor Center, 140 City Park Road in Boerne,
JAN. 25 & FEB. 1
will host preschoolers from 10-11 a.m. Young adventurers sing songs, make crafts, play games, explore outdoors and hear stories. For more, call 830-249-4616 or contact Stephanie Colvard at Stephanie@cibolo.org. FIRE ECOLOGY WORKSHOP The auditorium at Cibolo 28 Nature Center & Farm, 140 City Park Road in Boerne, hosts a seminar titled “Fire Ecology: Elements of a Prescribed Fire,” from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Three expert presenters discuss how a controlled blaze can be a valuable land-management tool when dealing with wildlife and brush. Admission is $25 for CNC&F members; cost varies for others. Bring a sack lunch. For more and to register, visit a link at www. cibolo.org or contact Ben Eldredge at ben@cibolo.org or call 830-331-8464.
JAN.
SUBMITTING EVENTS: Email all
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LOCALCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM
FILLED WITH
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
COMMUNITY SPIRIT SINCE 1852
1. MOSAISTA, 15900 La Cantera Parkway,
Suite 7700 in The Shops at La Cantera, celebrated a grand opening of this second location Nov. 12. The first debuted last March at North Star Mall. The new store imports handcrafted home decor, lighting fixtures and accessories from Istanbul. Hours are 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday and noon to 6 p.m. Sunday. For more, call 990-7145 or visit facebook.com/mosaista. (Story on page 18)
2. SIGNATURE, 16401 La Cantera Parkway on the grounds of La Cantera Resort & Spa, is chef Andrew Weissman’s newest culinary concept, and opened Nov. 21. It features contemporary cuisine prepared with classic techniques and a touch of Texas. Hours are 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. for lunch and 6-10 p.m. for dinner Monday through Saturday, and 6-9 p.m. Sunday. For more, call 247-0176 or visit signaturerestaurant.com or facebook.com/ signaturesanantonio. (Story on page 19) IN OTHER NEWS DISTRICT 8 COUNCILMAN RON NIRENBERG announced his bid to run for mayor in 2017 in the May 6 election, challenging incumbent Ivy Taylor. Nirenberg’s campaign slogan is “The City You Deserve.” GVTC COMMUNICATIONS HAS UPGRADED facilities in north Fair Oaks Ranch and the Deer Meadows area. The enhancements included installing buried and aerial fiber optic cable in and on existing buried conduit and power poles. These replaced pedestals along the existing cable routes on both public road rights of way and private properties. Contractor Texstar Enterprises performed the planned construction. For questions call David K. Cook, GVTC right-ofway agent, at 830-885-8337 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., or 830-660-9062 anytime. THE GARCIA MIDDLE SCHOOL CHOIR, under the direction of Kathy SettlesHorejsi, performed for Northside
Independent School District trustees, staff and attendees at the Dec. 13 school board meeting. THE NORTHSIDE INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT NEEDS BUS DRIVERS. The 32-hours-a-week job offers competitive pay, medical, dental, vision and retirement benefits, as well as training, uniforms and paid holidays, according to officials. For more information or to apply, visit nisd.net/transportation. THE SECOND COMPREHENSIVE SPORTS GYM IN THE NORTHSIDE INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT was dedicated Nov. 30 with a Texas-sized pep rally involving all schools. Hundreds of volleyball and basketball student-athletes participated, along with more than 500 pep squad and drill-team officers, varsity and junior varsity cheerleaders, dance-team members, mascots and musicians from all 10 comprehensive high schools. Northside Sports Gym is located at Farris Athletic Complex, 8400 N. Loop 1604 West, with seating capacity of 2,500 and 88,389 square feet of space, compared to Taylor Field House’s 27,000 square feet, the last competitive gymnasium opened in 1973. NORTHSIDE INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT PERSONNEL CAN ENJOY TEACHER APPRECIATION FRIDAYS at Bowl and Barrel, 17619 La Cantera Parkway, Suite 102 at The Rim. Show valid employee ID and receive two hours of bowling and free shoe rentals from 3-7 p.m. Reservations are suggested. Call 920-1102 for more. BOERNE HIGH SCHOOL TEACHER JENNIFER CHRISTIANSON recently attended the American Association of Teachers of German convention in Boston and was one of eight educators nationwide receiving the GoetheInstitut/AATG Certificate of Merit, for the advancement of the language.
LOWDOWN continues on pg. 10
Wishing you a blessed Christmas filled with the light of God’s love and the joy of faithfully serving others.
As a Catholic and Marianist University, St. Mary’s is committed to serving our community and developing leaders dedicated to the common good. The Catholic and Marianist University www.stmarytx.edu
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LOWDOWN continues from pg. 09
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Christianson instructs 90 students in five German classes and has been teaching 10 years in Boerne Independent School District. She took a break from 201013 to serve on the board of trustees. TMI-THE EPISCOPAL SCHOOL OF TEXAS recently was ranked by aceable. com as the fifth “most beautiful” Texas high school. Unique aspects, according to the website, include the 500-seat chapel, butterfly garden and ceramics building. All facilities were created using locally sourced limestone. Nearby, Boerne-Champion High School rated 19th on the list. The campus received multiple accolades for its design, including the Governor’s Award for Environmental Excellence. The school has several eco-friendly elements such as natural lighting and a rainwaterharvesting system, officials said. SENIOR CAMERON CRENWELGE AT TMI-THE EPISCOPAL SCHOOL OF TEXAS
JAN. 9 - FEB. 6, 2017 signed to ride in college for the topranked Texas A&M University equestrian team (according to a Nov. 23 National Collegiate Equestrian Association poll). Crenwelge also received offers from No. 2 Baylor University and No. 4 University of Georgia. She chose Texas A&M because her father is a 1981 alum, also earning a master’s degree in business administration there in 1994. The younger Crenwelge won the Novice Youth Showmanship Championship and was Reserve World Champion in Trail Breeders Championship Futurity at the 2015 National Snaffle Bit Association World Championship in Tulsa, Oklahoma. She also was ranked No. 1 in Level 2 Horsemanship last year. THE REV. SCOTT BROWN will be the next headmaster of TMI-The Episcopal School of Texas for the 2017-18 school year. Brown served as chaplain of the private school from 2004-07. For the past nine years he’s been rector of St. Alban’s Episcopal Church and School in Harlingen. He succeeds John W. Cooper, headmaster since 2012.
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LOCALCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM
An original musical written by Linda Kaufman with Mark A Lit
Directed by
Mark A. Lit Musical Direction by
Dr. Aaron Prado
Fair Oaks Ranch Police Officer Riley Gobeil, pictured with wife Tawnie, is being treated for Hodgkin lymphoma, a cancer that targets the lymphatic system. The community has rallied around the 25-year-old peace officer to help with meals and his medical bills. Courtesy photo
FAIR OAKS continues from pg. 01
Family grateful for help from residents, colleagues by COLLETTE ORQUIZ
F
AIR OAKS RANCH — The community is rallying around a 25-year-old police officer diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma to help pay his mounting medical bills.
“We’re kind of like a big extended family here,” said Police Chief Scott Rubin. “It’s more than a work relationship. It’s like a family and so as people found out, they were concerned and everybody wanted to know what they could do to help and chip in what they could.” Riley Gobeil has been with the Fair Oaks Police Department for almost two years. Since the Nov. 3 diagnosis, he performs light duty with the investigations unit. Several of Gobeil’s colleagues sprang into action during No-Shave November.
The cancer-fighting, money-seeking activity creates awareness as participants grow hair infirm people often lose. Rubin said many officers donated $100 each. Plus, the department, along with community members, attended a Nov. 30 fundraiser at Conroy’s Irish Pub. A doctor’s visit for chest pains proved a bigger deal than Gobeil ever thought. As a young police officer frequently exercising and eating well, it was shocking when a scan revealed a cancerous mass pushing on his heart. In Hodgkin lymphoma, cells grow abnormally in the lymphatic system (a part of the body’s immune response) and may spread elsewhere. As the disease progresses, the ability to fight the infection is compromised, according to the Mayo Clinic. Hodgkin lymphoma predominantly occurs in early adulthood, ages 15 to 40, with higher numbers for those in their 20s, and after age 55. Gobeil said the cancer is random. “You hear about little 5-year-old kids getting cancer. It’s like you can’t really question why you got it when they get it, too,” Gobeil said. The officer has undergone a handful of surgeries, including a biopsy to insert a port above his heart to administer chemotherapy drugs. He’ll receive treatment every other Tuesday for the next
FAIR OAKS continues on pg. 12
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FAIR OAKS continues from pg. 11 six months, take several medications, and is adjusting to a completely organic diet. Gobeil doesn’t worry too much about his condition, noting doctors said he has a 90 percent chance of beating it. Meanwhile, his medical bills are growing. Gobeil’s wife, Tawnie, 23, said the financial constraints have been difficult. Her brother, Chase Jennings, started a GoFundMe campaign to mitigate expenses. “I’m very grateful for it. If we didn’t have the support we had right now, we would not be able to keep this house,” she said. The Gobeils, high school sweethearts from San Diego, California, have been married two years. They have two dogs and a cat, and planned to start a family, which will be harder now. As of press time, more than $17,000 had been raised toward the $100,000 goal. Those interested in contributing can visit gofundme.com/2x8zefg. “I am amazed at the feedback and generosity of everyone who has donated to the GoFundMe account,” said Dee Jennings, Tawnie Gobeil’s father. “It verifies that there are so many good people in the world.” Family and friends have aided the couple, especially on Facebook with an app called Meal Train. Basically, it’s a calendar enabling people to choose what day they want to bring food fitting the patient’s dietary restrictions. While Riley Gobeil couldn’t attend the pub event because of chemotherapy, Tawnie Gobeil went with her father and said the turnout was so unbelievable she cried. Rubin said he’s overwhelmed by everything being done. “The holidays come, you know the pies and the cakes and those things, but when this happened the people who came in with financial contributions or showed up at the fundraiser, or just sent emails of, ‘Hey, I’m a cancer survivor’ and those things, to me it’s very heartwarming to know that we work in a community that does care,” Rubin said. People are continuing to write notes, some up to two pages long, and sending cards telling the Gobeils how they beat cancer. “I don’t know about for Riley, but for me to read it, that’s what keeps me positive, reading those notes, the successes,” Tawnie Gobeil said.
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LOCALCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM FOR TO-DO continues from pg. 01
City is working with highway department to improve bridge by COLLETTE ORQUIZ
F
AIR OAKS RANCH — Voting on a home-rule charter, holding City Council elections, fixing drainage woes and reconstructing troubled roads are all on the 2017 to-do list of city officials.
Mayor Garry Manitzas said the council has organized projects for the new year based on a sound budget and a viable workload, sentiments echoed by other elected leaders. “My observation is that everyone on our team (council and staff) continuously invests a lot of time and effort researching ways to address issues brought before us as part of our decision-making processes,” said Place 2 Alderman Roy E. Elizondo. Several current undertakings and improvements are progressing and should conclude in the near future, including street and drainage construction funded by an earlier bond issue. “This work is well underway and, so far, is staying on schedule even though we have had a few weather challenges,” Manitzas said. Voters approved a bond referendum in November 2014 to reconstruct 3.1 miles of roads with $7 million in funding.
In early May, the town’s electorate will decide whether to approve a home-rule charter. Under state law, a vote can be triggered when a municipality reaches 5,000 or more inhabitants, giving its residents more say-so in day-to-day operations. Fair Oaks Ranch currently is governed by general law, which means the city more closely follows state mandates. “We fully anticipate this initiative will be supported by our citizens,” Manitzas said. “The Charter Commission, which is composed of citizens, not elected officials, has worked very hard for months to bring the charter draft to completion.” A 6:30 p.m. town-hall meeting Jan. 12 in City Hall, 7286 Dietz Elkhorn Road, will enable neighbors to meet commission members. Improving interaction with residents is a New Year’s resolution. The town has commissioned a fourmember communications committee headed by a city human resources and communications specialist. Already, they’ve evaluated choices for website upgrades, and the council will review a contract for the work. “The group is also chartered to consider adding social media to our tool kit and we look forward to some very creative ideas from this talented group in 2017,” Manitzas said. In addition, several council slots will be
contested May 6, including places 3, 4 and 5. Filing begins Jan. 18 and closes Feb. 17. Manitzas also wants younger residents more involved in local government. The city, once viewed primarily as a retirement community, is seeing an influx of folks in their late 30s and early 40s raising families. “It is my desire to get them engaged through volunteer committees and other engagements,” the mayor said. “That’s something where we are starting to get some traction and I will keep working on it.” During a Nov. 17 council session, the city hired Gap Strategies for $327,000 to facilitate future planning and growth. According to Manitzas, the scope of work includes: n Update the comprehensive plan and associated land-use map n Update subdivision regulations including a quick rewrite to fix basic problems identified in the review n Develop the city’s first zoning guidelines, using existing homeowners association standards where possible n Develop an annexation plan reflecting established growth-management objectives within the land-use plan and build-out scenarios n Develop a master roadway/ thoroughfare plan n Continue the “successful” business model of having the homeowners association operate the city’s parks and trails n Develop a handbook for turnkey predevelopment operational procedures to benefit developers and the city with consistent methodology and transparency n Project management plus implementation and training
n Develop a capital-improvement program based on a land-use plan, build-out scenarios, “bang for the taxpayer buck,” long-term recovery and maintenance of assets The city also is developing a master drainage plan addressing flooding issues, which have plagued the area for years. “Over the years, population growth both inside and outside of our city has affected water flows, especially in heavy rains,” said Place 4 Alderman and Mayor Pro Tem Al Schmidt. “We will evaluate what can be done within a city’s responsibility.” Officials already OK’d six engineering companies to devise proposals. On Jan. 17, the council will select one or more firms to enter into negotiations for completing the work. Both of these projects are long term and “fundamental to managing our city effectively,” Manitzas said. “The work underway to define the future of our city and the means for achieving that vision, have proven to be a learningrich environment,” Elizondo said. One particular concern is the FM 3351 and Ralph Fair Road Cibolo Creek low-water crossing bridge. According to Schmidt, it closed twice in 2016, once with 6 feet of water. The city has been working with the Texas Department of Transportation to build a new, higher structure after a presentation at a public meeting last January. Completion dates and funding are to be determined, but a new bridge will be part of a major expansion of 3351 and Ralph Fair Road from Interstate 10 to Texas 46. “We are continuing discussions with TxDOT to solve this bridge-closing situation as soon as possible,” Schmidt said.
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JAN. 9 - FEB. 6, 2017
BISD continues from pg. 01
Isexcitedto Work on sites will Announce finish in 2018, 2019 OurNEW WEBSITELAUNCH! by COLLETTE ORQUIZ
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B
OERNE — A hero, a healer and heritage are reflected in the names chosen by the Boerne Independent School District board for three new campuses after receiving suggestions from area residents and staffers.
“They came together in the fall semester several times with a charge of harvesting names from their circles in the community and going forward with those names,” said David Boggan, BISD spokesman. “We went through a process selecting three names for each
of the schools. A total nine in all were presented to the board of trustees.” The winners are Van Raub Elementary School, Dr. Ferdinand L. Herff Elementary School and Capt. Mark Tyler Voss Middle School. The facilities will be completed in 2018 and 2019. Construction funds are provided by the $175 million bond voters approved last May, with more than $153 million allocated for new district facilities, renovations and improvements to existing facilities/equipment. The latest schools are needed to keep pace with growth, officials said. Costs are $24.4 million for Van Raub, $26 million for Herff and $47.5 million for Voss. The district supplied the following breakdown on each campus: VAN RAUB ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Located at 8776 Dietz Elkhorn Road in Fair Oaks Ranch on a 19acre tract purchased earlier by BISD, the 98,635-square-foot campus is designed for up to 850 students.
The school recognizes the historic community situated in the area in 1884, which was named for Van Raub Byron, the first local business owner. “That name is a name that honors heritage, not for a specific individual,” Boggan said. A church, school, cotton gin and weekly newspaper The Advance were established in 1885, and a post office in 1889. Its 1886 population of 300 began dwindling when a railroad was built west to Kerrville. By 1910, 150 residents remained. According to The Handbook of Texas, after World War II most of the remaining neighbors moved away. In the 1990s only a few scattered houses stood. The old Van Raub community schoolhouse, owned by BISD, sits on adjacent property. It will be incorporated into the overall site plan of the new campus, but options for its exact use are still being discussed. Of the three new facilities, Van Raub opens first in August 2018.
BISD continues on pg. 15
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LOCALCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM BISD continues from pg. 14 DR. FERDINAND L. HERFF ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Located in the Esperanza subdivision off Texas 46 East, the land was given to BISD as part of an agreement. The school will be 98,000 square feet with 850 students. The institution is named after prominent San Antonio physician Ferdinand Ludwig von Herff, whose family still resides in the area. His greatgranddaughters, Juanita Herff Chipman and Carolyn Herff Kennon, donated land for Boerne High School, officials said. “I especially like that it’s an elementary school, because I think that starting school in the lower grades affects you all the way through school. The education … you get in elementary school … will last you for the rest of your life,” Chipman said. The campus is slated for a fall 2019 opening. Escaping Germany’s political environment, the patriarch Herff
immigrated to America in 1847 with a handful of countrymen; the group of mainly university-educated professionals founded an idealistic commune. Within 18 months it failed. Herff briefly returned to Germany, marrying Mathilde Kungel Hoeffer in 1849, but sailed for America soon after, becoming a citizen and dropping the nobility title “von” from his name. The couple first settled in New Braunfels, and then San Antonio in 1850, where Herff began a long career in Texas medicine. He was a charter member of the Texas Medical Association in 1853. The Herff family owned 960 acres on two different Boerne plots. They’ve lived on the same land for seven generations, and each has produced a doctor, Chipman said. “I have always wanted a school named after him,” she added. “He deserved the honor of having an institute of education named after him, because he was highly educated and could speak four or five different languages, and he was a medical doctor.”
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Some Herff acreage today includes Cibolo Nature Center, an erstwhile family retreat, and Kendall County Fair Association. CAPT. MARK TYLER VOSS MIDDLE SCHOOL Located at 46 East and FM 3351 on land purchased through bond funding, the school will be 184,000 square feet with 1,200 students. The campus honors Boerne High School 2004 graduate and Air Force pilot Capt. Mark Tyler Voss, who died May 3, 2013, in an aircraft crash near Chon-Aryk, Kyrgyzstan, during Operation Enduring Freedom. Assigned to the 93rd Air Refueling Squadron, Voss replenished jets midair. “When the news came out that our son was killed, you would not believe the kindness of our community,” said his mother, Marcy Voss. “Their love and their support has just been a treasure to us and has certainly touched our hearts. We are just extremely grateful and very honored that they would continue to bless us
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by naming a school after our son.” Voss said her son was interested in flying from an early age, receiving a pilot’s license as a high school junior. Appointed to the U.S. Air Force Academy, he earned a degree in aeronautical engineering in 2008, and was commissioned as a second lieutenant. He received his wings in March 2010 after graduating from pilot training at Laughlin Air Force Base in Del Rio. With the highest score in his class on flight-check rides, Voss merited a training award. Stationed at Fairchild Air Force Base in Spokane, Washington, flying KC-135 Stratotankers, he was promoted to captain May 28, 2012, and aircraft commander March 14, 2013. Voss moved to Boerne when he started middle school; the new campus isn’t far from his boyhood home. “As an educator, it’s a higher honor, and as a parent it’s a desire that our child is never forgotten,” Marcy Voss said. The school is scheduled to open fall 2019.
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JAN. 9 - FEB. 6, 2017
PREVIEW continues from pg. 01
property-tax reform as his chief goals.
School choice, border security, water issues on agendas
ANNEXATION Larson addressed the failure of state anti-annexation bills in 2015, but said, “We have not given up.” He added, “We will file (bills) in January that will allow residents to vote before being taxed by (an adjoining) municipality.” He commended the efforts of San Antonio officials who amended the city’s annexation plan. “While we are pleased the city is working toward an agreement that delays annexation of 281 neighborhoods, we are still working to prevent annexation of (those) in the Interstate 10 area.”
by WILL WRIGHT
C
urbing cities’ annexation powers and revising property-tax laws top the to-do lists of two state lawmakers representing the far North Side.
Elected leaders convene in Austin Jan. 10, adjournment is set for May 29. District 25 Sen. Donna Campbell, R-New Braunfels, alongside House District 122 Rep. Lyle Larson, R-San Antonio, are again vowing to support bills curtailing municipalities’ absorption of adjacent communities. Their proposed legislation would allow residents in unincorporated areas to have a voice in the outcome. The issue garnered headlines and generated controversy the past year, when San Antonio announced plans, later scaled back, to annex several regions in its extraterritorial jurisdiction. A land-grab initiative north of Stone Oak and Encino Park to the Comal County line eventually was modified to include only a commercial corridor on U.S. 281. Yet, future annexation of residential areas remains viable, with annexation along the Interstate 10 corridor north of the University of Texas at San Antonio proceeding. Those and other issues rate high for Campbell and Larson entering the 2017 legislative session. LYLE LARSON, 57, a 1977 MacArthur High School and 1981 Texas A&M University graduate, served two terms as District 10 councilman and represented Bexar County Precinct 3 (1997-2008) before being elected to the Texas House in 2010. He was unopposed for re-election to a fourth two-year term in 2016, and has owned and operated a small business for nearly 30 years. Larson cites water issues, child welfare, transportation, annexation and
WATER ISSUES “We have major challenges ahead of us when it comes to securing Texas’ water future, but we’re confident it can be done if we continue working together … and resist the temptation to fight each other along arbitrary political boundaries,” he said. He added, “We intend to file legislation to address groundwater regulation and incentivizing the use of technologies such as brackish desalination and aquifer storage and recovery to ensure we can meet the needs of our growing state.” CHILD WELFARE “As you may know, state leaders recently instructed the Department of Family and Protective Services to develop a plan to immediately (enhance) state protection for children at risk of abuse,” Larson said. “The Legislature will address this challenge … (as) ensuring and protecting Texas children is a top priority.” TRANSPORTATION Larson cited funds generated by voter approval of Proposition 1, and later Proposition 7, which allocates billions of dollars for Texas road improvements – without tolls – in upcoming years. The lawmaker said he remains committed to seeing area projects – including expansion of the north 281 corridor – become reality without additional taxpayer burden. “San Antonio, which claims eight of the state’s most congested roadways, was awarded $170 million to build additional highway capacity,” he said. “One of (the) most congested is the section of U.S.
PREVIEW continues on pg. 17
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LOCALCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM PREVIEW continues from pg. 16 281 (extending north) from Loop 1604 to the (Comal) county line, (which) will soon be expanded, free of tolls.” He added, “We are proud that over a decade of hard work has paid off.” Larson noted construction bids expanding the first phase of 281 will go out in February, and the second phase by early 2019. PROPERTY-TAX REFORM “Though the state does not levy a property tax and local governments are responsible for setting their own tax rates, it has become clear the Legislature must act to decrease (an) undue burden on state homeowners,” Larson said. “My office (will) file legislation to address this problem.” Larson cited time spent by homeowners fighting higher appraisals, which result in tax hikes. “We are drafting a bill that would prevent an appraisal district from increasing a valuation more than 5 percent, or the rate of inflation, whichever is lower, following a year in which a settlement is reached,” he said. DONNA CAMPBELL first entered office in 2013 and was re-elected in 2014. A parent of four, the 62-year-old physician lists property-tax reform and curbing annexation high on her agenda. Other focal points include school choice, ending subsidies and sanctuary for undocumented aliens, and enhancing border security through military preparedness. ANNEXATION “We need to pass reform, and I will make another effort this session to protect private property rights by ending forced
annexation,” Campbell said. “No Texas citizen should become a forced taxpaying resident of a city without the freedom to vote or have a say in the process.”
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PROPERTY-TAX REFORM Campbell said she aims to “rein in bad behavior, fiscal irresponsibility and skyrocketing property taxes at the local level.” She added, “I will make a strong effort to protect taxpayers and homeowners through major property-tax reform, (which includes) lowering the rollback tax rate and initiating a vote by the citizens if a city or county sets a tax rate in which revenue exceeds the rollback rate.” SCHOOL CHOICE “(It) continues to be a priority of mine … so many parents feel their child is trapped in a failing, troubled or chronically underperforming school,” she said. “We need greater transparency of how schools are performing and (offer parents) increased access to opportunities to ensure their child’s specific educational needs are being met.” BORDER ISSUES “We need to protect our military installations and the $150 billion (annual) economic impact they bring into our state by investing in them and shoring up their ‘mission-readiness,’” she said. “We must do everything we can to prevent future base closures and secure the jobs of Texas military families.” According to Campbell, “Finally we must secure the border, end tuition subsidies for illegal immigrants, and ban sanctuary cities that encourage unlawful behavior and undermine our legal immigration system.”
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Customers visiting Mosaista's second location in The Shops at La Cantera will find myriad handcrafted items imported from Istanbul. Wares include mosaic light fixtures. Photo by Valerie Bustamante
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ustomers can find more handcrafted Turkish products in the second Mosaista, which debuted Nov. 12 in The Shops at La Cantera.
“The customers kept liking the (items),” said owner Levent Kurt. “San Antonio is a pretty big city and we only had one shop in North Star Mall, but not everybody goes to North Star — especially those that live near La Cantera. So, we thought we had to open one over here. That way people could see (the items).” Originally started two years ago as a display cart in local malls, Mosaista launched a North Star Mall permanent site, 7400 San Pedro Ave., Suite 134, in March. The latest site is at 15900 La Cantera Parkway, Suite 7700. Its name derives from the words mosaic and Istanbul, where each product originates. Mosaista’s specialty, mosaic light fixtures, come in various sizes, styles and colors. Some are small side lamps, others chandeliers.
“We (thought) it was time to bring (these lights) here and sell them. The Texas market needed something unique like these (fixtures),” Kurt said. “When we first opened there were customers that had never seen anything like them.” Other wares include hand-painted, lead-free and food-safe ceramic bowls, rugs, tapestries and table runners, plus blue bracelets and key chains, two traditional Turkish charms used to thwart the “evil eye.” A new offering at the latest shop are handmade soaps, which will be available soon at North Star Mall. All Mosaista light fixtures have a lifetime warranty; light globes can be traded or exchanged for different colors four times a year for free. Hours are 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday and noon to 6 p.m. Sunday.
MOSAISTA 15900 La Cantera Parkway, Suite 7700 For more, call 990-7145 or visit facebook.com/mosaista
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LOCALCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM
EAT LOCAL Learn about the newest neighborhood places for breakfast, lunch, dinner or drinks
Weissman puts his Signature on new restaurant Robertson, the resort’s marketing director. Signature is Weissman’s eighth eatery in a 25-year career. Jake Andrews, who has been a cook since he was 17, is in the kitchen; general manager Michael Wildey oversees operations. “I learned a long time ago you need other people to help you realize your dreams,” Weismann said. “They are helping me to define the vernacular of the restaurant. I need them to translate what we want to present and happen at that restaurant.” Local, organic ingredients infuse each dish including some herbs and honey culled from Signature’s backyard. The menu features Wagyu burgers, house-
by COLLETTE ORQUIZ
C
hef Andrew Weissman has extended his culinary reach to the far Northwest Side, launching a stand-alone restaurant, Signature, at La Cantera Resort & Spa.
Utilizing classic techniques, Weissman also adds Texan touches with quail, dove, venison, Gulf seafood and house-aged beef. “I love that it’s that Texas (feel) — smoky, authentic, rich, but appealing meats, cheeses, vegetables. I think there’s something for every palate, even if you are vegan or gluten-free,” said Michelle
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SIGNATURE 16401 La Cantera Parkway For more, call 247-0176 or visit signaturerestaurant.com or facebook.com/signaturesanantonio
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Dishes at Signature include the Wagyu burger, with bacon aioli, tomato jam, crisp bacon and a fried egg (top photo); and tropical fruit mille-feuille, which includes coconut cream, passion fruit and gingerlime gelée. Photos by Collette Orquiz
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