LOCAL: I-10 Corridor, Leon Springs, Fair Oaks Ranch, The Dominion, Sonoma Ranch November 2015

BUY LOCAL

EAT LOCAL

PG.21 AERIAL YOGA BOERNE

PG.22 LION & ROSE

British-style tavern offers tasty treats, sports viewing

Hanging around has never been so healthy

Leon Springs Elementary welcomes statue of mascot PG.19 Students pick ‘Leon’ as name of

COMMUNITY NEWS VOL. 1, ISSUE 2

I-10 CORRIDOR

school longhorn under the arches

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

SONOMA RANCH

NOV. 16 - DEC. 14, 2015

GROWING PAINS TERRITORY

INFRASTRUCTURE

SCHOOLS

New neighbors swell ranks of Fair Oaks Ranch

No way around it — I-10 construction is here to stay

Influx of students at Boerne ISD brings challenges

PG.20 State officials say several

PG.17 District poised to keep

PG.14 Annexation brings more

settlements, youth to small city

PG. 06 LOCAL EDITORIAL

projects planned through 2017

Learning to lose gracefully important lesson for sports, life

PG. 05 LOCAL COMMENTARY SUSAN YERKES

PG. 10 LOCAL LOWDOWN

In spite of the world's ills, there is much to be thankful for this holiday season

pace with enrollment

PG.12 Nirenberg wants

city voting shifted to November elections

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NOV. 16 - DEC. 14, 2015

FROM THE EDITOR tedwards@localcommunitynews.com

President Harold J. Lees Publisher Gregg Rosenfield

Build now to take advantage of our Fall incentives.

Assoc. Publisher Rick Upton EDITORIAL Executive Editor Thomas Edwards News Staff Collette Orquiz, Bain Serna and Will Wright Contributing Writers Lauri Gray Eaton, Emeline Lakrout, Eric Moreno, Edmond Ortiz, Eileen Pace, Travis E. Poling, Ruben Renteria, Arthur Schechter and Susan Yerkes ART Creative Director Florence D. Edwards Contributing Photographer Rudy B. Ornelas

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

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

Community news remaining relevant

C

ontrary to what some would like us to believe, print is far from dead — at least when it comes to community newspapers.

As more large news organizations lay off veteran journalists with institutional memory in favor of younger, lessexpensive scribes specializing in Internet quick hits revolving around celebrities and top 10 lists, something gets lost in the process — you, the reader.

Some of the bigger papers have even closed down their communitynews departments, which are about the only direct pipeline they have to most of their audience.

That’s not going to happen with LOCAL Community News, which is committed to hyperlocal content. What does that mean in plain English? Simply put, it means LOCAL is going to tell you what’s going on in your child’s school, what your neighborhood is planning, how your politicians are voting, what new restaurants and businesses have located in your area, and so much more.

And LOCAL is not alone. Community newspapers still make up the bulk of the U.S. press, far outnumbering the big — and shrinking — dailies.

Whether they are free, directmailed monthlies such as LOCAL, or weekly newspapers that land in your yard, community publications remain the best and most reliable source of street-by-street news.

National Newspaper Week celebrated its 75th anniversary the first week of October, highlighting the fact that newspapers still have a deep and lasting impact on their communities.

The same can be said for LOCAL.

THOMAS EDWARDS EXECUTIVE EDITOR

ON THE COVER: No matter where you live, work or travel in the Interstate 10 West corridor, a common theme is growth — from neighborhoods to roadways and school districts. Stories in this issue of LOCAL Community News take a comprehensive look at the ups and downs of progress in the area.

Photos by Rudy B. Ornelas and Lauri Gray Eaton

5

SALOCALLOWDOWN.COM

LOCAL COMMENTARY

Thanks and giving in a time of strife

by SUSAN YERKES

E

ach November we commemorate Thanksgiving — this country’s longest-running holiday. Back in 1621, the story goes, a bedraggled group of British colonists who arrived here on the Mayflower celebrated their first harvest with friendly natives.

Although 1789 saw a Thanksgiving proclamation delivered by George Washington, it wasn’t until the Civil War when another president, Abraham Lincoln, established an official nationwide observance on the fourth Thursday of the month so Americans could pray to

“heal the wounds of the nation.”

This Thanksgiving, such a prayer is still lamentably appropriate.

Mass shootings, worldwide strife, political polarization and all the issues dominating daily headlines remind us many wounds are far from healed.

Thanksgiving is still very much in order. In fact, scientific research has recently proven that giving thanks and helping others are healing actions in their own right.

Cultivating what some call an “attitude of gratitude” has shown to make you happier and healthier. A 2014 study in the journal Emotion, published by the American Psychological Association, indicated that saying a simple “thank you” or writing a note of thanks helps people build stronger, more positive relationships. Folks who describe themselves as frequently grateful for their blessings report fewer aches and pains, and tend to take greater care of their bodies.

Gratitude reduces depression, loneliness and feelings of isolation, and improves sleep. Just before bedtime, make a list of what you’re grateful for, suggested Applied Psychology: Health and Well-Being. Research also indicates promoting gratitude

improves self-esteem, strengthens immunity and lowers blood pressure.

It’s hard to maintain negative emotions when thinking positively. As a U.S. citizen, I know even my worst days are better than the best days of many across the planet – the homeless, the hungry, the physically and emotionally traumatized, and so much more.

As a South Texan, I’m thankful I won’t have to shovel snow to move my car on Thanksgiving Day. I’m grateful to live in a city with such a colorful, diverse and friendly culture, and to have made many fantastic friends here. I am also pleased the city is building more and better greenways for hiking, biking and enjoying the outdoors, and that the weather is great for fun in our parks this time of year. I appreciate the Tex-Mex food, and plentiful food, period. I’m really grateful that Wurzbach Parkway is finished. And the list goes on. When you start listing positives, thanks come easy.

As for the giving, recent research demonstrates generosity is good for body and soul. Those who donate time or money to help others consistently report happier sensations. This “pro-

social spending,” or contributing to charities or organizations you feel good about, produces many of the same physical and emotional benefits that gratitude sparks, and often leads to a “pay-it-forward” point of view.

This Thanksgiving, locals have many opportunities to help others.

You could volunteer for the 35th annual Raul Jimenez Thanksgiving Dinner, for instance. Each year, some 4,000 volunteers plan and prepare holiday meals for 25,000 guests in the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center.

Christian Senior Services is always looking for help with its Thanksgiving Meals on Wheels deliveries to the homebound. The San Antonio Food Bank plans a big Holiday Turkey Round Up just before Thanksgiving.

Through Operation Home Cooking, area families bring some 5,000 military men and women stationed here into their residences for the traditional feast.

From big organized opportunities for giving to small personal acts of charity, there are a thousand ways to say “thank you” and to give of yourself. This year, I’m grateful to all who keep the spirit alive.

HOW DO YOU GIVE THANKS? CONTACT SYERKES@LOCALCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM.

OPHTHALMOLOGY ASSOCIATES OF SAN ANTONIO... is pleased to announce the association of Dr. Mark J. Trevino and Dr. Cooper M. Clark.

Ophthalmology Associates of San Antonio (OASA) has been serving the medical and surgical eye care needs of the community since the early 1970’s with Dr. Thomas F. Hogan, Dr. Joe R. McFarlane, Jr., and Dr. David M. Hunter. Doctors Arlo C. Terry, Robert P. Green, Jr., and John A. Campagna joined the practice over the subsequent years.

Offices were opened in outlying communities for the convenience of our patients. Our services include state of the art cataract surgery and lens implantation, sub-specialty cornea (Dr. Terry), sub-specialty glaucoma (Dr. Campagna), and sub-specialty retina (Dr. Clark). Dr. Green and Dr. Trevino also perform oculoplastic procedures.

We would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to our loyal patients. The entire staff is looking forward to serving you and all of your eye care needs. For new appointments: 210-223-5561

BOERNE 1048 East Blanco Rd. MAIN OFFICE 414 Navarro St., Suite 400 Inside Nix Hospital

MEDICAL PLAZA 1804 N.E. Loop 410 Suite 270, San Antonio

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NOV. 16 - DEC. 14, 2015

OUR TURN Views and opinions about your community

Good coaching teaches life lessons

W

hatever happened to good sportsmanship — and for that matter, accountability and responsibility?

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One has to wonder after recent highprofile accounts of young players, and even coaches, showcasing behavior that went beyond just a flag on the field. Their actions instead highlighted a culture emphasizing winning at all costs — no matter what.

One episode that received nationwide attention chronicled the gridiron assault on a referee blindsided by two Jay High School varsity football players during a game against Marble Falls.

The teammates later claimed they only followed a coach’s instructions when they tackled the unsuspecting official.

In another case, a recent television broadcast revealed a coach yelling at his preadolescent football players

to maul their opponents.

Let’s face it — losing is a part of sports; and it’s an inescapable fact of life. We can’t all be winners.

Each of us is going to fail at one time or another, whether it’s during an athletic contest or in business, school, family, love or finances.

The best sports programs inspire players to win, but not at the cost of their souls.

Good coaches teach athletes that how you play the game is still important, and the best instructors know how you react when you lose says something about true character and the full measure of a person.

Young athletes — and people in general — must learn to own their mistakes and not blame others. Accountability applies not just to sports; it also is the bedrock of most social interaction, from work to home, faith and nearly everything else.

There is nothing silly or ridiculous about learning to lose gracefully and accepting responsibility for a blunder.

These are essential lessons which should be taught on the gridiron, in the gym and in the locker room because they remain important for the rest of life.

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

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SALOCALLOWDOWN.COM

HAPPENING LOCAL

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

OUR GUIDE TO YOUR MONTH

The Highest Standard of Hill Country Living

HAPPENING KEY

FITNESS

ART

BISD The third Monday of every month, the Boerne Independent School District board regularly meets in the Administration Building at 123 W. Johns Road in Boerne. A closed session begins at 5 p.m., with a public forum at 6:30 p.m. For more, call 830-357-2000.

TALK

OUTDOOR

MUSIC

FOOD

PRESCHOOL FUN Mother Nature makes a special appearance and will read “Leaf Trouble” to the youngsters at the Cibolo Nature Center & Farm’s Visitor Center, 140 City Park Road in Boerne, from 10-11 a.m. Along with the story, the kids will make finger paintings of trees, plus discuss forests and fall. Cost is free, but a $5 donation is suggested. For more, call 830-249-4616 or contact Stephanie Colvard at Stephanie@cibolo.org.

NOV. 16

NOV. 17

CELEBRATE A CLASSIC All week, the Heath Public Library, 451 N. Main St., Building 100 in Boerne, commemorates the 150th anniversary of Lewis Carroll’s famous tale “Alice in Wonderland.” The second floor will be the place for free activities including silly fun, tea and crumpets, plus trivia and crafts related to the novel. Then, cap off the week Nov. 20 in the Youth Department Activity Room at 3:15 p.m. for a showing of the animated movie. Don’t fall down the rabbit hole and be late for this very important date. For more, call 830-249-3053.

NOV. 16-20

GO TO THE NIGHT SIDE Teenagers, 13-17, are invited to the Cibolo Nature Center & Farm, 140 City Park Road in Boerne, from 7-9 p.m. for a fun, wild night of exploration. Use all your senses to experience trails at nighttime, just like the

NOV. 19

HAPPENING continues on pg. 08

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INTH - Apa E V MON uxury O M EE m L

o R E F edro N B O 3 and 2 1,

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NOV. 16 - DEC. 14, 2015

HAPPENING continues from pg. 07 animals. For more, call 830-249-4616 or contact Dave Bolster at dave@cibolo.org.

PUTTING THE BAND IN BANDERA ROAD Josabi’s, 17200 Texas 16 North (Bandera Road) in Helotes, will be home to a first-ever event. Eight local, amateur musical groups will duke it out for best overall as the online site, Rowdy Radio, presents “Battle of the Bands.” For more and contest start time, visit josabis.com or call 372-9100.

NOV. 20

SHOWCASE OF HOMES The Showcase of Homes in The Dominion, presented by McNair Custom Homes, will take place both days from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. with a tour of six residences within walking distance of each other in the Andalucia community of the upscale neighborhood. To attend, RSVP to have your name placed on The Dominion’s QuickPass system as a guest of McNair Custom Homes. To RSVP or for more information, call 372-9207 or visit www.

McNAIRCustomHomes.com/Event.

NOV. 21, 22

NOV. 21JAN. 3

HOLIDAY IN THE PARK Six Flags Fiesta Texas, 17000 Interstate 10 West, continues an

annual tradition. It’s the most wonderful time of the year when thrilling rides, tasty treats and exciting family entertainment for the season is transformed into a winter wonderland with thousands of colorful lights, carolers and personalized meet-andgreets with Santa Claus and his helpers. For more details including park hours, visit a link at https://www.sixflags.com/fiestatexas.

GOBBLE, GOBBLE – SCHOOL’S NOV. OUT Classes are on hiatus 23-27 for the Thanksgiving holiday in the Northside and Boerne independent school districts.

DO YOU HAVE A LITTLE EXPLORER? Tuesdays 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.

NOV.24, DEC. 1 & 8

BOERNE MARKET DAYS Located in the heart of the historical district on Main Plaza, 100 N. Main St., this two-day weekend event takes place at least once a month, beginning

NOV. 27-28

at 10 a.m. Enjoy the outdoor setting while browsing the wares of vendors, artists and craftsmen, in addition to listening to Texas homegrown music. For more, call 844-8193 or visit www.boernemarketdays.com.

I’M ALL EARS The music lineup at John T. Floore Country Store, 14492 Old Bandera Road in Helotes, includes David Allan Coe (Nov. 20), Mike Ryan (Nov. 21), Reckless Kelly (Nov. 27), Jon Wolfe (Nov. 28), Gary P. Nunn (Dec. 4), Love and Theft (Dec. 5), and Jason Boland & the Stragglers (Dec. 11). For more including cost and set times, visit liveatfloores.com.

NOV./DEC.

NISD The Northside Independent School District monthly board meeting is set for 7 p.m. at the conference room at 5900 Evers Road. For more, visit www.nisd.net.

DEC. 8

WATCH THE BIRDIE Come to the auditorium at the Cibolo Nature Center & Farm, 140 City Park Road in Boerne, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. for a winter sparrows and wrens workshop. Experienced birders Tom and Patsy Inglet will guide your course, which includes time in the field. For cost and more information, call 830-249-4616 or contact Dave Bolster at dave@cibolo.org.

DEC. 12

DOG-EARED BOOKS Come to 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,” owners share their time and their lovable dogs. For more, call 830-249-3053.

DEC. 12

THE BIRD IS THE WORD The Visitor Center at the Cibolo Nature Center & Farm, 140 City Park Road in Boerne, from 10-11 a.m. hosts a seminar about winter bird feeders for kids of all ages. Discover the different nuts, seeds and fruits birds enjoy, and take home a feeder made with your own two hands. Cost is free, but a $5 donation per family is suggested. No drop-offs, please.

For more, call 830-249-4616 or contact Stephanie Colvard at Stephanie@cibolo.org.

DEC. 12

FRESH PRODUCE The Farmers Market at the Cibolo, 33 Herff Road in Boerne, welcomes food fanciers and others every Saturday (except Nov. 28) from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Enjoy fresh air, local produce and live music on the grounds of an 1850s pioneer farm. Admission is

THROUGH DEC. 12

HAPPENING continues on pg. 09

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SALOCALLOWDOWN.COM HAPPENING continues from pg. 08

ELSEWHERE IN SAN ANTONIO

free. For more, contact Camilla Calk at ccalk@cibolo.org or call 575-640-1408.

KIDS’ SHOWS Larry the Cucumber, Bob the Tomato and other vegetable characters invade the Tobin Center, 100 Auditorium Circle, at 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. for VeggieTales Live! Little Kids Do Big Things. The highenergy musical production is sure to delight children and families of all ages. Tickets are available via the center’s box office, or call 223-8624, or visit www.tobincenter.org.

PUT ON YOUR DANCING SHOES Strut your stuff beginning at 6 p.m. every Sunday. Everyone is welcome on the dance floor 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.

WEEKLY

YOGA FOR NATURE LOVERS Come to the Cibolo Nature WEEKLY Center & Farm, 140 City Park Road in Boerne, from 6-7:15 p.m. every Monday for outdoor exercise. Meet at the Visitor Center where an instructor from The Yoga House welcomes beginners and advanced practitioners. Cost is $10 per class. For more, call 830-2494616 or visit nature@cibolo.org.

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

ONGOING

NOV. 27

CHILDREN’S FITNESS Kids can be part of the Humana Rock ’n’ Roll Marathon & 1⁄2 Marathon race-weekend excitement. Subway Kids Rock San Antonio powered by San Antonio Sports is a noncompetitive, 1-mile event, 9:30 a.m. at SeaWorld San Antonio, 10500 Sea World Drive, open to kindergarteners through seventh-graders. For more, visit http://runrockroll.com.

Happy Holidays to everyone in the Texas Hill Country!

DEC. 5

SUBMITTING EVENTS: Email all

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

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NOV. 16 - DEC. 14, 2015

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

Open and Opening Soon 1. AERIAL YOGA BOERNE, 37131 Interstate 10 West, Suite 300-2 in Boerne, a fitness venue on the expressway frontage road, explores multiple yoga disciplines including hatha, Iyengar, vinyasa and aerial (stretch, swing, invert) while suspended in a yoga hammock. A grand opening was Oct. 22. The schedule varies; consult the website. For more, call 6950696 or visit www.aerialyogaboerne. com/ or www.facebook.com/ aerialyogaboerne. (See story on page 21) 2. THE LION & ROSE BRITISH RESTAURANT & PUB, 17627 La Cantera

Address of local business Name of local business

restaurant, “You will be transported across the pond to a carefully recreated British/ Irish pub setting, complete with stained, handmade wood décor, etched glass and rich details.” Hours are 11 a.m. to midnight for the kitchen and 11-2 a.m. for the bar, daily. For more, call 798-5466 or visit www. thelionandrose.com. (See story on page 22)

3. THE TASTE OF BOERNE, 1022 River

Parkway in The Rim, is the latest in a localeatery chain inspired by United Kingdom tavern fare paired with Southwest American accents; other locations are in Alamo Heights, San Antonio and Live Oak. This new locale opened Aug. 27 and staffers say business is booming, with customers raving about the fish and chips. According to the company website, when diners enter the

Road in Boerne, features three sand volleyball courts, two Rainbow Play Systems, food trucks, 20 craft beers on tap, wine, margaritas, flat-screen televisions, live music, karaoke and indoor/outdoor seating. Operators say it’s the perfect spot to bring the family or throw the next party or gathering. “Let us do all the work,” said owner Mark A. Jones. “There is something to do for all ages.” The Taste of Boerne can be reached by turning in at Anytime Fitness and driving to the back. For hours, to book an event or for other details, call 830-3312777 or visit www.thetasteofboerne.com.

4. THE GENERAL PUBLIC, 17619 La Cantera Parkway, Suite 102 in The Rim, held a recent grand opening to herald its dining and libations. According to its website, “The General Public is a spirited neighborhood restaurant and bar committed to wholesome food and warm hospitality. We are devoted to rewriting familiar recipes using only the freshest ingredients from farmers and suppliers we know personally. And we are committed to always keeping you in good spirits.” Hours are 11 a.m. to midnight Sunday through Thursday and 11-2 a.m. Friday and Saturday. For more, call 920-1101 or visit thegenpublic.com.

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

Suite 102 in the Rim, is a franchise offering made-from-scratch Old World meals based on Russo family recipes brought over from Naples and Sicily to New Jersey and then Galveston. “As a first-generation Italian, chef Anthony Russo oversees everything with care, to honor his national heritage of family gathered together for a heartwarming meal,” according to the company website. 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. 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.

IN OTHER NEWS

ANNEXATION PLANS FOR LARGE AREAS OF SAN ANTONIO’S extraterritorial jurisdiction — including the Interstate 10 West corridor — have been suspended at least until next year. According to a recent release from San Antonio, “(City Hall) announced changes to the limited-purpose annexation schedule to align City Council discussion with a review of the city’s SA Tomorrow Comprehensive Plan. The public hearing and council consideration schedule for three annexation areas of Interstate 10 (East and West) and U.S. Highway 281 will take place in spring 2016.” Shortly before the announcement, Bexar County Emergency Services Districts 4 and 8 hosted a town-hall meeting about the city’s plans to annex parcels along the I-10 West corridor, which are adjacent to District 8. Invited officials to the Oct. 15 gathering included District 8 Councilman Ron Nirenberg, Bexar County Precinct 3 Commissioner Kevin Wolff and state Rep. Rick Galindo.

LOWDOWN continues on pg. 11

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SALOCALLOWDOWN.COM LOWDOWN continues from pg. 10 THE SECURITY COMMITTEE AND THE DOMINION HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION have changed the way driving citations will be issued, according to a recent edition of The Dominion magazine. The publication reports “the security patrol will no longer attempt to stop resident vehicles in violation of the Rules and Regulations for Motorized Vehicle Operations, Safety and Use of the Roads.” The magazine said that if security personnel see an infraction, they will identify the resident by the auto’s license plate and mail the citation to the home address. In the past, vehicles would be pulled over. According to the publication, patrol vehicles are now equipped with dash cameras and security employees have body cameras.

NORTHSIDE INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT TRUSTEE CAROL HARLE attended the recent Family Literacy Night at Locke Hill Elementary School, where Principal Cathy Cowan wore butterfly wings to remind students to let their imagination soar.

THE CLARK HIGH SCHOOL TENNIS TEAM RECENTLY WON ITS 25th consecutive district championship,

according to an update from the Northside Independent School District.

REPRESENTATIVES FROM GOOGLE VISITED CLARK HIGH SCHOOL Oct. 21 to pilot their Google Expeditions technology, which is “virtual field-trip simulation technology.”

Clark students were able to visit places such as the Great Barrier Reef and ancient Greece, all without leaving their classrooms.

The 20-minute expeditions offer about 100 field-trip options and use Google Cardboard viewfinders and cellphones, connected to the Expeditions app, and are controlled by a teacher using a tablet, officials say. Google Expeditions feature 360-degree views including photos, 3-D images and video. Expeditions technology is being offered free to schools as the company develops the technology. The Northside Independent School District adopted Google last year by giving students in kindergarten through 12th grade access to Google Apps for Education.

THE CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL OF SAN ANTONIO IS OPENING A SPECIALITY CLINIC in The Shops at La Cantera early next year, officials announced. “This expansion is another milestone in the

LOWDOWN continues on pg. 12

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LOWDOWN continues from pg. 11 hospital’s journey to become a world-class children’s hospital and further solidifies our commitment to providing the best pediatric health care for children and families in San Antonio and beyond,” said Elias Neujahr, president of the Children’s Hospital of San Antonio.

Construction of the 6,500-square-foot clinic started in late summer; it will house operations for several pediatric subspecialties, focusing on orthopedics and sports medicine. In-house, there will be 12 exam rooms, imaging services and outpatient physical therapy. The new multispecialty clinic will welcome patients in January. The Children’s Hospital of San Antonio Physician Group has four San Antonio locations.

DISTRICT 8 COUNCILMAN RON NIRENBERG PARTICIPATED in a Texas Tribune Festival panel on transportation Oct. 17 at the University of Texas at Austin. Nirenberg, who is chairman of the City Council Comprehensive Planning Committee and serves on the Alamo Area Metropolitan Planning Organization board, took part in “An Urban Mobility Reality Check” roundtable.

Other officials from Austin, Houston

and Dallas also discussed challenges facing Texas cities, which continue to grapple with rapid population growth.

According to a spokeswoman, “Municipal leaders now face greater urgency to support urban-mobility plans that address traffic congestion and provide alternate transportation opportunities.”

NIRENBERG continues from pg. 01

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SAN ANTONIO IS AGAIN A COMPETITIVE RIDE-HAILING TOWN, according to District 8 Councilman Ron Nirenberg, who recently praised the return to the city of Uber, which joined Lyft in agreeing with area leaders on transportation guidelines. “This signals to travelers that we are, in fact, open for business and poised to be the kind of city that welcomes competition and innovation,” Nirenberg said in a prepared release.

“Now we need to follow through with our obligation to ensure that this pilot becomes good policy.” He added leaders should revise Chapter 33 of the Municipal Code, the city’s vehicle-for-hire rules. “We have to remove regulatory burdens for the entire industry and make San Antonio streets safe for commuters and truly competitive for business.” Uber and Lyft — app summoned ride-hailing services — both exited San Antonio last year, but not area suburbs, over disagreements about the city’s regulations for passenger-hire businesses.

o curb voter apathy, District 8 Councilman Ron Nirenberg wants to boost turnout at the polls by moving municipal elections from May to November, coinciding with state and national contests.

The councilman hopes to mirror Austin, which saw a 40 percent upswing in participation after switching. Specifically, Nirenberg seeks shifting the day San Antonio votes from May in odd-numbered years to November in even-numbered years.

Support must still come from the rest of the City Council.

“I proposed as a first step, unifying the elections,” Nirenberg said. “We can change the City Charter to move municipal elections from odd-number spring to even-numbered fall. This would

put city elections on the same ballot as state and national elections, where we know the turnout is four times higher.”

According to the Bexar County Elections Department, 11.89 percent of registered voters cast ballots in May, which included a hotly contested 14way race for San Antonio mayor. Just 14 percent voted in the ensuing runoff between incumbent Ivy Taylor and ex-state Sen. Leticia Van de Putte.

Contrast those numbers with the November 2014 governor’s race when 31.7 percent of the electorate took part. In the 2012 presidential election, 56.5 percent participated.

Relying on his experience working at the Annenberg Public Policy Center and data from The Pew Charitable Trusts and others, Nirenberg sent letters to state Rep. Lyle Larson and San Antonio’s Charter Review Commission citing Austin’s success and requesting their backing.

The capital city’s 2012 May mayoral race only produced 10 percent of voters, but in the next mayor’s contest — two years later in November — turnout jumped to 40 percent.

Presenting his proposal for the first time publicly at the inaugural

NIRENBERG continues on pg. 13

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SALOCALLOWDOWN.COM NIRENBERG continues from pg. 12 University of Texas at San Antonio Civic Engagement Summit in October, Nirenberg said voter indifference and civic disengagement are the two most pressing challenges facing the country, creating a ripple effect on what local government tries to accomplish – “from adopting an annual budget to building the comprehensive plan, from addressing public-safety issues to debating new modes of transportation to the future.”

Representing parts of the North Side and Northwest Side, including north of Loop 1604 along the Interstate 10 West corridor, Nirenberg believes when a small number decides elections for the whole, special interests establish a foothold in government with others left out.

“We don’t have a crisis of registration (to vote),” Nirenberg said.

“We have a crisis of public trust.”

SEEKING COUNCIL SUPPORT

Not everyone is voicing support.

At press time, most council members remained mum.

Taylor at first seemed in opposition, noting last month the Charter Commission decided not to recommend an election change when it met this year.

The mayor also was loath to challenge a decision delivered by the commission she just appointed.

“I think it makes sense for the city’s Charter Commission to view those types of recommendations,” Taylor said.

“However, I would say without having done a lot of study on how it might impact us, that there’s a reason why we have elections in May, which is to preserve the nonpartisan nature of our city government, which I think is an advantage.”

“We could look at having partisan city government,” she added, “but I think we’re at an advantage here at the local level. Being nonpartisan helps us to get things done.”

Nirenberg counters there are several routes to avoid partiality in local elections.

“Yes, we can have a nonpartisan election on a statewide or national ballot.

No parties would be listed and there would be no primary,” Nirenberg said in an email. “We could also avoid issues with a primary through various other strategies, such as instant runoff voting.”

He finds arguments against November municipal elections flimsy.

“I don’t put stock in the excuse of partisanship,” he said. “If a politician wants to avoid the influence of partisanship, just stop communicating

in a partisan way, period. So much of that communication is reactive, and that’s the fault of the person reacting.”

Taylor hasn’t dismissed moving the voting day, though.

“What I’d like to see is more people voting, regardless of when it occurs,” she said.

MOVING FORWARD

Because the City Charter allows for changes only every two years, one isn’t possible until 2017. This year, the public voted to amend the charter to permit council pay increases.

Charter commission member David McGee believes the discussion will be addressed when the body reconvenes. Election dates were broached in the last session this year.

“One concern was that moving the election would add a political element to city government,” he said. “That’s something that San Antonio has guarded against, but it wasn’t a priority and we did not consider it or draft a recommendation.”

However, saving money may be a beneficial reason for electiondate alterations, he added.

“One argument in favor of it might be the expense of elections – that could be reduced by combining

elections,” McGee said.

A vote to change the charter could take another year, or longer, after the commission receives the proposal.

If approved, the measure then goes before the council, which decides whether it should proceed, and if so, schedules a public vote to amend the charter.

Nirenberg said there’s still much to discuss, including how unexpired council terms would be managed if the election timing is changed.

There are other considerations, too.

“School board elections could be affected,” Nirenberg said. “Some of them are in May of odd-number years. We want to make sure we have good participation in every level of government, but my concern and my jurisdiction is council.”

Nirenberg believes greater voter participation increases the accountability of elected officials.

He expects the topic to be debated at length, possibly with vehement opposition, but said the battle is worthwhile.

“In the United States of America, where you have more than 50 percent of the people that are eligible to cast a vote in the presidential election doing so, and 10 percent of those eligible to cast a vote in a local election doing so, it’s not exactly the America that our forefathers envisioned.”

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AIR OAKS RANCH — This small city has experienced a population explosion lately as surrounding neighborhoods knock on the door asking for admittance, many seeking to escape getting gobbled up by San Antonio.

Several developments have requested annexation by Fair Oaks Ranch in recent years, bringing more youth and a need for amenities catering to younger families, according to a top city official.

More enclaves are looking to join.

“We’re adding about 150 new houses a year and about 400 to 500 people a year,” said City Administrator Marcus Jahns.

“More and more people are coming to Fair Oaks Ranch asking us about annexation.”

Most recently, The Woods at Fair Oaks Ranch, Elk Ridge and Front Gate have all entered the fold, swelling the population from about 6,700 to 8,000.

As San Antonio considers annexing more neighborhoods along the Interstate 10 West corridor, Fair Oaks Ranch has received its share of requests by subdivisions wishing to become a part of its city limits to escape being swallowed up by the bigger metropolis. Courtesy Photo

The figure should hit 10,000 to 12,000 people by 2020, Jahns said.

In 1997, the population numbered 2,500, but the attractive location inside Bexar County and just outside Boerne made the original 5,000-acre development popular for building homes. There are only about

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SALOCALLOWDOWN.COM FAIR OAKS continues from pg. 14 70 lots left in the original Fair Oaks Ranch, most with construction challenges.

The addition of The Woods at Fair Oaks Ranch occurred just before San Antonio decided to restart its annexation march into the unincorporated areas of Bexar County.

For several years, San Antonio’s once-active annexation pattern was mostly dormant; new public hearings start in January, with the Interstate 10 West corridor being eyeballed.

According to one October homeowners-association newsletter, some residents seem grateful to avoid being absorbed by San Antonio.

“The Woods at Fair Oaks is in an enviable position,” the newsletter said.

“The month after our annexation by Fair Oaks Ranch, San Antonio announced the (limited-purpose) annexation of all the neighborhoods surrounding us. We would have been included in this annexation had previous HOA boards not had the forethought to seek release from San Antonio’s ETJ (extraterritorial jurisdiction) four years ago. Napa Oaks and Village Green face an uphill battle as they are desperately trying to follow in our footsteps.”

The issue centers around San Antonio’s practice of putting growing areas of

unincorporated Bexar County into its ETJ for years, and then not annexing them.

While some like not paying city taxes, the trade-off means no city services.

Thus, San Antonio has honored petitions to release certain developments around Fair Oaks Ranch from its ETJ, paving the way for the Fair Oaks Ranch City Council to accept them into its own ETJ and annex later.

Even with September’s property-tax rate hike to 30.073 cents per $100 in valuation, Fair Oaks Ranch is still about 5 cents per $100 lower than properties within San Antonio’s city limits.

While San Antonio considers possibly annexing five areas, Mayor Ivy Taylor recently suggested her city take another look at its plans. Numerous costs are associated with annexation of residential areas, including adding to a police force some officers claim is already overextended.

If annexation happens, the 120,000 residents in the 70-square-mile tract could bump the Alamo City to sixth largest in the U.S. Meanwhile, many say they moved just outside of San Antonio to escape city life and taxes.

John Dugan, San Antonio planning and community development director,

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said commercial and residential revenues from the five areas could total $412 million over the next 20 years.

Annexed residents won’t pay city taxes until limited annexation becomes final in three years. Before that, the city will be responsible for assistance such as waste disposal and police and fire protection.

Meanwhile, primarily because of water issues, not every planned neighborhood gets to cross Fair Oaks Ranch’s welcome mat.

In April 2014, those concerns caused council members to reject a developer’s request to annex the planned The Reserve at Fair Oaks Ranch, which would’ve added nearly $700,000 a year in property taxes once all houses were completed.

“There are people who are more concerned than others because of water,” said Charlan Beal, president of the Fair Oaks Ranch Homeowners Association.

She emphasized her observations are as a resident and not on behalf of the HOA. Fair Oaks Ranch receives its water from a series of city-owned wells, supplemented by Canyon Lake under a long-standing contract. Residents asked the council to deny annexation of The Reserve last year because of plans to drill additional wells in the development,

which some thought would siphon off the supply from the Fair Oaks wells.

As Fair Oaks Ranch’s population swells, “with it you’re seeing a younger and younger crowd,” Jahns said, meaning city leaders must determine how best to provide a mix of services to accommodate these families in a community where children were once a rarity.

“Just a whole host of youth-oriented services will be needed,” Jahns said. Some ideas have included soccer fields and a library.

Currently, the closest library is in Boerne.

For years, the HOA has been responsible for green spaces within the original city limits including two parks. Beal said they also maintain 11 miles of trails for walking, jogging and horseback riding.

The HOA has made additional improvements in recent times to address changing demographics. Only about onethird of Fair Oaks Ranch households now match its former 50-and-over profile, Beal said. The parks’ facilities have been upgraded, with special attention to playscapes for tykes under 6, while finding some space for older youngsters, too, noted the HOA president.

Beal said Fair Oaks Ranch Elementary School also opens its fields for kids’ sports and there will be more play areas when the Boerne Independent School District debuts another elementary campus in 2017.

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SALOCALLOWDOWN.COM BISD continues from pg. 01

Enrollment could be more than 9,000 by 2019

by LAURI GRAY EATON

B

OERNE — On a recent fall afternoon, Boerne Middle School North’s main entrance sprung open spilling out a steady stream of tweenagers and young teens into the sunlight like backpack-toting ants from a hill, a school-day scenario somewhat different than years prior.

More ants. Bigger hill.

Boerne Middle School South produced the same imagery, with even more students than its northern brethren.

While the BMSS student body numbered 709 during the 2014-15 school year, today’s population balloons to 1,125.

At BMSN, the figures leapt 226, from 509 to 735, in the same time frame.

The totals surprise no one at the

Boerne Independent School District; it’s all part of the plan as this year BISD experienced a 5.5 percent increase in enrollment, which amounted to more than 400 new pupils. The mounting growth in recent years shows no sign of abating.

In Kendall County’s once-rural Boerne, BISD — which encompasses 420 square miles, mostly prime development acreage sprawling into Bexar and Comal counties — embraces its future.

“In our planning process, Boerne ISD attempts to leave nothing to chance,” Superintendent David Stelmazewski said.

“We engaged one of the top demographers in the state to produce a thorough report for us, charting rates and specific locations of housing growth in the neighborhoods served by the district. Those reports have been spot-on in terms of identifying populationgrowth patterns and extrapolating the data to get to enrollment-growth projections.”

Templeton Demographics in 2012 predicted the then-7,000 BISD register would exceed 8,000 students by 2016. Stelmazewski noted in a BISD column: “Contemplating an increase of 1,000 in a relatively brief four-year span underscores the need for focused and determined planning.”

Enrollment today is 7,800.

BISD continues on pg. 18

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BISD continues from pg. 01 The report also showed the continuing attraction of families with children to the Boerne area, due in part to the reputation of the community’s support for the school district and BISD’s record of providing a solid education, would put particular pressure on the elementary schools. The Cibolo Creek and Fair Oaks Ranch campuses were already near capacity. Fabra, Kendall and Curington weren’t far behind.

Thus, following a successful $99.5 million BISD bond election in May 2013,

of which more than 70 percent of voters approved, the district commissioned projects including additional space at the two middle schools to accommodate the move of the sixth-grade classes from the elementary campuses to the middle schools, which took place this year. Projects also have included expansions and improvements at elementaries and, in the case of aging (circa 1948) Fabra Elementary, an entirely new school is currently under construction on a 17-acre tract toward Interstate 10 less than a mile down Johns Road from the original.

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“It’s ongoing, and it’s significant.”

“You don’t have to be worried about overbuilding (schools),” said Bob Templeton of Templeton Demographics during his most recent presentation in March, reported in a news release. “The growth is coming. In a community like Boerne, we are going to hit (the) numbers projected here, it is just a matter of when.”

His 2015 study indicated BISD would top 9,200 students by 2019.

The bulk of current growth is to the east and south of Boerne, Boggan said.

The situation is under control, according to Stelmazewski.

“Our Long-Range Facilities Planning Committee will take that report and information from other sources in order to develop a plan to address growth in the district. That plan will include a set of recommendations that the committee will take to the district’s elected officials – our board of trustees – for the board’s consideration and action,” the superintendent said.

“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,” he added.

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across Johns Road, will be repurposed as administrative facilities after the budding campus opens in 2016. Before growth, the middle school was the town’s original high school. BISD now has two: Boerne High and the newer Boerne-Champion High.

Staying ahead of the swelling populace is a great test, one official said.

“I think really maybe the biggest challenge is predicting the growth in all the housing,” said Jeff Haberstroh, a City Council member and former BISD construction bond administrator.

Before he left the district about three and a half years ago (to become project director for Project Control of Texas, where he currently manages the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center expansion in San Antonio), “We were tracking well over 6,000 or 7,000 houses a year.”

Haberstroh added, “We’re working pretty hard in the city to see what our future looks like,” noting many of Boerne’s newcomers fall in the 18-45 group — “a huge, huge portion of what makes up our population … with 2.3 kids per household.”

He said such statistics indicate future school-bond votes might come every three years instead of five.

“We’re in the beginning phase of looking at planning for a new bond,” confirmed David Boggan, BISD director of communications.

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by RUBEN RENTERIA

S

tudents at Leon Springs Elementary School could be adding to the legends of the Texas Longhorn after “Leon” won out in a contest to name the new statue representing the campus’ mascot.

Visitors can find Leon and his horns directly underneath the arches in front of the 24-year-old school. The solidcast aluminum, nearly life-size statue is the most recent acquisition from the PTA, which in late September hosted a “Name that Longhorn” contest.

The statue arrived at the school in late summer.

Principal Kathy Dodge-Clay said she wholeheartedly welcomed the longhorn statue near the start of the semester because of his special status in the community.

“The longhorn is the mascot and

it accentuates our overall school spirit,” said Dodge, who has been at the school nearly two decades.

Crissy McArthur and Monica Isgro, co-chairwomen of the PTA Beautification Committee, coordinated the name contest.

For two weeks, McArthur and Isgro distributed, collected and counted 250 student-based entries. On Oct. 2, school officials announced the moniker Leon was chosen by popular vote.

The statue, funded by the PTA, is a gift in advance of the elementary school celebrating its silver anniversary during the 2016-17 academic year.

Students at the campus, 23881 Interstate 10 West, have even started including Leon in events, such as a recent book parade, by decorating him.

Previous giveaways by the PTA included an iPad for each classroom, Chromebooks for grades three through five, and for kindergartners through second-graders, Headsprout technology – a kids’ reading program.

Leon Springs Elementary School, part of the Northside Independent School District, opened in 1991.

For updates on Leon and the campus, visit www.nisd.net/ leonsprings or call 397-4400.

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NOV. 16 - DEC. 14, 2015

I-10 continues from pg. 01

Increased urbanization spurs roadwork

by ERIC MORENO

M

otorists driving Interstate 10 West who find themselves at bedtime counting orange construction cones instead of sheep, and think the nightmare will be over soon — dream on.

Officials say work on the heavily traveled corridor will continue for at least two more years, with state-funded projects underway to widen, improve and increase the expressway’s efficiency.

The stretch of the continent-spanning interstate from Leon Springs to Boerne is one of the fastest-growing in the San Antonio metropolitan area, with population and traffic increases outpacing demand, state officials said. Originally a rural region, the infrastructure was

Rapid development and more residents moving in has increased traffic on Interstate 10, leading planners to make the roadway a priority for improvements. Photo by Rudy B. Ornelas

not set up to accommodate the amount of traffic it currently handles.

“The area continues to grow and become urbanized, or at the least, further incorporated into the metropolitan area,” said Josh Donat, a spokesman for the Texas Department of Transportation.

“We recognize the growth and are doing what we can to help improve our state facilities to meet the needs of the growth.”

Feedback from residents about traffic congestion, in addition to discussions with the Alamo Area Metropolitan Planning Organization, led to I-10 being named a priority for improvements, upgrades and renovations.

“As the area continues to develop, we have a variety of projects designed to keep up with the growth,” Donat said. “(They) will be starting and finishing at various times. The biggest change here

is converting the frontage roads to one way through Fair Oaks Parkway.”

Five separate projects have been commissioned, with some already starting.

TxDOT officials said the work should be finished by the end of 2017 or earlier.

The first project, budgeted at $18.4 million, encompasses a section from Dominion Drive to Boerne Stage Road and will change the frontage roads to one way.

There also will be a new frontage road added on the westbound side of Boerne Stage, with exit and entrance ramps realigned.

A new turnaround at Boerne Stage and Dominion will also be added. Crews should be finished by mid-2016.

A second undertaking, already started early in the fall, is constructing a new overpass at Old Fredericksburg Road on the stretch between Ralph Fair Road and Fair Oaks Parkway. This $31.1 million

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project will also see the conversion of the frontage roads to one-way lanes.

“The exit and entrance ramps are also being improved to increase the efficiency of traffic flow here,” Donat said. “This will wrap up by the end of 2017.”

The expansion of the bridge at Fair Oaks Parkway over I-10 will be a third undertaking. It begins in early 2017 at a cost of $8 million.

A fourth project is a little more extensive, officials said.

It includes intersection improvements at Scenic Loop Road, with a completion date of 2017. Workers will replace the I-10 overpass bridge as well as widen Scenic Loop to four lanes. The nearly $12 million project will also add sidewalks, bike lanes and turn lanes at the intersections.

The final initiative is the overall enhancement of I-10 itself.

No budget or timetable has been announced for the endeavor, other than starting work in 2016 or 2017.

Part of the expansion could involve adding one lane in each direction between Ralph Fair Road and Loop 1604.

“We see no signs of growth slowing in that area,” Donat said. “We will continue to work with our local government partners to develop a strategic plan to meet the increased demand on our infrastructure.”

21

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

Reaching high at Aerial Yoga Boerne

by ERIC MORENO

B

OERNE — Before opening Aerial Yoga Boerne, owners and instructors Anne McCarthy and Desiree Whitney envisioned what their studio would bring to the area.

They renovated the Boerne Yoga Center, fitting it with an engineer-designed aerial rig so up to 18 participants can practice gravity-defying exercises while suspended in a yoga hammock.

The business is at 37131 Interstate 10 West, Suite 300-2, on the frontage road.

“We believe that everyone can benefit from yoga,” McCarthy said. “At our studio, we help students by building their yoga practice from the ground up.”

Debuting in August, the space celebrated

a grand opening Oct. 22; classes offer a full range of disciplines from the traditional such as hatha and vinyasa to the titular aerial yoga. McCarthy and Whitney are committed to the idea that everyone can participate.

They also are dedicated to matching the right teacher and style with students.

“We are so proud to share aerial yoga with San Antonio, Boerne and the Hill Country,” McCarthy said. “Aerial yoga is a wonderful way to learn yoga, as well as learn about yourself. Aerial yoga allows students to explore, refine and advance traditional asana (a posture), both in the air and the ground.”

The principle behind being aloft is to let gravity relax and realign the body, plus center the mind and uplift the spirit.

It features zero-compression inversions, beneficial in relieving neck and back pain.

“This unique form of yoga also helps increase flexibility and range of motion,

Aerial Yoga Boerne co-owner Anne McCarthy (bottom left), teaches an intro/level 1 aerial yoga class (top left).

Class members such as Mallory Jochen (right), learn how to stretch, swing, invert and build strength. Photos by Collette Orquiz

along with building strength,” McCarthy said. “In addition to finding more length in your spine and safe alignment in your poses, an aerial practice is also fun.”

Other popular yoga courses include Iyengar, yin and more.

Hours and class schedules can be found online.

AERIAL YOGA BOERNE 37131 Interstate 10 West Suite 300-2 in Boerne For more, call 695-0696 or visit www.aerialyogaboerne.com or www.facebook.com/aerialyogaboerne

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NOV. 16 - DEC. 14, 2015

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

Lion & Rose gives diners something to roar about

by EMELINE LAKROUT

D

iners seeking Old World charm while enjoying modern American amenities can visit The Lion & Rose British Restaurant & Pub, recently opened in The Rim. Staffers say customers praise the fish and chips — known as french fries in the former colonies of America.

The locally based chain blends Britishand Irish-tavern fare and décor with Southwest American accents. Debuting Aug. 27 at 17627 La Cantera Parkway, the 11-year-old company has other locations in Alamo Heights, San Antonio and Live Oak. General Manager David Perez describes the dining experience as relaxed, adding the venue offers quality

and is attracting more sports fans.

“It’s a fun environment, with excellent cuisine and good draught beers,” he said.

“It gets people cheering for the sports.”

The 5,000-square-foot space owned by restaurateur Allen Tharp differs in design from sister eateries.

“The focus (is) a central bar in the middle of the restaurant with an impressive video wall, as well as the addition of two patios,” Tharp said in a prepared release. It also offers flexible large-party seating, and a more casual atmosphere appealing to a younger demographic, including a wide selection of European and craft beers.

Everything is made fresh daily. The pub-grub menu satisfies with perennial favorites such as the shepherd’s pie and ribs, along with eclectic AllAmerican meals including meatloaf, Reuben sandwiches and burgers.

International-fare choices include

At 5,000 square feet, The Lion & Rose British Restaurant & Pub (above) has plenty of room for people to enjoy dishes such as the classic fish and chips made with white fish filets (top left) or banh-mi tuna slathered in a sweet chili-teriyaki sauce with sautéed Asian cabbage and basmati rice. Photos by Collette Orquiz

chicken breast with homemade curry sauce and grilled, whiskey-flavored steak.

“We’re most famous for our fish and chips, street tacos, appetizers and house-made cheese dip,” Perez said.

“We have the best fish and chips this side of the Atlantic. We’ve had people from England say that this is the best fish and chips they’ve ever had.”

The eatery also offers catering and takeout.

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Olivier J. Bourgoin contributed to this report.

THE LION & ROSE BRITISH RESTAURANT & PUB 17627 La Cantera Parkway For more, call 798-5466 or www.thelionandrose.com

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