LOCAL: Hollywood Park, Hill Country Village, 78247, 78232, 78216 January 2014 by San Antonio Local Community News

www.salocallowdown.com

Transfer of city services from North Side facility irks some residents pg. 11 Valley View Link Center

Satellite Court no longer offering bus passes, permits, immunization records and more

PLUS

Vol. 2, Issue 2

HILL COUNTRY VILLAGE

HOLLYWOOD PARK

pg. 06 COP program recruiting ‘eyes and

ears’ on North Side; training starting What's

INSIDE your community

pg. 04 local commentary SUSAN YERKES BUY

COMMUNITY NEWS NORTH CENTRAL 78216 78232 78247

Cellular on Patrol still strong after two decades, neighborhood leaders say

North Side Little League champions headed to SA Sports Hall of Fame In 2009, winning McAllister Park team became ambassadors for the city

by Arthur Schechter

early 100 athletes and dignitaries have been inducted into the San Antonio Sports Hall of Fame since its inception in 1995.

pg. 12 Alamo Olive Oil Co.

New store stocked with many flavors; tastings offered

EAT

pg. 13 The Great Taste Café

Offering an eclectic menu ranging from tamales to crepes

fantastic deals

coupons INSIDE Discover the city through LOCAL deals from restaurants, retailers and services in your community, and save money while you do it! pg. 15

01/2014

Yet, in an era producing four Spurs NBA championships, never has a team been enshrined – until now. The honor in February goes to 12 plucky Little Leaguers from a North Side team. The road to the hall started in August 2009, when a dozen 12- and 13-yearold All-Stars assembled from McAllister Park’s American League – with nicknames such as “Bad Santa” and “Scary Donut” – evolved into the city’s boys of summer. The team enjoyed a magical playoff run, culminating in a trip to South Williamsport, Pa., and the Little League World Series. As ambassadors on and off the diamond,

Champions continues on pg. 08

pg. 10 NEISD program

works to keep homeless students in school District sees an increase in pupils without a permanent residence

Illustration by Jeremiah Teutsch

January 2014

From the editor

December 201

tedwards@salocallowdown.com

Stubborn fat has met its match.

From THe eDITor President Harold J. Lees LocaL is where Publisher Assoc. Publisher you are. Gregg Rosenfield Rick Upton

Onward and upward for 2014

tedwards@salocallowdown.com

he new elcome year is To Your FIrsT Issue oF president locAl commuNITY NeWs. our LocaL is what Editorial upon Harold J. Lees philosophy here at the newspaper Executive Editor we do. us,is which means keeping our readers in touch, informed publisher Thomas EdwardsGregg Rosenfield aware what's happening in their it isand time toofmake neighborhoods street by street, business by News Staff Assoc. publisher some resolutions. business, venue by venue and even in the Collette Orquiz andRick Will Wright Upton However, as the and education. circles of government Australian moral in addition, we want to help our advertisers Contributing Writers eDITorIAl and sponsorsPete get the best results possible philosopher Olivier J. Bourgoin, Joyce Hotchkiss, Kate executuve editor by making LocAL the go-to choice for Edwards Miranda Koerner, Singer once said, “The problem Hunger,Thomas J.E. Jordan, consumers who want to know where the managing editor GETTING is thatTO a resolution is generally Travis E. Poling, Arthur Schechter greatest products and deals can be found. Travis E. Poling KNOW Weit know easier to break than is toreaders keep.have ” a wide variety of sources to and Susan Yerkes NOW editorial Assistant get information about the world around them, but What I will do is make a resolution on lOOkiNg fOr ART Collette Orquiz here at LocAL we're taking a new approach to an old THomAs behalf of LOCAL Community News to our as thoroughly as idea: covering our local communities contributing Writers eDWArDs Creative Director Sean Bowlin, Joyce Hotchkiss possible by featuring stories on the events and news readers, a promise we definitely can fulfill. ExECuTivE EdiTor RichardandFisher Jr. Kate Hunger that haveyear, a direct on your During the coming weimpact pledge to life, your family, your neighbors and your friends. • Army brat, grew up in proofreader Contributing Photographers keep offering the best news, commentary, • Editorial We want to focus on the everyday folks in the Joyce Hotchkiss San Antonio • ad dEsign/Editorial Steven Gilmore, Joshua Michael features and other items that inform, community as well as the news-makers; we want to • Has cats, dogs and ArT celebrateour whatcommunity. is unique and what brings us together. Contributing Illustrator horsesentertain and educate creative Director but to do this, we also need to hear from you – because Jeremiah Teutsch R. Fisher We’ve already you come a long way. In Favorite movies: are at the center of what we cover. "Planet of thesummer Apes" contributing photographers the of 2012, we introduced And while it's true we are supported by advertising Advertising (original), "Star Wars Collette Orquiz, Leland A. Outz emaiL and value the relationships our first two monthly zoned editionswe have with our customers, Episode IV: A New thomas edwards Advertising Director the news and editorial content are independently Hope" to San Antonio filled ADVerTIsING with hyperlocal Jaselle Luna produced by a team of top-flight journalists Advertising Directors old newspaper news, followed by third newspaper that andaphotographers. or email Jaselle Luna Account Managers nickname: "Kid Death" tedwards@salocallowdown.com LocAL istomailed month to readers December. Fast forward July directly 2013, each when Account manager Kelly Jean Garza and Marc Olson motto: Saving the world living innewspapers hill country Village, hollywood Park and ZiP we created two more to serve Dawn Radick one sentence at a time. As the San Antonio area codes 78232 and 78216. Controller the Metrocom communities, bringing continues to grow, knowing reADer serVIce This is not the only edition of LocAL we produce, bu Gerard "Jerry" Sulaica mailing Address what’s happening just down the total number papers five. your community, your school it is the our only edition tailored to of your life, yourtointerests, 4204SERVICE Gardendale Ste. 201 SA, TX 78229 street is harder to keep up with. READER and your organizations. Over time, the editions’ combined Local Community News monthly Mailing phone even if you didn't have this newspaper delivered to your home or business, you can Address Fax circulation has grown to nearly 200,000 (210) 338.8842 (210) 957.2799 editions have got San Antonio up with all the stories we cover by visiting SALocalLowdown.com. 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Now you can target and sculpt away those exercise emergency We also have brought onboard some ofefforts by neighbors block over to how local governmentFax Website is helping Medical Services tackle response times, and diet-resistant love handles and belly fat without surgery or downtime. www.salocallowdown.com decisions will effect their lives. living near San Antonio Airport soundproof their homes and a thethe region’s bestinternational journalists and to editors, (210) 616.9677 CoolSculpting is FDA-cleared, safe and effective. See a positive difference in the comprehensive listing ofilluminating news briefs in LocAL Lowdown. their talents the workings For advertising, customer service or editorial, please Inquiries We have an independent editorial Advertising So think about us and let LocAL know what's important to you. i am no stranger way your clothes fit in as little as one treatment*. call us at 210-338-8842 or write to us at: of our communities. 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local commentary Practice compassion during the new year by susan yerkes

elson Mandela was a man of fierce compassion. When the world mourned his death in December, I recalled meeting him at an International Women’s Forum Conference in Johannesburg a few years ago. Mandela’s battle against the injustice that shamed his homeland led him, before his imprisonment, to endorse violent resistance. But instead of growing bitter in prison, he grew stronger in the belief that only compassionate change could save his country. And he led that change after his release. The word “compassion” is cropping up everywhere. A network of organizations across this area are working to earn San Antonio the formal designation of an internationally recognized “Compassionate City.” I learned about the movement at the Dialogue Institute of the Southwest’s 9th Annual Dialogue and Friendship Dinner and Awards in December. I also met Compassionate San Antonio volunteer Narjis Pierre, who works with the Peace CENTER, a nonprofit that created a website and serves as a reference point for the initiative. She told me about the Charter for Compassion, created in 2008 by author and

local our turn

Views and opinions about your community.

Ban plastic bags

t’s time to seal the deal and ban plastic bags. The ubiquitous bags found at grocery stores and other retail outlets may be the height of convenience, but they also damage the environment and cost taxpayers millions of dollars each year to clean up. A ban on plastic bags is gaining momentum under an initiative pushed by San Antonio Councilman Cris Medina. Several City Council members have already indicated they support such a prohibition. Other environmentally conscious cities in the region may wish to follow

teacher Karen Armstrong, whose bestselling book “12 Steps Toward A Compassionate Life” was a springboard for the idea. Armstrong describes a compassionate city as a place “where many of its citizens and leaders joyfully embrace a vision of what compassion will look like in their community.” The sacompassionNET.org website has proved a powerful tool for creating awareness and consensus-building, and also distributing a calendar of events. Pierre said supporters can sign the charter online, or at one of many local events the group organizes or helps promote. Earning the formal Compassionate City designation will require the City Council to endorse the document. That has already happened in a number of cities. On Jan. 26, the Peace CENTER will hold its annual interfaith Blessing of the Peacemakers and name a new San Antonio Peace Laureate, and they’re organizing a major conference on compassion in March. As the new year begins, I’m putting “More Compassion Action” on my resolution list. I hope you’ll join me. May we all enjoy the best one yet! Email comments to syerkes@ salocallowdown.com

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• Invisalign their example to improve the appearance of their municipalities. The San Antonio measure calls for the ban of single-use plastic bags found at numerous outlets. An outright ban on the bags improves the environment, creates a better appearance for the city and produces far less waste. A ban only means a small period of adjustment for consumers, who will have to remember to bring reusable bags to stores — or purchase them there for a nominal fee. For the betterment of the environment and a cleaner future, plastic bags need to be sacked. The Local Community News editorial board includes Harry Lees, Gregg Rosenfield and Thomas Edwards.

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January 2014

to give to Harbour Hospice. The handcrafted ornaments decorated miniature Christmas trees donated to Harbour Hospice by a local business.

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. THE GREAT TASTE CAFE, 16618 San

Pedro Ave, Suite 2, opened just a few months ago. It offers dishes ranging from crepes to spicy tamales, and is described as having a cozy setting. It is open 6:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday. For more, call 490-0600. (See story on page 13)

2. ALAMO OLIVE OIL CO., 7400 San Pedro Ave., Suite 944, is now open in North Star Mall and features aged balsamic vinegar and gourmet extra-virgin olive oils from across the planet, some infused with rosemary, lime, lemon, black truffle and chipotle. The store also has daily tastings. Hours are 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday through Saturday and noon to 6 p.m. Sunday. For more, call 525-1200 or visit alamooliveoil.com. (See story on page 12) 3. WALMART SUPERCENTER NO. 1803, 4331 Thousand Oaks Drive, is holding a ribbon cutting at 7:30 a.m. Jan. 15 to herald the new store, which is billed as part of a major revitalization project along Nacogdoches and Perrin Beitel roads. The store is offering $4 prescriptions, local produce and a remodeled auto-care center.

4. PHO FRESH VIETNAMESE RESTAURANT, 2895 Thousand Oaks Drive, is a family-operated eatery that debuted in December and offers “fresh, authentic

and good food” including Vietnamese and Thai dishes, according to the owners. Menu selections include pho soup, fresh sushi, hot pots and rice noodles. Hours are 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday. For more, call 495-0203 or visit www.phofresh.net.

6 1 5

DRISCOLL MIDDLE SCHOOL students

4 3

5. UMAI MI, 555 W. Bitters Road in

Artisan’s Alley, is chef Jason Dady’s new venture rolling out in January, taking over where his restaurant Bin 555 used to be. With the tagline “so not authentic, it’s absurd,” Dady promises modern Asian fare “that’s not intended to be authentic, but absurdly delicious.” Hours are 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday; and 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday. For more, call 496-0555 or visit the Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/umaimisa.

6. HARVEST FELLOWSHIP COMMUNITY CHURCH, 16111 U.S. 281 North, Suite

few months with the announcement that District 10 Councilman Carlton Soules is seeking another elected office. Soules, a Republican, in December filed to seek the seat held by Bexar County Judge Nelson Wolff. Meanwhile, Wolff faces a challenge in the March 4 primary from fellow Democrat Tommy Adkisson, the Precinct 4 county commissioner. According to reports, Soules is facing two opponents in the GOP primary — Mama Bexar and Gerardo Ponce. The City Council is seeking applicants for Soules’ spot and will then make an appointment, just as the council did this past fall when District 9 Councilwoman Elisa Chan stepped down to run in the state Senate District 25 GOP primary.

109, has created a place “for the entire family to worship, experience fellowship, to grow in faith and knowledge, and provide opportunities to reach the community.” Office hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 7 p.m. Tuesdays for men’s night out Bible study and fellowship; 6 p.m. Wednesdays for family night out; and 10:30 a.m. Sundays for worship. For more, call 4902827 or visit www.harvestfellowship. org; https://www.facebook.com/hfcc. sa; https://twitter.com/hfccsa.

CLASSES RESUME Jan. 6 for North East Independent School District students.

IN OTHER NEWS A NORTH SIDE CITY COUNCIL SEAT is

STUDENTS AT THOUSAND OAKS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL for the third

being vacated for the second time in just a

consecutive year made ornaments

recently participated in PhUn Week, or Physiology Understanding, for the fifth consecutive year. During the week, seventh-grade science students “imagined a scientist at work, measured heart rate, researched and presented posters on how exercise affects physiology, designed and implemented experiments to test the difference in heart rate pre- and postexercise, made a human model of blood circulating through the body, and were visited by a guest physiologist,” according to school officials. In addition, Dr. Jessica Ibarra, a professor and research scientist at the University of the Incarnate Word, shared how she pursued her career.

THE SIXTH ANNUAL LAS CASAS PERFORMING ARTS SCHOLARSHIP COMPETITION is accepting applications

from college-bound high school seniors living in the San Antonio area with interests and abilities in the performing arts. The Las Casas Foundation is offering more than $85,000 in scholarships. Application forms, along with application requirements, audition guidelines and scholarship criteria, are available at www. lascasasfoundation.org. Applications may be submitted online and must be received by Feb. 17. Four categories are featured in the competition: vocal solo, acting solo, acting duet and dance solo. Scholarships are also awarded to essay winners and an additional $5,000 is awarded to the overall category winner, meaning one senior will act, sing or dance away with $10,000. Preliminary auditions, judged by theater professionals, will take place in April at the Charline McCombs Empire Theatre in San Antonio.

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January 2014 OUR GUIDE TO YOUR MONTH

Happening LOCAL

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

TREE WALK A look at the diverse species of trees in Phil Hardberger 4 Park will be led by Mark Peterson, San Antonio Water System conservation project coordinator and a certified arborist. The program runs from 9 to 11 a.m. at the Salado Creek classroom near the east entrance to the park, 13203 Blanco Road. San Antonio Tree Guides will be available, and there will be a child-friendly craft activity. Admission is free but donations are encouraged.

jan

RETIRED TEACHERS The North

San Antonio Retired Teachers Association will open its January meeting with a “meet and greet” at 9:45 a.m.; the meeting begins at 10:15 a.m. San Antonio Police Chief William McManus is the guest speaker. The meeting takes place at San Pedro Presbyterian Church, 14900 San Pedro Ave. , and members are encouraged to bring a friend.

jan

SCHOOL BOARD Trustees of the North East Independent School District meet at 5:30 p.m. on

the first floor of the Richard A. Middleton Education Center, 8961 Tesoro Drive.

jan

SONS OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION The San Antonio

Chapter of the national organization will hold its monthly luncheon meeting at the Petroleum Club, 8620 N. New Braunfels Ave., at 11:30 a.m. Lunch costs $25. Reservations are required and should be made with Bob Clark, 402-0871, or reservations@ sarsat.org, by the Monday prior to the meeting. The chapter meets on the third Wednesday of the month (except for July and August).

jan

HILL COUNTRY VILLAGE The

City Council meets at 5 p.m. at City Hall, 116 Aspen Lane.

jan

HOLLYWOOD PARK The City

feb

VALENTINE’s DAY SINGLES MIXER The Single Professionals

21 12

Council meets at 7 p.m. at City Hall, 2 Mecca Drive.

Network gathering is 6:30 p.m. in the Crystal Room of the Old San Francisco Steakhouse, 10223 Sahara Drive. Admission costs $15 and covers appetizers and dancing; there will be a cash bar at happy-hour prices. Tickets must be purchased by Jan. 27; call 568-7170. To see more of their events, go to www.spn-sa.org.

Elsewhere in San Antonio TAP ACADEMY These weekly

classes, put on by the Third Coast Rhythm Project, offer tap-dancing instruction for ages 4 and up; they’re the only tap classes in town for adults. The next adult absolute beginner classes, an introduction to tap-dancing, run 1-2 p.m. for six Saturdays, Jan. 18-Feb. 22, and 6:307:30 p.m. on six Wednesdays, Jan. 29-March 5. The cost is $48; classes take place at the Third Coast studio at 8055 West Ave., Suite 111. All other classes are ongoing and can be joined at any time, starting Jan. 7. More information is available at http://www. thirdcoastrhythm.com or by calling 348-8005.

weekly

jan

TEEN WRITERS have until

midnight Jan. 6 to enter their essays in the first San Antonio Book Festival Fiction Writing Contest for high school students. The contest is sponsored by the Texas Cavaliers and is overseen by the San Antonio Public Library Foundation. Winning pieces will be presented at the book festival on April 5. Contest categories

Program continues from pg. 01

Residents continue to show appreciation by miranda koerner

oing strong since the 1990s on the North Side, the San Antonio Police Department’s Cellular on Patrol program is looking for more citizen recruits to act as the Classes are held during the year across the city, and a new one gears up Jan. 11 at the North Substation, 13030 Jones Maltsberger Road. Officers teach residents how to patrol their neighborhoods and report suspicious activities

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are for grades nine and 10 and grades 11 and12. Students of the top three stories in each category will be awarded cash prizes — first place $150, second $100 and third $75. In addition, teachers of each first-place winner will also receive $500 for their classroom. There is no entry fee. Essays must be submitted online and sent to sabfcontest@gmail.com. Submissions should be written in English; 1,500 words or less; in 12-point type; doublespaced; and the theme is “A River Runs Through It.” Include name, school, entry title, grade level and a word count on the cover page of the entry. For more on the contest, email sabfcontest@gmail.com.

TOWER CLIMB & RUN The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation’s 1 Lone Star Chapter raises funds for research with this event, which features a run up the 952 steps of the Tower of the Americas. Registration is $25; minimum fundraising amount is $60. Day-of registration, at 6 a.m. at the Tower, is $100 and is for the non-competitive run. For more, go to http://www.cff.org/ Chapters/lonestar/ and click on the event box, which has a link to a registration page.

FEB

Submitting events: Email all

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

to the police force. Volunteers — who are not armed — carry cell phones, flashlights and other equipment on their rounds. “It’s the eyes and ears of the community,” Officer James McDonald said. “We give them tools about what we’re looking for and what information is helpful to us.” The program continues to grow even though it started about two decades ago, said Mike Gallagher, vice president of the Northern Hills Homeowners Association. “It’s one of those programs that gets everyone involved,” Gallagher said. “Neighbors are watching out for one another. In some neighborhoods, neighbors don’t really talk to one another. One of the first things anyone who joins COPs notices is that the neighborhood’s crime drops.”

Program continues on pg. 08

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January 2014

Program continues from pg. 06 THE TRAINING During training, participants are informed about what to look for, such as open garages, signs of vandalism or cars driving too slowly through the neighborhood. COP members can patrol on their own with a magnetic sign that sticks to their car’s door reading COP, or they can simply make observations on the way to and from work. Smartphones can be used to call the Police Department or take pictures of a suspicious car’s license plate or a person. McDonald reminds people in his classes they are to patrol their neighborhood, not discipline their neighbors. Personal safety is always of paramount importance for COP members, he added. “A lot of the times people will see an open garage door or a barbecue pit still burning and want to knock on the person’s door at 1 a.m., and I tell them not to do that,” McDonald said. “You don’t know what’s on the other side of that door. It could be a gun or a really angry guy. We tell them to simply document the date, time and send a friendly reminder in the mail

later to keep their garage door closed.” The officer said vigorous COP programs have led to the clearance of many crimes, as well as stopping potential illegal activity, in many neighborhoods. Resident who have taken a COP class are also eligible to complete a ridealong with an officer on a shift.

SNAPSHOT OF A COP PATROL Bruce Campbell leads a team of COP volunteers on a six-hour patrol “blitz” in the Steubing Ranch subdivision by car, bike and foot. They carry cell phones and cases equipped with log books and copies of the program’s guidelines, and they wear matching white hats and vests monogrammed with the COP acronym. With the help of a uniformed patrol officer, the civilians circle the neighborhood looking for crime and suspicious behavior. Their reward? Doughnuts pizza and the appreciation of their neighbors. “If you come here to cause trouble, you better look over your shoulder,” Campbell said. “We go right up to the line but don’t cross it. We have a very aggressive program.” Campbell said last year volunteers patrolled for more than 4,100

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hours. Neighbors expressed their gratitude by donating more than $250 in gas cards to the group. “We have grandmas, active military, retired and even my daughter and sonin-law from their own COP program in Live Oak,” Campbell said. “I like to see the progress made and keep crime out of the neighborhood as best I can.” Volunteers cover 32 streets and 985 houses. On patrols, Campbell has seen everything from broken bottles, vandalism, garage doors open with valuables inside and dangerous chemicals left out on the street. He’s rescued runaway pets, scolded skateboarding teens and held strong through a barrage of curses, taunts and an assault to his vehicle. “I’ve had rocks and beer bottles thrown at my car and people say terrible things,” Campbell said. “But it’s all OK when the folks here are so appreciative. I really like that people feel safe, especially when the elderly people come up and thank me.”

NEXT COP CLASS Residents interested in the Jan. 11 COP class can find out more by visiting http://www.sanantonio.gov/SAPD/ CellularOnPatrol.aspx or calling 207-8126.

Champions continues from pg. 01

Victory boosted Little League participation the ballplayers made San Antonio proud. The first, and only, city representatives in the history of the tournament, begun in 1947, McAllister Park dominated, sweeping pool play and advancing to the final weekend’s U.S. championship game. “When you go there, it’s exciting to be there,” McAllister Park All-Star Coach Mike Shull said. “After your first game, you start to think, ‘OK, let’s try to win the next one; maybe we can pull this thing off.’” Competing before 30,000 fans, including newly elected Mayor Julian Castro, McAllister Park ultimately finished fourth. Nonetheless, out of millions of annual participants worldwide, ascension to the Little League World Series meant the realization of boyhood dreams – in more ways than one. Nick Smisek, the team’s second baseman and unofficial spokesman,

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every minute you were on the field. You showed the kind of value and character that all of us want for our young people. You guys are great representatives of the city.” Today, Shull remembers how he and his players were surprised by their celebrity status. “They were all kind of dumbstruck. They didn’t know what to say or how to act. I told them relax, be yourself…drink it in. Allow yourself to be welcomed by the community.” The coach added: “I don’t think they realized how popular they were – what a hot topic they were back in San Antonio. They knew their friends were watching, their family was watching, but they didn’t realize an entire city was watching.” Specifically, 100,000 households tuned in locally to watch the U.S. title contest. Japhet said, “That Little League team stole everyone’s heart, making their run and igniting everyone’s imagination. They boosted participation in Little

said, “We were playing baseball all summer; we were on national television… the experience was mesmerizing.” As coach and father to John, a McAllister Park All-Star, Shull witnessed his team’s rock-star treatment, resulting in coming-of-age surrealism. “The weird thing for me as a parent…were the girls,” Shull said. “You have a 16-year-oldgirl talking to my son. I said (to John), ‘What was that like?’ He said, ‘Kind of cool. She’s in high school; I’m in the seventh grade.’” Admiration and accolades did not end with the last out. At the airport, hundreds met the local lads, and in ensuing days, San Antonio hailed its heroes with a downtown river parade, attended by more than 1,000 supporters. Smisek noted, “Everybody greeted us with open arms.” “When they returned, the whole city caught the fever,” said Mary Ullmann Japhet, senior vice president of communications and community engagement for San Antonio Sports, which played a pivotal role in the festivities. “I enjoyed the opportunity to see you guys play,” Castro told a welcome-home reception in ’09. “We’re so proud of how you guys held your head up. You played hard

When they returned, the whole city caught the fever Mary Ullmann Japhet

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League across San Antonio.” Back in ’09, Castro predicted the boys would have “future victories in life,” but even he might’ve stopped short of Hall of Fame immortality. Japhet related a conversation, upon hearing of the Little Leaguers’ honor announced in October. “Someone said, ‘It’ll be so cute to have those 12- and 13-year-old boys on the stage (at the Hall of Fame ceremony)’” said Japhet, who then told the person: “You don’t understand, they’re big boys now...grown men nearly.” Indeed, time didn’t stop, nor has growth. Fast forward 4½ years and many inches later – Smisek’s 5-foot-11, 210-pound frame can bench 360, and then infielder/ pitcher Steve Cardone has stretched to 6-foot-3 – the not-so-Little Leaguers stand on the precipice of adulthood. As high school juniors and seniors scattered across the area, some have continued their

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baseball careers with commendation, while several gravitated to other sports. Network sportscaster Bob Costas once said, “The best thing about sports is the sense of community and shared emotion.” His words rang true in 2009 with how San Antonio embraced its native sons, now amplified once more with the upcoming Hall of Fame celebration. Shull and family were overwhelmed when notified of the recognition. “I was startled, shocked, humbled, taken aback when they remembered the team. He (son John) kind of looked at me with his mouth open and said, ‘Wow!’” While the coach characterizes himself as one who prefers anonymity, Shull said he doesn’t mind one more hurrah. The team’s reunion will take place when the Class of 2014 is introduced at the San Antonio Sports Hall of Fame Tribute Feb. 1 at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center, Ballroom C, with cocktails and silent auction at 5:30 p.m., and at 7 p.m., dinner and program. There will also be a live performance by The Commodores. Individual and group tickets are available. Formal attire required. For more, visit www.sanantoniosports.org.

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NEISD continues from pg. 01

School program may expand by kate hunger

eeing up to a dozen students walk into a high school classroom an hour and a half before the first bell rings every Friday morning makes Kristy Wager very happy. By the time the kids roll in, she’s ready with hot chocolate, breakfast snacks, graphing calculators, computers and a ready ear. Homework help and college prep are big features of Wager’s drop-in program, but the North East Independent School District students it serves share something in common beyond assignments and tests: They’re homeless. “They know for sure, rain or shine, we are going to be there every single Friday no matter what,” Wager said. “I have students coming from shelters, motels and other family members’ homes.”

Wager is one of three specialists in NEISD who work with homeless students and their families to keep the kids in school. The program Wager oversees, called Center for Support, Education and Guidance, began the first week of school this fall. It’s a pilot program that could expand to other campuses upon approval from the district’s administration. NEISD identifies about 1,200 students from grades kindergarten through 12 as homeless in an average school year, said Tyler Shoesmith, director of family support services and dropout prevention for NEISD. As of Nov. 1, district officials knew of about 700 homeless students attending classes, an 8 percent increase from the same period in the previous school year and a bigger increase than the typical 5 percent rise the district generally sees. Not having a permanent residence creates a number of obstacles for homeless students, from obtaining school and immunization records to transportation to and from campus. San Antonio area school districts are working together, using a network of school buses and two area bus hubs, to make it possible for students to continue to attend

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schools they may no longer live near. Federal law requires public schools to provide services to homeless students and remove barriers to receiving an education. Each campus must have a staff member trained in the requirements and responsibilities of the law regarding the education of homeless students. Another provision of the McKinneyVento Homeless Education Assistance Improvements Act protects the rights of students to continue attending their school of origin even if they move outside the campus’ boundaries during a school year. “That consistency is important,” Shoesmith said, adding that about 300 NEISD students receive transportation services through the program. The McKinney-Vento program at NEISD also serves as a clearinghouse of information on available programs and resources including necessities such as shelter options, eyeglasses, school supplies, backpacks, canned food, clothing and bus passes. To reinforce the importance of regular attendance, a district attendance officer this year began visiting students and families on evenings and weekends in an “attendance coach” capacity.

Helping families in a difficult economy find the resources they need is the biggest challenge his department faces, Shoesmith said. And yet, the attendance rate for homeless students at NEISD is 92 percent, compared to 95.6 percent for students who are not homeless. Shoesmith said the graduation rate for homeless seniors is 97 percent, higher than the overall graduation rate for the district. “By the time they’ve become seniors, they’ve overcome a lot of obstacles,” he said. Preliminary numbers show Texas will for the first time count more than 100,000 children as homeless in the 2012-2013 school year, said Barbara Wand James, project director of the Texas Homeless Education Office at the University of Texas at Austin. Wager, who works with students across 22 of NEISD’s campuses, is encouraged by the response she gets from students on Friday mornings. “Now we have a good number that show up every Friday morning, with great attitudes,” Wager said. “I find a lot of comfort in that.” For more information on how to help, contact NEISD Family Support Services and Dropout Prevention at 407-0750.

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Transfer continues from pg. 01

Municipal Court remains in operation at Valley View center by j.e. jordan

udget cuts at a North Side municipal center have some residents complaining that it will now cost them more in time and money going downtown for most of the basic city services it had provided.

However, the Municipal Court at the Valley View Link Center Satellite Court, 8512 Blanco Road, remains open. “Last year we closed three (of five centers) and then we studied (the remaining two) and they still were not utilized as much as we hoped,” said Paula Stallcup, a city spokeswoman. She said the satellite Municipal Court at Valley View remains open “because it is working.” Georgina Martinez, who last visited the center in August when it still offered full services, came in December to request immunization records and was told she would have to go downtown to the Vital Records Office. “It’s an inconvenience. I live in (this) area,” said Martinez, who added the loss of local services would add to her gasoline costs because of travel downtown. City officials counter that residents can access many records online, and holding down costs required that other services return to the main Municipal Court Building at 401 S. Frio St. or other appropriate offices. Until recently, residents visiting the Valley View center could obtain birth or death certificates, garage-sale permits, immunization records, building permits and police reports. They also could check building plan and permit reviews, make park reservations, view city job listings and obtain applications, purchase VIA Metropolitan Transit Authority bus passes and get recycling bins — all of which saved a trip to San Antonio’s main department offices. Patrons parked for free in front of the plate-glass windows in the parking lot at Valley View Shopping Center, and most encountered only a short wait. In addition to losing time and paying for more gas, some residents say they also will have to fork over for parking fees when they go downtown. The three service center closures

occurred in 2012, and all were approved by the City Council. The 2014 Consolidated Annual City Budget totals $2.3 billion, a 1 percent decrease from fiscal year 2013. According to the city’s website, the budget “maintains our focus of providing efficient and effective services by reducing $13 million in the general fund and a total of 279 positions in all funds.” But even though some services can be reviewed on the Web, they may still require a visit to a city office.

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Where to access city services: Birth/Death Certificates and Immunization Records

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For example, while park-reservation availability may be checked online, the reservation itself requires a trip to Ron Darner Park Headquarters, 5800 Old Highway 90 West. Birth certificates, for births occurring from 2005 or later, can be accessed at four branch libraries: Las Palmas, 525 Castroville Road; Great Northwest, 9050 Wellwood St.; Mission Branch, 3134 Roosevelt Ave.; and Thousand Oaks, 4618 Thousand Oaks Drive, as well as the Vital Records Office, 719 S. Santa Rosa. For now, Municipal Court Magistrate Linda Conley continues to hold court at Valley View for traffic violations and other misdemeanors.

Now is an ideal time to make a commitment to your health and wellness. However, taking the first step can be daunting. Here are the top five things you can do to get started on the road to health and wellness in 2014:

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2) Choose wisely

There are many options as far as gyms go – but choosing the right one can make the difference between fitness success and failure to launch. The Y has knowledgeable staff that is eager to help you and a Fit Path program specially designed to get you started on your fitness journey – all included with your membership! The Y also features a family-friendly, welcoming environment where you will feel at ease and at home.

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The benefits of weight lifting are numerous. Weight lifting blasts calories during your workout, super charges your metabolism and tightens up your body. Seek out a gym like the YMCA where trainers are on hand to get you started on a safe and effective weight lifting program.

4) Try new things

Trying new classes and exercise equipment will keep your workouts fresh and fun! At the YMCA, a variety of group exercise classes - from boot camp, to Zumba, to yoga - are offered at convenient times all week long. Access to most classes is included as part of your membership, so trying new classes is simple and affordable.

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Working out with a friend helps you stay motivated and holds you accountable, but more importantly, it’s fun! At the Y, members that refer a friend can receive a free month of membership – so, you will save while getting healthy with a buddy. For more information about how you can get fit this year, contact the Thousand Oaks Family YMCA at (210) 4945292 or visit online at ymcasatx.org.

January 2014

BUY LOCAL

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

Specialty olive-oil store opens at North Star Mall by collette orquiz

ust try it!” is the motto at a speciality food shop that wants customers to drizzle, toss and dip gourmet olive oil at their mealtimes and other occasions. While spending hours on the Internet researching an autoimmune disease for a family member, A.J. Draz learned about the health benefits of olive oil. Passion drove Draz to open Alamo Olive Oil Co. The store spent a brief period in the Shops at La Cantera before moving to its new spot in North Star Mall, 7400 San Pedro Ave., Suite 944, across from the food court. "I felt compelled to pursue this venture and share the knowledge I gained with others,” Draz said. Studies indicating extra-virgin olive

oil benefits the cardiovascular system, enhances the immune system, lowers cholesterol and much more have led to endorsements from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the American Heart Association. The shelves at Alamo Olive Oil Co. are stocked with flavored olive and extra-virgin olive oils, ranging from lemon-pepper chipotle and white truffle to blood orange. The store also offers aged balsamic vinegars, organic Italian pasta and gourmet salts, olive-leaf tea, olive-wood products, herb and spice grinders, martini mixes, stuffed olives, cookbooks and anti-aging skin care products utilizing olive oil. “Other than our unique gourmet extra-virgin olive oils and aged Italian

balsamic flavors that we offer, we strive for excellent customer service and to exceed expectations,” Draz said. Featured in the middle of the store is a tasting table where customers can sample mixtures of oils and vinegars; it's where the store team’s creativity and knowledge of the products shine, Draz said. “Their enthusiasm shows as soon as you allow them to take (you on) a journey of the senses,” Draz said. The company has opened a second location in Alamo Heights at 5932 Broadway. Hours at the North Star Mall location are 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday and noon to 6 p.m. Sunday. Alamo Olive Oil Co. stocks sweet and savory olive oils, vinegars and other products that are perfect for every meal and on special occasions, the owner said. Photos by Collette Orquiz

Alamo Olive Oil Co. North Star Mall 7400 San Pedro Ave., Suite 944 For more, call 525-1200 or check out alamoliveoil.com.

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North Side cafe caters to many tastes by Olivier J. Bourgoin

ust like its name, The Great Taste Café — which opened just a few months ago — caters to a variety of tastes, offering everything from crêpes and glutenfree tamales to organic coffees. The cafe, 16618 San Pedro Ave., Suite 2, debuted in a spot once occupied by the Art of Java coffee shop. It is behind Frost Bank. “I used to own a couple of small coffeeoriented businesses in the malls called Café Olé,” said owner Alberto Murillo, a native of Cuernavaca, Mexico. He is of Lebanese descent and has lived in Texas for 10 years. “I’m also a Realtor and, to be honest, I was not even looking for another business opportunity. “But my family owned restaurants in Mexico and, as a kid, I grew up in that environment. It’s in my blood.” His brother, who once worked at the

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Hotel de Crillon in Paris, helped spur Murillo’s interest in opening the new cafe. The Great Taste Café brews organic coffees of single-region origin, meaning there is no blending. “We want our customers to experience the true taste of Brazil, Chiapas or Zimbabwe,” Murillo said, then quotes the cafe’s website: “I believe that coffee — just pure, brilliant coffee — can bring sensory pleasure on a par with fine wine or artisan chocolate.” The tamales are big and made in Austin from 100 percent gluten-free organic masa, with no preservatives and no lard. “We even offer a vegan tamale made with nopalito,” Murillo said. Other dishes include the costeño (pork ribs) and the turkey pibil (a Mayan word referring to marinating meats and cooking them while they

are wrapped in banana leaves). There are several options for crêpe lovers in sweet and savory categories. The cafe is also high-tech when it comes to placing an order. Diners can text their selections to 714-1661 in advance and it will be ready when they arrive. “It’s quicker than a drive-through and if you repeat a previous order, you also save time by just copying and pasting it,” Murillo said. There is also free Wi-Fi and a wireless printer that doubles as a scanner. A nominal fee is charged for printing or copying documents. Hours are 6:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday. The Great Taste Cafe serves up fruit crepes drizzled with chocolate sauce (top left) and pairs them with healthy smoothies or coffees such as a caramel latte (bottom left). Photos by Collette Orquiz

THE GREAT TASTE CAFE 16618 San Pedro Ave., Suite No. 2 For more, call 490-0600

January 2014

Live LOCAL From real estate trends and neighborhood listings to home improvement, weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve got you covered.

Housing recovery hits 7-year high in SA Median prices continue to climb in 78216, 78232 and 78247 ZIP codes

Real Estate LOCAL Trends ZIP Code Median sold price

by Travis e. poling

he market for houses in San Antonio continues to get tighter as inventory of houses available for sale shrank to 4.2 months supply, the lowest it has been since December 2006. The San Antonio Board of Realtors reported that in the first 11 months of 2013, there have been 21,607 home sales in the area, a 17 percent increase over the same period in 2012 and the highest since 2007. Median prices tracked well in November, in the 78216, 78232 and 78247 ZIP codes inside Loop 1604 from Blanco to Judson roads, according to data gathered from the Texas Market Trends Report.

In 78216, the median sales price in November was up 10.8 percent to $151,000 and inventory supply shrank to three months from 4.4 months the previous November. Closed sales were up by three to 27. The median price in 78232 was up by 2.2 percent to $190,000 for the month, but closed sales dipped by half to 21. In 78247, the median price on flat sales of 58 homes was up 6.9 percent to $148,500. Another citywide trend is an increase in houses sold for $500,000 or more. Those accounted for nearly 4.5 percent of sales in November and 12 houses sold for over $1 million, double the number of sales in that category the same month of 2012.

New listings

78216

78232

78247

NOV-12

$136,250

$186,000

$138,975

NOV-13

$151,000

$190,000

$148,500

NOV-12

NOV-13

Average days on market

NOV-12

NOV-13

100

Closed sales

NOV-12

NOV-13

Under contract Months supply of inventory

NOV-12

NOV-13

NOV-12

4.4

3.4

2.8

NOV-13

4.7

2.4

Source: San Antonio Board of Realtors: Texas Market Trends report The properties are new listings put on the market from Nov. 10 - Dec. 10 The properties may no longer be on the market by publication date or prices may have changed. Local Community News assumes no responsibility for errors or omissions.

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7.3x5.7 4c

Blanco & 1604 by HEB and Subway

210-479-5500

STorE HourS: mon-Sat: 10am-8pm, Sunday: 12pm-6pm

$5 off

A $30 purcHASE

*NoT VALiD WiTH ANy oTHEr DiScouNTS or promoTioNS *ExpirES 2/15/14

mAKE SurE To LiKE uS oN fAcEBooK

66589_10802

1150 N Loop 1604 W

New ideas to strengthen my business are always welcome

for SpEciAL SALES AND promoTioNS!

1166589_10802 7.3x5.7 4c.indd 1

12/19/13 8:46 AM

COMMUNITY NEWS

Financial services for small businesses

4204 gardendale Ste. 201 SAN ANTONIO, TX 78229

If you’re looking for more efficient ways to manage your business, look no further than Wells Fargo. From business checking accounts to credit cards or loans, Wells Fargo offers a variety of products and services to help you succeed. As proof of our commitment, Wells Fargo has loaned more money to small businesses than any other bank for ten consecutive years.* Yet another reason why millions of business owners choose us as the bank for their business. Call us at 1-800-359-3557, visit wellsfargo.com/ biz or stop by a store to start a conversation about your business needs.