LOCAL: Converse, Live Oak, Universal City, Windcrest December 2013

www.salocallowdown.com

Operation Grinch targeting holiday hooligans pg. 08 Joint effort by

Metrocom police focuses on crime prevention

Converse

Vol. 1, Issue 6

What's

INSIDE your community

local commentary pg. 05 SUSAN YERKES

live oak

universal city

COMMUNITY NEWS

windcrest

12/2013

As some I-35 businesses rejoice, others packing up

Access opens to The Forum, but FM 3009 remains unfinished

pg. 12 BUY: Laser Legend Play laser tag, glo golf and other games inside one location

by will wright

pg. 13 EAT: The Cupcake Diva

Baked delights include several varieties of cupcakes and more

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

S

CHERTZ – As retailers in The Forum at Olympia Parkway celebrated the reopening of three major entrances from Interstate 35 into the shopping center, owners of businesses near FM 3009 are thinking of packing their bags – frustrated after months of reduced customer traffic resulting from the I-35 expansion project.

It hasn’t been smooth sailing for Texas Department of Transportation’s $24 million endeavor to add main lanes, flyovers and revisions to entrance and exit ramps through

I-35 continues on pg. 07

Area animal shelters promoting holiday pet adoptions pg. 02 Many furry friends available for new homes

2

december 2013

From the editor

Pets continues from pg. 01

wwright@salocallowdown.com

Programs offering pet adoptions at minimal costs

by Miranda Koerner

L

et’s be honest – no one really needs another sweater or electronic gadget. This year, instead of racking your brain trying to think of the perfect present, local animal shelters are encouraging people to give the gift of life by providing deserving dogs and cats new homes.

During December, the Animal Defense League of Texas, 11300 Nacogdoches Road in San Antonio, is hosting its annual “Take Me Home for the Holidays” pet adoption. Dogs can be adopted for $40 ($55 for puppies), and feline-fanciers can purchase a cat or kitten for $15 throughout the month. Prices include vaccinations, identifying microchip implants and spaying or neutering.

“There are puppies, small Chihuahuas,

medium-sized terriers and larger shepherd and lab mixes at ADL – all searching for a home,” said Hugo Vital, ADL communications director.

“There are many cats and cuddly kittens that are also in need of a home.

“Throughout the year, ADL staffers put all they have into placing pets into great homes, but the holidays are a time where we exhaust ourselves to do just that. Millions of dogs and cats will spend the holidays in animal shelters, waiting for his or her ‘forever’ home. There are many worthy reasons to adopt a new pet this time of year, but the most important one of all is the gift of life.”

Universal City Animal Shelter employee Tobi Lambert gets enthused when senior citizens adopt new companions this time of year. Lambert said adoptions usually pick up during the holidays, with some families doubling their love by returning to adopt a second dog or cat. The shelter encourages families already with animals to bring them in and become acquainted with

Pets continues on pg. 10

Injured? SeekIng juStIce?

Call

1-877-229-3232 Or 210-888-HURT (4878) Hablamos Español

President Harold J. Lees Publisher Gregg Rosenfield

Two 2014 wishes for the Metrocom

Assoc. Publisher Rick Upton

s all of us celebrate the joys of the holiday season, it’s time to give thanks for the past year and cast an eye toward 2014. We’d like to see progress in two major areas next year.

Perhaps the biggest local concern is Interstate 35 construction, which Texas Department of Transportation officials say is on track to be completed by next spring. While it’s the price of progress, the project seems to have no end in sight.

In its blogs and updates, TxDOT has maintained it hopes for the best while cautioning against the worst. And because of Mother Nature and other issues, Metrocom drivers and businesses have seen more of the latter than the former. In this issue, LOCAL Community News addresses concerns of the FM 3009 area, where monthly deadlines have been pushed back since summer.

While the project is nearing completion near Loop 1604 and The Forum – which has endured ramp closures and detours since January – there’s much left to do further north.

Hopefully it will come in time to save those businesses in the Schertz construction zone.

Nationally, it’s time to get something – anything – done in Washington, D.C. October’s 16-day government shutdown affected countless area families – including those of military and civilian staffers – and delayed benefits for veterans, seniors and others in need.

A budget-accord proposal, crafted by Republican Rep. Paul Ryan and Democratic Sen. Patty Murray, will cut $23 billion from the national debt over the next 10 years and avoid another budget war for the next two years. The House voted to approve the measure on Dec. 12, and the Senate seemed prone to follow suit the week of Dec. 16.

At least that’s promising. Resolutions of both issues will give Metrocom cities and residents a chance for continued success in 2014.

Editorial Executive Editor Thomas Edwards Managing Editor Will Wright News Staff Collette Orquiz Contributing Writers Miranda Koerner, Eric Moreno, Travis E. Poling, Arthur Schechter and Susan Yerkes ART Creative Director Richard Fisher Jr. Contributing Photographers Joshua Michael Advertising Advertising Director Shelly Talamantez Account Managers Michelle Moon and Dawn Radick Controller Gerard "Jerry" Sulaica READER SERVICE Mailing Address 4204 Gardendale Ste. 201 SA, TX 78229 Phone (210) 338.8842 Fax (210) 616.9677 Advertising Inquiries rupton@salocallowdown.com Story Ideas tips@salocallowdown.com Website www.salocallowdown.com LOCAL Community News publications

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The Alamo Colleges are an EOE. For any special accommodations or alternate format, contact the Title IX Coordinator, 210.486.0200.

4

december 2013

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

Open and Opening Soon

call 566-4401 or visit thecupcakediva1/ Facebook. (See story, page 13)

FASHION AFFAIR, 6051 FM 3009, Suite 246 in Schertz, offers women’s, juniors and plus-size clothing, along with purses, jewelry, scarves and anything else a woman might want. Open 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday; noon-5 p.m. on Sunday. For more, call 2365406 or visit Facebook/FashionAffair.Schertz.

GRACE COMMUNITY CHURCH, 701 Kitty Hawk Road in Universal City, has expanded at its location and offers religious services and community programs. Office hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday, with worship services at 9:30 a.m. and 11:15 a.m. on Sunday. For more, call 659-8200 or visit www.grace-sa.org or visit GraceChurchSA/Facebook.

The Cupcake Diva recently opended in Schertz. Photo by Josh Michael

LASER LEGEND, 7505 N. Loop 1604 East, Suite 101 in Live Oak, offers laser tag, an Italian bistro, miniature golf and arcade in an environment that brings the videogame experience to life. Open 4-9 p.m.

Monday through Thursday; 4-10 p.m. on Friday; 10 a.m. to midnight on Saturday, and noon to 8 p.m. on Sunday. For more, call 444-9025 or visit www.lasertagsanantonio.com. (See story, page 12) THE CUPCAKE DIVA, 304 FM 78 in

Schertz, is a full-dessert bakery offering red velvet cupcakes and other items, with catering services available. Open 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday. For more,

IN OTHER NEWS UNIVERSAL CITY, SCHERTZ, CIBOLO ON MOST-AFFORDABLE LIST – Three Metrocom

cities were recently included in the list of “Most Affordable Suburbs in America,” compiled by Movoto, a national real estate blog. Analysis of 139 suburbs near the 50 largest communities in the country ranked Universal City No. 7, Schertz No. 8 and Cibolo No. 10. Movoto based its overall rankings on cost of living, food and utilities, affordable housing, property-tax rates, sales-tax rates and state income tax rates – which Texas doesn’t have. Universal City’s standing came as a result of a home price to income ratio of 2.27-to-1, the blog stated, with a median home price of $129,000 and median household income of $56,812. Schertz’s rankings below national averages in food and utilities costs, 16 percent and 11 percent respectively, earned a spot next to Universal City. Movoto said

Schertz has a median home price of $161,000 and median household income of $65,650.

Cibolo, with a median home price of $167,100 and household income of $70,183, was also touted. Movoto said the city’s food costs are 16 percent below the national average; utility costs 11 percent under the national standard, and a home affordability ratio of 2.38-to-1. Details are at www.movoto.com.

WINDCREST ELEMENTARY ART STUDENT HONORED – A poster entered in the Windcrest

Municipal Court Art Contest was honored during the Nov. 4 Windcrest City Council meeting. The creation by Gabriella Hernandez, a fourth-grade student at Windcrest Elementary, illustrated the importance of safety when crossing a street. The young artist won $25 and a gift certificate to Pizza Hut.

RIDERETTES TAKE TOP HONORS – The Riderettes Unarmed Drill Team from Roosevelt High School’s Junior ROTC Rough Rider Battalion recently competed in the Cowtown Classic Drill Meet in Fort Worth. The Riderettes placed high in numerous categories and received first-place honors as the top Overall Drill Team.

Drill Team commander, Cadet Maj. Tania Ojeda, earned a Gold Medal for Best Commander. The team placed second in Regulation Drill, Color Guard Performance, Exhibition Drill and Overall Color Guard.

Riderettes Cadet Sgt. Audrey Ogoc sang the national anthem during the ceremonial processions, earning a standing ovation.

YAM DRIVE A YUMMY SUCCESS – Judson Independent School District staffers and the district’s Police Department staged another successful Yam Drive, in which collections of canned yams were donated to the annual Raul Jimenez Thanksgiving Dinner, feeding nearly 25,000 senior citizens and others in need. JISD’s 2013 drive tripled the number of canned yams collected by the district last year, totaling 6,282 cans. Olympia Elementary School collected

2,195 cans to take first place among district schools, followed by Kirby Middle School (1,000), Kitty Hawk Middle School (800), Crestview Elementary (698) and Wagner High School’s Junior ROTC program (391).

CONVERSE CELEBRATES GREEN RECOGNITIONS – Banners at City Hall

in Converse on Nov. 26 boasted the city’s “green” awards garnered during recent years.

“These banners signify all of these achievements for our residents passing by City Hall,” Mayor Al Suarez said. “We want our citizens to be aware of these recognitions and be proud to call Converse home.” The city received a Municipal Leadership award from Build San Antonio Green on Oct. 25. In June, the Converse Economic Development Corp. was awarded the city of San Antonio Green Practitioner Award for its leadership and commitment to environmentally sound and reasonable philosophies.

Converse officials cited the involvement of local business owner and EDC board member Roy Schauffele, president of Division 7 Solutions, a BSAG technical adviser who received a BSAG award for his contributions in 2012. The city that year also hosted its first Converse Goes Green Day, a public event promoting environmental conservation.

SCHOOL’S NIGHT OUT OBSERVANCE EARNS AWARD – Roosevelt High School’s

National Night Out crime-prevention observance on Oct. 2 earned kudos from the national organization, taking home second-place honors in its National Night Out 2013 awards category for area schools, elementary through high school. Sponsored by community partner Rackspace Hosting, the school’s NNO event has become tradition at the campus. The event featured 2,000 grilled hot dogs and included performances, games and activities. School representatives accepted the award during a Dec. 14 ceremony at the University of Texas at San Antonio’s downtown campus.

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5

salocallowdown.com

local commentary

Plastic — it’s in the bag by susan yerkes

T

he holiday season is upon us. It’s the shopping-est time of the year.

And whether we’re buying groceries for festive holiday gatherings, or gifts for friends far and wide, there’s one thing the bulk of our purchases have in common: We’ll carry them out of the store in plastic bags.

Americans use more than 100 billion plastic shopping bags a year, most of them the thin, single-use type that come in handy for groceries and sundry shopping. Some folks reuse them – they’re especially good for scooping up cat litter or dog poop – before trashing them.

But useful as they may be, they still end up in landfills or blow down the road as urban tumbleweeds, getting stuck in trees or hedges and creating trash-jams in lakes, creeks and rivers. Unlike their free-range namesakes,

these tumbleweeds can take up to 1,000 years to decay. In addition, it requires at least 12 million barrels of oil a year to manufacture all those bags. And it takes a lot of money to clean up the mess. In San Antonio alone, officials estimate the city spends about $1.3 million a year cleaning up and recycling plastic bags.

The bags are back in the news these days, ever since District 7 Councilman Cris Medina recently put forward a proposal to ban the bags in most grocery and retail stores. You can expect a lot of discussion in the next couple of months, before the City Council votes on the idea.

Medina is not the first to suggest a ban to help curb the plastic bag build-up. In the past decade, as plastic waste kept piling up, legislation aimed at fixing the bag mess was introduced at local, state and national levels.

Back in 2010, Washington, D.C., implemented what some folks call a “backdoor bag ban” – a law requiring shoppers to pay 5 cents each time they need a recyclable plastic bag. The action was spurred by a disgraceful plastic pile-up in the Anacostia River — which flows through the nation’s capital. This past spring, veteran Virginia congressman Jim Moran introduced a national bill modeled on the D.C. law.

This issue isn’t going to go away.

In the past few years, many Texas leaders have gotten on the bag-ban bandwagon.

Back in 2009, when environmentalists were beginning to sound the alarm about the plastic pileup, state Sen. Leticia Van De Putte of San Antonio filed a fairly mild bill in the Texas lege to require businesses that routinely bagged purchases in plastic to at least provide reusable bags.

Brownsville passed the first municipal bag ban in the state. South Padre Island passed a ban, as did El Paso. Austin passed a bag ban last year, and Dallas and Houston leaders are currently considering the issue.

San Antonio took a step toward at least curtailing bag use in 2011 with a voluntary “Change Is In the Bag” program with H-E-B, Target, Walgreens, JCPenney and Walmart. The stores encouraged recyclable bag use, and set up collection points where single-use bags could be left for recycling.

Unfortunately, the program was a bust.

As long as plastic bags are free and easy to get, folks keep using them. They sure are convenient, after all. It may take something like a bag ban to get people to actually make a dent in plastic-bag proliferation.

There’s been some blowback on the bag bans, too. This spring, state Rep. Drew Springer, riding the Ted Cruz/tea party wave, filed a

1/15/14

“Shopping Bag Freedom Act” bill that would have banned cities from banning plastic bags.

This is Texas, after all.

We love the land, but we’ll be damned if we’re going to let somebody else, especially the government, tell us how to take care of it.

One of these days, when I’m out on the freeway (or the toll road), I fully expect to see a bumper sticker that reads: “You can have my plastic bag when you pry it out of my cold, dead hands.”

In the meantime, happy holidays!

Email comments to syerkes@ salocallowdown.com

6

december 2013

Happening LOCAL

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

Children are lining up to take their holiday photos with Cowboy Kringle, Gruene’s own brand of Santa. Photo by Josh Michael

GRUENE HALL EVENTS – Texas’ oldest dance hall, Gruene Hall, month 1281 Gruene Road in New Braunfels, features live music during the year. Most shows are free Monday through Thursday evenings, and afternoons on Saturday and Sunday. Friday and Saturday evenings are generally ticketed or cover shows. Upcoming performers include: The Kelly Willis & Bruce Robison Holiday Shindig on Dec. 20; Reckless Kelly on Dec. 21; Cory Morrow on Dec. 27; Roger Creager on Dec. 28 and the Casey Donahew Band on Dec. 29. Kevin Fowler will help ring in 2014 on New Year’s Eve. Advance tickets are recommended. On New Year’s Day, there will be free, live shows all day. For band schedule and availability, call (830) 606-1601 or (830) 629-5077 or visit www.gruenehall. com or www.holidaysingruene.com.

this

decemberjanuary

UNIVERSAL CITY LIBRARY EVENTS – Universal City

Drive, will hold the following events: Enjoy light refreshments and various activities while socializing with other seniors in the community during Senior Social Days, 2-4 p.m. on Dec. 23 and Dec. 30. A free seminar, “Emailing Help,” about the basics of setting up email accounts and sending emails, is 10-11 a.m. Jan. 11. Participants must be 13 or older, have a valid Universal City Public Library card and knowledge of computer mouse use. Call or stop by the library to register. “Basic Internet Use,” free seminars on navigating the Internet, are 10-11 a.m. Dec. 21 and Jan. 18. An adult must accompany children under 12. Contact the library for registration details. A free afternoon movie will begin at noon Jan. 11. Bring a lunch or snack; call the library to find out which movie will be featured. For more, call 659-7048.

dec

Academy of Creative Education will hold a winter graduation ceremony 10 a.m.-noon at Castle Hills First Baptist Church, 2220 N.W. Military Highway. For more, call Dr. Christopher Throm at 407-0699.

19

dec

21-22

COWBOY KRINGLE IN GRUENE – Cowboy Kringle – Gruene’s

own brand of Santa – will be featured for photos with the kids in the breezeway between Gruene General Store and The Grapevine, 1610 and 1612 Hunter Road in New Braunfels. Packages will be available for purchase. For more, call (830) 606-1601 or (830) 629-5077 or visit www.gruenehall. com or www.holidaysingruene.com.

jan

Public Library, 100 Northview

ACE GRADUATION – The

4

AREA GRID STARS IN ALLSTAR GAME – High school

football players from north San

OUR GUIDE TO YOUR MONTH Antonio and Metrocom communities will compete in the San Antonio Sports All Star Football Game. The event, presented

by H-E-B, will showcase top local talent following the 2014 U.S. Army All-American Bowl in the Alamodome. The opener will pit the best U.S. players in a nationally televised contest at noon, with the local stars taking the field at 5 p.m. The local all-star game will feature players who have committed to play for some of the top universities in the country, as well as those seeking an additional chance to impress recruiters. Players were nominated by their high school coaches and chosen by a selection committee. Johnson High School’s Ron Rittimann will coach the East team, with Daryl Hemphill, from Stevens High School, coaching the West squad.

Area players slated to play for the East include: DL Zach Wright (New Braunfels); OL Brady Melde and OL Izaiha Ramirez (Canyon); QB Garrett Smith, TE-WR Joseph Barsalou and DB Shane Piatnik, (Smithson Valley); TE-WR Andre Wilson and DB Brendon Clemons (Judson), and OL Greg Hardaway (Wagner). Also, QB Hunter Rittimann, OL James Rast and LB Jerod Vick (Johnson); TE-WR Ashten Glenn (MacArthur); QB Cody Ennis, TE-WR Byron Daniels and DL C.J. Reese (Madison); TE-WR Kash Knudson and FB-RB Marshall Young (Reagan); C Roger Hoffman and DL Tim Johnson (Roosevelt); LB Jacob Ferguson (Clemens); TE-WR Matthew Moen, FB-RB Justin Stockton and DL Joshua Malin (Steele).

Tickets to the doubleheader are available at the Alamodome box office and Ticketmaster.com for $13 (general admission) and $26 (reserved). One ticket will serve as admission to both games.

happening k ey

fitness

jan

7

TALK

outdoor

Music

TEXAS A&M SINGING CADETS – Grace Community

Church, 701 Kitty Hawk Road in Universal City, is hosting a concert performed by Texas A&M University’s Singing Cadets from 7-9 p.m. Tickets are $5 and available at www.grace-sa. org/cadets. For more, call 659-8200.

jan

8

ROOSEVELT HIGH SCHOOL LIBRARY NEW BOOK CLUB – The Molly Pruitt

Public Library at Roosevelt High School, 5110 Walzem Road, will have the inaugural meeting of its “The Book Was Better Book Club,” focusing on books and movies, from 6:30-8:30 p.m. The club, which meets on the first Wednesday of each month, is open to the community. Parents and library members are welcome to join. For more, call Rachel Downen at 650-1122.

jan

15

JISD ELEMENTARY FORUM – The Judson Independent

School District is hosting a community forum for input on plans for the district’s newest elementary school at 6:30 p.m. inside the cafeteria at Masters Elementary School, 2650 Woodlake Parkway. For more, call 945-1150.

jan

20

CANCER SUPPORT TEAM – New Life Baptist Church of

Converse, 101 North St., will host its monthly Cancer Support Team meeting at 7 p.m. For more, call 658-1972.

Submitting events: Email all

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I-35 continues from pg. 01

Join us Sundays

TxDOT, Schertz businesses clash over construction a 6-mile stretch from Judson Road in San Antonio to FM 3009 in Schertz. Progress on the project, which began in October 2012, slowed because of design issues, inclement weather and shifting resources.

Completing work around The Forum came at a cost to 3009-area businesses, suffering through months of delays and changing construction priorities, said Schertz Chamber of Commerce president Maggie Titterington.

“The deadlines there have came and went – from July, August, September and October – and I was told (various) reasons for the delays,” she said. “After I learned the contractor had incentives to put his manpower at The Forum, I fully expected that manpower would shift back to 3009. First I was told it would happen immediately, and then that it would by the second week of December. I’ve had enough.”

On Nov. 27, TxDOT and area officials

9:00 & 11:00 am New

Saturday Service Starts Feb. 1, 5 pm

Contemporary Worship Music Dynamic Children’s & Youth Ministries Practical Bible Teaching Cars line up to merge onto the now-completed northbound access road onto Interstate 35 and Forum Parkway. Photo by Josh Michael

heralded the reopening of exit ramps to Forum and Olympia parkways – both closed since January – and a new bridge at Forum Parkway. As of Dec. 6, flyovers linking Loop 1604 onto I-35 were also nearing completion, ending months of detours.

“We understand that it’s frustrating to

see a project like this move around quite a bit,” TxDOT spokesman Josh Donat said.

“The contractor is executing the contract according to plan and we’re happy with the hard work that has been done.”

I-35 continues on pg. 11

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IVE OAK – You’re a mean one, Mr. Grinch.

Every holiday season, there are lots of them out there – preying upon open and unlocked cars filled with Christmas presents.

Those thefts of holiday gifts for loved ones – purchased at area malls and retail outlets – wind up in the hands of strangers.

That’s why last year the Live Oak, Selma and Universal City police departments hatched Operation Grinch, a concentrated effort to end car burglaries at The Forum at Olympia Parkway and other hightraffic shopping areas in their cities.

Representatives from the three departments gathered at The Forum on Nov. 26 to unveil an expanded version of the successful program. The event came complete with a Grinch-like character trying to break into cars for holiday goodies – before his eventual arrest by a vigilant police officer.

Although law enforcement officials and security guards do their best to thwart holiday crimes, Live Oak Police Chief Ken Evans emphasized residents can do their part by not giving criminals enticing opportunities. Leaving gifts in plain view, especially in unlocked cars, create such circumstances, and police aren’t always around to prevent them.

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programs to address the whole crimeprevention thing during the holidays,” Evans said. “It’s always a struggle, but the reality is that people go out shopping and spend a lot of money they don’t usually spend during the year, and it presents an opportunity for criminals. We’re trying to partner with the community in order to get them to understand that.”

This year’s Operation Grinch kicked off on Black Friday, Nov. 29, and will run through New Year’s weekend, Evans said. There will be more police-vehicle patrols, more on-duty and off-duty police officers and additional detectives.

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adoptive pets to ensure compatibility.

“Who wouldn’t want an animal instead of an Xbox?” Lambert asked.

“You’re saving an animal’s life.”

At the Universal City shelter, 134 Athenian Drive, pets may be adopted for $75, which includes upto-date vaccinations, microchips and spaying or neutering.

Volunteers at the Converse Animal Shelter, a nonprofit, no-kill facility at 9634 Schaeffer Road, strive to find homes for their residents more than 5 years old. The shelter offers adoptions of $125 for dogs and $75 for cats. All costs include vaccinations, microchipping and spaying or neutering.

For animals in the Senior Foster program, the shelter will pay ongoing medical costs as long as the animal is in foster care. Some pets, like Beasley, a 10-year-old cat, were born in the shelter and have never enjoyed life in a real home.

“They’re in their twilight years, and we don’t want them to pass away in the shelter,” said Joann Stokes, shelter manager. “We’re hoping to find a home for them so they know something other than this. We pay all the medical bills and you just need to provide the love and food.”

Stokes and assistant manager Jennifer Delgado are hosting a fundraiser – in existence for more than 10 years – selling stockings stuffed with pet toys and treats.

Stockings are only $10 and proceeds go towards the animals’ food and medical The Converse Animal Shelter is one of several in the area to offer specials on pet adoptions during December. Photo by Josh Michael

Dogs, cats, puppies and kittens in need of homes are being offered by animal shelters in Converse, Universal City and the Animal Defense League of Texas in San Antonio. Photo by Josh Michael

expenses. They can be purchased from the Converse Animal Hospital, Kitty Hawk Animal Hospital, Spring Creek Animal Hospital and other local veterinarians.

“There are so many reasons to adopt, especially around the holidays,” Delgado said. “Animals make your home a home.”

For those wanting to adopt but can’t, there are other ways to help, Vital said.

While donations and volunteering are always welcome, fostering animals supplies loving care without full-time commitment.

For more, call the Converse Animal Shelter at 685-4821 or visit www. mynewbestfriend.org; the Universal City Animal Shelter at 658-0700 or www.universalservicescity.com; or the Animal Defense League at 6551481or visit adltexas.org.

11

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Grinch continues from pg. 08 be looking to bust criminals, not only in those areas, but in the other main shopping areas in their communities.

“This year we’re expanding the program to our major shopping areas throughout all of the communities,” Evans said.

“You’ll see extra resources out there – plainclothes policemen, bicycle patrols, you name it, they’ll be out there.”

Evans said there were two burglaries of businesses and seven vehicle burglaries at or near The Forum in 2011. Last year there were five vehicle burglaries and no business burglaries reported.

Live Oak Assistant City Manager Scott Wayman said safety is everyone’s priority, especially during the holiday season.

“When you’re out shopping, the No. 1 thing is that you want to feel safe,” Wayman

said. “You’re going to have problems in large shopping areas like this, but I really think that our officers, in this combined group, really make an effort to make our shoppers feel safe out here.”

Christina Arseneau, senior property manager at The Forum, said the program not only promotes shoppers’ safety, but also encourages them to obey traffic laws.

“We had some really great results after they started it last year,” she said. “People got the word that police would be out here patrolling. We have our off-duty officers (as security) and the stores have them as well.

“Selma and Live Oak (officers) will be enforcing traffic laws, such as speeding and wearing seat belts, on Agora Parkway. They’re going to be on the lookout for all of that, as well as people trying to break into cars and everything else of a criminal nature.”

I-35 continues from pg. 07

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Donat said design flaws near The Forum required correction, which some believe delayed the entire project.

“It definitely impacted the schedule of operations there,” he said. “We needed to review a design issue and found a fix for it by reconfiguring our traffic-control plan. It took a while to consider several different options that were presented to us, and that was the biggest issue. I can’t really say how long (it took).”

Spurred by incentives to finish that stage of the project before the holidays, the primary contractor, Dan Williams Co., shifted resources further south – and work screeched to a halt on the 3009 intersection. Now, Schertz retailers are begging for the same kind of acceleration to finish work on their end.

However, for some, it may come too

late. Local Community News has learned at least five businesses are in peril of closing or moving. CBQ Eatery owner Chuck Stanley said he’s vacating his leased space at Tri-County Crossing, located in the 17300 block of I-35 South.

Stanley isn’t blaming construction alone for the weakening of his business, which opened in 2010 and enjoyed brisk sales until March. Since, he said his business has declined between 40 and 50 percent.

“You could see our numbers drop since the time construction started,” he said.

Titterington said she was upset TxDOT didn’t inform 3009 business owners about the decision shifting resources to The Forum.

I-35 continues on pg. 16

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december 2013

BUY LOCAL

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

Laser Legend aims for family fun

by Eric Moreno

L

IVE OAK – Deep inside all of us there’s a little child who just wants to play.

The owners of Laser Legend have made it their business to satisfy that innerchild by creating a unique place where everyone, young or not, can have fun.

“My family and I had tried laser tag at a different business and we all really enjoyed it,” said Jason Overman, Laser Legend’s primary owner. “The whole family came out tired with huge grins on their faces. The dads enjoyed it as much as the kids.”

Overman saw an opportunity to create a multi-attraction, familyentertainment venue that includes a laser-tag gaming arena on the growing northeast side of Bexar County.

Laser Legend at the Gateway Plaza shopping center, 7505 N. Loop 1604 East,

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Suite 101, is open seven days a week.

“As I asked around the area, everyone – and I mean everyone – was salivating over (providing) a higher level of entertainment for the kids, while creating an environment where parents didn’t feel that they were in purgatory for two to three hours,” Overman said. “Our free Wi-Fi, big-screen TVs with sports programming and big comfy chairs and couches seemed to fit the bill.”

In addition to indoor laser tag, the recent addition of “Glo Golf Alien Adventure,” a miniature golf course enhanced by psychedelic colors and black lighting, has added even more amusement to Laser Legend.

“Besides all of the gaming options, we wanted the food experience here to exceed the expectations of the parents and guests we would be serving,”

Overman said. “Being an Air Force and corporate pilot most my life, I knew what good pizza tasted like, and were thrilled to join with Noble Roman’s Pizzeria to provide very delicious food fare to parents and kids alike.”

Laser Legend is open 4-9 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 4-10 p.m. on Friday; 10 a.m. to midnight on Saturday, and noon to 8 p.m. on Sunday.

Laser Legend offers indoor laser tag, a miniature golf course with a psychedelic motif, an inhouse pizzeria and other amusements. Photos by Josh Michael

Laser Legend 7505 N. Loop 1604 East, Suite 101 For more, call 444-9025 or visit www.lasertag-sanantonio.com.

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EAT LOCAL

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Owner hopes customers like recipe for The Cupcake Diva

by Eric Moreno

S

CHERTZ – Taking a friend’s suggestion, Harriett Hamilton started a business destined to become The Cupcake Diva, located at 304 FM 78.

“A friend of mine told me that I should make my own cupcakes instead of her making them for me,” Hamilton said.

“So, I started working on my own recipes and giving them out and it grew.”

As she began to do her research before starting out, Hamilton noticed a bakery offering made-from-scratch goods would be a good fit for the area.

“We not only sell cupcakes, but we also sell breads, Cinny rolls, pies, cakes, brownies and more,” she said.

Prior to opening The Cupcake Diva in November, Hamilton, who inherited

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the CUPCAKE DIVA 304 FM 78 For more, call 566-4401 or visit thecupcakediva1/Facebook

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her love of baking from a grandmother who owned a café in Mississippi, had been donating her baked goods.

Now, cupcakes such as My Red Velvet, Sweet Potato and Choc Choc Chip Cookie Dough are flying off the shelves, she said.

“I feel the reason cupcakes are so popular is because (bakers) do so much more with them these days,” Hamilton said. “We decorate them with cute

and fun designs. I make what I call ‘Big Girl’ cupcakes, for when ladies want to get together with their friends for a girls’ night out or other occasions. For Christmas, we are doing a (cupcake) that would be great for parties.”

Hamilton said she could think of no better place than her hometown to open her store.

“It’s on the main way between Randolph (Air Force Base), Schertz, Cibolo and Marion,” she said. “It’s where I grew up and where I live – and many of my friends do, too. I wanted to give back to my community.”

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december 2013

Live LOCAL From real estate trends and neighborhood listings to home improvement, we’ve got you covered.

SA housing prices recovered fastest in Texas

Real Estate LOCAL Trends ZIP Code

Median prices show modest gains in Northeast ZIP codes

Median sold price New listings

by Travis e. poling

both buyers and sellers are able to find success in this market

from the Texas Market Trends Report.

The median sold price in the 78148 area was up 41.5 percent to $150,000 for the month, and the number of closed sales nearly tripled to 19 for the month. Months’ supply of inventory dipped as the market tightened to 2.6 months from 11.1 months last October.

Median sales price in the 78233 area was up by 29 percent to $120,000, but closed sales dropped by six to 37 for the month.

In the 78239 ZIP code, the median sales price was up 5.4 percent to $111,750. Closed sales were up by six to 32 and the houses spent an average of 64 days on the market before selling, an improvement from 107 days for sales in October last year.

Average days on market Closed sales Under contract Months supply of inventory

78233

78239

OCT-12

$121,450

oct-13

$130,200

$106,000

$93,000

$106,000

$150,000

$120,000

$111,750

OCT-12 oct-13

70

14

49

32

71

19

55

44

OCT-12

120

122

100

107

oct-13

92

90

71

64

OCT-12

44

7

43

28

oct-13

50

19

37

32

OCT-12

45

7

38

28

oct-13

37

18

35

30

OCT-12

5

11.1

3.5

4.4

oct-13

4.1

2.6

4.1

3.2

The properties are new listings put on the market from Nov. 19 - 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.

The OMNEON™-018 Study

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78148

Source: San Antonio Board of Realtors: Texas Market Trends report

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T

he housing market in the San Antonio-New Braunfels metro area has recovered faster than anywhere else in the state and October statistics showed houses selling for more money and faster than last year.

The number of homes sold in the San Antonio area in October was up 11 percent to 1,839 compared to the same month last year and a 33 percent leap from October two years ago. The houses sold this October spent an average of 69 days on the market, according to an analysis of Multiple Listing Service data by the San Antonio Board of Realtors.

“All year we have seen prices and sales of homes show year-over-year increases, demonstrating San Antonio’s economic strength,” SABOR Chairman Steven Gragg said. “Jobs are being added, interest rates remain low and both buyers and sellers are able to find success in this market.”

Available Steven Gragg, inventory SABOR Chairman hit a low of 4.4 months of housing supply for sale. That tightening helped drive prices up. The average home price in October rose 6 percent to $205,680, according to SABOR. The median price also was up 6 percent to $168,800.

A statewide analysis from Homes.com found that the San Antonio-New Braunfels metro area was the first in the state to fully recover from price declines incurred during the recession. The Houston-Sugar Land-Baytown metropolitan statistical area recovered second fastest, followed

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In the 78109 ZIP code, the median sales price was up 7.2 percent to $130,200, while the number of closed sales went up by six in October for a total of 50, according to data

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december 2013

Recent

PROPERTY LISTINGS

I-35 continues from pg. 11

zip codes: 78109, 78148, 78233, 78239

Street Address

List Price

SQ. FT.

Built

BR

FB

ZIP

6729 Wayman Rdg

173,000

3,288

2007

4

2

78233

174,900

2,721

2007

3

2

78233

7704 Forest Dream

182,500

2,162

2003

4

2

78233

7306 Autumn Brk

124,500

1,996

1995

3

2

78109

2 Anchorage Bay

128,000

1,691

2004

3

2

78239

6551 David Dr

100,000

1,569

1972

3

2

78239

6602 Courtyard

139,900

1,917

1979

4

2

78239

10038 Nugget Crk

127,000

1,391

1986

3

2

78109

7302 Copper Mdw

165,000

3,059

2004

4

2

78109

6719 Barton Rock Ln

88,000

1,386

1996

3

2

78239

8449 Maple Ridge Dr

59,900

1,832

1985

4

3

78239

8438 Forest Ridge Dr

84,900

1,479

1984

3

2

78239

8318 Longhorn Ridge Dr

159,985

1,698

1992

3

2

78109

9307 Farley Dr

120,000

2,108

2007

3

3

78109

12403 La Albada St

132,000

1,730

1972

4

2

78233

8619 Ludlow Cv

125,000

1,931

2010

3

2

78109

6510 Kestrel Lane

155,000

2,612

2004

4

2

78233

4007 Matson Mnr

155,000

1,656

2007

3

2

78109

6503 Ridge Circle Dr

129,900

1,796

1977

4

2

78233

9506 Lookover Bay

119,000

1,648

2011

3

2

78109

2738 Moonrock

107,000

970

2007

2

1

78109

10523 Sonora Sunset

119,900

1,508

2005

3

2

78239

6717 FM 1516

179,300

2,456

1979

4

2

78109

6711 Loma Vino

149,900

2,085

2006

4

2

78233

6702 Loma Blanca

173,295

1,909

2013

3

2

78233

7618 Cold Mtn

130,000

1,662

2009

3

2

78109

10402 Bulwark Peak

214,411

2,407

2013

4

2

78109

8151 Ocean Meadow Dr

112,000

2,144

1996

3

2

78109

9724 Appellate Rise

185,000

2,544

2003

3

2

78109

6627 Carlsbad Rio

169,900

1,884

2005

4

2

78233

111 Suddith Dr

50,000

1,160

1959

2

1

78233

7935 Donshire Dr

135,000

2,334

1995

4

2

78109

8110 Talkenhorn

148,599

2,576

1993

4

2

78109

8043 Chestnut Manor Dr

164,800

2,421

1996

4

2

78109

6888 Montgomery

199,500

2,704

1960

4

3

78239

438 Langley Blvd

109,900

1,979

1963

3

2

78148

5918 Quiet Night Lane

417,216

3,070

2013

4

3

78109

10011Shallow Bank

453,797

3,539

2013

4

3

78109

7135 Teton Ridge

124,900

1,467

2000

3

2

78233

14470 Biltmore Gln

135,000

2,096

2002

3

2

78233

10502 Ludlow Court

139,900

1,667

2007

3

2

78239

5934 Royal Rdg

179,900

2,388

1977

3

2

78239

2,637

2008

3

2

78233

1,570

2002

4

2

78148

117 Wolf Prairie

167,900

2,378

1984

4

2

78148

7300 Rubens

117,000

1,286

1977

3

2

78239

4706 Casa Verde St

72,500

1,291

1971

4

2

78233

4215 Avenida Prima St

100,000

1,193

1970

3

1

78233

5903 Brook Fls

179,900

1,879

2001

3

2

78239

345 Fenwick Dr

199,777

2,623

1972

4

3

78239

COMMUNITY NEWS

158,200 134,900

4204 gardendale Ste. 201 SAN ANTONIO, TX 78229

4331 Stetson Run 9111 Spiral Woods

Prsrt Std US Postage Paid Permit 6450 San Antonio TX

6807 Elmwood Crst

“I don’t begrudge the businesses at The Forum,” she said. “It’s a huge tax base for Selma and Live Oak and closing 1604 to I-35 needed to be rectified, but I wasn’t told at the beginning that the focus would be on getting The Forum ready in time for Thanksgiving.

“Now, I want the same focus brought to 3009.”

Both 3009 turnaround lanes remain unfinished, including the critical north-to-south turnaround leading to the southbound access road.

That has hampered access into TriCounty Crossing, owned by Alpha Properties, now marketing vacancies at CBQ Eatery and a suite formerly occupied

by Planet Beach Tanning Salon.

“The small, local businesses that don’t have the staying power of a Walmart or Lowe’s often find their requests falling on deaf ears, as was apparent by TxDOT’s reaction to our requests for a status report on the turnaround lane construction at I-35 and 3009,” said Jason Dixon, Alpha Properties’ managing partner.

Dixon said the decision switching attention from 3009 to The Forum was “poor planning and management.”

Donat said he and other TxDOT officials have met weekly with Titterington, plus civic and state administrators. During a Dec. 4 meeting, he said they were informed Dec. 20 would be the new target date for completing the north-to-south 3009 turnaround and reconfiguration of the northbound exit lanes.

Donat said finishing that work would depend on weather conditions, as pouring concrete won’t set in sustained temperatures under 40 degrees and asphalt can’t be laid below 55 degrees.

“If we don’t get above those temperatures, we’re going to be in a bit of a jam,” he said.

Guadalupe County commissioners approved a resolution encouraging swift completion of 3009 construction, and District 25 State Sen. Donna Campbell sent a letter to TxDOT urging the same.

However, completion of the entire intersection – including the south-tonorthbound turnaround lane and expanding the northbound 3009 exit ramp – could be months away, which might drive other area businesses into seeking new locations.

“With the promises of the two projects being done by August, coupled by the start of the school year, it became a domino effect on my business,” Stanley said. “You can’t blame anybody, you just have to accept what it is and deal with it – and find a way to survive.”

For project updates, visit www.txdot.gov or www.txdotsanantonio.blogspot.com.

*****ECR WSS Postal Customer

16