LOCAL: Converse, Live Oak, Universal City, Windcrest February 2014

www.salocallowdown.com

Lehnhoff Stadium to get facelift pg. 09 SCUCISD to spend

$2.5 million on press box, track resurfacing

COMMUNITY NEWS

Converse

Vol. 1, Issue 8

What's

INSIDE your community

local commentary pg. 03 SUSAN YERKES

live oak

universal city

windcrest

02/2014

Senate District 25 GOP race heating up

Plenty of contested races on tap in March primaries

pg. 08 Ed White Middle School program lets cooler heads prevail Students taking different approach to conflict resolution

BUY pg. 12 Pawderosa Ranch Kennel in Schertz puts man’s best friend first

by will wright

EAT pg. 13 Bracken Store Café

Old mixes with new at historic dining spot

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

T

hree candidates vying for the state Senate District 25 Republican nomination took part in a two-hour debate Jan. 27 in hopes of showing voters which of them is the most conservative.

Incumbent Dr. Donna Campbell of New Braunfels and challengers Elisa Chan and Mike Novak, both of San Antonio, preached to a mostly teaparty choir, addressing topics including school education, toll roads, streetcars and Obamacare – all hot-button issues for the conservative faithful.

Primary continues on pg. 10

Incoming NE Lakeview president optimistic pg. 05 Follins to assume new role in March

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From the editor wwright@salocallowdown.com

President Harold J. Lees Publisher Gregg Rosenfield Assoc. Publisher Rick Upton Editorial Executive Editor Thomas Edwards Managing Editor Will Wright News Staff Collette Orquiz Contributing Writers J.E. Jordan, 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 Manager Dawn Radick Controller Gerard "Jerry" Sulaica READER SERVICE Mailing Address 4204 Gardendale Ste. 201 SA, TX 78229 Fax Phone (210) 338.8842 (210) 616.9677 Advertising Inquiries rupton@salocallowdown.com Story Ideas tips@salocallowdown.com Website www.salocallowdown.com LOCAL Community News publications Zone 1: 78204, 78205, 78209, 78210, 78212, 78215 Zone 2: 78213, 78230, 78231, 78248, 78249 Zone 3: 78216, 78232, 78247 Zone 5: 78108, 78132, 78154, 78266 Reproduction in whole or in part without our permission is prohibited, 2014 Helen Publishing, LLC and Local Community News, LLC, all rights reserved.

For advertising, customer service or editorial, please call us at 210-338-8842 or write to us at: Local Community News 4204 Gardendale Ste. 201 San Antonio, TX 78229

School districts prep for new plan

A

fter four days of meetings in Austin, the State Board of Education on Jan. 31 approved the state’s new public high school graduation plan, designed to provide students with greater flexibility in academic planning.

The board considered dozens of amendments regarding the implementation of House Bill 5, which was signed into law in 2013. It creates a new graduation plan for all incoming high school freshmen, beginning with the 2014-15 school year.

School districts across the Metrocom are in the midst of determining exactly how they will carry out components of the detailed plan, which will also reduce the number of end-of-course assessments required for students to graduate.

The specifics of the plan are too numerous to list here, but it drastically changes how students will fashion their high school academic plans – not only to graduate, but also to gain acceptance into college.

All students will be expected to have their personal graduation plans signed by their parents by the end of their freshman year.

School districts around the state have been preparing in advance of the board’s decision on the new graduation requirements. One key component of HB 5 will go into effect later this spring, with the elimination of seven end-of-course tests.

Most school districts will hold informational meetings for parents of incoming high schoolers during February and March. Visit your district’s website for more information.

It’s vital that parents get details of the state plan and its possible effects on their children’s academics. Their futures – and ours – are riding on the outcome.

Will Wright Managing Editor facebook.com/salocalcommunitynews

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local commentary

Racism vs. rude: Red’s lesson by susan yerkes

S

an Antonio’s legendary businessman and powerbroker B. J. “Red” McCombs started the new year with a replay-worthy “open-mouth-insertfoot” moment during a radio interview about new University of Texas head football coach Charlie Strong.

In the live interview, McCombs, a multimillion-dollar donor to UT and one of the school’s most powerful boosters, made no secret he had favored former NFL coach Jon Gruden to lead the Longhorns coaching staff in the wake of Mack Brown’s year-end resignation.

But rather than leave it at that, McCombs ranted that Strong’s selection felt like “a kick in the face” to him, and belittled

Strong, the University of Louisville’s wellrespected head coach, as someone who would “probably make a fine position coach; maybe a coordinator…”

The comments were ill-considered, considering Strong’s fine record. But the fact that Strong is also the first black head football coach in UT’s history opened the door to a far more pernicious perception.

Almost as soon as the words were out of McCombs’ mouth, the Twitter-verse lit up like a Jumbotron with accusations of racism, and the flap escalated to headlines and national talk shows.

The “racist” accusations were just as absurd as McCombs’ dismissive remarks about Strong. Red’s no racist, as former Spurs coach John Lucas and former Vikings coach Denny Green, both black men picked by McCombs to lead his teams, were quick to point out. In fact, McCombs was the victim of the same kind of stereotyping he was being accused of.

The “racist” allegations faded as fast as they had risen.

Although McCombs’ remarks weren’t racist, they were petty and rude. He appeared angry he didn’t get his way.

To his credit, he was quick to apologize, and declared he intended to support

Strong. It was both the right thing to do, and the best way to save face.

But the whole overblown episode contains interesting food for thought. On one hand, it should serve as a reminder that while they often go hand in hand, rudeness and racism are very different. It was also a good reminder to the rest of us that perceptions can pack a powerful punch.

Our nation has come a long way since the worst days of legislated segregation, lynching and wide acceptance of blatant hate or virulent prejudice. But memories of shameful discrimination and unequal treatment have long shelf lives, and can profoundly color perception.

That’s especially important to consider in a culture that thrives on the sensational.

In today’s wired world, when a celebrity, politician or any public figure talks trash, gossipmongers in the media can be counted on to flog the fight for all it’s worth. And accusations of prejudice, from racism to homophobia, make sensational headlines. Witness the national firestorm over racist Twitter posts about young Sebastien de la Cruz’s stellar national anthem performances for the Spurs at last year’s NBA finals. Or the headlines about homophobic remarks by former

District 9 City Councilwoman Elisa Chan or “Duck Dynasty” star Phil Robertson.

Freedom of speech does not — and should not — depend on political correctness. But in the age of Facebook, YouTube and cellphone videos, it’s good for us all to remember that hasty words and harsh remarks can come back to bite you in unexpected, sometimes painful ways – as it did in McCombs’ case.

February is Black History Month, and this year’s national theme celebrates the 50th anniversary of the 1964 Civil Rights Act. There’s a huge difference between denying someone’s civil rights and acting uncivil to them. However, civility can go a long way towards promoting peaceful relations between folks, and rudeness can do just the opposite. Everyone has some personal biases, and most of us have some kind of prejudices – that’s an inescapable part of being human. But civilization depends on the ability to act civil – even towards those you may not agree with, or even like.

“We must learn to live together as brothers, or perish together as fools,” Martin Luther King Jr. wrote more than half a century ago.

In a culture where rudeness runs rampant, those words still ring true.

Email comments to syerkes@ salocallowdown.com

County Court at Law #10 hears Jury Trials Weekly as well as Hearings and Non-Jury Trials When you compare candidates, it is clear that Karen Crouch is the most qualified.

Karen Crouch

Mr. Opponent

Years as an Attorney

28

33

Years of Judicial Experience

18

0

Number of Jury Trials throughout Texas as Lead Attorney

Over 150

0

Number of Jury Trials as a Judge

490

0

Handled a Civil Presiding Docket

Yes

No

Currently qualified to Sit as Judge by Assignment

Yes

No

Pol. Adv. paid for by the Karen Crouch Campaign, Mrs. William E. Crouch, Treasurer, 108 Lochaven Lane, San Antonio, TX 78213 in compliance with the voluntary limits of the Judicial Campaign Fairness Act.

Crouch Karen

FOR JUDGE.

Early Voting Begins on Tuesday, February 18

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february 2014

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

Open and Opening Soon PAWDEROSA RANCH DOGGIE PLAY AND STAY, 7 Commercial Place in Schertz, offers

boarding, grooming and social training for dogs of all ages. Open 6:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday.

For more, call 566-4222 or visit www. pawderosaranch.com. (See story on page 12)

BRACKEN STORE CAFÉ, 18415 Bracken Drive in Bracken, has been serving juicy burgers and other country-fried items since the 1930s. Open from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Thursday and from 11 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday. No credit cards accepted. For more, call 651-6515 or visit www. brackenstore.com or go to BrackenStoreCafe/ Facebook. (See story on page 13) WOOD CREEK VAPORY, 8021 FM 78, Suite 119 at the Ventura Plaza-Valero Center in Converse, offers electronic-cigarette items and accessories. For more, call 3547958 or visit www.woodcreekvapory. com or WoodCreekVapory/Facebook.

IN OTHER NEWS WINDCREST CONFIRMS IN-N-OUT – Windcrest officials recently said the city is in line to become home to an In-N-Out restaurant. Economic Development Corp. chief Robert Colunga said the company will build on the site of the Frost Bank Building at Walzem Road and Interstate 35. “The plans are to work with the developer to re-plat that land into three sections,” Mayor Alan Baxter said. “The frontage section will have

two restaurants, and one of those will be the first In-N-Out burger in Bexar County.

Behind those, they will build a hotel.” The Planning and Zoning Commission met Feb. 6 to consider the preliminary plat for the site, which has to be approved by City Council.

UIL REALIGNS METROCOM SCHOOLS – Area coaches got pretty much what they hoped for in the University Interscholastic League’s biennial district alignments for 2014-16, which were released on Feb. 3. All Metrocom public high schools will be competing in local districts during the next two years. North East Independent School District’s seven high schools will vie in District 26-6A for football and basketball. Steele – which competed in a district with Corpus Christi-area schools the past two years – and Clemens (jumping from 4A into 6A) will join Judson, Wagner, Canyon, Smithson Valley and New Braunfels in 25-6A. Canyon Lake will compete in 14-4A football and 26-4A basketball. Randolph will compete in 13-3A football and 26-3A basketball.

LIVE OAK CIVIC CENTER DEMOLISHED – The Live Oak Civic Center was demolished the last week of January to make way for new businesses. In November, the Live Oak City Council accepted a $1.6 million offer from REATA Real Estate Services for the property at 8101 Pat Booker Road, which will now be called the Forum Crossing Shopping Center.

REATA’s bid, the only one submitted, fell short of the $1.75 million appraisal for the 3.6 acres that included the 36,000-square-foot center, which the city purchased in 1991.

JISD FORMS RESPONSE TEAM – The

Judson Independent School District Police Department recently formed an Emergency Response Team. The team, which includes

four special weapons and tactical officers, will be assisted by the Bexar County Sheriff ’s Office and undergo training at the Global Priority Security Training Facility. The district said the unit was created to respond to life-threatening situations and to maintain a secure environment on JISD campuses.

WHITE MS POSTER STUDENTS LAUDED – Three Ed White Middle School

students were named winners in the Lions International-Windcrest Lions Club Peace Poster Contest during a December ceremony at the school. Miriam Barboza, Enrique Gonzales and Shamari Campbell placed first, second and third, respectively, winning $100, $75 and $50 gift cards and certificates from the Lions Club, which also presented certificates to 15 other students.

TxDOT ANNOUNCES FUTURE PROJECTS – The Texas Department of Transportation on

Jan. 7 unveiled a plan to allocate more than $800 million to fund expansions of Interstate 10, U.S. 281 and Loop 1604. Included is the transformation of 281 into a four-lane tolled expressway from Stone Oak Boulevard to the Bexar-Comal county line, as well as tolled connector ramps at the I-10/1604 interchange.

Construction is projected to start by early 2015.

JISD PARTICIPATES IN MLK UNITY PARADE, FREEDOM RIDERS FORUM – Judson Independent School District officials and students participated in two events commemorating Martin Luther King Jr. and other civil-rights leaders, prior to MLK Day. Superintendent Willis Mackey served as Grand Marshal of the Unity Through Community Parade on Jan. 18. The event began at Kirby Middle School and ended with a postparade festival at Friendship Park. On Jan. 16, students at Judson and Wagner high schools were treated to firsthand recollections from the famed “Freedom Riders,” activists who toured the southern United States protesting segregation during the 1960s. The

surviving members participated in panel discussions at both schools, reminding students of the fight for racial equality.

RACKSPACE RECEIVES FORTUNE MAGAZINE LISTING – Rackspace Hosting

was ranked No. 29 on Fortune magazine’s national list of “100 Best Companies to Work For,” an honor the company has achieved six of the past seven years.

Companies received merit based on employee surveys and questionnaires about their programs and practices, and ranked on five categories: credibility, respect, fairness, pride and camaraderie. To see the complete list, visit www.Fortune.com/BestCompanies.

RHODES APPOINTED RACKSPACE PRESIDENT – Rackspace Hosting on Jan. 13

announced Taylor Rhodes, the company’s chief customer officer, has been appointed president. Rhodes, who joined Rackspace in 2007, has served in a variety of leadership positions including senior vice president and managing director of Rackspace International.

JISD BOARD APPROVES EMPLOYEE PAY RAISES – The Judson Independent School

District board on Jan. 16 approved a pay increase for all employees in the 2014-15 school year. Under the measure, clerical and manual trade workers will see a 5 percent increase, and professional educators and administrators will receive raises of 3 percent. Bus drivers will receive 50 cents more per hour, with teachers, counselors and specialists receiving $1,500 raises. The total cost is projected at $4.1 million.

RANDOLPH ROTARIANS PRESENT CHECK TO PIE FOUNDATION – The Randolph Metrocom Rotary Club presented a $27,500 check to the Partners In Education Foundation during the Randolph Metrocom Chamber of Commerce luncheon on Jan. 15. The funds were raised through Rotary’s 17th annual golf tournament Sept. 23 at Olympia Hills Golf and Conference Center.

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Follins continues from pg. 01

New president pledges to shape growing institution by j.e. jordan

L

IVE OAK – When the new president of Northeast Lakeview College arrives from Chicago to assume his position March 17, he will be no stranger to Texas or Texans.

Craig Follins, succeeding the retiring Eric Reno, has spent more than 20 years in the Lone Star State as student, educator and educational administrator. The Texas transplant admits espousing the bumpersticker motto of getting here as fast as he could.

Reared in New York City, Follins earned a General Educational Development diploma while serving in the Army. He subsequently earned a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from Brooklyn College, a master’s degree in Clinical Sociology from Texas Southern University and a doctorate in Educational Administration from the University of Texas-Austin.

Follins’ Texas resume includes roles as vice president of workforce and economic development at Victoria College, where he penned a newspaper column addressing labor and economic-development issues.

Follins previously served on the faculty of Lone Star College-North Harris County before a six-year stint at Houston Community Colleges, where he was a system director of business development and outreach services, business liaison and a jobs developer.

While there he also implemented a process to direct people from Texas Workforce Solutions centers into college programs.

Those credentials led Alamo Colleges’ board of directors on Dec. 17 to select Follins, president of Olive-Harvey in the Chicago city colleges system, as one of four finalists to follow Reno, who since 2008 has been Northeast Lakeview’s first and only president.

During a recent telephone interview with LOCAL Community News, Follins said he plans to bring his skills as a workforce-development expert to the Northeast Lakeview campus. However, he first wants to “get the lay of the land” and find out where job opportunities exist.

“I expect to build on the great legacy of the current president and the good folks that are there,” Follins said. “Then, we can collectively

Dr. Craig T. Follins (left) will become Northeast Lakeview College’s new president in March. One of the projects on the campus is the restoration of the Lower Valley School District No. 33’s old schoolhouse (right), which served Guadalupe County schoolchildren from the 1940s until the 1960s.

Photos courtesy Alamo Colleges, Josh Michael

lead the campus forward. I don’t intend to do anything initially, except be a student of understanding where we are – where the opportunities are to collectively add value.

“It’s really (about) connecting people with some post-secondary productive life. Today’s economy is knowledge-based

and it’s very unforgiving for those without skills. It’s being able to connect people with the ability to learn how to access the skills they need to be successful…so developing programs and finding funding is my forte.”

Follins continues on pg. 06

6

february 2014 OUR GUIDE TO YOUR MONTH

Happening LOCAL

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

WEEKLY

CONVERSE LIBRARY CHILDREN’S STORYTIMES The

get-togethers are from 10:30-11:30 a.m. each Wednesday at the Converse Public Library, 601 S. Seguin St. The free events give toddlers an early start to literacy through book readings, music, and arts and crafts.

Parents are urged to arrive on time; children must be supervised. For more, call 659-4160.

UC LIBRARY EVENTS The Universal City Public Library, 100 Northview Drive, will hold the following events through March: Book Club for Adults will meet at 6:30 p.m. Feb. 19 and March 19. A list of reading selections can be found at www.UniversalCityTexas.com/ BookClub. The library reserves seven copies of each book for club members, distributed on a first-come, first-serve basis. A free seminar, “Emailing Help,” about the basics of setting up email accounts and sending emails, will be held 10-11 a.m. March 8. 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 1011 a.m. Feb. 15 and March 15. Adults must accompany children under 12. Contact the library for registration details. A free movie will begin at noon March 8. Bring a lunch or snack; call the library to find out which movie will be featured. For more, call 659-7048.

february march

feb

15

COUNCILWOMAN TAYLOR TO HOST BOOK CLUB EVENT San

Antonio District 2 Councilwoman Ivy Taylor will host the District 2 Book Club from noon to 2 p.m. at the Molly Pruitt Library, 5110 Walzem Road. The meeting will focus on the book, “The New Jim Crow: Mass

Incarceration in the Age of Colorblindness,”

by Michelle Alexander. The book, a New York Times paperback non-fiction best-seller, is an analysis of mass prison confinement in America. The book club is free and open to the public; young adults are welcome to join. Copies of the book are on reserve at the library and refreshments will be provided.

For more or to RSVP, call 207-2122.

feb

17

SCHOOL DISTRICTS SET WEATHER MAKEUP DAYS

As a result of the winter weather that closed area schools on Jan. 24, students in the Schertz-CiboloUniversal City and North East independent school districts will attend classes on Feb. 17, the Presidents Day holiday.

feb

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.

17

through

march

LIVE OAK POLICE ACADEMY ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS

The Live Oak Police Department is accepting applications for its 2014 Citizens Police Academy, which begins March 27. The 12-week course will allow residents the opportunity to learn about law-enforcement efforts in the community. Meetings will be held at 7 p.m. on Thursdays.

Applications are available at the Live Oak Justice Center, 8022 Shin Oak Drive and at www.liveaotx.net. For more, call 945-1700.

mar

22

CONVERSE GREEN DAY SLATED The Converse

Economic Development Corp.

will co-sponsor the third annual Converse Goes Green Day from noon to 4 p.m. at Converse City Hall, 405 S. Seguin St. Build San Antonio Green will co-host the event, which helps residents save money while conserving energy, water and the environment. The Green Day will also provide information on the city’s water rebate and stormwater programs, and programs offered though CPS Energy and Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs. Mayor Al Suarez will distribute free water aerators and shower heads while supplies last, and CPS will give away a limited number of trees through its Green Shade Program. For more, call 658-5356 or visit www.converseedc.com.

h a ppening k ey

fitness

TALK

outdoor

FOOD

ELSEWHERE The 16th annual Low mar Vision EXPO is 9 a.m. to 1

1

p.m. at Colonial Hills United Methodist Church, 5247 Vance Jackson Road in San Antonio. It will feature more than 40 agencies and vendors providing services and devices for people with vision loss. The EXPO will also feature a symposium by low-vision experts. The event is free and open to the public. For more, call the Low Vision Resource Center at 829-4223.

Submitting events: Email all the details along with your contact information two months in advance to tips@salocallowdown.com.

Follins continues from pg. 05 Follins recalled while working in Houston, “we were working with people at lowincome levels and were able to find lots of pathways for them to move into productive employment.” He said during his visits back there, former students often approached him.

“When I’m out at a video store or something they’ll stop me. I may have forgotten who they are, but they haven’t forgotten me, and they’ll say, ‘Back in 2000, or whenever, you helped me and so now I’m a nurse,’ or maybe (in) some other career. So you know that you’ve made a difference.”

Northeast Lakeview serves 6,000 students from Metrocom communities, northeast San Antonio and Bexar, Comal and Guadalupe counties, but has facilities to accommodate up to 15,000 students. Follins hopes to inspire and nurture such growth.

“My style is to be a very visible president,” he said. “I’ll be talking to students on campus

and understanding what their dreams and desires are; talking to faculty and staff and getting out into the Metrocom areas.

Each one has their distinct view of what’s happening and what needs to be happening.”

Follins said students, both present and future, need not only the ability to transfer credits to four-year institutions but also gain credentials for employment. He also has a goal to engage business and community leaders and get them involved as advisers.

“There are current needs you need to address and then there are others that need to be projected,” he said. “I’ll be finding out where the industry is going, and finding out who the players are internally and externally.”

Follins wishes to build a team at Northeast Lakeview capable of adapting with the times.

“I think I have a knack for finding people,”

Follins continues on pg. 11

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february 2014

Conflict continues from pg. 01

New method replaces zerotolerance policy by miranda koerner

E

ducators at Ed White Middle School have adopted a new approach for dealing with student conflicts on campus – and the results have many taking notice.

In 2012-13, school administrators implemented “restorative discipline,” a preventative approach in resolving the problems of bullying, truancy and other disruptive behavior before it occurs.

The new method, an alternative to the school’s zero-tolerance policy, has produced an 84 percent drop in off-campus suspensions, as well as fewer students sent to detention or handed in-school suspensions.

Principal Philip Carney said he got the idea for restorative discipline after his wife attended a criminal-justice class taught by University of Texas-San Antonio professor Robert Rico. The method encourages offenders to resolve problems through communication and take responsibility for actions, before facing zero-tolerance consequences.

Rico said in the 1980s when adult-correction facilities began enforcing zero tolerance, schooldistrict educators followed.

“They use more of a penalty system, which leads to high expulsion and suspension rates,” Rico said of zerotolerance rules currently enforced in most U.S. schools. “(Restorative discipline) is a good way to restore discipline in the classroom.

“The definition of discipline is to train, not punish. It’s (a) very relational approach, as opposed to a punitive approach, like the justice system. Kids realize who they affect and learn how to make amends.”

Rico put Carney in touch with Marilyn Armour, a professor at the University of Texas-Austin’s School of Social Work and the director of the Institute for Restorative Justice and Restorative Dialogue, who defined the benefits of restorative discipline in an article posted Dec. 17 on the North East Independent School District’s website.

“The main goal is to create a different kind of school climate,” she said. “When a

student misbehaves, instead of saying, ‘Go to the office,’ it’s about stopping and engaging with that student in a meaningful way. It is time-consuming, but it’s about investing in the creation of a different kind of climate that pays dividends when times get tough.”

Armour trained Ed White sixthgrade teachers, whose students first underwent the restorative discipline process in 2012. Those students and current sixth-graders are participating this year, and by next year all three grades will operate under the new policy.

“Some of the lessons we learned from the first year is that you’re changing the way both the adults and students interact with each other,” Carney said.

“The parents are very supportive of it.

It shows we’re listening to the kids. Just like we’re teaching them math, we’re teaching them social communication and how to deal with emotions.”

Although restorative discipline measures have resulted in a precipitous decline in off-campus suspensions and a steep drop in total suspensions, Armour said the statistics didn’t necessarily mean less conflict – only that teachers are responding to student misbehavior differently.

Rico, who last year served as a consultant and visited the campus to observe students and offer teacher support, said he has seen a difference.

“Last year we saw a lot of the teachers were having a difficult time accepting it, because they thought it was more (freespirited),” Rico said. “If someone does something wrong, we want to punish them. If it doesn’t hurt, it’s not discipline.

When they don’t see that, they don’t feel like they’re disciplining the kids.

“Once they saw it and how it worked, and how the kids aren’t doing it over and over again, they address whatever issues are going on and fix the disruptions.

They take ownership of that room and what they do in there. It’s about the community in the classroom.”

Restorative circles have been the key to defusing situations. “Circle it” is code for gathering a teacher or another adult, and the victim or other party, together to discuss potential problems in a setting emphasizing mutual respect, deep listening and the search for consensus-based solutions.

Those answers are spelled out in writing, and signed by all circle participants as their promise to uphold.

“We’ve seen the way kids have really taken to this,” Carney said. “There’s been an 88 percent reduction in discipline

Conflict continues on pg. 11

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Stadium continues from pg. 01

Construction at facility to begin next fall

by Eric J. Weilbacher

S

CHERTZ – In the 2015-16 school year, Clemens and Steele high school athletes in football, track and field will compete in a rejuvenated Lehnhoff Stadium, as opposed to its current antiquated state.

During its monthly meeting in December, the Schertz-Cibolo-Universal City Independent School District board approved almost $2.5 million for improvements at the venue, which will sport a new track surface, press-box upgrades and perhaps other items. The district will use money from its fund balance to pay for the improvements.

The stadium, located on the Clemens High School campus, is named for longtime Clemens coach and former athletic director Robert Lehnhoff, and his wife Glenda, who dedicated most of their careers to SCUCISD athletics.

Wayne Pruski, SCUCISD’s executive director of operations, said construction won’t begin until after both high schools complete regularseason football games this fall.

The decision to revitalize has been years in the making. The board considered enhancements as far back as 2008, only to abandon the idea. At that time, school officials were considering spending the same amount to modernize the press box at the venue, now 48 years old.

“The track itself is part of routine maintenance,” said Superintendent Greg Gibson. “Every five to 10 years the entire track needs to be replaced.”

Fran Badrak, the district’s director of extracurricular activities, said due to the condition of the track at the stadium, meets usually held at Clemens will be hosted at Steele this year.

“Our athletes, band and community that use the track, as well as our cheerleaders, will benefit from a good, safe environment,” he said.

Badrak said the current seating capacity is 6,200, but when temporary bleachers are added, the stadium can hold as many as 7,000 fans. Gibson said permanent seating will not be

increased – despite the additional traffic generated by two Class 6A high schools.

“We decided against the seating at this time,” Gibson said, noting only two or three football games each year lead to the kind of turnouts that demand additional seats for elbow-rubbing fans at the stadium.

Pruski said expanding the press box will absorb most of the project’s costs.

An elevator will be installed – in part to comply with the federal Americans with Disabilities Act – and its overall area will increase from 900 to 1,900 square feet. Under the 2008 proposal, the pressbox dimensions would have expanded to more than 4,000 square feet.

“It will reflect the values of the district,” Pruski said of the current plan, noting that it will add space and allow for future needs without the frills associated with a grandiose press box.

The new, larger press box will

Our Athletes, band and community will benefit Fran Badrak, scucisd

have air conditioning, something the current structure has lacked.

“That’s been a long time coming,” Badrak said.

The expected price tag of nearly $2.5 million was derived from a feasibility study performed by Austin-based O’Connell Robertson Architects. The firm projected the cost to strip and replace the 9-year-old track surface at $675,000 and upgrades to the press box, which would also feature separate rooms for coaches, announcers, scouts and others, are slated to cost $1.3 million.

The press-box refurbishment is roughly half the cost of the 2008 proposal.

If money permits, the stadium’s 13-year-old scoreboard and sound system will also be replaced, though the cost of those renovations – projected at an additional $180,000 – would also come from the district’s fund balance.

“Buildings serve the scope of their life, and this one definitely has,” Pruski said.

10

Primary continues from pg. 01

Wide-open race for Bexar County commissioner Chan is the San Antonio District 9 councilwoman who stepped down this fall to run; Novak is a former Bexar County commissioner.

The fiercely contested race for District 25 is among several voters will consider when casting primary ballots on March 4.

“That’s probably one of the more interesting races we’ve got in the city and county and region,” said Henry Flores, who holds a distinguished professor’s seat in political science at St. Mary’s University. “All three (candidates) are politically astute.”

Flores said each GOP candidate is well funded, making the outcome hinge on who comes across as the most conservative.

Other noteworthy runs include nine hopefuls from both parties in

february 2014

a crowded field to succeed Bexar County Precinct 4 Commissioner Tommy Adkisson, a Democrat who is trying to unseat longtime County Judge Nelson Wolff, a fellow Dem. District 25 cuts a large swath through six counties – parts of Bexar, Guadalupe, Travis and Hays counties and all of Comal and Kendall. In 2012, Campbell upset longtime incumbent Jeff Wentworth of San Antonio in the GOP primary before swamping Democrat Daniel Boone in the general election.

Because of redistricting, Campbell seeks re-election two years early for the usual four-year term. If she wins the primary, she’ll again face Boone, the lone Democratic candidate. Most expect the GOP winner to retain the District 25 seat, when the Legislature convenes in January 2015.

Campbell, an emergency-room doctor with strong tea-party ties, was a political newcomer before toppling Wentworth. Novak touts his credentials as a solid business and community leader. Chan, co-owner of Unintech on San Antonio’s North Side, was a three-term councilwoman but also ran

into some trouble last summer when a secret recording revealed her making unfavorable comments about gays.

“Campbell has the power of being the incumbent and she’s very well organized,” Flores said. “Novak has a lot of roots in that (area), and a very good fundraiser, so he’s going to be very competitive, and I think Chan is also very well organized and has good money behind her.”

The Jan. 27 debate, held at the San Antonio Firefighters Banquet Hall and streamed live on the Internet, contained popular conservative talking points, though the candidates’ approaches differed.

Each said parents should have more say where their children attended schools. Each railed against light rail and streetcars in downtown San Antonio and tolling existing roadways. All agreed government should not obstruct business expansion, and businesses should partner in aiding community programs, but remain free from restrictions inhibiting economic growth. Each came out in favor of Texas’ Voter ID law and united in their distaste of Obamacare.

Campbell cited and defended her

record, Chan attacked Campbell’s record, and Novak took the middle road. Flores said they would likely take the same approach in debates and forums leading up to the primary.

“I think (Novak) is the more mainstream conservative of the three,” he said. “Chan’s attacks are typical of an underdog – and I think that’s the way she sees herself in this election.

Somehow she’s got to find a hole in (Campbell’s) armor and go for it, and she has to pursue that tactic.”

Flores said Chan’s comments against homosexuality – which created a national stir – might be her Achilles heel.

“Her only weakness is all those circumstances she left City Council with – the question is whether or not the opposition will pick up on it and use it against her in the campaign,” he said.

Both Novak and Chan face uphill battles, Flores said, but either could win if the race goes to a runoff.

“I would give Campbell the advantage – only because she’s the incumbent,” Flores said. “She has good name recognition in the district, and has already had one term to get to know her constituency

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a lot more than the other two, who are having to meet new groups of people.”

Meanwhile, several candidates from both parties are seeking to succeed Adkisson, who served 15 years as a county commissioner. Tommy Calvert Jr., Nicole Elizalde, Joaquin Gonzales, Debra Guerrero, Richard Moore and Sheila McNeil are the Democrats; the Republicans are Reinette King Alecozay, Alan Baxter and Tim Wilson.

Guerrero is a San Antonio Independent School District board member and former San Antonio councilwoman. Gonzalez, a great-nephew of late U.S. Rep. Henry B. Gonzalez, is a legislative director for state Rep. Philip Cortez, while McNeil is a former San Antonio councilwoman.

Wilson is the mayor of Kirby and Baxter recently won his second term as mayor of Windcrest. Both say their leadership experience in those municipalities would best serve Precinct 4.

“Each one of these candidates has a particular base (within) Precinct 4,” Flores observed of both races, which he predicts will see runoffs. “It’s going to be up to whoever gets their base out (to vote). It might be that the organizational (campaign) structures and skill of the candidates

that make the difference in this one.”

Then there’s Adkisson, who has a formidable challenge in supplanting Wolff, the long-standing county judge and former San Antonio mayor regarded as a community institution. It’ll be Adkisson’s second attempt to become county judge. He won the Democratic nomination in 1992, only to lose the general election to Cyndi Taylor Krier.

“I think Tommy (is running) because he thought it might be his only opportunity for a shot at county judge,” Flores said. “The next time around (in 2018), there will be some younger candidates who’ll want to take a shot at it.

“But I don’t think he will be successful.

Nelson Wolff is an icon in this area.

He’s always had integrity and appeals to voters in both parties. He hasn’t let being a Democrat get in his way. He’s been on the Commissioners Court, and before that (San Antonio) mayor, on the City Council and the state House and Senate – he’s been around for a long time.”

The primary winner will face either GOP nominee Carlton Soules, who stepped down Jan. 30 as the San Antonio District 10 council representative, or Gerald Ponce in November’s general election.

Follins continues from pg. 06

Conflict continues from pg. 08

he said. “I want people who are really passionate about what we do. Passion often will sustain you in good times or bad times, and with the economy fluctuating, it’s not always going to be a perfect world.

We’re going through peaks and valleys.

During college, people are really passionate and want to grow with the institution.”

Follins’ unorthodox educational beginning provides him an acute understanding of the needs of nontraditional students. He plans to include those students, as well as those entering from high schools, by implementing “cutting-edge best practices” for attracting and serving them.

Follins expressed gratitude to those in Chicago who gave him his first opportunity as president of a community college, including Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel and Cheryl L. Hyman, Olive-Harvey chancellor.

“Nothing would be possible without having that first chance,” he said. “So, thank you to my current team and I’m looking forward to becoming part of the Northeast Lakeview team.”

issues. Parents will come to a group conference and be furious, but by the end of the meeting, everyone is shaking hands and smiling.”

Seventh-grade reading teacher Elizabeth Washington has incorporated restorative discipline into her classroom for two years.

“It really helps me manage a classroom,” Washington said. “It shows kids to stop and reflect on what they’re doing. Some kids don’t have the skills to communicate and only know how to be aggressive.”

Daniel Martinez, a sixth-grade math teacher, said a situation with a student was solved within 15 minutes after a circle session with the student and her grandmother.

Carney said he’s positive his students are not only receiving an education necessary for higher learning and the workplace, but also crucial social skills.

“This is what employers are looking for,” Carney said. “It gives you the tools to solve conflict and knowledge to create resolution. As they mature, we’ve seen the students grow and adopt this process.”

12

february 2014

BUY LOCAL

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

Pawderosa Ranch caters to man’s best friends by eric moreno

S

CHERTZ – Roughly half of the estimated 160 million pet owners in America have a dog, according to the Humane Society of the United States.

A growing number of dog owners, and love for man’s best friend, motivate the entrepreneurs behind Pawderosa Ranch Doggie Play and Stay at 7 Commercial Place.

Co-owners Kim Smith and Mike Mitchell founded the original Pawderosa Ranch near San Antonio International Airport in 2006, and opened the Schertz location two years later. Both said they wanted to do something different at their second spot.

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rustic feel,” Smith said. “We think it talks Texan and is a cut above the rest. We also think Schertz is a pretty rad city, and has a great dogfriendly, family culture about it.”

While boarding and kenneling isn’t a new business strategy, Pawderosa adds a social dimension for its guests.

“Our goal is to make sure that dogs have a fun and safe place to stay when their parents have to work long hours or travel out of town,” Mitchell said.

Also available at Pawderosa are bathing and grooming (Pawdicures), pickup and delivery services (Waggin’ Wheels), and convenient airportshuttle assistance (Wag N Fly).

“Our staff is what has made

us successful,” Smith said. “They truly love each and every dog that comes in the door, and treat them as if they were their own.”

Smith offered this anecdote to illustrate Pawderosa’s approach to creating a pooch paradise: “A couple of years ago we had a client who was being deployed to Afghanistan and she needed to board her two dogs for four months.

When she came back to pick them up after 120 days of boarding, she said: ‘Hey girls, you’re exactly the same as when I dropped you off.’”

Pawderosa Ranch is open 6:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday.

A canine receives a scrub down during his stay at Pawderosa Ranch Doggie Play and Stay in Schertz. Photo by Josh Michael

Pawderosa Ranch Doggie Play and Stay 7 Commercial Place, Schertz For more, call 566-4222 or visit www. pawderosaranch.com.

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EAT LOCAL

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

Bracken Store Café: Big burgers in a small town by will wright

B

RACKEN – Nestled in the middle of town, there’s an eatery very few outsiders have noticed – one where good food mixes with good memories.

Bracken Store Café, 18415 Bracken Drive, has been around since the 1930s.

Originating as Roland Heitkamp’s general store, present owner Linda Waggoner couldn’t be prouder of her operation.

“I’ve been here 26 years and have owned (the café) for 14 years – so this is nothing new to me,” Waggoner said of her time-capsule diner, which on the outside still resembles the rustic corner store.

Inside, photos of Bracken’s past line a wall, vintage license plates hang from the rafters, antique signs are common and there’s even the

old-time Wurlitzer jukebox.

The café serves as a reminder of what used to be – though little has really changed.

“I’ve seen everyone grow up here,” Waggoner said. “Back then, it was just all the locals (as customers). Now, they come from all the subdivisions – and this used to be the boonies.”

The menu doesn’t get fancy, offering half-pound hamburgers, a variety of sandwiches, hot dogs, salads, fish and shrimp entrees, french fries and onion rings. Most cost under $7.

There’s also fried, hand-breaded catfish every Friday evening.

Waggoner said the half-pound Bracken Cheese Burger is her top seller, with her Bean and Frito Burger a close second.

Waggoner said her place is proof there’s still the love for an oldfashioned eatery, as more newcomers are sampling the fare while enjoying the small-town atmosphere.

“Somehow they find us,” she said of her customers, including one diner from across the pond. “A guy always comes in from England, and every time he visits he signs the guest book.”

“Our motto is ‘Big Burgers in a Small Town,’ and that’s what we’ve always done,” she added.

Bracken Store Café is open from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Thursday and from 11 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday. No credit cards accepted.

A half-pound Bracken Cheese Burger (top) is the hottest seller at the Bracken Store Café, where antique clocks, thermometers (below) and old license plates adorn the walls. Photos by Josh Michael

Bracken Store Cafe 18415 Bracken Drive, Bracken For more, call 651-6515 or visit www.brackenstore.com or go to BrackenStoreCafe/Facebook.

14

february 2014

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

SA housing has best sales year since 2006 Closed sales up in I-35 corridor cities north of SA

by Travis e. poling

W

ith 23,390 homes sold in 2013, San Antonio recorded its best year for home sales since 2006, thanks to economic growth in the region and the state, according to statistics from the San Antonio Board of Realtors.

In 2006, more than 25,000 houses were sold in the city. By 2010, due to the mortgage crisis, economic downturn, low consumer confidence, layoffs and an unwillingness of financial institutions to lend money, fewer than 18,000 sales were recorded.

San Antonio’s 2013 sales total was up 17 percent from 2012.

Median sales inventory in San Antonio and the surrounding area also continued to recover, as the supply of houses for sale dipped to 4.2 months in December, also the area’s lowest since 2006.

“Anytime the inventory is less than about missy stagers six months, 2014 SABOR Chairwoman we consider

Anytime the inventory is less than about six months, we consider it a seller’s market

it a seller’s market,” said Missy Stagers, 2014 SABOR chairwoman.

Median sales prices for homes sold in 2013 hit $170,200, compared to $140,000 in 2006. It has risen each year since 2009.

During SABOR’s Housing Forecast symposium in January, Mark Dotzour, chief economist for the Real Estate Center at Texas A&M University, said job growth, wage increases and affordable mortgage rates were the keys to rising home sales in the region.

ZIP codes for cities and neighborhoods along the Interstate 35 corridor north of San Antonio saw increases in median sales prices and closed sales, as inventory of homes available for sale tightened in December.

The number of closed sales totaled 36 in the 78109 zone in December, a rise of three sales compared to the same month the previous year. The median sales price rose 7.1 percent to $132,500, according to data from the Texas Market Trends Report.

In 78148, the median price climbed 3 percent to $136,000, and closed sales were up by five, to 13 for the month. Supply of inventory tightened considerably to 3.7 months compared to 8.5 months in December 2012.

Homes sold in the 78233 area experienced a 35 percent rise in the median price to $122,900. Closed sales for the month rose from 31 to 47, and inventory shrank to 2.6 months supply from 4.5 months.

Closed sales were up by four to 28 in the 78239 area, and the median sales price rose a solid 45 percent, to $112,250.

Recent

PROPERTY LISTINGS

zip codes: 78109, 78148, 78233, 78239

Street Address

List Price

SQ. FT.

Built

BR

FB

ZIP

13722 Altamirano

$201,500

1,841

2014

3

2

78233

13511 Ashmont Terrace

$213,705

1,584

2014

3

2

78233

13700 Biltmore Lakes

$224,996

2,087

2014

3

2

78233

13524 Ashmont Terrace

$236,264

2,345

2014

4

2

78233

14006 Tivoli Gardens

$236,405

2,135

2014

3

2

78233

13709 Atlamirano

$239,490

2,702

2014

4

2

78233

13712 Atlamirano

$248,213

2,701

2014

4

2

78233

14001 Massena Park

$249,500

2,733

2006

4

3

78233

13610 Mathews Park

$273,004

2,795

2014

4

3

78233

14004 Tivoli Gardens

$278,585

2,795

2014

4

3

78233

Real Estate LOCAL Trends ZIP Code Median sold price New listings Average days on market Closed sales Under contract Months supply of inventory

78109

78148

78233

78239

DEC-12

$123,750

$132,000

$92,500

$78,191

DEC-13

$132,500

$136,000

$122,900

$112,250

DEC-12

43

16

33

32

DEC-13

31

11

27

22

DEC-12

77

158

89

94

DEC-13

83

103

110

68

DEC-12

33

8

31

24

DEC-13

36

13

47

28

DEC-12

31

9

26

19

DEC-13

32

4

31

16

DEC-12

6.8

8.5

4.5

4.9

DEC-13

4.7

3.7

2.6

3.2

Source: San Antonio Board of Realtors: Texas Market Trends report The properties are new listings put on the market from Jan. 19-Feb. 1 2014. 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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