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

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Taking bytes out of crime

pg. 07 MyPD phone app gives citizens quick police access

Converse

Vol. 1, Issue 5

live oak

universal city

COMMUNITY NEWS

windcrest

11/2013

mayors re-elected Baxter, Suarez say economic, civic efforts reaffirmed

Windcrest, Converse What's

INSIDE your community

pg. 08 local commentary SUSAN YERKES JUDSON ISD Special Section INSIDE pg.11 I-35/FM 3009 work slows down to a crawl

Crews on interstate concentrate on completing work near The Forum

pg.12 Windcrest Light Up: Brighter, Bigger, Better

Christmastime a busy season for the Flinns

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Illustration by Jeremiah Teutsch

Converse Mayor Al Suarez looks forward to another term.

2

November 2013

From the editor wwright@salocallowdown.com

President Harold J. Lees Publisher Assoc. Publisher Gregg Rosenfield Rick Upton

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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 Reproduction in whole or in part without our permission is prohibited, 2013 Helen Publishing, LLC and Local Community News, LLC, all rights reserved.

Voters deserve prompt returns

T

he Nov. 5 elections are over, as voters in Converse, Windcrest, Cibolo, Schertz, Cibolo Creek Municipal Authority and the Comal Independent School District made their voices heard.

But the trouble in this election is that final outcomes in several of those locales remained incomplete or questionable a week after voters went to the ballot box.

Results from Converse and Windcrest, tallied by the Bexar County Elections Board, were complete around 10 p.m. on election night.

Everywhere else was another matter.

Cibolo’s elections for mayor and the recall of one of four City Council members, initially decided by five votes and one vote, hung in the balance while provisional votes and mail-in ballots were counted.

Granted, by law there’s a five-day window following an election to count those ballots – and the fifth day was Veterans Day, meaning those tallies should have been completed on Nov. 12. However, it wasn’t until the next day voters were assured that Lisa Jackson would be the city’s new mayor and that Ron Pedde retained his seat on the council.

Even worse was the mess presided over by the Comal County Elections Office, which compiled results for the CISD bond election and was one of three counties involved in tallying votes for Schertz council and the CCMA. The number of available voting machines weren’t enough to handle an unexpected surge of voters in some precincts, and on top of that, those machines failed to account for every vote cast.

That nightmare didn’t affect the outcomes for the CISD bond, which failed, nor the lone contested CCMA election. But it delayed the final outcomes for three Schertz council races.

Folks who take the time to vote deserve better. Let’s hope they can get it right next time.

Will Wright Managing Editor facebook.com/salocalcommunitynews

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November 2013

Happening LOCAL

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

CHRISTMAS TOY COLLECTION – Converse Police and Fire departments will collect new, unwrapped toys and accept monetary donations for needy children from noon to 3 p.m. Nov. 23 at Walmart, 8315 FM 78. For more, call 658-2322.

CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY ASSISTANCE – Randolph Area Christian Assistance

Program is accepting applications for its Christmas Holiday Assistance Program through Nov. 27.

Applications are encouraged from families in need of help for the holidays because of limited or no income who are at or below federal poverty guidelines and live in these ZIP codes: 78108, 78109, 78132, 78148, 78154, 78247, 78233 (Live Oak only) and 78266.

Donations may be dropped off at the RACAP office or mailed to 307 Pfeil St., Schertz, TX, 78154.

METROCOM CHAMBER EVENTS – The

Randolph Metrocom Chamber of Commerce has scheduled the following activities: The Chamber’s Casino Royale Gala, “A Night of Monte Carlo Glitz and Glam,” is 6-11:30 p.m. Dec. 7 at the Olympia Hills Golf and Conference Center, 12900 Mount Olympus Drive in Universal City.

The Chamber’s December luncheon, “120 Seconds of Fame,” is 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Dec. 10 at Blue Bonnet Palace, 17630 Lookout Road in Selma.

For more, call 658-8322 or email admin_ assistant@metrocomchamber.org.

CANCER SUPPORT TEAM – New Life Baptist Church of Converse will host its monthly Cancer Support Team meeting

at 7 p.m. Dec. 16 at the church, 101 North St. For more, call 658-1972.

UC LIBRARY EVENTS – Universal City Public Library, 100 Northview Drive, will hold the following events: Enjoy light refreshments and activities while socializing with other seniors in the community during Senior Social Days 2-4 p.m. on Dec. 2, Dec. 9, Dec. 16, Dec. 23 and Dec. 30.

A free afternoon movie will begin at noon Dec. 7. Bring a lunch or snack; call the library to find out Re-elected continues from pg. 01

Metrocom mayors vow to entice future business development by will wright

W

INDCREST – Metrocom voters approved additional terms for incumbent mayors in Windcrest and Converse, as well as several area city council races.

Economic and civic improvements led the issues, and voters gave their thumbsup to progress made in both cities.

Windcrest voters re-elected incumbent Alan Baxter, who easily won a second mayoral term over challenger Mark Perry. Place 4 Councilman James McFall was unopposed in his re-election bid, while incumbent Councilman John Gretz staved off challenger Dennis Allen to retain his seat in Place 5.

Voters there also overwhelmingly approved a proposition for sales-and-

which movie will be featured.

A free seminar, “Emailing Help,” about the basics of setting up email accounts and sending emails, is 10-11 a.m. Dec.14.

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,” a free seminar on navigating the Internet, is 10-11 a.m.

Dec. 21. An adult must accompany children under 12. Contact the library for registration details. For more, call 659-7048.

LIVE OAK HOLIDAY FAMILY FUN NIGHT –

use taxes to fund the maintenance and repair of municipal streets.

Converse voters approved a fourth term for incumbent Mayor Al Suarez, who defeated current Councilman Steve Brown and Jon Lindgren, a former councilman who lost a mayoral race to Suarez in 2011.

In Converse City Council races, incumbent Kathy Richel defeated George Reyes in Place 1. Deborah James beat Fernando Arando, and will succeed sitting Andy Seiko in Place 3.

In Place 5, challenger Rick Davis easily thwarted incumbent Joe Guastella.

Cibolo Creek Municipal Authority voters re-elected Richard Braud (Place 3) and Bobby Greaves (Place 5), running unopposed and already in office. Jake Jacobs defeated challenger J.C. Dufresne in Place 4.

Baxter, who was elected to the Windcrest City Council in 2010 and mayor in 2011, said his re-election reaffirmed the approval of the current city leadership by voters who have grown tired of the contention the city has endured in recent years.

“Negative people don’t want to see development, don’t want any parks and the nice things and amenities for the

community,” he said. “This is a big part of me going forward. (The past divisiveness) hurts the reputation of our city and is not conducive towards accomplishing the goals the majority of our citizens want.”

Baxter wants to proceed with items on his agenda, which include upgrading and adding parks’ facilities, improving amenities and common areas, maintaining streets and promoting community events. All, he said, attract future business development.

“I laid out a very detailed (campaign platform),” he said. “It was to continue to add to our Police Department, in our volunteer fire department, to continue to invest in our streets, parks and amenities, and continue the great relationship with Rackspace, which will have over 5,000 employees over the next year.

“We need to reach out and work with them, because they will need support (businesses) around them to help them grow. We need to work with Rackspace and the developers to make our community the best in Bexar County.”

When first elected as Converse mayor in 2007, Suarez said he had a vision for the city.

Holiday Family Fun Night and the visit with Santa is Dec. 17. The fun kicks off at 6 p.m. at the Live Oak Clubhouse, 7901 Shin Oak Drive, and Santa will visit with the children between 6-9 p.m. Professional photos will be available for purchase and refreshments will be provided. For more, 653-9140

Submitting events: Email

all the details along with your contact information two months in advance (for print consideration) to tips@salocallowdown.com.

Re-elected continues on pg. 08

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local our turn

Views and opinions about your community.

Politics needs dose of civility

T

hey say the art of politics is compromise, but leaders both locally and on the national level don’t seem to be getting the message.

The same goes for many of their supporters.

Here in the greater San Antonio area, angry residents launched recall initiatives to oust San Antonio City Council members who voted in favor of a nondiscrimination ordinance offering additional protections to gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered persons.

In Cibolo, voters upset over the debut of a Walmart in their city wanted to unseat four council members.

In Washington, D.C., we just saw the debilitating effects of a government shutdown and furloughs

that left 23,000 San Antonians out of work for about two weeks. Right or wrong, the effort arose out of an attempt to derail a national health care plan that was already law and had been upheld as constitutional by the U.S. Supreme Court.

The question now is: When is everybody going to calm down? When will civility reign again? When can we see a return to decorum and the art of debate, which can help decide a political course for the betterment of our cities and our country?

These days, the message in politics seems to be, “My way or the highway.”

But there rarely are any true winners in such political standoffs.

This is not an endorsement nor is it a denial of the decisions made by Congress and these councils. Rather,

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America is prized for its system of representative government, from local councils to bicameral legislatures. But in these forums, not everyone is going to agree.

We used to be represented by statesman and citizen-volunteers. Today it’s ideologues and showboaters.

The common people — all of us — need to send a message to our leaders and fellow voters that enough is enough. It is time to return civility, debate and reasoned discourse to the halls of power, whether it’s downtown, Austin or the nation’s capital.

We can all learn once again to talk, to negotiate, to come together.

Take a balanced approach.

Ultimately, if you don’t like how an elected leader is getting the job done, then have your say at the ballot box and vote them out of office.

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

Send letters to the editor to tedwards@salocallowdown.com or snail mail them to Local Community News, 4204 Gardendale, Suite 201, San Antonio, TX 78229. We reserve the right to edit for taste, grammar and length.

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it is a reminder to political leaders and their factions that decisions can be rendered without brinkmanship and actions that threaten local economies.

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It’s easy to point fingers and assess blame, whether it’s local politics or the battles at the national level between Democrats and Republicans.

The real losers are local residents and the American people.

Temperatures need to come down, the rhetoric needs to give way to real conversations and discussion has to replace shouting matches.

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November 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

IN OTHER NEWS WINDCREST OPTIMISTS LAUD STUDENTS – The Windcrest Optimist

SALTY FISH AQUARIUMS, 5535 Brewster St. in San Antonio (at the intersection of Interstate 35 and Weidner Road), is a full-line aquarium store specializing in freshwater and saltwater fish and accessories. Open 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and noon-6 p.m. on Sunday. For more, call 656-3474 or visit Salty Fish Aquariums/Facebook.

SOPHIA’S MEXICAN CAFÉ, 2427 Austin Highway in San Antonio, serves homemade Mexican food, chips and salsa, tortillas and other delicacies. Open 6:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Monday through Friday, and 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday. For more, call 637-0723 or visit Sophia’s Mexican Café/Facebook.

OVER THE TOP CAKE SUPPLIES, 10731 Interstate 35 North in San Antonio, located on the southbound access road between Weidner Road and Thousand Oaks Drive, offers retail cake, cookie and baking supplies, mixers and containers. Open 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday. For more, call 5641300 or visit overthetopcakesupplies/ Facebook. (See story, page 21)

HARMON’S BAR-B-Q, 100 N. Main St. in Cibolo, offers brisket, chicken, turkey, sausage, pork, pork ribs and an array of side items. Open 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Sunday. For more, call 658-8889 or visit www.harmonsbbq.com. (See story, page 20)

Club honored students during its October Student Recognition program on Oct. 8.

These students received plaques from club president Don Myles: Susana Cruz, East Terrell Hills Elementary; Tahja Sims, Montgomery Elementary; Klarissa Arriaga, Windcrest Elementary; Samira Suarez, Walzem Elementary; Miriam Alfaro, Krueger Middle School; Marina McCree, Ed White Middle School; and Evan Pape, Roosevelt High School.

Students were selected based on conduct, citizenship, scholastic success and optimistic attitude.

JUDSON ISD RECEIVES CPS ENERGY REBATE – Judson Independent School District

was among six educational organizations recognized by CPS Energy for achievement in energy efficiency and usage. JISD is a participant in City Public Service’s Demand Response Program, encouraging voluntary reductions of power during the peak months of June through September.

JISD’s goal was dropping 750 kilowatts during summer, but the district actually reduced more than 1,000 kilowatts (one megawatt). Consequently, CPS Energy on Oct. 17 presented JISD with a $45,000 check.

JISD’s participation in the rebate program began in May. School officials credited Energy Manager Lee Raspberry for tailoring the program to fit the district so none of its events and facilities needs were negatively affected.

CONVERSE RECEIVES LEADERSHIP AWARD – In recognition for continuing environmental

conservation and preservation efforts, Build San Antonio Green recently presented

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Converse with a Municipal Leadership Award.

The tribute was the latest in a series of kudos bestowed upon the city, which has hosted several ecological events the past few years.

Mayor Al Suarez accepted the most recent honor during an Oct. 25 presentation.

“Being recognized by Build San Antonio Green is a great honor,” Suarez said.

The city and BSAG have served as cohosts of Converse Goes Green Days, public outreach events where residents are encouraged to follow environmental conservation efforts while saving money.

Last December, the City Council passed a resolution in support of BSAG philosophies, which was followed by KB Homes’ announcement to administer BSAG standards in its construction of 200 city residences.

EVENT RAISES FUNDS FOR CHARITY –

Soccer for a Cause, a program generating funds to support the special-needs community, made good on a pledge by presenting a check for $662,559 during halftime of the San Antonio Scorpions’ North American Soccer League match on Oct. 26 at Toyota Field.

Philanthropist Gordon Hartman, CEO of The Gordon Hartman Family Foundation, said the money would go into operations for Morgan’s Wonderland and expand programs and services offered to those with special needs.

“We cannot say thank you enough to our phenomenal fans and sponsors for their tremendous support,” Hartman said.

In addition to benefiting Morgan’s Wonderland, Soccer for a Cause assists Monarch Academy, a school located adjacent to the theme park, which equips special-needs students with knowledge and skills to become productive.

Northeast LAKEVIEW INTERVIEWS FINALISTS – Northeast Lakeview College interviewed four finalists hoping to become the institution’s next president during a series of hour-long public forums held at the college’s Performing

Arts Center, 1201 Kitty Hawk Road.

The finalists, interviewed during sessions held in late October and early November, are vying to succeed outgoing president, Eric Reno, who is retiring in January. Reno in 2008 became the first president of the facility, which is among five in the Alamo Colleges system.

Finalists include Rebecca L. Riley, vice president for instruction at Lone Star CollegeKingwood; D. Ryan Carstens, associate provost for education and community partnerships at Salt Lake Community College (Utah); Feleccia Moore-Davis, vice president for student learning at Lone Star CollegeCyFair; and Craig T. Follins, president of Olive-Harvey College in Chicago.

Each presented their qualifications and thoughts on Northeast Lakeview’s future during sessions staged before students and college staffers on Oct. 28 (Riley), Oct. 29 (Carstens), Nov. 12 (Moore-Davis) and Nov. 13 (Follins).

CONVERSE CITIZENS’ POLICE ACADEMY ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS – The Converse Police Department is accepting applications for the Converse Citizens’ Police Academy, where members gain certification after attending a 12-week course on the department’s operations.

The seminars address crime prevention, criminal investigations, dispatch operations and other law-enforcement topics. Classes, beginning in January, are Thursdays from 7-10 p.m.

Applicants must undergo background screenings. Program graduation will depend on attendance. Deadline to apply is Dec. 27. Applications are available at the Police Department, 402 S. Seguin St. For more, contact Academy Coordinator Kim Molder at 658-2322.

NorthEast LAKEVIEW PRESIDENT HONORED – Eric Reno, president of Northeast Lowdown continues on pg. 09

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MYPD continues from pg. 01

Live Oak, Cibolo PDs offering free service through WiredBlue by will wright

L

IVE OAK – There’s a free mobile-device application now available to residents, letting them directly contact police departments and provide information about crimes, code violations and other problems.

Accessing the MyPD mobile phone application has given residents easy access to police and civic departments in Live Oak and Cibolo. Courtesy photo

It’s called My Police Department, MyPD for short. It allows those with iPhone and Android smartphones to quickly send tips and photos to police. The service isn’t a replacement for dialing 911 in case of emergencies, but officials with the Live Oak and Cibolo police departments say it’s given their agencies another communications tool at minimal expense.

“We can’t be at every place at every given moment,” Live Oak police Sgt. Kent Iglesias said. “This app can help serve as our eyes and ears.”

“This is not a substitute for (calling) 911, which is there for immediate police actions and emergencies and EMS response,” Iglesias added, “but sometimes citizens don’t want to bother police about things they think aren’t important, but those types of calls can often lead to other investigations.”

Cibolo was the first area department to offer the app, created by Massachusetts-based WiredBlue. Police Chief Gary Cox said the department paid $100 to start the service,

which is maintained for a $500 annual fee.

“We’ve been using it for a little over two years,” Cox said. “When I went to the FBI National Academy, I took a class on how to promote images of police departments.

“I came back with the idea of developing a mobile app we could use to facilitate communications with our citizens.

“Being a smaller department without a lot of resources available for mass communications, this app allowed us to reach out to anyone with a smartphone.

“It allows us to get information to them through Facebook and Twitter, and allows them a portal to communicate back to us.”

The app can be downloaded through iTunes or Google Play. The 22 features offered in the iPhone and Android app versions include the ability to commend a police officer or employee, submit questions, tips and feedback through photos and GPS locations.

It also provides residents access to information from U.S. government agencies such as the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the National Weather Service and the National Terror Advisory System, as well as reach police departments across the country.

It’s a two-way device enabling residents and police to update each other.

“This is an app our Police Department is using to be more connected with our citizens,” Iglesias said. “In today’s world, everybody is busy, but we still need to take the time to report criminal or suspicious activity or anything that involves our community. We can keep those lines of communication open through MyPD.” WiredBlue founder Peter Olson said the app was launched in July 2011. It was slow to catch on, he said, but requests have picked up during the past 12 months.

“It’s growing pretty rapidly,” he said.

“We’ve doubled since the first year and are on track to double that again.”

Olson declined to provide the total number of hits and downloads received by the local departments, but said the latter has totaled nearly 90,000 nationwide.

He added 115 agencies are using the app, including 20 that came online in the past two months, with 35 more scheduled to begin in the next few months.

Olson concedes other law-enforcement agencies are using similar devices, but believes none are as cost-effective.

“We have most of the same features that you would get from having an app made from the ground up by a custombuilt developer,” he said. “Almost all

MYPD continues on pg. 10

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Re-elected continues from pg. 04 “One of my platforms in the beginning was the infrastructure – improving the roads and streets,” he said. “Although we have some significant work to do, we’re off to a great start. We’ve stepped up our beautification efforts in order to bring new business development into the city. A lot of those issues have (now) been addressed.”

Suarez cited the many accomplishments during his tenure. He vowed to continue the progress made in economic development, thanks to efforts to expand the Loop 1604 and Interstate 10 corridors.

Suarez said a $28 million project, which will complete the widening of 1604 to its junction with I-10, would add more safe routes into the city. He said the city just completed work on a master plan, devised through the city’s economic development team. It will serve as a future compass to current business advancement in the FM 78 corridor and downtown area.

November 2013

“It’s all to support the explosive growth we’re having in Converse, which has grown from 11,500 to 18,198 in population and is nearing 20,000,” he said. “Sales taxes drive the city economy, and we’re trying to improve on that.”

Suarez credits the City Council, Economic Development Corp. and other city workers – specifically those in police, fire and EMS departments – for their efforts in helping the city stay abreast with progress.

“We’ve all come together, and we’re all very happy,” he said. “To be able to start my fourth term and see the results of six years of work, is something, and we have a great team in Converse right now.

Suarez said in the past year, 90 percent of all council agenda items were unanimously approved.

“It shows that the city staff and City Council is working well together, and you can’t ask for anything more,” he said. “We’re setting the pace here.

Sustainability is the future, and it’s right here in Converse right now.”

Windcrest Mayor Alan Baxter seeks to unite city.

Illustration by Jeremiah Teutsch

local commentary

A shot in the wallet: The tangled web of US drug prices by susan yerkes

A

few months ago I took a big shot in the wallet when the price of the only prescription drug I take – a generic – soared from $17 to $165 for a month’s supply. I thought it was a mistake. But it was not. Pharmacists at two different chains couldn’t explain the change.

I set out to get an answer.

Americans take a lot of prescription drugs — an estimated $326 billion in 2012. But even experts can’t fully explain the pricing.

“One of the most confusing markets for consumers is located at the pharmacy counter,” wrote Joey Mattingly in U.S Pharmacist last year. “Numerous policies at different levels of government and the private sector have further complicated this market, creating a system nearly impossible for the average person to navigate… the complexity can be overwhelming for health care professionals, as well as the public.”

When a new patented drug hits the market, the price is usually pretty high.

But the reasons are understandable.

“There’s a rigorous process for approval that can take 10 to 15 years, and a company can incur tens, even hundreds of millions of

dollars,” says Lee Cusenbary, general counsel for San Antonio’s Mission Pharmacal. “To create a profit, new patented drugs may seem very expensive – for instance, when cholesterol-lowering drugs first came on the market. But when the patent runs out, other manufacturers can apply for FDA approval and sell for a lot less, since they don’t have the investment up front. And if one maker’s generic gets too expensive, in a free market somebody else will usually undercut them.”

Sounds good — but with no regulation of generic prices, their costs can vary wildly, too, depending on factors even pharmacists have difficulty pinning down.

“It’s really complicated,” said Mark Richerson, pharmacy director at University Hospital. “The insurers’ prescription benefit, individual companies’ pricing schedules, wholesalers’ prices, dispensing

fees at pharmacies…all are different.”

The price of any generic drug at most big chains depends largely on the company’s formulary – a list of drugs the company may buy in bulk. Big price swings, Richerson says, “could be driven by any number of reasons. By the time you as a consumer get your prescription, it’s not only the manufacturer that’s part of the cycle; it’s also the supplier, insurer, the pharmacy… it gets very complex.”

While the system is baffling, there’s something you can do: Start asking questions.

Don’t expect doctors to be able to keep up with drug costs, especially

given different pharmacy prices and individual insurance coverage. If you can’t afford a drug, ask about alternatives.

Many doctors can also give you free samples of some expensive drugs.

If your prescription is still under patent, the manufacturer may have a rebate program with the pharmacy that will decrease or cover your insurance co-pay.

And prices for some generics are so low at some chains or mail-order companies that you may actually save by not using your insurance co-pay. Again, you have to ask.

Dr. Jeremy Bass, who often works with low-income patients in the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio’s resident psychotherapy program, gave me the best tip of all – GoodRx. com, a new, independent website that compares prices for thousands of drugs at most pharmacy chains. It also points you to free, no-strings coupons for most drugs (even pet meds) and offers useful info in understandable terms.

I still believe something needs to be done to standardize prescription prices, or at least make them more transparent.

Entrepreneurs such as GoodRx.com may help create that change. In the meantime, if drug prices make you sick, don’t have a heart attack. Instead, here’s my prescription: Become a savvier shopper.

Email comments to syerkes@ salocallowdown.com.

9

Lowdown continues from pg. 06 Lakeview College, was named National Council for Marketing & Public Relations’ 2013 Pacesetter of the Year for District 4.

The award recognizes a president or CEO at a two-year community, technical college or district office demonstrating leadership and support in communications and marketing.

Reno was honored for using public relations in developing a new college and building community relationships and partnerships.

NCMPR’s District 4 covers Arkansas, Colorado, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas and Wyoming.

JISD BREAKS GROUND FOR NEW ELEMENTARY – Groundbreaking ceremonies

for Judson Independent School District’s newest elementary school were held Nov. 6.

Construction on the yet-to-be-named facility, located at Loop 1604 and Coppergate Road, began several weeks ago. District officials said its design would be similar to Rolling Meadows Elementary School, opened in 2011.

Those attending the ceremony included JISD Superintendent Willis Mackey, JISD Board President Arnoldo Salinas, Converse Mayor Al Suarez, New Life Baptist Church pastors Charles Lewis and John Wollery, and Gerrie Spellmann, who will serve as the school’s first principal.

Officials said the school, scheduled to open August 2014, will serve 700-800 students and alleviate overcrowding at nearby Salinas and Converse elementary schools.

The project is being funded through JISD’s 2013 bond, an $83 million package approved by voters last May.

CAMELOT ELEMENTARY CELEBRATEs HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH – Students,

parents and teachers at Camelot Elementary School recently saluted diversity during a celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, observed Sept. 15 through Oct. 15.

Campus parents decorated the school’s cafeteria stage in colorful “papel picado” and a banner. A PTA program on Oct. 3 featured second-grade students singing a traditional song, “De Colores,” while accompanied by maracas and other Latin instruments.

During the monthlong observance, morning announcements contained Spanish words of the day. Hallways were adorned with art portraits inspired by famed artist Frida Kahlo, and students donned tissue-paper flowers in their hair.

Bringing the celebration to an end on Oct. 11 was a “serenata” performed by student Roman Sanchez, whose early-morning performance welcomed students and parents to school.

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MYPD continues from pg. 07 Carrera Optical is a very established and well known Optical boutique in Universal City since 1988. The staff and owners, Gary and Carol Carrera pride themselves and specialize in customer service. Some of the clientele have been coming there for twenty years. They fix and repair glasses on the spot. Gary Carrera is a third generation optician and an expert at fitting progressive lenses. His father owned Universal City Optical in the 1960’s. Carrera Optical specializes in quality product lenses and carries many different brands including Varilux. They have an in office finishing lab that allows them to custom design lenses.

Carrera also makes off centered shooters glasses and lenses for gun scopes. Carrera says, “ I encourage complaints from the customers so I can find out what they need.”

They stand behind their product and offer a two month money back guarantee and competitive prices.

Carrera Optical is a one stop shop for eyeglasses. Dr. Mckee is located right next door and he can perform the initial eye exam. One customer said, “They carry quality products, have optical expertise, and are customer focused. Gary Carrera was willing to go that extra mile to help me.” Stop in and see why this business has been so successful for over twenty five years.

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of our agencies pay under $1,000 a year, and there are those that pay up to $55,000 for the same apps. We are offering a fiscally responsible model.”

Other Texas police departments using WiredBlue’s app include Roanoke, Rockwall, Waco and University of TexasPan American. Olson said his company is negotiating with others, including some “very large ones” in the San Antonio area.

“It’s a great thing for the public and the police,” Olson said. “It’s low-cost and it gets the job done, which is the goal.”

Cox estimated his department gets an average of five or six tips per month.

“What we found is that the majority of people get back to us with traffic or animal-control complaints or compliment officers for some deeds they’ve done,” he said. “It’s used pretty frequently.

“If they want to give us their contact information they can, but they can choose to submit it anonymously. It gives them flexibility because sometimes people don’t want to get involved.”

Photos and incident reports are routed to the appropriate police division and other city departments. For example, a report of a traffic-signal malfunction would go to the traffic division and to public works.

“Primarily, it sends the information to email groups, so multiple people get the information,” Cox said. “If I’m not at my desk or on vacation, my staff can follow up on it.”

Following a tip from Cibolo police officers, Live Oak police looked into the MyPD app and began using the service last spring, Iglesias said.

“We also had a re-launch of it during our National Night Out on Oct. 1,” Iglesias said. “The citizens have been very, very receptive to it and a lot of them have downloaded it. We’ve received a lot of information on abandoned or junk vehicles and code compliance complaints.”

Iglesias said his department will again tout the app during its upcoming “Operation Grinch” program. Held in conjunction with Selma and Universal City police, the program is designed to thwart crimes and vehicle burglaries in hightraffic areas during holiday shopping.

For more, visit the Live Oak (www. liveoaktx.net) and Cibolo (www.cibolotx. gov) city websites, which have links to its police departments and Facebook pages, or go to www.MyPDapp.com.

“With this technology, people can show us exactly what they’re talking about,” Cox said.

11

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Crawl continues from pg. 01

FM 3009 exit, turnarounds might not be finished until early next year by will wright

S

CHERTZ – Priorities recently changed for the $24 million Interstate 35 expansion project, which is adding main lanes, flyovers and revisions to entrance and exit ramps through a 6-mile stretch from Judson Road in San Antonio to FM 3009 in Schertz.

closure of I-35’s northbound exit at FM 3009 has been tabled so the contractor, Dan Williams Construction, can reallocate resources further south. The 3009 exit had been scheduled for temporary, three-week closures in September and then October.

Now, it’s unsure when work will begin.

“Right now, the project’s highest priority is getting the northbound exit to Forum Parkway finished so we can, in turn, reopen the ramps from Loop 1604 onto northbound I-35,” Donat said in early November. “This prioritization – and a bit of a shortage of laborers – has placed other tasks a little lower on the totem pole, so to speak.”

Donat said the top priority on the project – which he termed as “head and shoulders above other activities” – is getting the northbound exit to Forum Parkway open in time for the holiday shopping season.

Texas Department of Transportation officials are now delaying work on exit ramps and turnarounds at the 3009 intersection, to concentrate on completing the highway’s critical junction with Loop 1604 and access to Forum and Olympia parkways to the south in Selma and Universal City.

TxDOT spokesman Josh Donat said

“Really, that means Thanksgiving is the deadline we’re working on (so we can be out of the way for Black Friday),” he said.

When finished, the 3009 northbound exit will include two exit lanes flowing into five frontage lanes – a completed

right now, the project’s highest priorty is getting the northbound exit to forum parkway finished

turnaround lane, a left-turn only lane, an optional left-turn/forward lane, a straight lane and a right-turn only lane.

Donat said closing the 3009 exit likely won’t occur until sometime after Thanksgiving – meaning customer access to businesses at or

Fewer workers are completing construction on the north-to-south turnaround lane on FM 3009, which might not be finished until early next year.

Photos by Joshua Michael

josh donat, TxDOT spokesman

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November 2013

Light Up continues from pg. 01

5K run latest addition to event

by April Lynn Newell

W

INDCREST – Twinkling lights, painstakingly detailed wooden art, a 40-foot tree and a grand entrance for Santa and Mrs. Claus illuminate the city each December, making for all things Christmas.

“City of Lights” is what founder Murray Winn desired as his town’s nickname more than a half-century ago. Thanks to the Windcrest Women’s Club, going on 55 years now, Windcrest has lived up to its shining moniker with the Light Up, an annual rite to Christmas.

Where in the past it was customary to decorate homeowners’ lawns in festive regalia as a harbinger of the holiday season, this year’s Light Up event will take on an even more grandiose scope. In front of City Hall on Dec.

14 at 6 p.m., a variety of activities will take place – including a new 5K night run – along with the established naming of the winners of the annual decoration competition.

“If you are a Windcrest resident you can decorate your house for Christmas and participate in certain categories of competition like Best Window, Most Creative, Most Religious,” said Kayte Brought, Windcrest’s director of public relations and marketing. “We award first, second, third (place finishers) and honorable mention.”

Members of the Women’s Club assemble competition judges and place signs marking the homes of the winning entries. Brought said tours of those homes run from Dec. 14 until Dec. 31.

“We used to decide the color of the year and we would make bows for all of the mailboxes in the city,” Light Up chairwoman Jaquie Rothermel said of the Women’s Club’s involvement. “These women would sell their $2 bows outside; it didn’t matter if it was cold or rainy, so the city would look unified. Originally, everybody had lights.

We had a theme and a color and everyone had bows on their mailboxes, but the city has grown so large compared to what it was back then. Now, we get together and

we decide what one theme would be best for all the categories,” Rothermel said.

For 2013, fresh innovations and the Women’s Club’s time-honored rituals will make this year’s Light Up ceremonies a farreaching event, officials said. While the Light Up celebration is free, many organizations and churches plan to sell hot chocolate, snacks and other items. Donations will be given to the Windcrest Volunteer Fire Department to distribute to different groups.

“The donations from the Light Up ceremony will go towards not just to help keep our department up and running, but it also goes towards the Angel Tree Project, Ronald McDonald House and Roosevelt High School scholarships,” said Amanda Oscar, administrative assistant for the Volunteer Fire Department.

Firefighters will transport Santa Claus to the official Light Up on a fire engine. For the past eight years, Jim and Karen Flinn have portrayed Windcrest’s Mr. and Mrs. Claus.

“Jim has become Santa Claus,” Karen Flinn said. “It’s just who he is. We do it year-round, going to Ronald McDonald House and partnering with charities.

In 2005, the Flinns moved to Windcrest because of its famous Yuletide décor and

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One day each season, the Flinns invite children into their home where they sit on Santa’s lap, receive treat bags and smile for family photos. Their open house this year is 7-9 p.m. Dec. 20 at 702 Balfour Drive.

“We have cocoa, cookies… it has been a lot of fun to do that for the community,” Flinn said.

This season, Santa will ride behind participants of the City of Lights 5K. Brian Schmidt, a 12-year Windcrest resident, is organizing the inaugural event through his company, Redemption Racing Productions.

“Last year, Windcrest had a big festivaltype event for Light Up. I was walking down the street and thought that it would be great to have a 5K at night, with everyone running through looking at all the Christmas lights,” Schmidt said.

Everyone is eligible to participate, as long as they can finish in one hour, whether running or walking. There is a $40 registration fee with 1,000 spots available.

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Crawl continues from pg. 11

November, followed by the completion of the northbound Forum Parkway exit.

However, wet weather slowed reconstruction of the southbound exit ramp to Forum Parkway and Olympia Parkway, which officials want to complete before Christmas.

“Yes, that’s a little later than initially

near that intersection will likely be hampered throughout the Christmas-holiday period.

Schertz Chamber of Commerce President Maggie Titterington said closing down the 3009 ramp during Thanksgiving “would have killed commerce at the H-E-B, Walmart, that whole intersection.”

“It’s possible that the turnaround could be completed before they shut down the northbound exit ramp,” she said, “but that’s still up in the air. I understand that they have a deadline to complete work at The Forum by Thanksgiving, and the contractor has an interest in making that happen.”

In the meantime, workers are reconfiguring the northbound frontage road approaching 3009 to allow more flow, Donat said.

“We’re working where we can on the turnarounds, though the crews that do the kind of concrete work needed there are committed to the Forum Parkway exit, so the schedule to open that turnaround has been pushed back a bit,” he said.

On Nov. 4, Donat said TxDOT hoped to reopen the ramps from Loop 1604 to northbound I-35 by the second week of

anticipated,” Donat said. Titterington said further delays could be devastating to businesses located further north.

“That’s another factor. If there is bad weather, there might be more delays, but it is what it is at this point, and unfortunately we’re going to have to wait a little bit longer for the 3009 intersection to be completed.”

The FM 3009 north-to-south turnaround lane is nearing completion, but the focus on construction has shifted to finishing work at Interstate 35 near The Forum. Photo by Joshua Michael

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Titterington said TxDOT officials informed her the 3009 intersection wasn’t considered a “critical path” area.

“But it is to us,” she said. “All of those businesses there are being deeply affected by this, and they have been for the last seven or eight months. It’s getting to the point where some of them could have to close because they’re not maintaining business.”

Visitors can go to the TxDOT blog for daily information. Schertz Economic Development Corp. director David Gwin reiterated his disappointment with delays in the progress of the project, which he acknowledge is still needed. “We also understand that with progress comes some pain,” he said. “Everyone knows that we’ve needed these upgrades.

We’re just anxious to have them completed.”

“It’s not just about Schertz, but there are a number of businesses in the corridor that are being impacted. We just want to see this completed as quickly as possible,” he added.

Drivers will continue to experience nightly lane closures during the upcoming weeks, as work continues on the I-35 center barrier and lighting. Most of that work should be finishing up by the end of the year, Donat said.

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he 2013-2014 school year is off to a great start. We have started building on the success of all schools meeting state academic standards by now launching a teacher mentoring program that is helping instructors to become even more effective in reaching students. It’s already getting positive results and we are expecting that to build and grow.

We are building in other areas as well…literally…Construction has already started on our new elementary school near the intersection of Loop 1604 and Coppergate Road. This school is part of the Judson ISD bond that was passed by voters back in May. The new school will be generally patterned after the design of the last school that Judson ISD opened in 2011, Rolling Meadows Elementary School. It with feature several grade-level pods that will allow for team teaching of several classes together while still keeping the ability to teach in classrooms to smaller groups of students. It will also include several outdoor learning venues. Elementary

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schools generally take about a year to build, so we are looking at opening this new school in August of 2014. Its opening will take enrollment pressure off of mainly Salinas and Converse elementary schools.

Ms. Gerrie Spellmann was chosen by the Board of Trustees to take on the principal job at the new campus. She has served as assistant principal at Salinas, doing a great job there. We congratulate her on this new position. She is already making preparations for the school and its students.

Meanwhile, the district is in the middle of major construction at Kirby Middle School.

You may remember last year, the school’s science wing suffered a devastating fire.

Thankfully, no one was hurt, but the fire left very little to salvage. So the old building was leveled and totally new construction is in the works. When completed, it will mean nine new classrooms…seven science labs and two special education classrooms, as well as a new library that will feature all new technology.

And finally, looking a bit farther down the road is our new high school, also a part of the May bond election. It will be located on Evans Road north of Nacogdoches.

High schools take a bit longer to build… usually around three years, but we are proceeding with water lines at this location as environmental studies are being done.

Those studies will likely spill well into next year as experts look into any possible impact to the golden cheek warbler’s habitat in this area.

Judson ISD is building in so many different ways and we want the community to know how it’s happening. You can keep up with the progress and expenses on our district website as we build toward our students’ future together.

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November 2013

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Harmon and his crew have racked up awards at several competitions, including taking home second-, sixth- and seventh-place finishes for their ribs against among 300 teams competing in San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo Bar-B-Que Cook-Offs in 2010, 2011 and 2012.

Recently, the restaurant faced a challenge as “we had a fire last year that closed us down for a while,” Harmon said. “But we always knew we’d be back and open again. The restaurant has come back and I think it is as good as it has ever been.”

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IBOLO – There is nothing as quintessentially Texan to kick-start mouthwatering anticipation as barbecue.

Inherently, Texas barbecue provokes hotly contested gastronomic debates as to who’s best, with just about everybody having a say. One mouthful of an entry is Harmon’s Bar-B-Q, located at 100 S. Main St. Specializing in all the Texasbarbecue staples, Harmon’s Bar-B-Q promises quality meats cooked right and to order.

“We opened up in 2001 and we have been doing everything quality ever since,” said owner Ray Harmon. “That’s what I’d want everyone to know about us.”

Like all good barbecue joints, Harmon’s Bar-B-Q goes the no-frills route when it comes to the restaurant, making it all about the food. The menu offers brisket, chicken, turkey, sausage, pork and pork ribs, with sides such as pinto beans, coleslaw, creamed corn and green beans, along with the requisite pickles, onions and slices of white bread.

The chopped brisket, pork and combination sandwiches — brisket and pork — are particular favorites among loyal customers.

“I’ve been cooking for years,” Harmon said. “It is one thing I really enjoy doing.”

Harmon’s joy translates to prizewinning food. Since opening,

Harmon’s Bar-B-Q in Cibolo offers brisket, chicken, sausage and a variety of side items.

Photos by Collette Orquiz

Harmon’s bar-b-q 100 S. Main St., Cibolo For more, call 658-8889 or visit www.harmonsbbq.com

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by Eric Moreno

S

baking equipment and supplies.

Cake kits, in all shapes, sizes, styles and colors, are available for foodies dreaming of small or big confectionery concoctions, from lollipop-sized cakes – or cake pops – to cupcakes, on up to wedding cakes.

Johnson said, “Some of our top sellers are our cake packaging, fondant and frozen whipped icings (such as Cool Whip).”

Fondant, a semi-sweet paste made from sugar and used primarily for molding and decorating cakes, is a popular item at the store.

Currently, Over the Top Cake Supplies is the only city purveyor of Fondx, a brand of fondant seen on baking shows on the Food Network

Over The Top Cake Supplies features baking supplies for novice and experienced bakers.

Photos by Joshua Michael

over the top cake supplies 10731 Interstate 35 North For more, call 564-1300 or visit www. facebook.com/overthetopcakesupplies.

cy cl

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AN ANTONIO – Dealing with the public can be challenging.

Yet, Kevin Johnson, a wholesaler for more than 20 years with Johnson Bros. Bakery Supplies, wanted to see how the other half lived. In July, the new retailer opened Over the Top Cake Supplies at 10731 Interstate 35 North, located on the southbound access road between Weidner Road and Thousand Oaks Drive.

“We have a great location with easy access on and off of I-35 that people seem to like,” Johnson said.

So far, business is flourishing at his shop featuring baking supplies for novice and experienced bakers.

Customers can choose from a wide variety of professional-grade

and Cooking Channel and used in high-end bakeries globally.

In addition, the shop sells more than a baker’s dozen – closer to hundreds – uniquely shaped cookie cutters, and a wall of candies where patrons can satisfy their sweet tooth in bulk.

Cake classes, another store feature, are designed to be fun and engaging social activities for bakers of any skill level.

“Baking is very popular right now,” Johnson said. “I believe the economy is part of why. Also, you can involve the whole family in the process.”

Over the Top Cake Supplies is open 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. on Saturday.

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November 2013

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

Median home sales prices mostly flat in Recent PROPERTY LISTINGS Northeast area

Supply of houses getting tighter in S.A.

by Travis e. poling

M

ost home sellers in the San Antonio area are getting their initial asking price as the inventory of available single-family residential homes for sale shrank in September, according to the San Antonio Board of Realtors.

In fact, inventories dipped to their lowest levels in six years, to an estimated 4.6 months supply, with sales closing in an average of 70 days, SABOR’s analysis of Multiple Listing Service data found. The more houses there are on the market, the more likely the seller is to try and negotiate a lower price or walk away for a sweeter deal, so shrinking inventory is seen as another sign of recovery, officials said.

In Steven Gragg, neighborhoods SABOR Chairman from Judson Road to the Interstate 35 corridor, median prices were mostly flat and inventory also didn’t show improvement in most ZIP codes.

We have seen our inventory getting smaller and smaller all year, making this more of a competitive market

“We have seen our inventory getting smaller and smaller all year, making this more of a competitive market,” SABOR Chairman Steven Gragg said. “Low inventory could result in sellers receiving multiple bids on homes located in prime locations or being able to sell closer to their asking price.”

September’s average sales price rose 7 percent from the same month last year to $205,728, and the median price also was up to 7 percent to $168,700. That mirrors the year-to-date average and median prices and increases for the first nine months of the year, SABOR officials said.

The number of houses sold in the San Antonio area in September climbed by nearly a fourth, to 2,031 closed deals.

In the 78109 ZIP code, the median sales price was down $5,350 to $122,250. Inventory dropped slightly to 4.2 months compared to 4.4 months in September 2012, according to data from the Texas Market Trends Report database.

The median home sale price in 78148 was up a scant $550 to $150,000.

Inventories were tighter, with a 2.9-month supply compared to 4.7 months doing the same period last year. Closed sales increased by five to 21 for the month.

The 78233 ZIP code had the biggest jump in median sales price, up more than 20 percent to $123,000, but inventory also rose by a month to 5.1 months supply. The Median sales price in 78239 was flat at $117,500 in the comparable months. Inventory increased to 6.1 months from 3.6 months.

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Street Address

List Price

zip codes: 78109, 78148, 78233, 78239 SQ. FT.

Built

BR

FB

ZIP

434 Dolly Drive

$179,000

2,704

2006

4

2

78109

6406 Thoreaus Way

$119,000

1,726

1977

3

2

78239

6415 Jetty

$137,000

2,413

1977

4

3

78239

8010 Winsford

$65,000

1,804

1973

3

2

78239

8330 Tuxford

$99,900

1,422

1978

4

2

78239

5815 Bronco Way

$129,000

1,850

2006

3

2

78239

9723 Covered Wagon

$83,000

1,099

1984

3

1

78109

9918 Covered Wagon

$104,700

2,272

1985

4

2

78109

9038 Arabian King

$176,700

1,928

2010

3

2

78109

220 Legion Dr W

$58,500

1,136

1961

2

1

78109

7614 Copper Dawn

$139,000

1,471

2011

3

2

78109

7922 Copper Brook

$182,490

2,328

2005

4

2

78109

9806 Copper Rose

$165,000

2,062

2006

4

2

78109

106 Bolerio Dr

$154,990

2,044

1978

4

2

78148

8758 Serene Ridge Dr

$115,000

1,764

1985

4

2

78239

6867 Flatstone Pass

$99,000

1,212

2002

3

2

78109

7946 Morning Grove

$115,000

2,180

2003

4

2

78109

3835 Mistflower Dr

$117,000

1,754

2006

3

2

78109

4334 Gambels Quail

$169,975

3,150

2007

4

2

78109

4102 Stanley Park

$139,995

1,861

2009

3

2

78109

15017 Baycliff

$119,999

1,508

1985

3

2

78233

6119 Quail Valley Ln

$85,000

1,359

1985

3

2

78233

13138 Turkey Feather

$105,000

1,706

1985

3

2

78233

9534 Ascending Port

$139,900

1,761

2006

3

2

78109

9502 Hanover Cove

$169,900

2,528

2005

4

2

78109

Real Estate LOCAL Trends ZIP Code Median sold price New listings

78109

78148

78233

78239

sept-12

$127,500

$149,450

$103,500

$117,500

sept-13

$122,250

$150,000

$123,000

$117,500

sept-12

58

14

54

n/a

sept-13

58

19

46

n/a

Average days on market

sept-12

97

77

83

n/a

sept-13

93

65

57

n/a

Closed sales

sept-12

46

16

38

n/a

sept-13

46

21

29

n/a

Under contract Months supply of inventory

sept-12

46

6

36

21

sept-13

51

12

29

26

sept-12

4.6

4.7

4.1

3.6

sept-13

4.4

2.9

5.1

6.1

Source: San Antonio Board of Realtors: Texas Market Trends report The properties are new listings put on the market from Oct. 23-Nov. 10. The properties may no longer be on the market by publication date or prices may have changed.

Local Community News assumes no responsibility for errors or omissions.

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