local: i-10 corridor, leon springs, fair oaks ranch, the dominion, sonoma ranch january 2016

COMMUNITY NEWS

Businesses, residents hope drainage project will prevent future flooding

Boerne Stage Road Improvements are now a realityPG.18

BUY LOCAL DOMINION RIDGE DENTISTRY

EAT LOCAL RUSSO'S COAL-FIRED ITALIAN KITCHEN

PG. 22

Traditional recipes with a little zest added

Practice looks at both oral and overall health to benefit patients

I-10 CORRIDOR LEON SPRINGS FAIR OAKS RANCH THE DOMINION SONOMA RANCH78015 78023 78255 78256 78257

JAN. 11 - FEB. 8, 2016VOL. 1, ISSUE 4

Transportation planners facing difficult decisionsPG.13MPO considering HOV lanes instead of toll roads for I-10

Using police substations for face-to-face online trades is a good idea

Check out this quick summary of new businesses and area news

LOCAL EDITORIAL

LOCAL LOWDOWN

PG. 06

PG. 11

LOCAL COMMENTARY SUSAN YERKESPG. 05

The time for tolerance among different faiths and communities is now

School board may call for May election

A new bond for Boerne ISD?UPDATE ON SCHOOLS PG. 23

PG. 16

Our children will always be first.™

This is the Children’s Hospital of San Antonio. We put children first with our very best pediatric care in the only free-standing children’s hospital

in San Antonio and South Texas, and a top-notch network of services including 45 specialty

clinics, multispecialty centers, two ERs, and physician groups. Our collaboration with Baylor

College of Medicine and community physicians allows us to provide world-class care.

The Children’s Hospital of San Antonio continues to transform to meet the many needs

of our area’s children and families. We always put your children first. Just like you do.

To find a physician, visit chofsa.org/findadoc or call 1.844.778.KIDS.

A privilege.And a responsibility.

15-CHO-1338 General Awareness Ad_Local Community News.indd 1 11/19/15 4:12 PM

4 JAN. 11 - FEB. 8, 2016

President Harold J. LeesPublisherGregg Rosenfield

Assoc. PublisherRick UptonEDITORIALExecutive EditorThomas EdwardsNews StaffCollette Orquiz, Bain Serna and Will Wright Contributing WritersOlivier J. Bourgoin, Peter Moralez, Eric Moreno, Edmond Ortiz, Arthur Schechter and Susan Yerkes

ARTCreative DirectorFlorence D. EdwardsContributing PhotographerRudy B. Ornelas

ADVERTISINGAdvertising DirectorJaselle LunaZone ManagerMarc OlsonControllerKeith SandersREADER SERVICEMailing Address4204 Gardendale St., Ste. 201 SA, TX 78229Fax(210) 616.9677

Advertising [email protected] Ideas: [email protected]: www.salocallowdown.com

Reproduction in whole or in part without our permission is prohibited, 2016 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 News4204 Gardendale St., Ste. 201San Antonio, TX 78229

LOCAL Community News publicationsZone 1: 78204, 78205, 78209, 78210, 78212, 78215Zone 2: 78213, 78230, 78231, 78248, 78249Zone 3: 78216, 78232, 78247Zone 4/5: 78109, 78148, 78233, 78239 78108, 78132, 78154, 78266Zone 6: 78258, 78259, 78260, 78261

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THOMAS EDWARDSEXECUTIVE EDITOR

Foremost is the effort to offer stories that remain fresh and relevant to our readers. Because many of the subjects we cover have already appeared in daily media, it is our task to bring readers deeper coverage by going behind the scenes and digging down to the real stories and the real issues.

That means our news staff often has to gaze into an imaginary crystal ball and extrapolate how some of these issues will develop over the next three or four weeks. This isn’t easy when even the people involved in the stories have no idea how things will turn out or what direction events will take.

Luckily, the six monthly papers published by LOCAL Community News are never short of stories to consider. Add to the mixture a comprehensive monthly calendar, a solid roundup of news briefs and articles on the newest restaurants, bars, shops and services, and our readers are presented each month with an in-depth, award-winning community newspaper filled with the kind of information they can’t find anywhere else.

So far, 2016 promises to offer plenty of news nuggets for our reporters to mine — annexation, the debate over highway funding, neighborhood growth, education issues across the area’s various school districts, crime and so much more.

No matter what, our goal is always to deliver the most local coverage possible. That’s why so many of our stories deal specifically with individuals and neighborhoods. As the name of the newspaper implies, we like to keep things local.

Monthly schedule has ups, downs

here is no shortage of challenges producing

a newspaper that only comes out once a month.

T

WWW.SALOCALLOWDOWN.COM

CLARIFICATIONA story in the Dec. 14, 2015-Jan. 11, 2016 edition of LOCAL Community News titled “Fair Oaks Ranch: Deer in the Spotlight” should have said nearly 73 percent of attendees at a town-hall meeting showed support for a feeding ban on deer.

5SALOCALLOWDOWN.COM

LOCAL COMMENTARY

Peace and mutual respect for Muslims by SUSAN YERKES

This holiday season, I gave a lot of

thought to peace. As a Christian, I celebrated Christmas — a

joyful recognition of the birth of a man known as the Prince of Peace. I was fortunate enough also to be invited to observe the Jewish holiday of Hanukkah with dear friends.

The last couple of years, I have also had the happy opportunity to share Muslim Ramadan celebrations and prayers with friends.

While the folks I refer to might customarily worship in different ways and on different days than I do, they

respect my beliefs, and they share my view the United States is the greatest place in the world to live.

Like me, they treasure the extraordinary freedoms we have in this country – including freedom of speech and freedom of religion. As do most of the people I know.

So, I find it disturbing when any group is repeatedly singled out in hateful speech, and more disturbingly, hateful actions. People of every nation, including ours, have persecuted others on the basis of religion throughout history. Many pilgrims came to America to freely practice a faith, and the Founding Fathers passed on such ideals to us.

True, at different times Catholics, Jews and others have borne harsh burdens of discrimination, but religious freedom still remains part of the American fabric.

In the wake of terrorism in Paris and California, there has been a big spike nationally in the intimidation, threats and violence targeting American Muslims and their institutions. In San Antonio, an armed man appeared at a mosque in November shouting obscenities after the attacks in France.

Yet all of the Muslims I know, both individually and in organizations, have clearly condemned terroristic

acts committed in the name of Islam, which they choose to practice peacefully – just as most Christians have condemned acts of violence by gunmen like the accused Planned Parenthood shooter, the Oklahoma City bomber and others whose inspiration came from twisted, angry minds.

It’s a shame when politicians play on fear by targeting an entire religion, rather than focusing on specific extremist groups we have reason to dread. Those groups do not represent the vast majority of American Muslims.

Several thousand San Antonians are Muslim. They are our neighbors, operating small businesses, teaching in universities, raising funds for common causes such as Habitat for Humanity and the San Antonio Food Bank. Their mosques and community organizations welcome friends of different faiths. At the Raindrop Turkish House, Turkish Muslims share their culture through cooking, art and language classes. Their Muslim members practice the tenets of peace, charity and harmony.

San Antonio’s chapter of the Dialogue Institute of the Southwest hosts regular lectures and events celebrating diverse religions and promoting understanding and peace. This fall they sponsored interfaith dialogues with Congregation

Agudas Achim and The Woodlands First Baptist Church. This month the Dialogue Institute and the Community Relations Council of the Jewish Federation of San Antonio are partnering to bring a special exhibit to town from the Jewish Museum of Turkey. On Feb. 1, the institute will partner with the University of the Incarnate Word to bring a prominent scholar to speak on the place of Jesus in Islam.

Many members of San Antonio’s peaceful Muslim community are reaching out to encourage understanding and respect. It’s up to us to accept their offered friendship. I’ve found it enriches my life and expands my horizons.

I’m all for protecting our borders, thoroughly vetting folks who come here to earn America’s blessed freedoms, and taking strong action against those who would harm us or weaken our treasured American values.

The Muslim Americans I have met in San Antonio want those same things.

[email protected]

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OUR TURNViews and opinions about your community

Therefore, the City Council’s decision to support Safe Exchange Zones at the six San Antonio Police Department substations makes perfect sense.

The idea, championed by District 10 Councilman Mike Gallagher, received unanimous approval from fellow elected leaders just a few weeks ago. Under this system, individuals who arrange to buy and sell merchandise over the Web, but decide to finalize the process in person, can meet in a secure area at a substation.

The Safe Exchange Zones are designated sites in the parking lots to transfer and pay for products listed on online marketplaces including Craigslist and Facebook. The spots are under camera surveillance, but if the parties involved desire additional security, they can go inside to the substation lobby.

The city’s substations — which started around the time of Chief Charles Rodriguez in the 1980s, and continued under the progressive administration of Chief William Gibson — are always staffed by sworn personnel, conveniently located and well-lit.

An appointment to use these new rendezvous destinations is not needed, but calling ahead to the police substation is always appreciated.

Anyone can use the service.While in-person exchanges based

on Internet sales usually take place without incident, there still have been enough episodes nationwide involving fraud, assault and even worse to warrant the local Safe Exchange Zones.

One of the obligations of government is to protect its citizens, and the council — working with the Police Department — is fulfilling this duty by creating these safe havens.

Safe Exchange Zones help reduce risk of e-commerce sales

In this age of do-it-yourself Internet shopping using classified websites and other

exchanges, some transactions when buyer and seller meet can be problematic or hazardous.

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

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HAPPENING continues on pg. 09

OUR GUIDE

TO YOUR MONTH

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

HAPPENING LOCAL

H A P P E N I N G K E Y

ART TALKFITNESS OUTDOOR MUSIC FOOD

MUSICAL PERFORMANCEThe First United Methodist Church, 205 James St. in

Boerne, at 7:30 p.m. presents Camerata San Antonio, part of Las Americas Winter Festival performed by the San Antonio Symphony. The sixth annual citywide program will play compositions from North, South and Central America. For more including ticket information and a complete seasonal concert schedule with venues, dates and times, visit http://sasymphony.org/las-americas-festival.

DOG-EARED BOOKSCome to the Youth Department Activity Room at the Heath

Public Library, 451 N. Main St. in Boerne, from 10:30-11:30 a.m. and share a book with a trained and certified therapy dog. Through “PAWS 4 Reading,” masters

share their time and their lovable dogs. For more, call 830-249-3053.

ARE YOU AN ANIMAL LOVER?Visit 21395 Milsa Drive from 10-11 a.m. for the

Friedrich Wilderness Park Second Saturday Program. Master Naturalist Tom Kinsey will conduct an informative workshop on the animal kingdom. There will be live, furry creatures to observe, examine and touch. RSVP is required. For more, call 207-3782.

MARKETPLACE DEALSLocated in the heart of Boerne’s historical district

on Main Plaza, 100 N. Main St., Boerne Market Days is a monthly two-day event,

JANUARY8

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JANUARY9

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HAPPENING continues from pg. 08

Saturdays 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sundays 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Enjoy the outdoor setting and browse the wares of vendors, artists and craftsmen, while listening to Texas homegrown music. For more, call 844-8193 or visit www.boernemarketdays.com.

ART: IT’S MORE THAN A NAMEOn the month’s second Saturday, stroll Boerne’s streets

or take the bus from 5-8 p.m. and enjoy an art experience. During “Second Saturday Art and Wine,” galleries are free and open to the public. Artwork from local dealers can be viewed, as beverages and hors d’oeuvres are consumed. For more, visit www.secondsaturdayartandwine.com or call 830-833-0621.

LEON SPRINGS TRAIL NIGHTCome to Fralo’s Art of Pizza, 23651 Interstate 10 West in

Leon Springs, from 5-9 p.m. and support The Trail at Leon Springs. For every $3 draught beer purchased, half the cost will help fund a hike/bike route for recreation and exercise at Leon Creek. For more, contact Art Smith at [email protected] or visit www.leonspringstrail.org.

DO YOU HAVE A LITTLE EXPLORER? Most Wednesdays from 10-11 a.m. the Cibolo

Nature Center & Farm’s Visitor Center, 140 City Park Road in Boerne, hosts preschoolers. Young adventurers will sing songs, make crafts, play games, explore the outdoors and listen to stories. For more, call 830-249-4616 or contact Stephanie Colvard at [email protected].

PUT ON YOUR DANCING SHOESOn selected Sundays, strut your stuff beginning at 6 p.m.

when everyone is welcome at John T. Floore Country Store, 14992 Old Bandera Road in Helotes, for “Family Night & Free Dance,” with various entertainers. For more, visit www.liveatfloores.com.

SCHOOL’S OUT Classes are canceled in the Northside and Boerne independent

school districts in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

BISD TRUSTEES The third Monday of every month, the Boerne Independent School

District board regularly meets in the

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CURVES, CHANDELIERS CHAMPAGNE... Celebrating the Elegance of Lili Alessandra’s Fine Linens.

Experience the aesthetic feel of home furnishings that whisk you away to a time of neoclassical elegance. Lili Alessandra, maker of fine linens and soft furnishings, celebrated their flagship store opening

at The Vineyard Shopping Center in San Antonio, Texas.

Working with highly skilled artisans, Lili Alessandra transforms luxurious linens into magnificent works of art for the home. Home collections include a complete line of decorative pillows, coverlets, bedding, drapery panels, upholstered headboards and occasional furniture. This season, Lili Alessandra introduces an Italian bed sheet collection.

10 JAN. 11 - FEB. 8, 2016

Administration Building at 123 W. Johns Road. A closed session begins at 5 p.m., with an open-to-the-public forum at 6:30 p.m. For more, call 830-357-2000.

PRESCHOOL FUN Mother Nature makes a special appearance at the Cibolo Nature Center

& Farm’s Visitor Center, 140 City Park Road in Boerne, from 10-11 a.m. for a discovery session about rocks and minerals. Check out her collection and learn how to start yours. Cost is free, but a $5 donation is suggested. For more, call 830-249-4616 or contact Stephanie Colvard at [email protected].

CAN WE TALK? The third Thursday of each month, the second-floor conference

room at the Heath Public Library, 451 N. Main St. in Boerne, hosts a multi-faith talk from 10-11:30 a.m. The “Soul Salon” brings folks together to discuss current topics. A library volunteer leads the program. Coffee is provided. For more, visit www.ci.boerne.tx.us.

WHODUNIT? Solve a mystery as The Boerne Community Theatre, 907 E. Blanco Road

in Boerne, presents “The Crazy Quilt Club.” Performances are Thursdays 7:30 p.m.; Fridays and Saturdays 8 p.m.; and Sundays 2:30 p.m. Tickets cost $20 or less. For more, call 830-249-9166.

NISD TRUSTEES The Northside Independent School District board regularly meets the

fourth Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. in the conference room at 5900 Evers Road. For more, visit www.nisd.net.

CHINESE NEW YEAR ENTERTAINMENT Welcome the new year from the Community

Room at the Heath Public Library, 451 N. Main St. in Boerne, from 11 a.m. to noon. Enjoy a music and dance display by the Chinese Culture Performance Association. For more, call 830-249-3053.

I’M ALL EARS The music lineup at John T. Floore Country Store, 14492 Old Bandera

Road in Helotes, includes Shane Smith & the Saints (Jan. 15); Corey Smith (Jan. 16); Billy Joe Shaver (Jan. 22); Crooks (Jan. 29); and The Dirty River Boys (Jan. 30). For more including cost and set times, visit liveatfloores.com.

WATCH THE BIRDIEMeet at the Cibolo Nature Center & Farm Pavilion, 140 City

Park Road in Boerne, and explore winter

prairie birds. The observing is open to those experienced and inexperienced wishing to contribute to ecological science and learn techniques. There will be a lot of walking through thick grass; long pants and closed-toed shoes are highly recommended. Leading the group at the Nature Center Feb. 5 will be Dave Bolster and Ray Kutzman; at neighboring Cibolo Preserve, Tom and Patsy Ingelt will serve as guides on Feb. 4. Tuition is free. For more information including exact times, contact Donna Taylor at [email protected] or call 830-249-4616.

FIRE ECOLOGY Learn how to conduct a prescribed burn by attending a training session

at the Cibolo Nature Center & Farm Auditorium and Herff Farm Prairie, 140 City Park Road in Boerne. Workshops are from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Prescribed burn experts Bill Armstrong, Dusty Bruns and Marsh Weiershausen will teach techniques for safe and beneficial burns for wildlife and brush control. For more including registration and tuition costs, contact Ben Eldredge at [email protected] or call 830-249-4616.

EAR CANDY Boerne Champion Auditorium, 201 Charger Blvd. in Boerne, hosts

“A Night at the Oscars” performed by the Hollywood Concert Orchestra. Movie and TV themes can be heard from 7:30-10 p.m. For more, call 830-331-9079.

MORNING JOG The second in a three-part race series, Chase My Shadow 5K/10K

Trail Run, will start from Eisenhower Park, 19339 N.W. Military Highway at 8:30 a.m. Registration before Jan. 24 costs $25 and $30 for the 5K and 10K, respectively. The final leg is on March 6. For more, visit www.athleteguild.com.

YOGA FOR NATURE LOVERSAttend the Cibolo Nature Center & Farm, 140 City

Park Road in Boerne, from 6-7:15 p.m. for outdoor exercise. Meet at the Visitor Center where an instructor from The Yoga House welcomes beginners and advanced practitioners. Cost is $10. For more, call 830-249-4616 or visit [email protected].

GOODWILL PICKUPS Goodwill Industries offers donation pickup services for

large amounts of clothing, household items and furniture at Bexar County residences. For more, call 271-8881 or fill out pickup forms available at www.goodwillsa.org/home-pickup-services.


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

Open and Opening Soon Address of local business

Name of local business

1. DOMINION RIDGE DENTISTRY, 22211 Interstate 10 West, Suite 1103, opened about six months ago. Dr. Louis R. Garcia has been in practice almost 30 years and uses state-of-the-art technology. In addition to dental work, the clinic staff also treats obstructed sleep apnea and conducts blood-pressure checks. Hours are 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Wednesday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday. For more, call 910-6903 or visit dominionridgedentistry.com. (See story on page 22)

2. RUSSO’S COAL-FIRED ITALIAN KITCHEN, 17631 La Cantera Parkway, Suite 102 in The Rim, is a franchise cooking made-from-scratch Old World meals based on Russo family recipes imported from Naples and Sicily to New Jersey and then Galveston. In addition to handcrafted pizzas (including a 28-inch “monster pizza”), calzones, soups and salads, pastas and desserts, the menu also offers “eating-well” and gluten-free options. Another favorite is the eggplant Parmesan, or eggplant Milanese, which includes layers of eggplant Parmesan topped with marinara sauce, Pecorino Romano and buffalo mozzarella cheeses and baked in Russo’s coal-fired oven. Hours are 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday. For more, call 561-7616 or visit www.russoscoalfired.com. (See story on page 23)

3. SUN & SKI, 5811 Worth Parkway, Suite 103, is staffed with certified ski, bike and skateboard technicians with years of

experience tuning and repairing water skis, snowboards, bikes and skates, according to managers. A full line of wakeboards and skis are offered, including Hyperlite, Liquid Force and HO Sports. Employees can also build a ski, snowboard, bike or skate “from the ground up,” the managers add. There’s also a wakeboard section and a bike shop. The store has on-site ski and snowboard service with stone grinders and custom boot-fitting specialists “to ensure customers a complete ‘fit and tune’ before hitting the slopes,” according to a release. “Come see us for expert advice and professional tuneups this season.” Hours are 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday and noon to 6 p.m. Sunday. For more, call 485-3352.

4. EMME NAIL SPA, 17803 La Cantera Terrace, Suite 7103 in the Éilan complex, bills itself as “a trendy and not-your-everyday nail salon,” according to the management. “We like to set ourselves apart from other salons in that we strive to bring you a quiet and peaceful environment where you can escape and relax. … Consider our place your sanctuary.” Hours are 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday. For more, call 562-3643 or visit www.emmespa.com or www.facebook.com/emmenailspa.

5. TILE STUDIO 925, 28721 Interstate 10 West in Boerne, features “tile that talks,” according to the staff at the family-run business. In addition to tile, other products

Boerne Independent School District pupils such as Kendall Elementary School fifth-grader Dakari Hodge (right) participated in the recent worldwide Hour of Code, an initiative designed to familiarize students with the basics of computer-programming code. Courtesy photo

LOWDOWN continues on pg. 12

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include glass, mosaics, porcelain, stone-wall coverings, hardwood flooring and quartz. According to the business’ website, “Tile Studio 925 is an upscale tile store for designers, builders, remodelers and homeowners to come and purchase unique tile from all over the world.” Hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday. For more, call 830-368-4204 or visit www.tilestudio925.com.

6. POTBELLY SANDWICH SHOP, 17711 Interstate 10 West, Suite 107 in The Rim, is now open and is part of a “retro-style, counter-serve chain known for made-to-order sandwiches, salads and baked goods.” According to a company release, “We choose high-quality meats, cheeses and veggies, then slice, cut and chop them ourselves. Our sandwich-makers build amazing, toasty sandwiches to order and get you through the line really fast.” Hours are 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily. For more, call 424-1401 or visit potbelly.com.

IN OTHER NEWSJANUARY IS MENTOR MONTH FOR THE BOERNE INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT, according to officials. A release

from BISD spokesman David Boggan notes, “National Mentoring Month each January highlights the need for Americans to be volunteer mentors. In Boerne, Mayor Mike Schultz signed a proclamation encouraging volunteers to help make a profound difference in the lives of students by serving as mentors to local students.” The school district is seeking male volunteers as mentors, according to program coordinator Elizabeth Nolen. “The number of male students added to the program increases each school year,” she said, and there are 16 waiting to be assigned a male mentor. “My mentee has opened my eyes, looking at and enjoying life through the eyes of a child,” says six-year volunteer Ken Maxymof. “So often we get caught up in the daily routine and forget how excited life was being a child.” Volunteers and students share stories and experiences, play games and listen to each other, creating relationships built on trust, which can produce long-lasting, positive results. Volunteers agree to meet with a student for an hour each week during the school day. Prospective mentors are vetted, including a background check and character-reference inquiry. Accepted applicants attend a one-hour training session, and then are matched with a pupil based upon shared interests, location and schedules. To learn more,

visit www.ablementor.org. The next Boerne ISD Mentor Program volunteer-training meeting is 1 p.m. Feb. 3 at the BISD Administration Building, 123 W. Johns Road in Boerne.

DEER-MANAGEMENT OPTIONS FOR FAIR OAKS RANCH could be under consideration during the Jan. 21 City Council meeting, according to town officials. The choices are listed on the city website at www.fairoaksranchtx.org/, then click on deer-management options. The session is slated for 7 p.m. in council chambers, 7286 Dietz Elkhorn Road.

ERIC TOBIAS, former principal of Garcia Middle School, has been appointed executive director of secondary administration in the Northside Independent School District, according to a summary of a recent trustees’ meeting.

THE NORTHSIDE INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT is seeking a school-closure attendance waiver from the state for McAndrew Elementary School, hit hard by flooding during heavy rains Oct. 31 in and near the Scenic Loop Road area. According to an NISD spokesman, “After consulting with police and emergency response teams, school

LOWDOWN continues from pg. 11 buses, parents and staff were all asked to not travel in and around this area for safety reasons and classes were canceled.” A component of state education funding is based on daily attendance levels.

DISTRICT 8 COUNCILMAN RON NIRENBERG was recently appointed chairman of the National League of Cities 2016 Energy, Environment & Natural Resources, according to NLC President Melodee Colbert-Kean, who is also a council member from Joplin, Missouri. The position, according to a release, “will draw national policy support for some of San Antonio’s most pressing challenges, including improving air quality, meeting water-supply demands and ensuring energy needs amid significant population growth and economic expansion.” The committee helps develop federal policy positions on environmental and public issues, including air and water quality, energy, national wetlands, noise control and solid- and hazardous-waste management. “I am honored to have the opportunity to shape the national dialogue on key challenges facing San Antonio,” Nirenberg said. “From securing our water future to improving air quality, these issues have a critical impact on our region’s economic vitality and quality of life.”

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The Alamo Area Metropolitan Planning Organization distributes state and federal dollars for transportation projects in Bexar, Comal and Guadalupe counties, plus portions of Kendall County. With toll-road funding no longer a driving force, the MPO’s Transportation Policy Board will meet Jan. 25 to consider revising previously agreed-upon expansions for U.S. 281 and Interstate 10, and $414.6 million in projects proposed for the region’s new four-year

Transportation Improvement Program.Voter approval of Proposition 7,

expected to generate $2.5 billion to $3 billion for statewide transportation measures beginning in 2018, has changed the overall roadmap. Old plans, calling for partial funding through tolls, are being re-evaluated as non-tolled projects – with some, including controversial high-occupancy vehicle lanes, unpalatable to many drivers and officials alike.

On Jan. 25, the MPO will seek non-tolled options for a $200 million revision of I-10 north of Loop 1604 and a $532 million expansion of 281 from 1604 to the Comal County line.

Existing plans already have received federal, Texas Department of Transportation and other area funding, as well as MPO authorization. However, retooling both as non-tolled could necessitate additional environmental-study reviews and public-input sessions, possibly further delaying construction.

There’s nearly $200 million for I-10 tolled improvements to add four tolled lanes along a 5.7-mile span from La Cantera Parkway north to Ralph Fair Road, and $130 million for direct connectors linking La Cantera and 1604.

Several short-term regional projects await public input

by WILL WRIGHT

Mobility planners updating the area’s short-term regional transportation

initiative are faced with another dilemma – having to make a U-turn and convert tolled-roadway improvements into non-tolled projects.

MPO continues on pg. 14

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Fair Oaks Ranch Mayor Cheryl Landman said I-10 improvements are long overdue, as more residents are crowding the roadway during peak hours.

“The commercial truck traffic continues to expand, adding to (the) traffic jams,” she said.

“I suspect everyone has an opinion on toll roads,” Landman added. “Personally, current highway pavement paid with tax dollars (that are) converted into toll is not the path I prefer. If new pavement is laid for toll, I would consider it (by) examining the whys and why nots.”

Tolling would’ve expedited the construction timetable.

“The only thing less popular than toll roads are roads that are congested and in disrepair,” said San Antonio District 8 Councilman Ron Nirenberg. “Tolls are an option of last resort, and I’m in favor of removing them when revenue is available to expand and maintain San Antonio roadways using the precious few resources we have for infrastructure.”

He added, “We can no longer build our way out of the transportation issues that we face. Plus, it doesn’t work. We need a comprehensive, multimodal transportation plan and implementation strategy to

accommodate growth in our region and ensure quality of life in the years to come.”

There is $71.8 million available to add one free lane and high-occupancy vehicle lane in each direction on the 5.7-mile stretch on I-10. The non-tolled option, however, lacks financing to complete the direct connectors – a $58.2 million shortfall, which also could defer that part of the project until Proposition 7 funds roll in.

MPO Director Isidro Martinez said non-tolled designations to improve I-10 and 281 exchange previously guaranteed private-funding sources for Proposition 7 dollars, unavailable for two years. He added that HOV components in both are because of requests from VIA Metropolitan Transit, which also contributes funds to area projects.

During the MPO’s Dec. 7 meeting, retiree Don Dixon questioned why.

“The problem I have with the plan is the waste in it,” he said. “Two of those lanes are bus-HOV lanes, which are always underutilized. We get virtually nothing into putting $35 million for two lanes that very few people will use. We’re having false hopes in using our tax money to build those lanes – it’s a waste of money.”

County commissioners and

MPO continues from pg. 138

I-10 Expansion – Possible Non-Toll Plan

Proposed Non-Toll PlanI-10 POSSIBLE NON-TOLLED PLAN

MPO continues on pg. 15

An artist's rendering of proposed changes to Interstate 10 West shows high-occupancy vehicle lanes for buses and cars carrying multiple passengers. Passage of a transportation-funding measure in November means tolls won't be needed. Courtesy illustration

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Transportation Policy Board members Tommy Calvert and Kevin Wolff also have reservations about HOV lanes. Terri Hall, founder and director of the anti-toll group Texans Uniting for Reform & Freedom, or TURF, remains firmly against HOV lanes as part of non-tolled improvements.

“We applaud the removal of tolls from these vital corridors, whose residents have been stuck in a quagmire of political controversy over double taxation for a decade,” she said. “However, we fear the HOV-bus lanes will only continue the congestion problems for commuters.

“The best solution is to add general-purpose lanes all Texans can access, especially considering that every taxpayer’s money is being used to build these lanes.”

Proposition 7 funding will also help steer the next regional transportation blueprint. Officials said $100 million is accessible for the latest projects, though additional allocations could be expected through other means.

Area agencies are requesting $414.6 million for 41 proposals to update the regional Transportation Improvement Program, a federally required list of proposed projects submitted by local entities and governments over a four-

MPO continues from pg. 14 year period, amended every two years. Projects are scored on technical merit

and public input during a four-month process, leading to a final submission to TxDOT representatives in May. Officials said public involvement in the procedure should begin sometime in February.

Notable area proposals include $16 million for betterments along Ralph Fair, or FM 3351, between I-10 and Old Paseo Way, and $20.2 million to construct a new I-10 overpass over Balcones Creek, and add intersection improvements.

Landman said Ralph Fair, a prime link from I-10 to Texas 46, the main connector between Boerne and New Braunfels, is “heavily traveled by both area and out-of-area residents.”

“Another element on 3351 is a very low bridge at the Bexar County line,” she added. “Heavy rains (in) October 2015 closed the bridge, making it unavailable to those needing to go to work and/or return to home. This is a serious drainage issue for all using 3351.”

TPB members on Jan. 25 will also examine amendments to the MPO’s 2015-18 TIP, which distributed more than $215 million in funds to improve and expand roadways, hike-bike trails and other amenities as part of the regional Surface Transportation Program.

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BISD continues from pg. 01

Early in 2016, BISD trustees may request a May bond election, based partly on recommendations from a 60-member Long Range Facilities Planning Committee.

The committee, composed of district patrons and leaders developing a roadmap for the school system’s future, will have met five times before making suggestions to the school board in February.

As of late December, individual propositions and a price tag remained undecided, but the committee has been mulling a range of $140 million to $160 million.

Trustees could see committee’s report by Februaryby EDMOND ORTIZ

BOERNE — Voters in the Boerne Independent School District could

soon decide a bond proposal for the second time in three years.

BISD continues on pg. 17

“We’ll have to address growth. We’re expecting 4,500 more students to come into the district over the next 10 years,” said Bryan D’Spain, a Broadway Bank executive who chairs the planning committee. “Buildings are well kept, but they’re aging, and we have to meet the needs of our students and faculty.”

Officials found several reasons why a bond could be called.

District representatives and committee members say BISD’s growth mirrors Kendall County’s appreciable population rise.

There are 12,400 residents in Boerne’s school district, with 7,880 pupils registered at nine BISD institutions. Officials noted student enrollment has increased more than 17 percent since 2010, and is projected to jump to 12, 313 by 2025-26.

The city anticipates adding more than 1,000 inhabitants by 2019, according to a new demographic study.

In 2013, voters approved a $99.5 million bond, which funded a variety of new construction, renovations and expansions to existing facilities, as well as technology.

Work continues at a new Fabra Elementary School, scheduled to open for the 2016-17 academic year.

Over the past months, the district developed a long-range technology


BISD continues from pg. 16

plan, formed a BISD student profile to address education needs and ordered a facilities assessment.

Through meetings and community input, the facilities-planning committee has helped the district prioritize. New construction and acquiring land to sustain growth are top goals, members said.

Cost estimates to build another new elementary school and middle school are more than $30 million and $62 million, respectively.

The committee also has investigated additions and improvements for present academic and athletic facilities, portable classrooms and enhancing technology districtwide.

The commission is considering renovating and retrofitting the existing Fabra Elementary campus to accommodate a district alternative school, teacher in-service and training spaces, a centralized data center and a relocated and expanded main office.

Other possibilities include refreshing equipment such as fleet radios and school buses, and land for a natatorium. A potential territory purchase and construction combined could cost $19 million.

The planning committee has scheduled two open-to-the-public January meetings, and the following month, the school

board will review its recommendations. “Throughout the process, community

stakeholders are involved, helping us evaluate the information we have before us and seeking to come to consensus about next steps needed in order to fulfill our obligation to the students and families of our district,” Superintendent David Stelmazewski said in an earlier interview.

D’Spain said discussion continues about specific proposals trustees may be presented, and the board could ask the committee to do more work.

“We’re still in the committee’s infancy here,” he added.

District officials and supporters of the 2013 bond note BISD has carefully spent those funds, and with issuing debt in recent years. From 2009 through 2015, the district has achieved $43.7 million in savings.

With a successfully passed bond in May, the facilities-planning committee anticipates debt could be issued at a 5 percent and 5.25 percent interest rate in 2016 and 2017, respectively.

Taxable values are projected to grow at 6 percent this year, and 5 percent annually in 2017 and 2018. The district could raise its interest and sinking, or debt, tax rate to 40 cents per $100 property valuation under a $140 million bond, to 46 cents with a $150 million bond, or to

54 cents under a $160 million bond.The lowest estimation, $140 million,

would increase the cumulative monthly amount of the average homeowner’s bill $10.74 on a $347,202 house through 2020.

For a similarly valued residence, a $150 million bond might result each month in $12.35 extra over the same time.

As for the $160 million figure, the identical homeowner could see a $14.50 monthly hike through the matching period.

While not speaking for the district or

the whole committee, D’Spain said, as a BISD resident, he takes seriously the notion property taxes could escalate if a bond were to be proposed and approved. Bonds, when done right, are a worthwhile public investment, he added.

“Personally, over the years, I’ve enjoyed seeing my property values appreciate. That’s because we have one of the finest school districts in the state,” D’Spain said. “We’re going out into the community and asking what do you need? We want to do what’s right.”

BOERNE ISD AT A GLANCE

CURRENT STUDENT POPULATION 7,880 IN 9 INSTITUTIONS (UP 17 PERCENT SINCE 2010)

ESTIMATED STUDENT BODY BY 2026 12,313 (+4,433)

BUILDINGS ARE WELL KEPT, BUT THEY’RE AGING AND WE HAVE TO MEET THE NEEDS

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The initiative, celebrated with a recent dignitary-packed ribbon cutting in the H-E-B parking lot at Boerne Stage and Interstate 10 West, is one phase of a $500 million, 10-year flood-control program to lift the area out of a 100-year flood plain.

The improvements along Boerne Stage couldn’t come soon enough, according to businesswoman Heather Hamilton.

“For the past 21 years, I’ve lived and worked in the Boerne Stage Road area,” said Hamilton, manager of Big’s convenience store, 24457 Boerne Stage. “Completion of construction has been a long time coming – I think almost 18 months – and for us at the store, it has been very stressful.”

She’s keeping fingers crossed the enhancements work.

“I’m anxious to see what all these improvements will mean when we get our first heavy downpour,” she said. “It appears that Boerne Stage Road has been raised at least 6 feet, and I think that is going to make a major difference. In

addition, the creation of overpasses that allow traffic to come and go from the subdivisions like the one at Baywater Stage (Road) are a welcome sight.”

Bexar County Precinct 3 Commissioner Kevin Wolff, who represents the region and grew up there, said more changes are coming.

“The entire price tag of improvements to this area is estimated at $500 million,” he said, “and let’s face it, infrastructure repairs and improvements are always going to play catch up with the area that they are being done in,” Wolff said.

“However, when there is an area that is experiencing the kind of growth that this area is undergoing, it is essential for elected officials to do all they can to provide the best that we can for both the residents and business owners on Boerne Stage Road and the surrounding areas,” he added.

Wolff, who attended the October dedication ceremony, later shared his childhood memories of the neighborhood.

“What I can assure you, as a former resident of this area back to 1972, I welcome all the work that was put into lifting Boerne Stage Road out of this flood-prone area,” he said. “When I was a child growing up in this area, I always knew when it rained heavily my family would be stuck in our home for days at a time.”

Subsequent work will affect two more I-10 exits.

“Next on the agenda will be needed improvements to Ralph Fair Road, and then on to Camp Stanley,” he said. “The way this area has developed in my lifetime has been incredible, and the Bexar County Commissioners (Court has) addressed this growth and the need

More coming with county’s 10-year planby PETER MORALEZ

Residents and business operators in Leon Springs who worried when it rained

hope the completion of a $10.2 million Bexar County drainage project on Boerne Stage Road means no more flooding.

DRAINAGE continues on pg. 19

DRAINAGE continues from pg. 01

Construction in this creek bed near Boerne Stage Road and the Interstate 10 West frontage road is part of an overall Bexar County project to reduce flooding in the area. Photo by Rudy B. Ornelas

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for infrastructure that can support this growth, and will continue to do so.”

Though happy with the advancements, patience was necessary, Hamilton said, such as when when roadwork closed one of the driveways into the parking lot at Big’s.

“When it becomes inconvenient to get into a convenience store, you know business is going to suffer,” Hamilton said. “Although, I have to admit that every cloud does have a silver lining because many of the construction workers brought us their business, and for that we are very thankful.”

Aue Elementary School, 24750 Baywater Stage, less than a half-mile from Boerne Stage, also felt the effects of construction.

“We are certainly pleased with the completion of the Boerne Stage Road upgrade,” said Principal Kathryn Hayes. “It has been a real challenge for all our families and staff to get to and from the highway and into the neighborhood. We appreciate all the workers that brought this to completion.”

The faculty numbers about 80, with 650 schoolchildren.

According to a preliminary study done for Bexar County, the I-10 West

DRAINAGE continues from pg. 18 area under consideration for the long-term project consists of 9,560 acres, or 14.94 square miles, located along the federal expressway adjacent to Camp Bullis from San Antonio’s city limits to Boerne’s extraterritorial jurisdiction.

The region primarily contains single-family dwellings, with some multifamily, commercial and agricultural usage. There are no industrial uses at this time, the study indicated.

According to the 2010 Census, there are 12,871 residents, with estimations increasing in two decades to 22,928.

“I for one feel that the figures from the 2010 Census underestimated the exponential growth in this area,” Wolff said.

Business leaders are happy with the county’s work, including at Éilan, a community five miles from Boerne Stage at 17803 La Cantera Terrace, which includes luxury apartments, office space, a hotel and spa, and shopping.

“We are pleased to see the improvements that are being made to the area,” said Tera Burch, a spokeswoman for Lynd Co., the group managing Éilan. “I feel any improvements to the area benefit us all, especially when the overall plan is to improve traffic and avoid flooding.”

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downtown streets for four consecutive days. Join top bartenders, international experts and national cocktail enthusiasts as they imbibe, eat and play for charity. There will be guided tastings, parties, educational seminars, dinners and more benefiting Houston Street Charities and children’s causes. For more including ticket purchasing and specific event times, visit http://www.sanantoniococktailconference.com or https://www.facebook.com/SACocktailConference.

RETIRED TEACHERS MEETINGThe North San Antonio Retired Teachers Association conducts

a 9:45 a.m. conference the third Wednesday of each month at San Pedro Presbyterian Church, 14900 U.S. 281 North. Attendees are updated with information useful for former educators. Kelley Grady of the San Antonio Humane Society will speak. For more, call Michele Bibb at 494-8197.

MONSTER TRUCKS UNDER A DOME The Alamodome, 100 Montana St., hosts two

performances in the Monster Jam truck series. The first night revs up at 7 p.m.; the following day at 2 p.m. Seats start at $10. Tickets are available at the Alamodome box office and www.ticketmaster.com. For more, visit www.alamodome.com.

BASKETBALL FOR A CAUSEAs part of their 2016 tour, the world-famous Harlem

Globetrotters will bring their unrivaled family show to the AT&T Center, 1 AT&T Center Parkway, for two 7 p.m. exhibitions. The players will leave a mark on the community by encouraging fans to visit GreatAssist.com to nominate a worthwhile cause or deserving family. Game tickets start at $13. For more, go to harlemglobetrotters.com, ticketmaster.com, the AT&T Center box office, or call 800-745-3000.

LAND HO! For four days, the San Antonio Boat and Travel Trailer Show docks into the

Alamodome, 100 Montana St., with fun activities, the latest trends and great deals. Tickets, available on-site, are $10 or less. Event hours are Thursday 4-9 p.m.; Friday noon to 9 p.m.; Saturday 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.; and Sunday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more, visit www.sanantonioboatshow.com. SUBMITTING EVENTS: Email all the details along with your contact information two months in advance to [email protected].


JANUARY14-17

JANUARY20

JANUARY23-24

JANUARY26&28

JANUARY28-31

22 JAN. 11 - FEB. 8, 2016

Call Today to Schedule Your FREE Evaluation210-802-1522

4865 Fredericksburg Rd., Woodlake Plaza Building G • San Antonio, Texas 78229

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The basis of the practice is building relationships and trust with customers, plus a dedication to excellent service via state-of-the-art technology.

The office is at 22211 Interstate 10 West, Suite 1103 in the Dominion Ridge shopping center.

“I would say that we are an oral, systemic health care clinic,” said Catherine Garcia, the dentistry’s marketing manager.

Dominion Ridge Dentistry treats teeth, sleep apnea and more

by ERIC MORENO

Dr. Louis R. Garcia opened Dominion Ridge Dentistry last July to treat not only

patients’ teeth but their overall health.

“However, we don’t just treat teeth, we treat the whole person. We believe that your teeth – your whole mouth – the health of that affects your whole body. Most people don’t realize that.”

In addition to dental work, the clinic monitors clients’ blood pressure and treats obstructed sleep apnea. Research indicates more than 30 percent of Americans snore, especially adults 45 and older. Dominion Ridge helps alleviate sleep apnea, which contributes to snoring, a serious health condition itself.

“We do a scan for obstructed sleep apnea using a technology called i-CAT Cone Beam,” Garcia said. “Not many offices have this technology or equipment. We felt like this was a very important (part) of treating patients and their overall health.”

As for dental care, the clinic features teeth whitening, veneers, extractions, root canals and occlusal equilibration — an adjustment to realign a bite. Dental implants are also available.

“Dentistry has changed a great deal in the last 10 or 15 years and now dental implants are a big part of our practice,” Garcia said. “Ever since fluoridation in San Antonio came about, you don’t see the decay like you used to. So now the older population, their teeth are breaking down, and they want them replaced with

implants. This is a specialty of Dr. Garcia.”Hours are 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday

through Wednesday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday.

DOMINION RIDGE DENTISTRY22211 Interstate 10 West, Suite 1103

For more or an appointment, call 910-6903or visit www.dominionridgedentistry.com

Dominion Ridge Dentistry (above and far right, bottom) uses the latest technology to treat patients' oral and overall health. In the top-right photo, Ana Karina Creson (center) watches a movie while dentist Louis R. Garcia (left) performs a tooth extraction with Norma Acosta, a registered dental assistant. Photos by Collette Orquiz


CELEBRATE,ITALIAN STYLE

ÉILAN – ONTHE PIAZZA17803 LA CANTERA TERRACE

210.251.3542ALAMO QUARRY MARKET

255 E. BASSE ROAD210.832.0300

SAN ANTONIOPIATTI.COM

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facebook.com/salocalcommunitynews

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instagram.com/localcommunitynews

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

by OLIVIER J. BOURGOIN

There are more than 30 Texas restaurants, the majority in the greater Houston vicinity. Additional outlets can be found in Hawaii, Florida, Arkansas, Tennessee, Oklahoma and beyond, with upcoming international locations in Bahrain, Qatar and Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

The local eatery opened last July at 17631 La Cantera Parkway, Suite 102.

General manager James Cochran, previously employed at Cypress Grille in

Boerne, said diners who enjoy Grimaldi’s Coal Brick-Oven Pizzeria and BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse will also like Russo’s.

“But, our menu offers a larger selection of pastas and pizzas, with craft beers and wine,” Cochran added.

Gluten-free pizza and pasta are available. Cochran’s favorite menu item is the eggplant Parmesan, or eggplant Milanese, made from layers of eggplant Parmesan topped with marinara sauce, Pecorino Romano and buffalo mozzarella cheeses and baked in Russo’s coal-fired oven.

The 2,800-square-foot restaurant has about 35 workers and seats 148 patrons.

“Pizzas represent about a third of our sales,” Cochran said. “Our best seller is the New York Village pizza. It comes with pepperoni, crumbled spicy Italian sausage, Canadian bacon, roasted peppers, black olives, sliced button mushrooms and

beef, topped with all-natural mozzarella cheese and homemade pizza sauce.”

“People also like the Nonna’s, (eggplant) stuffed with portabella (mushrooms) and Italian sausage,” he added.

Hours are 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

More than just pizza at Russo’s in The Rim

The new Russo’s Coal-Fired Italian Kitchen at The Rim is the first Alamo City franchise

for the Houston-based company, also quickly spreading to territories outside the Lone Star State.

RUSSO'S COAL-FIRED ITALIAN KITCHEN17631 La Cantera Parkway, Suite 102

For more, call 561-7616or visit www.russoscoalfired.com

Russo's Coal-Fired Italian Kitchen (top photo) features a wide selection of wines, as well as dishes including spaghetti with puttanesca sauce (above). Photos by Collette Orquiz

Home of the Trash Can TacoHours: Monday - Friday 7 am-1:30 pmSat 8 am - 1:30 pm • Sunday closed

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Looking for a magnificent move-in ready home that hasit all in the highly sought after Wildhorse community?Here it is! This dream home has an open floor plan thatis idea for entertaining and creating family memories.One beautiful feature is the kitchen. It has a gas stovew/stainless steel appliances, granite counter tops,42" cabinets, 18" tile back splash/floors! The entirehouse is connected to a water purifier and softener

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Wonderful, large, open floor plan with tons ofspace and lots of upgrades centrally located in anestablished, small, gated community. Large insidecorner yard with lots of mature oaks. No carpet, woodfloors throughout most of the entire home other thankitchen and baths. Walking distance to school, andonly minutes from major area employers, shoppingcenters, and roadways. You will not be disappointed,

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Wow factor! Dramatic two-story entry features wood& iron railing & beautiful hand-scraped wood floors.Huge kitchen/breakfast area, granite countertops,cozy gas fireplace, upgraded raised panel beech36” cabinets, whirlpool ss appliances, oil rubbedbronze lighting, plumbing and door hardware,sprinkler system. Close to shopping, sea worldand six flags. Highly sought after nisd schools.

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Rare opportunity to own a beautiful custom home situatedatop a hill famous for having the best views in Bexar County.Just under 8 acres of unobstructed beauty and serenity,far end of property with frontage on Helotes Crk. Picturescannot begin to do it justice, must see to appreciate. Huge3.5 car garage with craftsman’s workshop, RV parking,multiple wooden decks and walkways. 3rd story sitting areain tower with 360 degree views. Exotic granite counters,

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