local: alamo heights, monte vista, olmos park, downtown, king william, terrell hills, january 2014
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RobeRt RehmALAMO HEIGHTS KInG WILLIAM MOnTE VISTA OLMOS PArK TErrELL HILLS 01/2014Vol. 2, Issue 7
What's INSIDEyour community
Discover the city through LOCAL deals from restaurants, retailers and services in your community, and save money while you do it!
coupons InsIDEfantastic deals
pg. 26
www.salocallowdown.com
Aztec Theatre downtown poised for rebirth
Backpack-meal program bridges hunger gap in aHisd, saisd
downtown garden is a 'little patch' of nature
Legendary bluesman Buddy Guy coming to perform in March
Paralyzed artist, theater director turns challenges into triumphs
Snack Pak 4 Kids operating in Alamo Heights, Mahncke Park
Produce grown in shadow of Weston Centre feeds locals
Triumphs continues on pg. 16
pg.03
pg.10
pg.14
Public hearings provided input for $700,000-$1 million project
COMMUNITY NEWS
New trail for hikers, cyclists coming to Olmos Basin Park
local commentary sUsan yerKespg. 03
Photo by Joshua michael
Photo by Josh Huskin
by susan yerkes
obert Rehm never planned to be a hero. But that’s exactly what he is to a lot of
people, and being paralyzed and in a wheelchair is not slowing down the artist and theater director.
R “Robert has always amazed everybody with his talent,” said Ray Chavez, veteran director of Cornyation, the yearly spoof on Fiesta traditions. “It’s like he has no limitations. People can’t believe what he does. I think he is an angel. Seriously.” Brilliant graphic designer, creative spirit, dedicated teacher and treasured friend – his
Photo by aiessa ammeter
CReative ChaiR-man:
ONEmIllION
PROJECTdollar
UpTOpg.09
It’s lIke he has no lImItatIons.
PeoPle can’t belIeve what
he does. I thInk he Is an angel.
serIouslyRay Chavez
NEW YOUFitness
(pg.13)
2 JanUary 2014
President Harold J. LeesPublisherGregg Rosenfieldeditorialexecutive editorThomas Edwardsnews staffCollette Orquiz and Will Wrightcontributing WritersOlivier J. Bourgoin, Joyce Hotchkiss, Kate Hunger, Travis E. Poling, Gianna Rendon and Susan Yerkes
artcreative directorRichard Fisher Jr.Production designerPete Moralescontributing PhotographersAiessa Ammeter, Josh Huskin, Joshua Michaelscontributing illustratorJeremiah Teutsch
advertisingadvertising directorJaselle Lunaaccount managerKelly Jean GarzacontrollerGerard "Jerry" Sulaicareader servicemailing address4204 Gardendale Ste. 201 SA, TX 78229Phone(210) 338.8842advertising [email protected] [email protected]
Reproduction in whole or in part without our permission is prohibited, 2013 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 Ste. 201San Antonio, TX 78229
local community news publicationsZone 2: 78213, 78230, 78231, 78248, 78249Zone 3: 78216, 78232, 78247Zone 4: 78109, 78148, 78233, 78239Zone 5: 78108, 78132, 78154, 78266
fax(210) 616.9677
from tHe editor
facebook.com/salocalcommUnityneWs
tHomas edWardsexecutive editor
assoc. PublisherRick Upton he new
yeaR IS uPon uS,
which means it is time to make some resolutions.
however, as the australian moral philosopher Pete
Singer once said, “The problem is that a resolution is generally easier to break than it is to keep.” what I will do is make a resolution on behalf of LoCaL Community news to our readers, a promise we definitely can fulfill. During the coming year, we pledge to keep offering the best news, commentary, features and other items that inform, entertain and educate our community. we’ve already come a long way. In the summer of 2012, we introduced our first two monthly zoned editions to San antonio filled with hyperlocal news, followed by a third newspaper that December. Fast forward to July 2013, when we created two more newspapers to serve the Metrocom communities, bringing our total number of papers to five. over time, the editions’ combined circulation has grown to nearly 200,000 copies seen by a diverse audience in Bexar, Comal and Guadalupe counties. That is phenomenal growth by any measure. we also have brought onboard some of the region’s best journalists and editors, their talents illuminating the workings of our communities. and, of course, there is our Creative Director Rick Fisher, whose designs dazzle the eyes. But we’re not stopping there. we have plans for expansion in 2014. (More on that in another column.)In the meantime, we will remain open to your suggestions and thoughts, in the spirit of trying to do a better job. There is always room for improvement. and in turn, we hope your resolution is to remain a faithful reader, looking forward each month to the next edition of LoCaL.
t
Onward and upward for 2014
4
NOW lOOkiNg fOr
LocaL is where you are.
LocaL is what we do.
emaiL thomas edwards
(210) 338-8842 or email
• Editorial• ad dEsign/Editorial
As the San Antonio area continues to grow, knowing
what’s happening just down the street is harder to keep up with. Local Community News monthly editions have got San Antonio covered exploring neighborhood issues and trends and letting readers know everything from what business is coming in the next block over to how local government decisions will effect their lives.
We have an independent editorial staff to report without fear or favor to be a trustworthy source of news. Editors and reporters want to hear from the readers, community leaders and businesses about what is important to them.
December 2012
From THe eDITor
president Harold J. Lees
publisherGregg Rosenfield
Assoc. publisherRick Upton
eDITorIAlexecutuve editorThomas Edwards
managing editorTravis E. Poling
editorial AssistantCollette Orquiz
contributing WritersSean Bowlin, Joyce Hotchkiss and Kate Hunger
proofreaderJoyce Hotchkiss
ArTcreative DirectorR. Fisher
contributing photographersCollette Orquiz, Leland A. Outz
ADVerTIsINGAdvertising DirectorsJaselle Luna
Account managerDawn Radick
reADer serVIcemailing Address4204 Gardendale Ste. 201 SA, TX 78229phone(210) 338.8842Advertising [email protected] [email protected]
faCEBook.CoM/sAlocAlcommuNITYNeWsReproduction in whole or in part without our permission is prohibited, 2012 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 Ste. 201San Antonio, TX 78229
THomAs eDWArDs
ExECuTivE EdiTor
TwiTTEr.CoM/sAlocAlloWDoWN
GETTING TO KNOW
Fax(210) 957.2799
elcome To Your FIrsT Issue oF locAl commuNITY NeWs. our philosophy here at the newspaper
is keeping our readers in touch, informed and aware of what's happening in their neighborhoods street by street, business by business, venue by venue and even in the circles of government and education. in addition, we want to help our advertisers and sponsors get the best results possible by making LocAL the go-to choice for consumers who want to know where the
greatest products and deals can be found. We know readers have a wide variety of sources to get information about the world around them, but here at LocAL we're taking a new approach to an old idea: covering our local communities as thoroughly as possible by featuring stories on the events and news that have a direct impact on your life, your family, your neighbors and your friends. We want to focus on the everyday folks in the community as well as the news-makers; we want to celebrate what is unique and what brings us together. but to do this, we also need to hear from you – because you are at the center of what we cover. And while it's true we are supported by advertising and value the relationships we have with our customers, the news and editorial content are independently produced by a team of top-flight journalists and photographers. LocAL is mailed directly each month to readers living in hill country Village, hollywood Park and ZiP codes 78232 and 78216. This is not the only edition of LocAL we produce, but
it is the only edition tailored to your life, your interests, your community, your schools and your organizations. even if you didn't have this newspaper delivered to your home or business, you can keep up with all the stories we cover by visiting SALocalLowdown.com. LocAL wants to hear feedback on how we're doing, but also keep us in mind anytime you see something interesting or hear of something going on in your community you think is newsworthy. For instance, in this inaugural edition you will find stories about how technology is helping emergency Medical Services tackle response times, efforts by neighbors living near the San Antonio international Airport to soundproof their homes and a comprehensive listing of news briefs in LocAL Lowdown. So think about us and let LocAL know what's important to you. i am no stranger to San Antonio, having grown up here and having worked as a crime reporter, editor and opinion writer off and on for nearly three decades. i can be reached at [email protected] or at [email protected].
W
• Army brat, grew up in San Antonio
• Has cats, dogs and horses
Favorite movies: "Planet of the Apes" (original), "Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope"
old newspaper nickname: "Kid Death"
motto: Saving the world one sentence at a time.
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Room to expand at Aztec for offices, hotelby olivier j. bourgoin
huttered for a time and gathering dust, the historically significant Aztec Theatre
downtown is poised for a rebirth as a prime concert venue and multipurpose center, according to entertainment entrepreneur Samuel panchêvre.
S
Rebirth continues from pg. 01
Designed by the firm of Meyer and holler and built by the Kellwood Corp. at a cost of $1.75 million in 1926, the aztec has been listed on the national Register of historic Places since october 1992. It closed its doors in 1989, then has opened briefly since then, including a few times the last few years as an IMaX-style movie house and a venue for a classic country show. But now the theater is reopening with a flourish, said the French-born Panchêvre. "I … love the history of this place," Panchêvre said. "It was built in the era of silent movies and some of
the original elements are still in place, reflective of that era." To punctuate his enthusiasm, Panchêvre proudly showed off the theater's vintage, bright-red wurlitzer organ that was custom-built to produce sound effects for silent movies.
3salocalloWdoWn.com
a new year’s resolution: practice compassion
local commentary
by susan yerkes
elson mandela was a man of fierce compassion. When the world mourned
his death in December, I recalled meeting him at an International Women’s Forum Conference in Johannesburg a few years ago.
N
up everywhere. a network of organizations across this area are working to earn San antonio the formal designation of an internationally recognized “Compassionate City.” I learned about the movement at the Dialogue Institute of the Southwest’s 9th annual Dialogue and Friendship Dinner and awards in December. I also met Compassionate San antonio volunteer narjis Pierre, who works with the Peace CenTeR, a nonprofit that created a website and serves as a reference point for the initiative. She told me about the Charter for Compassion, created in 2008 by author and teacher Karen armstrong, whose best-selling book “12 Steps Toward a Compassionate Life” was a springboard for the idea. armstrong describes it like this: “a compassionate city is an uncomfortable city! a city that is uncomfortable when anyone is homeless or hungry; if every child isn't loved and given rich opportunities to grow and thrive…when as a community we don't treat our neighbors as we would wish to be treated….and where many of its citizens and leaders joyfully embrace a vision of what compassion will look like in their community.”
building a stronger body and brain. as the new year begins, I’m putting “More Compassion action” on my resolution list. I hope you’ll join me. May we all enjoy the best one yet! Email comments to [email protected]
Mandela’s battle against the injustice that shamed his homeland led him, before his imprisonment, to endorse violent resistance. But instead of growing bitter in prison, he grew stronger in the belief that only compassionate change could save his country. and he led that change after his release. The word "compassion" is cropping
The sacompassionneT.org website has proved a powerful tool for creating awareness and consensus-building, and also distributing a calendar of events. Pierre said supporters can sign the charter online, or at one of many local events the group organizes or helps promote. earning the formal Compassionate City designation will require the City Council to endorse the document. That has already happened in a number of cities. on Jan. 26, the Peace CenTeR will hold its annual interfaith Blessing of the Peacemakers and name a new San antonio Peace Laureate, and they’re organizing a major conference on compassion in March. a rapidly growing number of groups are hosting events focused on compassion. “People respond well to the word compassion,” Pierre said. our bodies respond well, too. neurological research shows our brains are “hard-wired for compassion,” according to neurosurgeon James Doty, director of Stanford university’s Center for Compassion and altruism Research and education. he recently spoke at Trinity university. as you work to change your community and the world, it seems, you’re also
Rebirth continues on pg. 12
samuel Panchêvre and his partners are renovating downtown's aztec theatre as a modern performance venue, but plan to keep many of the theater's features from the silent-movie era. Photo by aiessa ammeter
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groups, and one for firefighters only. Registration costs $25 and the minimum fundraising amount for participating is $60. Day-of registration, at 6 a.m. at the Tower, is $100 and is for the non-competitive run only. For more on packet pickup, rules and start times, go to http://www.cff.org/Chapters/lonestar/ and click on the event box, which has a link to a registration page.
asian festival The year of the horse will be welcomed with a day of celebration at the
Institute of Texan Cultures. There will be musical and cultural performances, dance, martial-arts demonstrations, cooking demonstrations, palm reading and craft vendors. and, of course, there will be food – Japanese, Laotian, Filipino, Thai and others. Tickets cost $8 in advance or $10 at the gate; tickets for children 6 to 12 are $5 and those under 6 get in free. The ITC is at 801 e. Cesar Chavez Blvd. a related photo exhibit, “Is This My Shangri-La?”, opens at the Institute the same day and runs through april 20. The photographs, by Dr. Lopita nath of the university of the Incarnate word, offer a glimpse of life in the Bhutanese refugee camps in nepal.
KHaKi & Plaid gala The Catholic archdiocese of San antonio’s annual fundraiser
begins at 6:30 p.m. at the Convention Center. admission prices start at $150 a person and go up to $25,000 for a top-level sponsorship. a ticket covers dinner, drinks, entertainment and participation in a prize-filled auction. The gala benefits hope for the Future’s Catholic school-tuition assistance program. For tickets, which can be reserved online or by mail, click on the gala link at www.hopeforfuture.org.
tHe mysteries of social media Unveiled This free class aimed at senior citizens
promises to be fun and informative as Dr. Denise Barkis Richter, a communications professor at Palo alto College, teaches about tweeting and blogging. The program starts at noon at the TriPoint yMCa, 3233 n. St. Mary’s St. For more information, call Caroline McMillian at 246-9622.
Providence camPUs toUr Providence Catholic School, which bills itself as “the college
preparatory school for girls grades six-12,” will hold an open house from 9 to 11 a.m. In addition to touring the campus, visitors can talk to faculty and staff members as well as students and parents. For more, call the school at 224-6651. The school is at 1215 n. St. Mary’s St.
Western and Heritage art sHoW, sponsored by the alamo Kiwanis Club Charities
Inc., opens with a preview party 7 p.m. Jan. 17 in the Full Goods Breezeway at the Pearl Studio, 200 e. Grayson St. Tickets are $150 per person. The art show and sale continues 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Jan. 18; it is free and open to the public. To purchase tickets for the preview or for more information, call 226-4651 or visit www.kiwanisartshow.com. The show includes artwork from 40 western artists. Proceeds benefit local children's charities.
toWer climB & rUn The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation’s Lone Star Chapter raises funds
for research with this annual event, which features a run up the 952 steps of the Tower of the americas in hemisFair Park. There will be competitive and non-competitive
Medicare and Medicaid Services will answer questions, and trained health care navigators will be available to help with applications for insurance coverage. all sessions start at 6 p.m. The rest of the sessions are scheduled for Jan. 23, Feb. 13 and 27, and March 13 and 27.
aUdUBon society meeting The San antonio audubon Society’s monthly
gathering starts at 7 p.m. at The First Tee, 915 e. Mulberry ave. Tom and Patsy Inglet present “The Penguin Picture Show and other antarctic Delights.” There is no charge, and non-members are welcome. For more, go to http://saaudubon.org.
tHe san antonio river along the River walk from Josephine Street to alamo Street
will be partially drained for maintenance. It will be refilled and operational by Jan. 12. The river loop will not be affected, officials said. The south lane on east. nueva Street between Main Plaza/Dwyer avenue and South St. Mary’s Street will be closed. eastbound traffic along of east nueva will be maintained.
affordaBle care act information Sessions on the new health care law
are taking place in the auditorium at the Central Library, 600 Soledad St. Representatives from the Centers for
OUR GUIDE
TO YOUR MONTH
H A p p E N I N G k E Y
Plan your month with our calendar of upcoming events in the community.HaPPening local
art talKfitness oUtdoor mUsic food
the musicians in advance cassette, who churn out smooth garage-rock tunes reminiscent of an earlier time, will be taking the stage at the ten eleven, 9 p.m. Jan. 25, cover to be announced, with other local musicians. Photo by collette orquiz
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national organization will hold its monthly luncheon meeting at the Petroleum Club, 8620 n. new Braunfels ave., at 11:30 a.m. Lunch costs $25. Reservations are required and should be made with Bob Clark, 402-0871, or [email protected], by the Monday prior to the meeting. The chapter meets on the third wednesday of the month (except for July and august).
valentine's day singles miXer The Single Professionals network
gathering will take place at 6:30 p.m. in the Crystal Room of the old San Francisco Steakhouse, 10223 Sahara Drive. admission costs $15 and covers appetizers and dancing; there will be a cash bar at happy-hour prices. Tickets must be purchased by Jan. 27; call 568-7170. SPn is a social organization for mature widowed, divorced and single people. To see more of their events, go to www.spn-sa.org.
aroUnd tHe World at one taBle This fundraiser for CIeLo Gardens will
feature foods from a variety of countries, as well as live entertainment and a silent auction of handcrafted items. It benefits the local refugee community through the garden, a place that allows them to grow their own food and work with others who are also starting a new life in the united States. The event runs from 6 to 9 p.m. at house of Prayer Lutheran Church, 10226 Ironside Drive. For more information or to buy tickets, which are $25, call arisa Rice at (281) 690-3458.
sUBmitting events: email all the details along with your contact information two months in advance to [email protected].
science for Kids Landa Library’s Teen Tutors will conduct a live science
experiment for children in kindergarten through fifth grade as part of the library’s free Tutoring for young Children program; Science experiments LIVe! will take place the first Sunday of every month. Sessions run from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. in the Meeting Room of the library, 233 Bushnell ave. Reservations are strongly encouraged; to reserve a seat, contact Beatrice Canales, [email protected].
elseWHere in san antoniotaP academy These weekly classes, put on by the Third Coast Rhythm Project, offer
tap-dancing instruction for ages 4 and up; they’re the only tap classes in town for adults. The next adult absolute-beginner classes, an introduction to tap-dancing, run 1-2 p.m. for six Saturdays, Jan. 18-Feb. 22, and 6:30-7:30 p.m. on six wednesdays, Jan. 29-March 5. The cost is $48; classes take place at the Third Coast studio at 8055 west ave., Suite 111. all other classes are ongoing and can be joined at any time, starting Jan. 7. More information is available at http://www.thirdcoastrhythm.com or by calling 348-8005.
retired teacHers The north San antonio Retired Teachers association will open
its January meeting with a “meet and greet” at 9:45 a.m.; the meeting will start at 10:15 a.m. San antonio Police Chief william McManus will be the guest speaker. It takes place at San Pedro Presbyterian Church, 14900 San Pedro ave., and members are encouraged to bring a friend.
sons of tHe american revolUtion The San antonio Chapter of the
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Music continues on pg. 08
local LIvE MUSIC
key:at&t center, 1 aT&T Center parkway, 444-5000backstage live, 1305 e. Houston St., 689-2856limelight, 2718 n. St. Mary’s St., 735-7775sam’s burger Joint, 330 e. grayson St., 223-2830the korova, 107 e. Martin St., 995-7229the mix, 2423 n. St. Mary’s St., 735-1313the ten eleven, 1011 avenue b, 320-9080white rabbit, 2410 n. St. Mary’s St., 737-2221
1/09 Jartse tuominen, 8 p.m., sam’s Burger Joint, $8
1/10 mingo fishtrap, roxy roca, 8 p.m., sam’s Burger Joint, $13/$17
1/11 Junior Brown, 8 p.m., sam’s Burger Joint, $16.50/$20
1/13 swing nite: matt the cat trio, 7 p.m., sam’s Burger Joint, $9/$10
1/15 afi, 7 p.m., White rabbit, $35.02
1/17 carolyn Wonderland, 8 p.m., sam’s Burger Joint, $15/$18
1/20 amon amarth, 7 p.m., Backstage live, $26.78
1/22 Bury the Hatchet, falling in reverse, Backstage live, $26.78
1/23 the roadshow: skillet, third day, andy
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Open and Opening Soon
1. tiny fincH, 302 Pearl Parkway, Suite 116, is a new shop at the Pearl specializing in home accents, décor and jewelry. hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday. For more, call 601-7755. To see some of the inventory, follow the shop on Instagram at http://web.stagram.com/n/thetinyfinch/. (See story on page 21)
2. los frogs meXican Bar-n-grill, 2106 n. St. Mary's St. in Tobin hill, bills itself as a Mexican restaurant, bar and grill down on the St. Mary's Strip. There also is live music, beer, wine and an outdoor patio. hours are 7 a.m.-10 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 7 a.m.-11 p.m. Friday and Saturday. For more, call 320-2196 or visit it on Facebook. (See story on page 23)
3. miXtli, 5251 McCullough ave., is a small, intimate restaurant inside a rail car and named after the aztec word for "cloud." The staff says the menu "like clouds … travels from place to place offering a tour in Mexican gastronomy." Located in The yard
in olmos Park, the restaurant under the umbrella of the Mixtli Foundation supports three charitable programs, including one that provides a no-cost meal each month for 12 wounded warriors and their families. The staff has launched a crowd-sourcing initiative to pay for a garden on the restaurant's rooftop. For more, call 832-520-8928, visit http://restaurantmixtli.com/ or find it on Facebook. (See story on page 22)
4. alamo olive oil co., 7400 San Pedro ave., Suite 944, has just opened in north Star Mall and offers aged balsamic vinegar and gourmet extra-virgin olive oils from around
the world, infused with rosemary, lime, lemon, black truffle and chipotle. There also are daily tastings. hours are 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday through Saturday and noon to 6 p.m. Sunday. For more, call 525-1200 or visit alamooliveoil.com. (See story on page 20)
5. tHe anger and sUBstance aBUse freedom academy, located in the alamo heights area, offers programs designed to treat anger and addictive behaviors under the guidance of Danuta Siemek, a licensed chemical-dependency counselor and anger-resolution therapist with more than 20 years' experience, including working with
veterans. For more, call 218-5506 or visit the website at thefreedomacademy.org.
in otHer neWstHe alamo Beer co. held a groundbreaking Dec. 6 near downtown at 415 Burnet St. to kick off the alamo Beer microbrewery, an $8 million project hailed by District 2 Councilwoman Ivy Taylor as an economic investment in the neighborhood.
local loWdoWnTake a quick look at what’s new in the community from opening and closings to news tidbits.
address of local business
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the folks at los frogs mexican Bar-n-grill serve up eats such as the flautas (top, left) filled with shredded chicken or beef; Huaraches froggies, a corn tortilla topped with chicken or beef, onions, beans, cilantro, green salsa and cheese (top, right); and lots of fresh salsas in a variety of flavors. Photos by collette orquiz
mixtli in olmos Park offers a trip though mexican cuisine. Photo by collette orquiz
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tHe alamo HeigHts scHool foUndation recently awarded 39 grants totaling $150,000 to teachers in the alamo heights Independent School District. Grant awards include $10,000 to the alamo heights high School Rocketry Program; $10,000 split among ahISD libraries for e-books; $10,000 to supply iPads to the high school's math department; $10,000 for SMaRT boards for alamo heights Junior School social studies classes; $7,800 for aquatic research materials for the high school's biology students; $7,900 for Istation, a computer-based reading program at howard early Childhood Center and Cambridge and woodridge elementary schools; more than $5,000 for materials at the high school to study radiation and nuclear chemistry; $5,000 for MacBooks at howard to complete the computer lab; more than $2,000 for the junior school for iPads for individualized instruction with students with dyslexia; more than $5,000 for Google Chromebooks for fifth-graders at Cambridge; more than $2,500 for a Spanish audio library at Cambridge; and more than $2,000 for mobile lab tables for woodridge science teachers. The grant program was established in 1998 as encouragement to teachers to
motivate and inspire their students.
tHe alamo HeigHts city coUncil during a recent meeting lifted a 90-day demolition ban on a home in the 200 block of Corona avenue after revisions to the original plan; approved a recommendation from the Planning & Zoning Commission to adopt a new zoning map of the city; approved a 20-year franchise agreement with CPS energy for the transmission, distribution and sale of electricity and gas services in consideration for an increased franchise fee from 3 percent to 4 percent of the utility's gross receipts from the sale of electricity and gas services; and authorized spending $77,208 on a new garbage truck for the Public works Department.
tHe san antonio liBrary system named The Landa Tutoring Program a Library Champion during a recent awards ceremony. The program, overseen by the Landa Teen Library Leadership Council, is offered for free at the Landa Branch Library, 233 Bushnell ave. in the Monte Vista historic District. The tutors offer help to students in kindergarten through fifth grade with math, reading, writing and science. Students requiring
help come from the alamo heights and San antonio independent school districts. according to the library system, nine tutors received honors including Brigitte Bordelon, Madeline Carrola, hana Kapasi, nabil Kapasi, yashdeep Sahota, Paul Lopez-Perryman, Carolina uzquiano, Lola Carrola and Gladis Piña.
tHe JeWelry store in Concord Plaza, 7720 Jones Maltsberger Road, Suite 109, recently donated contributions of unworn costume jewelry brought in by clients to Family Violence Prevention Services. The program, known as otra Vida or "another Life," gives battered women an extra boost of confidence, according to staffers at the store.
volaris recently started tWice WeeKly nonstop service from San antonio International airport to Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico. officials said the route represents the 27th destination the airline operates from Guadalajara, its hub city. San antonio marks Volaris’ first entry into Texas and its 12th market in the united States. "The addition of Guadalajara as the fifth Mexican destination with nonstop service from San antonio
International airport reflects the rapid progress we are making to enhance cultural and economic ties with our city's biggest trade partner," Mayor Julián Castro said. "I am looking forward to a successful partnership with Volaris."
tHe siXtH annUal las casas Performing arts scHolarsHiP comPetition is accepting applications from college-bound high school seniors living in the San antonio area with interests and abilities in the performing arts. The Las Casas Foundation is offering more than $85,000 in scholarships. application forms, along with application requirements, audition guidelines and scholarship criteria, are available at www.lascasasfoundation.org. applications may be submitted online and must be received by Feb. 17, 2014. Four categories are featured in the competition: vocal solo, acting solo, acting duet and dance solo. Scholarships are also awarded to essay winners and an additional $5,000 is awarded to the overall category winner, meaning one senior will act, sing or dance away with $10,000. Preliminary auditions, judged by theater professionals, will take place in april at the Charline McCombs empire Theater in San antonio.
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Where Quality of Life is what YOU say it is.Contact Us 24/7
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8 JanUary 2014
local oUr tUrnViews and opinions about your community.
the local community news editorial board includes Harry lees, gregg rosenfield and thomas edwards.send letters to the editor to [email protected] 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.
T'S TIMe To SeaL The DeaL anD Ban PLaSTIC BaGS.The ubiquitous bags found at grocery
stores and other retail outlets may be the height of convenience, but they also damage the environment and cost taxpayers millions of dollars each year to clean up. a ban on plastic bags is gaining momentum under an initiative pushed by San antonio Councilman Cris Medina. Several City Council members have already indicated they support such a prohibition. other environmentally conscious cities in the region may wish to follow their example to improve the appearance of their municipalities. The San antonio measure calls for the ban of single-use plastic bags found at Target, walmart, home Depot, booksellers, h-e-B, toy stores, filling stations, restaurants and countless other shopping venues. There is no question the bags make life easier for shoppers. Buy your wares, fill the bags up, go home, unload them and throw them away. But throwing them away is the problem. The durable plastic bags create pollution because they take decades or even centuries to disintegrate. The ubiquitous carryalls clog rivers and landfills, get caught in trees and bushes and are a public-health nuisance. In addition to being eyesores, they also
Time to ban plastic bags
I
pose risks to small children and animals. as columnist Susan yerkes noted last month, it takes about 12 million barrels of oil a year to manufacture the millions of bags. That's another environmental cost.and taxpayers also take a hit in the wallet. In San antonio alone, officials say the city spends about $1.3 million a year cleaning up and recycling plastic bags. across the state, according to Medina's office, that cost is $25 million. San antonio is not alone in its desire to protect the environment by prohibiting the bags. Several Texas cities have banned plastic bags including austin, Brownsville, el Paso and Georgetown. a ban is also being considered in houston and Dallas. Retailers have voiced concerns about the prohibition, saying it stifles commerce, is hard on customers and crushes innovation. one compromise could be an increased effort by businesses and consumers to practice recycling, but the honest truth is that an outright ban on the bags improves the environment, creates a better appearance for the city and produces far less waste. a ban only means a small period of adjustment for consumers, who will have to remember to bring reusable bags to stores — or purchase them there for a nominal fee. That's not so hard to do. Thousands are already doing the same thing in other Texas cities. Plus, most consumers are already used to self-service gas stations and self-checkouts at big retail outlets. Becoming accustomed to bringing one's own reusable shopping bags is not much of a leap. For the betterment of the environment and a cleaner future, plastic bags need to be sacked.
Music continues from pg. 05
mineo, Jamie grace, royal tailor, soulfire revolution, we as Human, the neverclaim, vertical church Band, 7 p.m., at&t center, $20
1/24 Bleu edmondson Band, 8 p.m., sam’s Burger Joint, $12/$15
1/24 Hot chocolate tour: the front Bottoms, you Blew it!, limelight, 8 p.m., $15.97
1/ 25 advance cassette, antique sunlight, marina Katalina, new Hampshire, 9 p.m., the ten eleven, cover tBa
1/25 danger*cakes, the Hares, 8 p.m., the mix, free
1/26 greg trooper, 7 p.m., sam’s
Burger Joint, $10/$12
1/30 skinny Puppy, 8 p.m., Backstage live, $32.45
1/31 sKyrocKet!, 8 p.m., sam’s Burger Joint, $12/$15
2/1 mount Pressmore, the rosedale Highs, 8 p.m., the mix, free
2/3 emery, rmrs, 7 p.m., White rabbit, $17
2/5 rhett miller, salim nourallah, 8 p.m., sam’s Burger Joint, $15/$18
2/5 the Kin, 7 p.m., the Korova, $14.94
2/6 chris duarte group, 8 p.m., sam’s Burger Joint, $10/$13
9
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Concrete trail will be more durableby collette orquiz
he design phase is nearing an end for a proposed trail in Olmos Basin park with a
tentative completion date in late 2014.t
Park continues from pg. 01
The project is expected to be put out to bid in January, and construction could start in the spring. Costs could range from $700,000 to $1 million based on similar projects in the past, city officials said. “It makes for a good trail because the city already owns the properties, so we get kind of a big value for the dollar spent,” said Brandon Ross, special projects manager with the city Parks and Recreation Department. The city still has other park ventures under way, so as revenue is collected it will spend it on the olmos Park Basin project without selling bonds. The trail will cater to both hiking and biking enthusiasts, and is one of several projects created as part of a 2010 sales-tax initiative. It is now in
the capital budget for San antonio. hikers and bike riders can expect a trail about a mile long that extends through the park starting at Dick Friedrich Road and heading north to Basse Road. Instead of using Devine Road, a bridge will be built as a safer alternative to get hikers and bikers to the intersection of Jones Maltsberger Road and Basse. after starting the design phase earlier this year, two public meetings were held, including the most recent on Dec. 3. Ross said Parks and Rec personnel have received a positive response. Girl Scout Troop 739 leader Ida De La Rosa Spence said she looks forward to the completion of the trail, especially since her troop frequently uses the park for activities, projects and ceremonies. “urban outreach in the inner city is a good thing, not just for the neighborhood but, so many more people can learn so much about this wonderful park that has been overlooked by the historians of the city,” De La Rosa Spence said. “we still have a long road ahead to make it great.” The trail will be paved with concrete for optimal upkeep, and according to Ross it is the best material to use. Concrete is
a new, one-mile trail coming to olmos Basin Park will feature a durable concrete surface that should appeal to both hikers and cycling enthusiasts, according to the san antonio Parks and recreation department. Photos by Joshua michael
Park continues on pg. 10
city officials have held two public hearings with schematics to discuss details of a new trail coming to olmos Basin Park that could be finished late this year. Photo by Joshua michael
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Staff IDs hungry students to benefit from programby kate hunger
or children without enough food at home, weekends often mean the rumble of
empty stomachs. A weekend snack program at elementary schools in Alamo Heights and Mahncke park aims to bridge the gap between lunch on Friday and breakfast on Monday.
F
Snack pack continues from pg. 01
durable and requires the least amount of maintenance. Because olmos Basin Park is in a floodplain, it is solid choice over gravel or other mediums that could wash away. The city has built 45 miles of greenway so far, and with proper funding they hope to bump it up to 86 miles and complete an entire circle around the city.
Park continues from pg. 09 other parts of the effort include trails being built on Salado Creek, Leon Creek and tributaries for olmos Creek and west Side creeks. Ross said they have also received positive feedback on the citywide greenway trail system. “The greenways have been instrumental in the effort to give more opportunities to San antonio to have fitness, health and well-being,” Ross said.
The Snack Pak 4 Kids program began in September 2010 in amarillo, when program founder Dyron howell started feeding 10 kids in his kitchen. now, some 4,300 children in the Panhandle are served through the program, which is the model for Cambridge elementary School in the alamo heights Independent School District and Lamar elementary in San antonio ISD. Madison elementary, another SaISD school near the Monticello Park
historic District, is also participating. “you can’t learn anything on an empty stomach,” howell said. Food insecurity means having limited or uncertain availability of nutritionally adequate food. In Texas, 27.6 percent of children and 18.7 percent of households were food insecure in the 2009-11 period, according to Feeding america’s Map the Meal Gap. Snack Pak 4 Kids began last
you can'tlearn anythIng
on an emPty stomach
DyRon howell
school year at Lamar. Program organizer Leslie Kingman’s church, Grace Fellowship, supports the project by paying for the snacks, donating jars of peanut butter and providing volunteers to help unpack, sort and distribute the bags of food to teachers, who slip the
11salocalloWdoWn.com
bags into students' backpacks. Corporate partners include Labatt Food Service, which sells the snacks at a discounted price and delivers them to the schools, and h-e-B, which donates plastic grocery bags. h-e-B also donates fresh fruit to Lamar. Teachers and counselors help identify students they think will benefit from the snack bags and parents sign a permission form, Kingman said. extra snack bags are sent home before school breaks. Feedback from teachers has been overwhelmingly positive, she said, pointing to a survey of faculty taken last spring that affirmed the need for the program and its positive effects on student attendance, attention, behavior and health. about one-third of Lamar’s 230 students take part in the program, school counselor Kim aston said. She said she believes the program has increased Lamar’s attendance rate. “historically we’ve had poor attendance,” she said. “all of a sudden this year we got the trophy for being no. 1 in our area of the district.” Volunteers, many from the participating churches, unpack and sort boxes of snacks, and pack and distribute grocery sacks to teachers. The bags sent home the week before winter break included sunflower seeds, cereal, boxed milk and juice, beef sticks, crackers, applesauce and fruit-cereal bars. “I have elementary school kids, which gives you compassion for kids who don’t have a drawer full of snacks in their kitchen,” said amanda Kessler, as she loaded up bags to be delivered to teachers at Lamar the week before Christmas. Kessler volunteers with the Cambridge program as well. Pam Colbert decided to start a Snack Pak program at Cambridge in alamo heights after listening to a first-grader’s stomach growl during a reading session last year. She asked him if he’d had breakfast. he said he’d eaten all of his school breakfast but it wasn’t enough. “But we didn’t have much to eat at my house this weekend and I’m still hungry,” he told Colbert. “Those few sentences from a 6-year-old caught my attention,” Colbert said. all children deserve a fair chance to learn without the worry and distraction of hunger, she said. “Just imagine the dividends that (are) going to pay off for that student and for our community if we take away that stress” of being hungry, she said. First Presbyterian Church, Kingdom Life house, alamo heights united Methodist Church and Grace Fellowship all support the project at Cambridge. Christ episcopal Church is supporting the program at Madison elementary.
It began in late november and was passing out 20 bags each week within three weeks, Principal Barbara Black said. although far fewer students at Cambridge receive free or reduced lunch—21 percent compared to almost 95 percent at Lamar—Colbert said one of the biggest challenges she has faced in establishing the project is dispelling the myth there are no hungry children in wealthy schools. Forty-five weekend snack bags were sent home with students each week in December at Cambridge, Colbert said. In all the programs, bags are sent home for younger siblings as needed. The program relieves some of the pressure on parents struggling to pay for other necessities such as housing and utilities, Cambridge counselor Lauren Boyher said. “The no. 1 thing at school is (a child’s)
for More inforMaTion on How you Can Help SnaCk pak 4 kidS:• Lamar Elementary: contact
leslie Kingman at 831-4499 or [email protected].
• Cambridge Elementary: call 822-3611.• Madison Elementary: call 736-3356.
safety, and part of that is coming to school fed and ready to learn. Forget math facts—you’ve got to get something in your belly first,” she said. Colbert said she would like to see the program expand to other campuses and noted that howard early Childhood Center, ahISD’s preschool and kindergarten campus, is taking steps to start its own Snack Pak 4 Kids program. Given the rapid expansion of the program in the Panhandle, Kingman said she sees no reason why food-insecure children in South and Central Texas should not also be receiving the same kind of support. “we could do the same thing here — and all over the hill Country,” she said. Kingman said Grace Fellowship, which already had established other service projects at Lamar, including a fall festival and holiday gift market, has made a long-term commitment to the program. and yet, many children remain unsure of their next meal, she said. “There are many schools that are not being served,” she said. “There is tremendous potential for more children to be helped through nonprofits and churches (that) are looking to serve the underserved.”
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according to media reports, Panchêvre and his partners are putting about $2 million into renovations for the 87-year-old theater, which will feature a performance March 6 by legendary Chicago bluesman Buddy Guy. additional acts are still being finalized for February at the venue, 201 e. Commerce St. at north St. Mary's Street. with 41,000 square feet, including 23,000 in the auditorium, the theater can accommodate up to 2,000 people. Panchêvre and his partners are planning on bringing major acts to the alamo City, he said. "with River walk access on the bottom floor, we want the aztec to become a multipurpose event center usable not only for concerts but also for corporate events," Panchêvre said. "Too many times in the past, San antonio has been bypassed by major promoters in favor of austin or houston and Dallas. The main reason is because we didn't have the venue to accommodate their needs. But we're going to change that so people can come to San antonio and spend time on the River walk. San antonio
needs and deserves such a facility." as part of the San antonio Theater District that included four other landmarks — the alameda, the empire, the Majestic and the Texas theaters; all built from 1914-1949 — the aztec has been remodeled a few times during its several decades. In 1989, after years of slow decline, its doors were closed. The enormous lobby and cavernous auditorium lay dormant for nearly two decades. after major renovations, it reopened briefly in 2007 only to close again soon afterward. In august 2009 it debuted as a concert venue, featuring a two-hour live show that included a mix of traditional country, western swing and gospel music and performances by the San antonio Rose Live band, a nine-piece ensemble of professional musicians hailing from austin, Branson, Mo.; nashville and San antonio. But in February 2012, the aztec went dark again. Panchêvre, business partner Keith howerton and his wife, Becca, who are also partners with him in Sam's Burger Joint, can't wait to get the lights turned back on and return the aztec to its original grandeur. "we've done well making Sam's Burger Joint into a premier music venue and now
we want to do the same thing with the aztec on a bigger scale," Panchêvre said.The renovated aztec has several features that will please patrons, he predicted. "I'm especially excited about a couple of unique features about this building," Panchêvre said. "The lobby — which includes a massive two-ton chandelier — always impresses people. we plan on turning it into a high-end lounge for downtown patrons." The plan is to open the lobby on Saturdays and on First Fridays. In addition, concertgoers will be able to enjoy a drink before and after concerts. "we are also completely redoing the area in front of the stage. we took out all the seats and instead we are constructing several tiered platforms where people will be able to stand and dance during concerts. Those who would rather sit will be able to buy tickets in the seated area on the balcony," he said. Someday, additional stories could be added above existing floors for office space,
perhaps even a boutique hotel with a theme restaurant and luxury penthouses, he said. Panchêvre, who moved to San antonio in 1979, fell in love with the city and "saw a lot of opportunities." "after my father moved our family from France to Canada and then to Florida, I came to San antonio as an air Force recruit working as a veterinary specialist. I was based out of Randolph (air Force Base) for four years," he said. he met his wife, Maricela, during this time; they married in 1984 and their four children range in age from 17 to 23. Panchêvre has been involved in numerous projects since then, most of them involving real-estate development and partnerships; several have been on or near the River walk and a few others including bars and restaurants. In addition to Sam's Burger Joint on Broadway near the Pearl, other ventures include the Ticket Sports Pub on houston Street and the adobe Verde restaurant in Gruene.
a massive two-ton chandelier in the lobby, a distinctive aztec sculpture outside that opens onto the river Walk and a Wurlitzer organ are among the features that will help return the aztec theatre to its former glory, an entrepreneur says. Photos by aiessa ammeter
12 JanUary 2014
Rebirth continues from pg. 03
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The 5,000-square-foot community garden at 405 n. Main ave. is a former empty lot transformed by volunteers into a vibrant green space. It offers a few picnic tables, nine raised beds
fashioned from wood and galvanized-steel roofing, and wooden compost bins. “Downtown is very polarized, right, so you have really rich people walking next to really poor people,” said Steve Flannery, lead volunteer for the garden. “I want the garden to be kind of a neutral zone where a businessman can take a break from his business and sit here and drink some coffee or a homeless person can lie down on a bench and take a nap. Gardens do that, gardens naturally do that.” The idea for the Little Patch Garden started two years ago, Flannery said. Dustin Larimer and nicholas Longo, cofounder of Geekdom, looked out the window of the 11th floor of the weston Centre, saw the empty lot and decided to do something about it. The garden, located near the intersection of Pecan and Flores streets, began to take shape in 2012 during an effort led by ethan Jones, Katie Lee and Larimer. The garden, which is exposed on all sides, is open to the public.
JanUary 2014
'Everyone is welcome to the garden,' volunteer says
Little patch continues from pg. 01
by gianna rendon
or anyone downtown seeking a break from the monotony of
skyscrapers and parking lots, some urban sowers of the soil suggest a quiet visit to The Little patch Garden to soothe the soul.
F
downtown's little Patch garden, a work-in-progress by volunteers, is both a place where produce is grown andvisitors can stop for a relaxing moment. Photos by Joshua michael
Little patch continues on pg. 18
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Rehm wears many hats, stays busy
Triumphs continues from pg. 01
friends say Rehm has always been those things. But in 2006, life dealt him a blow that might have changed everything. Rehm, then-theater director at Jefferson high School, was coaching students for a university Interscholastic League contest when he fell off the school stage into the orchestra pit, severing his spinal cord. That he lived was a small miracle. To many, what happened next was a bigger one. while his friends and family worried how he could live without being able to make art, Rehm got busy figuring out new ways to do it. For the next six months, first at university hospital, then at the Institute for Rehabilitation and Research in houston, he learned to live in a very different body. his brain is intact. he can still hear, speak and control the muscles in his left eye. with the help of his round-the clock helpers, he has made what many consider a truly amazing comeback.
still creative using his breath, Rehm controls his high-tech wheelchair by puffing through a long plastic straw. he has become proficient using the same technique to control his computer cursor. he’s still creating graphics, and writing and designing for Jump-Start Performance
Co., where he’s part of the leadership team. and he’s still refining a new art form he invented those first few months in the hospital — rolling his chair over paint on canvas to create patterns, then finishing the works with a brush he holds in his mouth as he directs his assistants on how to move the canvas with his eyes. he calls his art shows QuadTrax. he also returned to one of his favorite Fiesta events, the Cornyation, designing and directing some of the “royal” courts and skits each year. a scholarship in his name dedicates some of each year’s profits (all the rest of which go to aIDS-related charities) for a theater scholarship for talented high school students. Rehm lives in a small, treasure-packed home in the Lavaca area. one of the first projects he pulled off after the accident was a neighborhood easter parade and block party for his new neighbors there. Rehm’s creations and collections are arranged everywhere — paintings, programs from shows he has helped write or design, Venetian Carnival masks and white wooden birdhouses. Scores of hats adorn the walls. The small bathroom doubles as a gallery lined with framed Fiesta posters. Rehm pointed to a particularly striking one. “That’s the one I did for this past year’s Fiesta poster contest,” he said. “It didn’t win. Maybe I’ll enter it again.”
Headed West Rehm also has pictures of his recent trip to hollywood — an amazing cross-country trek in a special van with four attendants, with a u-haul to carry all the contraptions that keep him going, including his special bed. he raised the funds with a four-month online campaign, giving
artist and director robert rehm, who is paralyzed from the neck down, continues to create artwork by rolling his wheelchair over paint on the canvas, then completing the works with a brush held in his mouth. His assistants move the canvas for him. this work is titled 'Blue Hebrew.' courtesy photo
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away some of his artwork for donations. There was a brief period when he thought he might not make it, after he was diagnosed with colon cancer around Labor Day. “The doctors told me colon cancer is one of the easiest if you get it early,” he said. “and I was determined that the surgery would go fine." "after all this,” he added wryly, rolling his eye back towards his wheelchair, “that was like having a pimple.” More pictures show Rehm as the ghost of hamlet’s father in a recent Classic Theatre production; Rehm and his chair decked out in steampunk mode; Rehm with his most recent Cornyation Court, a Vegas-worthy spectacle with a Mayan theme. “That’s Roy orbison there,” he said. “I wrote new lyrics to 'Cryin’ for it.” “May-ay-ay-ans, we’re over you,” he sang.
remaining artistic how did he develop the kind of dexterity it takes to create art with a puff-powered cursor or a brush between his teeth?
“when I was a kid, I was the master of the etch a Sketch,” he said. “It was great for hand-eye —well, now mouth-ey—coordination.”
Susan Melton, a home health care assistant and nurse, has been with Rehm since the accident. “I can’t even imagine someone going through what Robert has gone through and being so completely positive every day,” she said. “he is still an amazing artist. we just have to take different avenues. you have us nurses who can’t even do touch-up paint, and Robert’s determination to make everything work, and be oK, just is incredible." his enthusiasm for life and adventure has not dimmed, she added. "The trip to hollywood was our second big one; we went to new york City seven years ago," Melton said. "he took everything in, and just radiated happiness. It is so cool to see him light up like that.” Rehm spent his early childhood in Cuero, where he had his first theatrical experience. “It’s kind of ironic – the first high school show I did was 'alice in
wonderland,' with these elaborate painted sets; and the very last show I directed more than 30 years later was 'alice in wonderland' at Jefferson,” he said. Rehm had a graphic-arts business in San antonio before he decided to teach. “In ’96, when Jefferson became a magnet school for the arts, a friend who taught english there convinced me to apply. I found out I had the job the day before classes started. I was thrown to the wolves,” he laughed. But he loved it. So did his students. “So many of them stay in touch. They are terrific.” any big projects in the offing now?“I’ve been thinking about another play," he said. "I’ve done some work on a script, and
Jump-Start would produce it. It’s about a quadriplegic who has psychic powers." Maybe later this year… but first, he has a party to produce.
friends say robert rehm, who was paralyzed after a spinal cord injury, remains an unstoppable creative force and continues to write, travel and paint — such as this work, 'ebenazio.' courtesy photo
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The lot belongs to Geekdom cofounder Graham weston, who owns the weston Centre and Rackspace, an Internet-hosting business headquartered near windcrest with offices around the planet. Flannery, who took over leadership of the garden a year ago, is the owner of Steve’s Computer Repair Shop at 10305 Interstate 35 north. he also is a member of Geekdom, an incubator site for technical innovation. Geekdom is the major sponsor of the garden and helps finance the effort. Green Spaces alliance of South Texas donates materials and the Texas a&M university Forestry Division offers planting advice. other members of the community have contributed to the garden. Flannery said two Tex-Mex restaurants donate vegetable
peels and eggshells to the compost bins. This past spring and summer saw the first vegetables start to flourish, Flannery said. Tomatoes, peppers, basil, rosemary and other herbs grew. The produce is donated to local residents, and disabled veterans in the apartments across from the garden regularly pick the vegetables, he added. The public reception to the garden remains favorable, Flannery said. “The first question I was asked was, ‘aren’t you afraid people are going to take all your food?’” he said. “I was like, 'no, that’s what I want to happen. I want them to come eat.' This isn’t an exclusive garden. everyone is welcome at the garden.“ But the garden is more than just a place to sit or pick vegetables. “you have a lot of homeless down here and a lot of people with mental illnesses down here,” Flannery said. “and I think the benefit of this community garden is
JanUary 2014
Little patch continues from pg. 14
visitors, workers and dwellers downtown who are tired of just seeing of skyscrapers and parking lots are invited to visit the little Patch garden at 405 n. main ave. to recharge and get back in touch with nature. Photos by Joshua michael
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that it’s good therapy for a lot of the folks (who) walk by. It gives them a sense of pride. Because imagine that you walk around downtown and you just see a bunch of empty lots, it gets to your mindset. I think the garden warms people back up, makes them human again.” Flannery said locals “have a sense of reciprocity.” If they take a vegetable, they also volunteer to help. There are three regulars who volunteer on a weekly basis: Tom hoffman, Sergei nilov and Jen Vincent. Together they built the raised beds and the picnic tables.They also perform maintenance. Volunteers meet once a week on Sundays from 9 a.m. to noon. during the winter and 7 to 11 a.m. during the warmer months. hoffman, a software programmer with uSaa and a Geekdom member, has volunteered with the Little Patch Garden for over a year. “I like what it does to downtown, making it look a little prettier, making it a positive space for people to sit and rest and enjoy a clean surrounding," hoffman said. although hoffman lives on the northwest Side, he commutes every Sunday just to volunteer. There are about 10 other volunteers
It's good theraPy for
a lot of the folks
steve flanneRy
who show up about once a month, Flannery said, adding that he wants to create a stronger volunteer base. Future improvements could include solar panels, sensors indicating when to water the plants, redesigned compost bins, signs that tell passers-by about the garden and shade over the tables to block the summer sun. one of the goals in 2014 is to acquire an independent water source, said Flannery, who added that right now the operators of the tattoo shop next door to the garden let the gardeners use their water. “I want to make a following, a culture," Flannery said. "I want people to remember this as a park.” For more information, go to the littlepatchgarden.com. If you are interested in volunteering, fill out the contact form or send a message to the Facebook page.
20 JanUary 2014
BUy localLearn more about newest purveyors of goods and services in your area.
uST TRy IT!” is the motto at a speciality food shop that wants customers to drizzle,
toss and dip gourmet olive oil at their mealtimes and other occasions. while spending hours on the Internet researching an autoimmune disease for a family member, a.J. Draz learned about the health benefits of olive oil. Passion drove Draz to open alamo olive oil Co. The store spent a brief period in the Shops at La Cantera before moving to its new spot in north Star Mall, 7400 San Pedro ave., Suite 944, across from the food court. "I felt compelled to pursue this venture and share the knowledge I gained with others,” Draz said. Studies indicating extra-virgin
balsamic flavors that we offer, we strive for excellent customer service and to exceed expectations,” Draz said. Featured in the middle of the store is a tasting table where customers can sample mixtures of oils and vinegars; it's where the store team’s creativity and knowledge of the products shine, Draz said. “Their enthusiasm shows as soon as you allow them to take (you on) a journey of the senses,” Draz said. The company has opened a second location in alamo heights at 5932 Broadway. hours at the north Star Mall location are 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday and noon to 6 p.m. Sunday.
olive oil benefits the cardiovascular system, enhances the immune system, lowers cholesterol and much more have led to endorsements from the u.S. Food and Drug administration and the american heart association. The shelves at alamo olive oil Co. are stocked with flavored olive and extra-virgin olive oils, ranging from lemon-pepper chipotle and white truffle to blood orange. The store also offers aged balsamic vinegars, organic Italian pasta and gourmet salts, olive-leaf tea, olive-wood products, herb and spice grinders, martini mixes, stuffed olives, cookbooks and anti-aging skin care products utilizing olive oil. “other than our unique gourmet extra-virgin olive oils and aged Italian
Specialty olive-oil store opens at North Star Mall, Alamo Heightsby collette orquiz
AlAmo olive oil Co.North Star Mall
7400 San Pedro Ave., Suite 944For more, call 525-1200 or check
out alamoliveoil.com.
alamo olive oil co. stocks sweet and savory olive oils, vinegars and other products that are perfect for every meal and on special occasions, the owner said. Photos by collette orquiz
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F you aRe LooKInG FoR SoMeThInG unIQue, The Tiny Finch might have
what you seek. The name implies “small,” but the eclectic assortment of goods is anything but. The Tiny Finch is a new shop at the Pearl offering customers a variety of wares, including home accents, décor and jewelry. The shop opened in late September at 302 Pearl Parkway, Suite 116. owner Courtney Beauchamp said she was inspired by a shop in houston and decided to open The Tiny Finch because she couldn't find anything like it in San antonio. The Tiny Finch is a “lifestyle store,” Beauchamp said. “It’s not just clothing,” Beauchamp said. “It’s not just jewelry, but it’s gifts and furniture and clothing and jewelry and books and textiles. It’s a little bit of everything.” The shop's products include
“It’s not just a store," Beauchamp said. "It’s kind of evolving into other things as well." To see some of the inventory, check out the shop's Instagram at http://web.stagram.com/n/thetinyfinch/. hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday.
items from Indonesia and Turkey, as well as some local pieces. Products range in price from $9 to $500, Beauchamp said. “There’s something for everybody. It’s not just for one type of person,” she said. Staff at The Tiny Finch plan to start a once-a-month speaker series in late January covering a variety of topics, including heath and parenting.
The Tiny Finch takes wing with selection of eclectic goodsby gianna rendon
the tiny finCh302 Pearl Parkway, Suite 116
For more, call 601-7755 or visit the shop's Facebook page.
owner courtney Beauchamp says the tiny finch in the Pearl is a 'lifestyle store.' the shop is filled with eclectic goods including perfume, greeting cards, jewelry, dishes and other decorative items. Photos by collette orquiz
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22 JanUary 2014
LMoS PaRK — Surrounded by clouds in the early morning light, chef Diego Galicia had a spurt of
inspiration on a flight bound for Dallas. “I was looking at the clouds, and then out of nowhere it hit me,” Galicia said. “I started thinking …'what if I have a menu that travels like clouds, and every so often the menu changes to a (different) place in Mexico?'” hailing from Toluca, Mexico, Galicia is a seasoned chef who has worked with Taco Cabana, served underground dinners and cooked meals as a part of a pop-up group. Galicia opened Mixtli, pronounced "meesh-tlee" and meaning cloud in nahuatl (an aztec language), in early october with fellow chef Rico Torres. Together they have created a communal dining experience with
right down to the chocolate for mole sauces and dessert. Galicia is so committed to using locally sourced products that he created a foundation to help farmers. Dinner is promptly served at 7 p.m., wednesday through Saturday, and guests dine on about 10 courses, each paired with a cocktail, Texas craft beer or wine. There are only 12 seats at the restaurant, so reserving one is much like purchasing a ticket for the opera or film, and must be bought online. Customers choose the date, how many will be dining, describe any vegan or vegetarian preferences and fill out a form declaring any allergies. The restaurant also offers free meals to wounded warriors and their families once a month.
a menu that travels across Mexico and changes every 45 days. Mixtli is located in a repurposed train car at The yard, 5251 McCullough ave. “My fondest memories of eating in Mexico (are) Sundays at my grandma’s house. everybody’s there: your uncle, your mom, your dad. So what better way to enjoy Mexican food than with a community table?” Galicia said. every course at Mixtli is prepared with local ingredients, and prepped in-house,
eat localLearn about the newest neighborhood places for breakfast, lunch, dinner or drinks.
Take a walk in the clouds with Mixtliby collette orquiz
mixtli changes its menu every 45 days, and features dishes such as the Piñata, a dessert with a chocolate dome filled with marzipan and crackling candy that diners crack open. liquid nitrogen is first poured over the shell to harden it. Photos by collette orquiz
o
miXtli5251 McCullough Ave.
For more information, visit restaurantmixtli.com or call 832-520-8928.
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BuILDInG on The ST. MaRy'S STRIP that housed several restaurants over
the years is leaping into a new life as Los Frogs Mexican Bar-n-Grill. The 2,300-square-foot building at 2106 n. St. Mary's St. includes a bar, a dance floor and a patio. Frank and alicia Ramos opened Los Frogs in mid-august. Serving Mexican street food such as flautas, menudo, barbacoa, posole and soups, the couple said they make everything fresh for an authentic, full-flavored meal. "I grew up in Mexico City, right in the heart of the city, in the 'Insurgentes' area, and there were always street vendors selling homemade food all up and down the street," said alicia Ramos. "Some of them smelled really good. It's part of my culture and of my heritage." her husband, whose family has roots in Puerto Rico, is from The Bronx, new york City. "what we give our patrons is top-
with refried beans and green sauce, and then you can put whatever you want on it, either chicken or with alambre (steak meat with bell peppers) and then you add Monterrey cheese or queso fresco." The food "is totally not Tex-Mex" and the salsas are homemade, he said. "we have different ones, from the wimpy Frog to the Macho Frog. that one is made with a habañero-pepper base," Ramos said. The restaurant is named in honor of frogs because the amphibians are "the only animal that never retreats," he added. hours are 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday, 7 a.m. to midnight Saturday and closed Sunday.
quality, fresh, authentic Mexican street food with oversized portions for the money," said Frank Ramos, a former food and beverage director and a general manager for several hotels and restaurants, including Ruth's Chris Steakhouse. "our signature dish and what we are most famous for is our huaraches (a Mexican flatbread)," Ramos said. "ours are 14 inches in diameter. It is topped
Los Frogs leaping into culinary sceneby olivier j. bourgoin
los frogs serves up large portions of mexican street food such as empanadas (top, far left) and the huaraches, or mexican flatbread (bottom, far left), with a variety of salsas all made fresh daily (left). Photos by collette orquiz
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24 JanUary 2014
CURB APPEAL IN 78209Whether buying or selling, the newest sign of success is RE/MAX New Heights of Alamo Heights.
With over 41 years of combined real estate experience, Rick A. Gauna, Broker/Principal and his team of real
estate professionals will take care of all your neighborhood needs.
RE/MAXNew Heights5936 Broadway, Alamo Heights 78209 (cute yellow cottage across from Bike World)
For information on new listings, property management or to schedule and appointment 210 824 1476
ProPerty listingsrecent
ziP code gUide
The properties are new listings put on the market from nov. 28-Dec. 26. 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 ommissions.
real estate local trends
soUrce: san antonio Board of realtors: texas market trends report
live localFrom real estate trends and neighborhood listings to home improvement, we’ve got you covered.
78204, 78209, 78210, 78212
ziP code 78204 78209 78210 78212
median sold Price nov-12 $235,000 $270,500 $42,300 $150,000
nov-13 $39,500 $352,000 $74,500 $216,285
neW listings nov-12 8 44 18 19
nov-13 8 59 20 25
average days on marKet nov-12 164 99 75 160
nov-13 116 141 135 75
closed sales nov-12 5 45 13 14
nov-13 2 45 15 16
Under contract nov-12 4 40 13 11
nov-13 1 46 17 17
montHs sUPPly of inventory nov-12 6 7.1 7.8 7.9
nov-13 9.5 5.4 4.5 5.2
Housing recovery hits 7-year high in SAMedian prices up, sales flat in 78209, 78210 and 78212 ZIps
by travis e. poling
he market for houses in San antonio continues to get tighter as inventory of houses
available for sale shrank to 4.2 months supply, the lowest it has been since December 2006.
t a housing boom in 2005 and 2006 saw builders trying to keep up with demand in the San antonio area, but fallout from a 2008 meltdown of the economy pushed down the number of houses for sale, slowed building and depressed property values. The San antonio Board of Realtors reported that in the first 11 months of 2013, there have been 21,607 home sales in the area, a 17 percent increase over the same period in 2012 and the highest since 2007. a SaBoR analysis of data from the Multiple Listing Service found the average year-to-date price for single-family housing in the area was up 7 percent to $207,650 and the median was up 6 percent to $170,200 for 2013 through november. For the month of november 2013 compared to the same month in 2012, the average price rose 10 percent to $214,677 and the median price was up 6 percent to $172,100. Total sales for the month rose slightly to 1,634, according to SaBoR. The organization points to studies showing San antonio as one of the
tops in job creation and retention as one of the reasons for the continued housing market recovery. Median prices were up in the residential areas encompassed by the 78209, 78210 and 782412 ZIP codes, according to data gathered from the Texas Market Trends Report. The exception was in the nearby 78204, where the median price dipped to $39,500 in november compared to $235,000 for the same month in 2012. That’s because there were only two closed sales for the month and the lower-priced home property was reflected as the median. In 78209, the median sales price in november was up 30.1 percent to $352,000 and inventory supply shrank to 5.4 months from 7.1 months the previous november. Closed sales were flat at 45. The median price in 78210 rose by 76.1 percent to $74,500 for november, and closed sales were up by two to 17 houses boasting “sold” signs. In 78212, the median price climbed 44.2 percent to $216,285 and supply tightened to 5.2 months from 7.9 months in november of 2012. another citywide trend is an increase in houses sold for $500,000 or more. Those accounted for nearly 4.5 percent of sales in november and 12 houses sold for over $1 million, double the number of sales in that category the same month of 2012.
street address list Price sQ. ft. BUilt Br fB ziP
7 garden sQUare $399,000 2,757 1979 3 2 78209
345 BlUe Bonnet $925,000 3,544 2004 4 3 78209
114 morton st $535,000 1,978 1938 3 2 78209
208 morton st $1,465,000 3,540 1922 3 2 78209
228 cloverleaf ave $575,000 2,170 1924 3 2 78209
319 alta ave $779,000 2,946 2014 4 3 78209
419 cleveland ct $1,325,000 3,987 1994 4 3 78209
431 lynWood ave $185,000 1,930 1968 3 2 78212
25salocalloWdoWn.com
1024 rUssell Pl $100,000 2,107 1929 3 2 78212
818 HollyWood ave $102,000 1,260 1925 3 1 78212
717 Kings HWy $175,000 1,336 1937 3 2 78212
114 WyanoKe dr $579,777 3,662 1950 3 3 78209
330 cooPer st $47,000 1,086 1940 3 1 78210
1128 esseX $92,900 1,224 1940 3 2 78210
1727 HicKs avenUe $62,500 1,272 1935 2 1 78210
1743 scHley ave $89,000 1,428 1930 5 2 78210
1047 greer st $89,500 1,362 1945 3 1 78210
117 reX st $126,900 1,534 1977 3 2 78212
203 madison $450,000 2,392 1895 2 2 78204
203 camargo st $539,000 1,353 1910 2 2 78210
419 natalen $89,900 1,520 UnK 3 2 78209
317 ira ave $153,900 1,055 1940 2 1 78209
503, 507, 511 & 515 elmHUrst $394,900 1,569 UnK 3 2 78209
405 frencH $550,000 4,648 1928 6 4 78212
110 laBUrnUm $575,000 4,263 1964 5 4 78209
501 Hillside dr $599,000 3,829 1956 4 3 78212
100 Paseo encinal $1,495,000 4,410 1950 4 4 78212
244 stanford dr $895,000 3,680 1926 4 4 78212
1758 amanda st $55,000 1,120 2004 3 1 78210
211 arrid rd $59,900 780 1985 2 1 78210
215 arrid rd $69,900 900 1986 3 1 78210
219 arrid rd $69,900 900 1987 3 1 78210
327 eads ave $63,000 1,278 1920 3 2 78210
222 ParKer ave $39,900 832 1946 2 1 78210
2908 sPring Bend st $218,000 1,419 1982 2 2 78209
1117 WiltsHire ave $445,000 1,970 1951 3 2 78209
725 morningside dr $469,500 2,548 1951 3 2 78209
244 seford dr $149,000 2,074 1950 3 2 78209
1029 garraty rd $225,000 1,833 1950 3 2 78209
921 ogden st $219,900 1,325 2014 2 2 78212
913 ogden st $219,900 1,325 2014 2 2 78212
119 deWey Pl $219,900 1,325 2014 2 2 78212
123 deWey Pl $219,900 1,325 2014 2 2 78212
923 ogden st $221,900 1,325 2014 2 2 78212
911 ogden st $221,900 1,325 2014 2 2 78212
915 ogden st $221,900 1,325 2014 2 2 78212
127 deWey Pl $221,900 1,325 2014 2 2 78212
FREE No-Obligation On-site Quote
We Rec
ycle
www.RubbishWorks.comOr call (210) 301-0127 today!Please note - we do not accept any liquids. *Limit one per customer. Not valid with other offers.
Have rubbish?We’ll remove or recycle it! And do the loading & clean-up too!
Almost anything you need recycled or removed:
Rubbish Removal & Recycling Services n Up to 100% of Loads Recycled n Up-Front Rates
• Old furniture, appliances, garage items and renovation debris
• Single items to multiple loads
• Clean trucks & uniformed crews
SAVE $25 Redeem discount on-site*
DoorHanger Ad TX 3.75x5.indd 1 1/14/11 9:05:44 AM
• Courtesy patrol provided for building• Fire detector system and emergency alert system in
each apartment• On-site service coordinator to assist with supportive
services to enhance standard of living• Chapel, game room, TV room, library, thrift shop,
ballroom, laundry room & garden patio• Lunch program available Monday – Friday• Socials – Birthday parties, bingo, bake & rummage
sales, blood pressure & blood sugar checks and more• Government rental assistance available
Granada Homes
Efficiencies & One Bedrooms starting at $335 a month
Granada HomesRetirement Community on the Beautiful San Antonio Riverwalk
with ALL BILLS PAID
311 soutH st. mary ’s st.san antonio , tX 78205
210-225-2645www.granadahomes.net
A Realtor WhoCares About HistoricProperties & TheirCommunities Rosemary Roessling Sales & Investment Properties
210.366.6621 [email protected]
Home Team of America John Matte Broker
26 JanUary 2014fi
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210-826-2677 8210 Broadway St
San Antonio, TX 78209
www.bossautomotivesatx.com
20% OffAll Repairs
Over $250.00With this coupon. Not valid
with any other offers.
YourNeighborhoodAuto Repair& fleetService ShopFamily Owned & Operated
Specializing in Foreign & Domestic Auto Repairs,Diesel Repairs & Fleet ServiceWe Rebuild Transmissions
· FREE Check Engine Light Scan
· FREE Towing With All Major Repairs
· FREE Tire Rotation With Purchase Of Oil Change
· FREE Road Trip Inspection
No Interest FinancingAvailable GE Car Care One
BrakeSpecial$69.99MostVehicles
Meemo’s Bakery will make any occasion extra special. Whether you are having an intimate gathering or a grand affair, Meemo’s will help you create a custom design to delight all of your guests. Meemo’s uses only the best and freshest ingredients in everything she bakes so every bite is delicious.
Call For Your ComplimentaryCake Tasting And Consultation.
210-390-1592w w w . m e e m o s b a k e r y. c o m210 W Sunset Rd | San Antonio, TX 78209
GIFT CARD
www.kmturkishgrill.com8507 McCullough Ave. #B13
San Antonio, TX 78216210.399.1645
LunCh SpeCiAL$8.95
Choice of Soup or SaladMonday thru Friday 11am-3pm
Dinner SpeCiAL2 Dinner EntreesChoice of Soup,
Appetizer or Dessert5pm-9pm
Like Us On
NEW LOCATION: 8085 Callaghan In the Grand View Shopping Centerm-th: 11am - 9:30pm*Restaurant closes M-F from 3pm - 4:30pm
Fri-Sat: 11am - 10pm Sun: Closed
5305 McCullough Ave @ The Yardm-th: 11am - 9:30pmFri-Sat: 11am - 10pm Sun: 12pm-9pm
2 GrEAT LOCATIONS TO SErVE YOu:
GOURmEt tHAI CUISInE
$10 OFF GIFT
CErTIFICATE
dINNEr
Toward the Minimum Purchase of $30.00
May only be used during dinner hours toward entrees. May not be used with any other offers.
mUSt present this offer, Expires Febraury 1st. 2014210.524.8894210.263.1203
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Let Pit Crew get your outdoor kitchen ready for
entertaining!
*FREE*PIT CREW BONUSEXTERIOR POLISH
With Select Packages
You Cook... We Clean
210-781-0283WWW.PITCREWGCS.COm
G R E E K
THIN
7115 Blanco Rd.342-2772
2501 N. St. Mary’s 732-7777
1205 N.W. Loop 1604 @The Vineyard
Shopping Center 798-3840
Dine at any of our 3 locations today
to see why Demo's Greek Food is San Antonio's Original Greek restaurant!
®
www.demosgreekfood.com
Celebrating 35 years 1979-2014! We DeLIVeR In
youR aRea!!!
MetRopoLItan pRofessIonaL BuILDIng1303 McCullough, suite 128san antonio, tX 78212
210
100 ct. bottle of healthmart pain relief with any new prescription.limit one per customer
Two old GoaTs... the natural Choice for arthritis & fibromyalgia pain..Come in for your free sample
227-7207
p H a R M a C y
ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE
(210) 338-8842 or email [email protected]
• benefits• commissions
• salary
Now HiriNgmANAgEmENT OppOrTUNITIEs
*****E
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Perm
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an Antonio TX
4204 GA
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