local: hollywood park, hill country village, 78247, 78232, 78216 january 2016

BUY LOCAL PLAY IT

AGAIN SPORTSPG.18

Hollywood Park launching education effort; failure to implement a ban on red oaks leaves community divided

OAK WILT CONTROLPG.10

WWW.SALOCALLOWDOWN.COM

COMMUNITY NEWS

HILL COUNTRY VILLAGE HOLLYWOOD PARK NORTH CENTRAL 78216 78232 78247 DEC. 28, 2015 - JAN 25, 2016VOL. 4, ISSUE 2

LOCAL EDITORIALPG. 05LOCAL COMMENTARY SUSAN YERKESPG. 04

The time for tolerance among different faiths and communities is now

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

Police substations become protected areas for e-commerce sales

SAFEKEEPINGE-TRADERSPG.12

WALLOF HEROES

First NEISD honoree is military vet who helped take out Osama bin Laden

PG.13

PG.15 Alamo Area Council of Governments recently debuted new campus to train police

GETTING TACTICAL

THE BREAD BOXEAT LOCAL

Bakery offers more than a dozen kinds of bread, ranging from sourdough to jalapeño

PG.19

2 DEC. 28, 2015 - JAN. 25, 2016

President Harold J. LeesPublisherGregg Rosenfield

Assoc. PublisherRick Upton

EDITORIALExecutive EditorThomas EdwardsNews StaffCollette Orquiz, Bain Serna and Will WrightContributing WritersOlivier J. Bourgoin, Ron Aaron Eisenberg, Joyce Hotchkiss, Neven Jones, Eric Moreno, Edmond Ortiz and Susan Yerkes

ARTCreative DirectorFlorence D. EdwardsContributing PhotographerRudy B. OrnelasContributing IllustratorJeremiah Teutsch

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

Advertising [email protected] [email protected]

Reproduction in whole or in part without our permission is prohibited, 2015 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 1: 78204, 78205, 78209, 78210, 78212, 78215Zone 2: 78213, 78230, 78231, 78248, 78249Zone 4/5: 78109, 78148, 78233, 78239 78108, 78132, 78154, 78266Zone 6: 78258, 78259, 78260, 78261Zone 7: 78015, 78023, 78255, 78256, 78257

FROM THE [email protected]

Phone(210) 338.8842

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

ON THE COVER: An initiative spearheaded by District 10 Councilman Mike Gallagher has created Safe Exchange Zones at police substations,allowing those meeting face-to-face to conclude an online transaction in a protected area. See story on page 12. Photo by Rudy B. Ornelas

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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]

5SALOCALLOWDOWN.COM

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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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DON’T BE TARDYBells are ringing in the North East Independent

School District as students return to classes after the holiday break.

BOOT CAMP This boot camp and circuit-training session is aimed at

increasing strength, stamina and speed; flexibility will be addressed, too. And it’s all free. It runs from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. near the outdoor classroom at the eastern entrance to Phil Hardberger Park, 13203 Blanco Road.

DRIVER EDUCATION The North East Independent School District starts its

spring-semester series of driving classes for teens 15 and older. The options are Complete Classroom/

In-Car Training, Classroom Instruction Only and In-Car Only, with prices ranging from $140 to $370. Classroom sessions are available at NEISD high schools, and the instructors are professionals. For a look at the programs, prices and places, and to learn how to register, go to www.neisd.net/drive/index.html.

NEISD TRUSTEES North East Independent School District trustees are

scheduled to meet at 5:30 p.m. in the NEISD board room, 8961 Tesoro Drive.

BOURBON AND BBQ Two Bros. BBQ Market is offering an early taste of this

year’s San Antonio Cocktail Conference, which officially kicks off downtown on Jan. 14. From 7 to 9:30 p.m., the Dady brothers will present assorted barbecue

and their signature sides, paired with bourbon cocktails, for $65. Buy tickets at www.sanantoniococktailconference.com; click on Schedule to find the event and a ticket link. Two Bros. is at 12656 West Ave. Profits from all Cocktail Conference events go to children’s charities.

SCHOOL’S OUT Campuses in the North East Independent School District will be closed in

observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

LIBRARIES CLOSED All San Antonio Public Library sites will be closed

for Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

RESTAURANT WEEK A wide variety of San Antonio restaurants will be offering

fixed-price three-course meals, with some of the proceeds going to the food and hospitality programs of Culinaria San Antonio. Tier 1 meals will be $15 at lunch and $35 at dinner; Tier 2 prices are $10 and $25. Participating restaurants include Bavarian Brauhaus, 300 W. Bitters Road, in Tier 2 and, in Tier 1, Kirby’s Steakhouse, 123 N. Loop 1604 East; Tre Enoteca, 555 W. Bitters Road; and Werner’s Prime Steak & Seafood, 16111 U.S. 281 North, Suite 119.

Reservations are recommended and should be made with the individual restaurant.

HOLLYWOOD PARK The regular City Council meeting is scheduled for

7:45 p.m. at City Hall, 2 Mecca Drive.

RETIRED TEACHERS MEETINGNorth San Antonio Retired Teachers Association holds its

monthly meeting at San Pedro Presbyterian Church, 14900 U.S. 281 North. A 9:45 a.m. “meet and greet” will precede the program, which begins at 10:15 a.m. The group meets the third Wednesday of each month during the school year. Members are encouraged to bring friends.

SONS OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION The San Antonio Chapter of the national

organization holds its monthly luncheon at 11:30 a.m. at the Petroleum Club, 8620 N. New Braunfels Ave. Lunch costs $25. RSVPs are required. Call Bob Clark at 402-0871, or email to [email protected] by the Monday before the meeting. The chapter meets on the third Wednesday of each month, except July and August.

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HAPPENING continues on pg. 07

7SALOCALLOWDOWN.COM

Kitchens, Bathrooms, Safe Walk in Showers

Granite, Custom Cabinets

Flooring, Painting And Room Additions

Any Full Kitchen Or Bathroom Remodel

CHRONIC PAIN SUPPORT GROUP Meetings are from 4 to 6 p.m. the third Wednesday

of each month at Baptist HealthLink, 288 W. Bitters Road. One main topic per hour is covered in group discussions, which may be large or small. A syllabus and more information are available at http://chronicpainsupportsa.wix.com/cpsgsa.

HILL COUNTRY VILLAGE The regular City Council meeting is scheduled for 7

p.m. at City Hall, 116 Aspen Lane.

EVENING AGLOW MEETINGSan Antonio Evening Aglow International, a Christian

“transformational kingdom” group, meets the third Thursday of each month for fellowship, song and an inspirational message. The gathering starts at 7 p.m. at Anne Marie’s Catering, 12475 Starcrest Drive (at Bitters Road). Everyone is welcome. For more, visit www.aglow.com.

ZUMBA This free San Antonio Parks & Recreation Department dance class

is guaranteed to burn calories. Part

of the Fitness in the Park program, it’s 9-10 a.m. at the Turkey Roost Pavilion at McAllister Park, 13102 Jones Maltsberger Road.

HOLLYWOOD PARK PLAY GROUP Tuesdays at 9:30 a.m., Hollywood Park

moms and their small children can get together for playtime and snacks; meet at the swimming pool. For more information, call Janet Ruiz, 313-6098.

FELINE FRIDAYS The Animal Defense League is spaying or neutering 30

owned cats and 30 feral cats every Friday. Animals can be brought in from 7 to 9 a.m., and it’s first come, first served until the 60 slots are filled. Fees range from $35 to $70, and owned cats must have proof of rabies vaccination. The cats will be ready for pickup 4 to 5 p.m. the same day. The surgeries are performed at ADL’s hospital, 11215 Iota Drive. For more, go to adltexas.org and click on Spay/Neuter Services under Programs & Services.

SUBMITTING EVENTS: Email all the details along with your contact information two months in advance to [email protected].

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HAPPENING continues from pg. 06

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8 DEC. 28, 2015 - JAN. 25, 2016

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. THE BREAD BOX, 555 W. Bitters Road, Suite 115, offers bread baked daily from scratch using fresh, locally sourced ingredients. The bakers said bread should reflect a belief of keeping life simple, local and fresh. Hours are 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Saturday. For more, call 383-6353 or visit thebreadboxsa.com/ or facebook.com/thebreadboxsa. (See story on page 19)

2. PLAY IT AGAIN SPORTS, 15038 U.S. 281 North, opened last spring and buys sports equipment from people who no longer use the items or simply don’t need them anymore. The equipment is resold to others interested in the sport. Hours are 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday. For more, call 455-3951 or visit www.playitagainsportssanantonio.com. (See story on page 18)

3. JAS SPA, 14415 Blanco Road, Suite 101,

offers back walking, full-body massages, foot massages and shower-table massages featuring a milk shower, red-wine shower, sea-salt shower or a vinegar shower. Hot stone and paraffin waxing are also available, and the spa has double-size rooms to accommodate friends and family. In addition to appointments, walk-ins are welcome, said owner Li Jiang. Hours are 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily. For more, call 606-5196 or visit myjasspa.com.

4. MY FAMILY DENTIST, 2846 Thousand Oaks Drive, delivers “affordable and high-quality dental and health care with unprecedented hospitality to all of its patients at every visit,” according to a release. “We believe it is our duty to serve our patients in a way that ensures they enjoy every visit with us.” Hours are 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday. For more, call 545-1111 or visit myfdsa.com.

IN OTHER NEWSSPEED LIMITS ON NEW SEGMENTS OF Wurzbach Parkway, between Wetmore and Blanco roads, have increased from 45 mph to 60 mph. Texas Department of Transportation officials said new signs indicating the change have been installed, with the first signs posted between Wetmore and Jones-Maltsberger Road. The Texas Transportation Commission approved the changes after TxDOT completed a speed study of the corridor, which had 45 mph limits in several areas until construction finished earlier this year. The new 60 mph limit also covers Blanco to Northwest Military Highway, and speeds are 50 mph from Northwest Military to Lockhill-Selma Road. Speeds on the remainder of Wurzbach Parkway remain unchanged, with much of the road posted at 40 mph.

CHURCHILL HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT Nicole Aragon was chosen as the 2015 Time Warner Cable New Scholar Athlete. The award is designed to honor and celebrate the best “Scholar Athletes” in San Antonio.

A PANTRY LAUNCHED BY CHURCHILL HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS ensures pupils who do not have regular meals at home don’t go hungry. Churchill is asking community members to donate nonperishable dry goods. Food distribution starts Jan. 4. Goods will be

given to students in need three days a week.

THE BRADLEY MIDDLE SCHOOL EIGHTH GRADE varsity choir performed three songs that aired Christmas morning on KABB Fox 29. Amy Ballenger, who oversees the girls choir, is one of the directors.

NORTH EAST INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT ASSOCIATE SUPERINTENDENT Pauline Dow has been appointed to serve on the Texas Commission on Next Generation Assessments and Accountability by Speaker of the House Joe Straus, R-San Antonio. Dow is the only representative on the commission from a San Antonio public school district, and she has served in public schools for more than 28 years in various capacities.

THE AMERICAN LUNG ASSOCIATION’S ASTHMA-FRIENDLY SCHOOLS INITIATIVE recognized eight North East Independent School District campuses for asthma-management efforts: White Middle School; and Jackson-Keller, Montgomery, Oak Grove, Ridgeview, Serna, Windcrest and Woodstone elementaries. The association credited the schools for creating healthy environments for students, faculty and staff. The Asthma-Friendly Schools Initiative’s Champion

LOWDOWN continues on pg. 09

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Awards recognize facilities bettering pupils’ health by developing comprehensive plans to improve asthma management.

A SECOND YEARLY SPANISH SPELLING BEE HELD Dec. 1 by the North East Independent School District saw middle-school students Jybr Reynoso of Bradley, Amy Torres of Bradley and Danna Ramos of Eisenhower crowned first-, second- and third-place winners, respectively, from 11 pupils, including some hailing from Garner and Nimitz. In addition, 16 students from Castle Hills, Coker, Terrell Hills, Regency Place, Roan Forest, Steubing Ranch and Walzem elementary schools also competed.

HOLLYWOOD PARK OFFICIALS ARE REMINDING pet owners that animal license tags should be renewed yearly, per city ordinance. Residents can visit the City Hall administration office at 2 Mecca Drive from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday to get a pet license tag.

THE BOARDWALK ON BULVERDE, a food truck park that opened in 2011, is closing after holding one final Food Truck Throwdown on Jan. 8 and 9. Officials with Cruising Kitchens, the company that created The Boardwalk, said they need the space to build a production and manufacturing facility to continue creating food trucks for local and international companies.

DISTRICT 9 COUNCILMAN JOE KRIER IS THROWING HIS SUPPORT BEHIND ECONOMIC INITIATIVES for both San Antonio International Airport and San Antonio Water System. During recent City Council sessions, he voted in favor of a new package of incentives he said will strengthen the city’s pursuit of more nonstop air service at the airport. Krier also voted to approve changes to SAWS’ rate structure, which he said will help secure the area’s water future. The measure paves the way for a 7.5 percent increase in SAWS bills next year and a 7.9 percent increase in 2017. “A portion of the new revenue will help pay for two projects that will be important to our water security in the years to come — the desalination plant in south Bexar County and the Vista Ridge pipeline,” Krier said in a newsletter. “San Antonio’s population is expected to more than double by 2040, and we’ll need these new water supplies.” The council also voted to waive impact fees for construction that will deliver SAWS water to San Antonio’s military installations, the councilman added.

A TOY DRIVE DURING THE DISTRICT 10 COMMUNITY MEETING & HOLIDAY GATHERING Dec. 7 benefited A World for Children, said Councilman Mike Gallagher. The session at Northern Hills Golf Club included a review of the past year in District 10, he added.

LOWDOWN continues from pg. 08

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OAK WILT continues from pg. 01

“It is very important to educate our residents,” said Councilwoman Sudie Sartor. “Our trees are a big part of the beauty of Hollywood Park and our property values. I can’t imagine what the Park would look like without our oak trees.”

According to arborists, red oaks are a conduit for oak wilt, a deadly disease that affects oak trees. Oak wilt is spread by nitidulid beetles, which are attracted to fungal mats found on red oaks. The beetles also like fresh tree wounds and feed on the sap, which can spread the fungus

through the roots and infect other oaks.An amendment to the tree ordinance

that would have banned planting red oaks on private and commercial property failed 3-2 during a City Council vote Sept. 22, with Sartor and Steve Phillips for the measure

and Chris Murphy, David Neugebauer and Cullen Schwarz the dissenters.

“Passing this ordinance doesn’t address the root cause of the problem, it simply touches on a symptom,” Schwarz said. “There was no evidence presented that residents are even planting red oaks. It would be odd to pass an ordinance for something that cannot be proven.”

Sartor doesn’t share that view.“Without the ordinance, any resident

can plant a red oak and the city can’t do anything about it,” the councilwoman said. “If my neighbor decided to plant a red oak, I as a resident can’t do anything about it.”

In lieu of the ordinance, Schwarz has created an educational brochure explaining the threat of oak wilt and red oaks, provided alternative species to plant and offered other resources.

“With valuable insight, feedback and guidance from the (city) Tree Committee, the flier will be ready for distribution shortly,” Schwarz said.

The brochure is just one of many ways the city has tried to educate residents about the threat of oak wilt. In the past, it has had information posted on the marquee at City Hall, published articles in the neighborhood newsletter, The Spark, and held talks with Mark Duff, the head of the city’s Tree Committee, who

also is a certified arborist and oak-wilt specialist as well as a staff forester for Texas A&M University’s Forest Service.

The problem of oak wilt is not uncommon in Bexar County.

Shavano Park approved an ordinance prohibiting the planting of red oaks last May after an outbreak. Workers cut a trench 1,800 feet around three homes to prevent the spread through the roots. The disease has no cure.

Hollywood Park resident Debbie Trueman, who worries about the city dictating property rights, said at a city meeting she doesn’t want to criminalize the act of planting a tree.

“My big concern is that, once you make it illegal to plant a certain tree, once you open that door, where does it stop?” Trueman said. “So, while I have no intention of planting a red oak, I sit up and take notice when someone wants to criminalize that act.”

Trueman and about 90 other residents attended a recent talk held by Duff; she said most would not plant red oaks because they are educated about the disease — not because of an ordinance.

Tree Committee member Cindy Lane wants to ban the red oaks, adding she

Fungal disease is spread by beetlesby COLLETTE ORQUIZ

HOLLYWOOD PARK — Now that passage of an ordinance prohibiting the

planting of red oaks to curtail oak-wilt disease has failed, the city is turning instead to educating residents about the hard-to-kill plant infection.

OAK WILT continues on pg. 11

Hollywood Park is looking at an educational campaign to tell residents about the dangers of oak wilt, a deadly fungal disease carried by beetles and spread from tree to tree through root systems. Photo courtesy of texasoakwilt.org

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has seen firsthand the devastation oak wilt has caused in the Hill Country.

At the meeting with Duff, residents heard, “’(Red oaks) are the Typhoid Mary of trees, we don’t want red oaks in Hollywood Park,’ (and) still it was voted down,” Lane said.

The Tree Committee, created in 2013 to meet the requirements for Hollywood Park to be a Tree City USA, includes a forester, a master gardener, a sustainable landscape ecologist, an environmental and sustainability director and a Master Naturalist. Under the requirements for a Tree City USA, the group meets regularly, cares for the trees, enforces ordinances and celebrates Arbor Day.

Lane said the committee supports the ban on red oaks and questions the council’s decision not to follow through on the recommendation.

“It’s not about property rights, it’s about protecting our community,” Lane said. “We’re just trying to do what’s right for the trees.”

Schwarz said he agrees with the Tree Committee — red oaks are an issue, but there’s more than one way to handle the situation, hence the educational effort.

“I think it got testy when residents

perceived that a more restrictive ordinance was going to infringe on their private-property rights. I am not sure that all residents understand the red-oak connection,” Duff said.

The forester added he’s held numerous meetings, but said that 99 percent of them are about identifying oak wilt and trying to manage it, not about creating and enforcing an ordinance.

Oak wilt in Hollywood Park is still spreading, according to officials. There are 82 other nearby areas with outbreaks, including Shavano Park, Whispering Oaks, Castle Hills, Fair Oaks Ranch, Helotes, Boerne and farther north in the Hill Country.

“Oak wilt does not respect property rights,” Duff said at the council meeting Sept. 22.

While Lane thinks the council will vote on the issue again, she agrees more education is needed. Trueman agrees, but has another suggestion.

“There are still residents out there who don’t even know that we have oak wilt, let alone that you have to paint wounds and that red oaks are taboo. So instead of an ordinance banning the red oak, maybe we should have an ordinance requiring every resident to attend the Tree Committee’s presentation on oak wilt,” Trueman said.

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EXCHANGE continues from pg. 01

Gallagher: Program adds another layer of safetyby EDMOND ORTIZ

The San Antonio Police Department is helping put at ease individuals

looking to complete an online transaction safely and in person on the North Side.

The City Council recently approved creating Safe Exchange Zones at San Antonio’s six police substations, including the North Substation at 13030 Jones Maltsberger Road — which serves Stone Oak, Sonterra and Encino Park.

Those finishing e-commerce transactions face to face can meet in specially marked parking areas monitored by surveillance cameras, or go indoors to the lobby where police are on duty.

No appointment is necessary.

District 10 Councilman Mike Gallagher, supported by SAPD, led the campaign to reduce any likelihood of criminal activity occurring as a result of an online marketplace exchange through deals originating on sites such as Craigslist.

“We just felt there needed to be a solution,” he said. The council OK’d the program Oct. 22.

Police said historically the parties rarely know each other in these procedures, creating a potential for robbery or other crimes.

“We suggest residents consider this a safer option when arranging a location to conduct a legal, private transaction, whether

arranged online or by other means,” said police Sgt. Javier Salazar in a city video posted not long after the council’s vote.

The number of cities implementing similar secure zones is rising, with Arlington the latest in Texas.

According to a television news report there, Arlington officials recognized as additional people shop

online, more individuals with criminal intent might capitalize on a sense of vulnerability and complacency.

Gallagher spoke with Police Chief William McManus and realized it was a problem gaining visibility nationwide.

With Internet commerce’s popularity on

SAFETY TIPS FOR IN-PERSON E-COMMERCE EXCHANGES:n Meet in a public place

n Never go alone

n Trust your instincts

n Be cautious

n Meet during daylight

n Tell someone where you’re going

n Take your cellphone

Source: San Antonio Police Department

EXCHANGE continues on pg. 13

San Antonio Police Chief William McManus and District 10 Councilman Mike Gallagher meet outside the North Substation on the edge of McAllister Park, where the pair helped establish a Safe Exchange Zone for those finishing e-commerce transactions in person. There is a zone at each of the city's six substations. Photo by Rudy B. Ornelas


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HEROES continues from pg. 01

EXCHANGE continues from pg. 12

the rise, San Antonio leaders wanted to have protected places to finish those deals, officials said. Craigslist reported more than 60 million accounts as of late November.

According to a city press release, there have been several instances of online transactions turning violent around the country.

“We’re constantly looking for ways to encourage our community to feel safe, welcome and secure,” Salazar said in the video. “Safe Exchange Zones do just that.”

Rebecca Kaufmann Podowski, a spokeswoman with Gallagher’s office, said SAPD doesn’t have comprehensive figures on any specific incidents reported in the city.

Regardless, SAPD and the city’s Public Safety Committee felt compelled to be proactive, Gallagher said.

The councilman has received positive feedback at community meetings for implementing the secure areas, he added.

“I have heard from some people — they just wanted to feel safe in completing a transaction, and not feel uncomfortable in another person’s place,” Gallagher said. “That reinforced for us that we’re on the right path.”

Because Safe Exchange Zones use existing camera-monitored police parking lots and don’t require hiring more personnel, the new program comes at no cost to the taxpayers.

Gallagher said so far in trades taking place at the substations, police haven’t needed to intervene nor seen anyone entering the lobby to finish a transaction.

He said the city could consider expanding the number of secure spots, but it depends on how busy the substations become.

“We would then see what other places would be acceptable to do that,” the councilman added.

Gallagher said another benefit is the Safe Exchange Zones encourage residents to get better acquainted with their neighborhood police officers.

“It forces people to know where our substations are. Some have never even been to a substation for any reason,” he added.

In addition to a YouTube video, the city is publicizing the Safe Exchange Zones via SAPD social media and with public officials informing the community at gatherings.

“We’re going to never have to let up on spreading the word,” Gallagher said. “It’s essential that this become a constant reminder that it is now just another service the city provides.”

HEROES continues on pg. 14

McRaven advises audience to make a differenceby COLLETTE ORQUIZ

The North East Independent School District’s fledgling Wall of Heroes is open to

more recipients, but competition is tough — this year’s honoree, the first, helped coordinate the attack that took out terrorist Osama bin Laden.

The district honored Roosevelt High School 1973 graduate and retired Navy Adm. William “Bill” McRaven with a plaque and his story on the Wall of Heroes at Heroes Stadium. McRaven is chancellor of the University of Texas System.

“I’ve been fortunate to be recognized by presidents and kings and prime ministers; frankly, nothing means more to me than being recognized by my friends from high school and by the North East Independent School District,” McRaven said in his acceptance speech.

Last spring, NEISD selected McRaven from eight eligible candidates. Nominations are only accepted

during odd-numbered years.“Admiral McRaven was chosen because

of his stellar military career, his long list of honors and accomplishments, his dedication to his family and country, the example he sets for others, his work ethic and the fact that he is a Roosevelt High School graduate,” said NEISD spokeswoman Aubrey Chancellor.

According to the school district, President Barack Obama credits McRaven for helping plan and direct the Navy SEAL raid contributing to the May 2011 death of the al-Qaida founder and one of the masterminds behind 9/11.

It’s been 40 years since McRaven set foot in his alma mater, but he said his trip was like a homecoming. During a 10-minute address Oct. 16, he gave thanks and advice to the Rough Rider JROTC Battalion in the crowd.

Battalion commander cadet Lt. Col. Samantha Bakaysa, a senior, and freshman Aries McLachlan took photos with McRaven and his wife Georgeann Brady McRaven.

“It’s not every day that you get to be chosen to stand next to a war hero and his wife, and get to shake his hand. That’s not like a daily basis thing, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime chance,” Aries said.

Future nominations, available by contacting NEISD or emailing [email protected], include a form and a written essay,

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(Photo left) Retired Navy Adm. William 'Bill' McRaven (second from left), Roosevelt High School Class of 1973, is the first honoree on the North East Independent School District's Wall of Heroes (photo above). Joining McRaven during his recognition ceremony are Superintendent Brian Gottardy (left), Roosevelt Army JROTC cadets Samantha Bakaysa and Aries McLachlan, and McRaven's wife Georgeann Brady McRaven (right). Photos by Collette Orquiz

which touches on the following criteria:n Demonstrated courage, service and self-sacrifice in one’s life’s work, which brought honor to family or communityn Made a positive impact in the lives of current and future generations through unselfish commitment to community/military servicen Excelled academically and/or achieved a high level of postgraduate successn Is deserving of enshrinement on the Wall of Heroes

NEISD officials said the new program recognizes and celebrates achievements of people who embody heroic values while making a positive impact in their community. The school board approves final selections.

The wall is situated on the home side of the field at Heroes Stadium, 4799 Thousand Oaks Drive. The building grew out of the 2007 bond program. The district’s other events complex is Blossom Athletic Center.

McRaven joined the military as a SEAL, and recently ended a 37-year career. He graduated from the University of Texas at Austin in 1977 with a bachelor’s degree in journalism, followed by a master’s degree from the

Naval Postgraduate School in 1991. His last assignment was leading U.S. Special Operations Command, where he conducted counter-terrorism campaigns worldwide.

McRaven has received numerous accolades, including a Distinguished Alumnus Award from the University of Texas, the Legion d’Honneur from France,

2011 Texan of the Year, and the USO’s 2013 Military Distinguished Service Award.

Bakaysa is proud of McRaven’s Roosevelt roots.

“He’s not this high exalted person, he’s down-to-earth, he’s like us,” the cadet said.

Speaking at Roosevelt, McRaven said “one act of courage, one act of

kindness, or one act of compassion” could make a huge difference.

“Never, ever pass up a chance to help someone. Never, ever pass up the chance to be kind. The students you help can go on to change the world and you can be a part of it,” said the military man who actually never joined Roosevelt’s JROTC.

He attributes his success to friends and family, but also his high school teachers and coaches.

Col. Robert Foutz, one of three Army instructors for Roosevelt’s JROTC, said the admiral’s words inspired the students.

“It was a sea of gray uniforms all the way up to the second row. As he talked, there wasn’t a phone out, there wasn’t a sleepy eye, every cadet was glued to Adm. McRaven’s comments,” Foutz said. “I just felt that energy, that sense of inspiration, that desire to say I’m a part of this great organization.”

McRaven also spoke to the Rough Rider football players and admitted being more of a benchwarmer than a player when he was on the Roosevelt team.

“For all of us that spent time in high school, they are formative years and they make a difference and they really do kind of start your trajectory towards the future. If it was a good experience, which mine was great, then you go off and do good things,” McRaven said.

HEROES continues from pg. 13

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AACOG continues from pg. 01

Newly opened police academy trains officers across region

by RON AARON EISENBERG

A state-of-the-art police academy that recently opened in north San

Antonio is training officers from across the region, offering courses ranging from traffic stops and “shoot/don’t shoot” scenarios to crowd control.

The Alamo Area Council of Governments, which represents Bexar and 12 other counties, opened the 20,700-square-foot Public Safety Division facility in April at 12625 Wetmore Road.

It is housed in the site of a former private security-training campus, which meant little retrofitting was needed to create the Alamo

Area Regional Law Enforcement Academy.“The beauty of this new facility is

we can do most of our training on-site,” said academy supervisor Mike Davis.

The academy offers basic peace-officer and correction-officer programs for individuals obtaining their license through the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement

Officer Standards and Education. Training for dispatchers, 911 operators, armed school marshals and Department of Homeland Security agents is also provided.

In addition, the academy provides continuing education for licensed law enforcement professionals — annual in-service training — which is required

for all peace officers in the state.Police, deputies, corrections officers

and dispatchers can also earn proficiency certifications through the intermediate-, advanced- and master-level courses available through the academy.

Several classes are offered during the year – with about 30 cadets per class. The cost is $2,400 for the 1,000-hour peace-officer course.

“A majority of cadets in most classes are self-pay. Some are sponsored by a law-enforcement agency where they may already be employed,” Davis said.

Among recent graduates are Bexar County Sheriff Susan L. Pamerleau and San Antonio Police Chief William McManus, both of whom required certification as Texas peace officers. Pamerleau is a retired Air Force major general and McManus came from Minneapolis.

They went through training at AACOG’s previous public-safety facility.

Davis is proud of the enhancements built into the new facility. For example, there are two separate spaces that provide real-world, virtual-reality training including “shoot/don’t shoot” simulations.

The structure also includes a fully-

The Alamo Area Council of Governments, which represents 13 counties including Bexar, has moved its Alamo Area Regional Law Enforcement Academy to 12625 Wetmore Road, where cadets from various agencies are trained. Photo by Rudy B. Ornelas

AACOG continues on pg. 16

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equipped apartment to train cadets on entry and interdiction. Special Weapons and Tactics units, the FBI and other federal agencies also use the apartment for training

The apartment’s “address” is 1168 — the badge number of slain San Antonio Police Department Officer John “Rocky” Riojas, an 11-year veteran fatally shot during a foot chase through an apartment complex Feb. 2, 2001.

Physical fitness is a major focus at the training facility, Davis said.

There is a special fitness room equipped to help rehabilitate injured students. The main physical fitness center is in a large garage at the rear of the complex designed in the style of a CrossFit box.

“We have found CrossFit training to be the very best ‘real-world’ preparation and conditioning for cadets and others in law enforcement,” Davis said. “CrossFit strengthens the muscles they’ll need in hand-to-hand combat, which is too often the reality of police work these days.”

The rear garage space is also used to train cadets on day and night auto stops and arrests.

“What happens when it is dark is so different from daylight stops. Having the ability to train for both works great for us,” Davis said.

He added, “We use all the space in this complex and more. Our rear parking lot, for example, is a perfect setting

In the photo above, Alamo Area Regional Law Enforcement Academy supervisor Mike Davis (left) and instructor Jim McGregor are in the VirTra V-300 simulator room, where the skills of police in training are tested in various scenarios. The simulator is part of the academy’s new digs, which include modern classrooms. Photos by Rudy B. Ornelas


AACOG continues on pg. 17

THE REAL ADVANTAGE IS OUR GRADUATES HAVE ALL OF THE CERTIFICATIONS THEY WILL

NEED TO STEP OUT ONTO THE STREETS DAY ONE – THEY ARE ‘PATROL-READY.’

MIKE DAVIS, ACADEMY SUPERVISOR


Happy New Year!Look what we have in

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for crowd-control simulations.”During the past year, the academy’s

public safety programs have delivered more than 100,000 hours of training for the 13 AACOG counties. All of the academy’s trainers are certified as master peace officers.

“While the state of Texas requires approximately 650 hours for peace-officer certification, AACOG’s program is 1,000

Cadets at the Alamo Area Regional Law Enforcement Academy go on a short jog as part of their training, which includes physical fitness. Photo by Rudy B. Ornelas

hours,” Davis said. “But, the real advantage is our graduates have all of the certifications they will need to step out onto the streets day one – they are ‘patrol-ready.’”

Davis said he and his colleagues are proud of their graduates. That’s why they do everything they can to train cadets for the real world of policing.

“It’s what we do because we know it can save their lives,” the academy supervisor said.


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That could explain why they opened Play It Again Sports, a North Side sporting-goods store specializing in new and used exercise and athletic equipment.

The store, which debuted last spring at 15038 U.S. 281 North, offers high-quality equipment and apparel to its fitness-minded and loyal customers, the Huebners said.

“We buy, sell and trade new and used sports equipment, and we have new and used equipment in our store and we buy used from the public,” Lori Huebner said. “As long as it’s in good condition and it’s safe to use, we can sell it. People who sell to us

Play It Again Sports looks to score with customersby ERIC MORENO

Lori and Phil Huebner say they are passionate about the business of sports and fitness.

can either get back cash or store credit.”Play It Again Sports also takes

large equipment or lots and sells them on consignment.

The store offers equipment and apparel for a number of team and individual sports including football, baseball, softball, tennis and golf.

“Fitness equipment is huge and is probably our best seller right now,” Huebner said. “Baseball is also a very big category.”

But plenty of other sports are also represented.

“We’ve pretty much got every sport covered including lacrosse, ice hockey and disc golf,” Huebner said. “We also have all kinds of shoes and cleats.”

Hours are 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday.

PLAY IT AGAIN SPORTS15038 U.S. 281 North

For more, call 455-3951 orvisit www.playitagainsportssanantonio.com

New and used sports and fitness items are bought and sold at Play It Again Sports, which caters to pursuits ranging from football to disc golf. Right now, fitness wear is a top seller, according to co-owner Lori Huebner. Photos by Collette Orquiz

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210-492-79001218 W. Bitters Road San Antonio, TX 78216

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

by OLIVIER J. BOURGOIN

According to the owners, the wares from its on-site bakery are fresh, made from scratch and are locally sourced to support area farmers. Soups, salads and other dishes are also available in addition to the bread.

The loaves range from country sourdough boule, to jalapeño, cheddar bread and even potato-and-bacon at the recently opened shop, 555 W. Bitters Road, Suite 115 in The Alley on Bitters.

Before taking over the 3,500-square-foot

space that was once home to Apple Annie’s, owners Tina and Lucas Kent operated a wholesale bakery out of a nearby rented commercial kitchen the last three years.

“We are doing our best to use only locally grown ingredients,” said Tina Kent, who worked as general manager of Cappy’s for 17 years. “We are currently servicing 43 commercial accounts, mostly top hotels and restaurants and also a hospital.”

Clients include Bird Bakery, Boiler House Texas Grill & Wine Garden, Bliss, Cured, Nao, Silo and Sustenio, as well as the St. Anthony Hotel, Hotel Valencia and several food trucks.

The husband-and-wife team are longtime veterans of the food-service profession.

“We have both spent our entire lives in this industry. I was practically born on a restaurant floor. My family owned several restaurants,” Tina Kent said, adding she and her husband are San Antonio natives.

Lucas Kent worked at several area restaurants, where he honed his skills, she added.

“People would always make compliments about his bread, which is how we got the idea to start a commercial bakery,” she added.

The lunch menu includes split pea and ham soup; a fall salad with roasted beets and butternut squash, goat cheese, candied pecans and field

greens, all framed with peeled orange slices and drizzled with a maple-pecan vinaigrette; turkey club sandwich; and desserts such as apple pie à la mode.

The soup, salad and sandwich prices run from $8 to $13.

Hours are 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Saturday.

Bread Box baking up homespun delights

If you’re a bread lover, you can pick up one of 15 types of that which man

cannot live by alone, just by paying a visit to the Bread Box.

THE BREAD BOX555 W. Bitters Road, Suite 115

For more, call 383-6353 orvisit www.thebreadboxsa.com

Bread Box fare includes a turkey club on focaccia (far left), the Bread Box Burger (above) and the BLT salad (left). Photos by Collette Orquiz

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