LOCAL: Castle Hills, Shavano Park, North Central, 78213, 78230, 78248, 78249 February 2015

INSIDEYOUR COMMUNITY

CASTLE HILLS SHAVANO PARK NORTH SIDE 78213 78230 78231 78248 78249 FEB. 9 - MARCH 16, 2015VOL. 3, ISSUE 8

Fire at Castle Hills senior-living complex sparks legal action; residents wonder whats next for them

Castle Hills First Baptist Schools 6-man football team celebrates championship season

Parents, teachers like schedule of nearly continuous classes

After the smoke clears

Lessons learned year-round at Castle Hills Elementary School

PG.13

PG.17

PG.20

Discover the city through LOCAL deals from restaurants, retailers and services in your community, and save money while you do it!

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pg. 31 New restaurant offers Persian dishes and delicacies on Interstate 10 West

Latest fashion trends from East, West coastsavailable at North Side women's store

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COMMUNITY NEWS

BATTLING OAK WILT IN SHAVANO PARK CITY ON TRACK TO CONTAIN ISOLATED CASEAction is required to protect trees and maintain property values SEE PAGE 22

WEDGWOOD

The Eagles have landed

PG.13

2 FEB. 9 - MARCH 16, 2015

President Harold J. LeesPublisherGregg Rosenfield

Assoc. PublisherRick UptonEDITORIALExecutive EditorThomas EdwardsNews StaffCollette Orquiz, Bain Serna and Will WrightContributing WritersOlivier J. Bourgoin, Ron Aaron Eisenberg, Joyce Hotchkiss, Eric Moreno, Travis E. Poling, Arthur Schechter and Susan Yerkes

ARTCreative DirectorFlorence D. EdwardsProduction DesignerPete MoralesContributing PhotographersRudy B. Ornelas and Leland A. OutzContributing IllustratorJeremiah Teutsch

ADVERTISINGAdvertising DirectorJaselle LunaZone 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. 201, San Antonio, TX 78229

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

Phone(210) 338.8842

FACEBOOK.COM/SALOCALCOMMUNITYNEWS

THOMAS EDWARDSEXECUTIVE EDITOR

FROM THE [email protected]

But as we face the challenges of 2015, the staff is more determined than ever to serve the information needs of our readers.

For starters, LOCAL has embarked on its third year of delivering free, monthly community newspapers filled with hyperlocal information. Thats no easy task, considering all the competition.

Since the spring of 2012, we have increased our newsroom staff, added some truly excellent freelance writers and photographers and launched five zoned editions across the greater San Antonio area, reaching an audience of more than 200,000.

Readers have embraced our coverage philosophy, which is not to compete with other media but to bring street-by-street news to our audience filling the news gap no one else is tackling.

This strategy seems to be working, because 2014 was LOCALs most successful year yet. But were not sitting on our laurels.

Our plans call for the creation of another edition of LOCAL sometime this year, bringing to six the number of papers we publish. Likes for our Facebook page continue to grow, and our revamped website will be up soon.

In the days ahead, Will Wright the managing editor of LOCALs Metrocom paper will take over editing duties for the edition that serves the U.S. 281 corridor from Loop 410 to Loop 1604. Meanwhile, I will be turning my attention to our new ventures while still editing the other publications.

So, as 2015 gets underway, I want to thank our readers and advertisers for their continued support. Dont forget to drop me a line at [email protected] when you have a suggestion, observation or story idea.

Heres to 2015

e have been busy here at LOCAL

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LOCAL COMMENTARY

Warning! This could happen to youby SUSAN YERKES

Every year, one in six drivers in the United States gets a ticket. About the same number

get a warning.

It happened to me recently, late one evening a time I have always suspected traffic police stop folks for little things like changing lanes without a turn signal, on the off chance it produces a DWI arrest. Over time Ive been stopped and given warnings, and in each case, the officer began by asking, Where are you coming from? or Have you been partying?

Since I dont drink, I have nothing to hide.

In this instance, I politely answered

the officers questions, waited patiently and felt sweet relief when the officer said the word warning. I took my little computer-generated warning slip and wished him a hearty good night.

My relief lasted about a week. Thats when letters from various lawyers arrived, advising me theyd be happy to help resolve the traffic violation they found recorded in the Bexar County Integrated Justice System. Traffic violation? Wait it was a warning!

I reached a nice clerk in the Bexar County Precinct 3 Justice of the Peace office, who told me I had gotten a speeding ticket, and I was scheduled to pay the fine or appear before a judge.

But I got a turn-signal warning, not any kind of ticket! I said.

In our records, its a speeding ticket, she said. It happens. Come in and talk to the prosecutor.

First, I was appalled. Next, I was grateful for the lawyer letters. Without them, I wouldnt have known I had a court appearance scheduled. If I had failed to show, a warrant could have been issued for my arrest.

Fortunately, I found the discarded warning in the recycling bin. I emailed the helpful clerk a copy, and a few days after Christmas the case was dismissed.

What happened? Precinct 3 Place 2 Justice of the Peace Jeff Wentworth, who would have heard the case, looked into my records. He explained that somehow my name, address and accompanying data was recorded on the warning, but had also somehow migrated to a speeding ticket received that same night by a woman well call Ms. X. So the computer recorded it as my ticket.

Its weird, but it does happen, said Capt. James Roberts, operations supervisor for Precinct 3 Constable Mark Vojvodich. Its a glitch. The officer enters information on the computer in his car and his handheld. The information auto-populates directly to the system and is synced to the court. Somehow it attached your data to the next ticket. The input field on it does not auto-erase. So say the officer writes 30 tickets one night; if he doesnt erase the input field, or move the mouse far enough on the screen, it can flip like that. Its even harder for motorcycle cops, since theyre working off an inch-and-a-half screen.

I think sometimes it worked better handwritten, Roberts added. But the good thing about this system is, you can go look it up and see exactly what happened.

I wasnt completely reassured. I wondered if the Department of Public Safety might have received the erroneous ticket and put it on my driving history. But after calling Austin I learned traffic tickets dont go on your driving record unless you're convicted.

I know a lot more about the business of traffic tickets now, including that the average traffic cop generates about $300,000 in revenue, when you add in court costs and various fees. I started the new year with renewed determination not to do anything that would give an officer any excuse to pull me over, and to save every single piece of paper I receive from any officer or court.

Now, readers, Id like to hear about your encounters with traffic officers.

Email comments to [email protected].

I KNOW A LOT MORE ABOUT THE BUSINESS OF TRAFFIC TICKETS NOW, INCLUDING THAT THE AVERAGE TRAFFIC

COP GENERATES ABOUT $300,000 IN REVENUE.

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OUR TURNViews and opinions about your community

Why wont politicians stay on the job?

A recent series of decisions or in some cases, defections among elected officials to seek another office while still holding their current position should concern voters.

This political game of musical chairs undermines public trust, often adds to the taxpayers burden of paying for unnecessary special elections to fill sudden vacancies, and interrupts the continuity of government operations.

Simply put, once a candidate is in office, he or she should stay for the full term barring illness or tragedy, of course. In other words, finish the job.

Instead, voters in the greater San Antonio area since 2013 have been treated to a merry-go-round of midterm and new-term officeholders turning into office seekers.

Didnt win an election for a higher office? Dont like your current elected position? Then just throw your hat into the ring again, even if you havent finished your current term.

That seems to be the message broadcast by some candidates.

In the latest postings, state Rep. Mike Villarreal has stepped down to run for mayor of San Antonio, even though he won a Nov. 4 re-election bid. State Sen. Leticia van de Putte, smarting from her loss in the run for lieutenant governor on the Wendy Davis gubernatorial ticket, is also seeking the San Antonio mayors spot against fellow Democrat Villarreal.

Meanwhile, Villarreals bid for the mayors office prompted City Council District 1 representative Diego Bernal to tell voters he was leaving City Hall to run for Villarreals House District 123 seat, which also led to a special election Jan. 6 with the costs paid by voters. That was followed by a runoff. Voters returned Bernal to the council in May 2013.

Plus, there was District 10 Councilman Carlton Soules, who left office after his successful re-election in May 2013 in a fruitless bid to unseat Bexar County Judge Nelson Wolff

OUR TURN continues on pg. 05

5SALOCALLOWDOWN.COM

during the November balloting.Not to be outdone, District 9

Councilwoman Elisa Chan also left office to run against state Sen. Donna Campbell, who beat Chan during the March 2014 Republican primary.

San Antonio City Hall has seen plenty of other arrivals and departures, too, prompted by re-elected Mayor Julian Castros decision to pick up stakes and take over as head of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. A domino effect followed, led by District 2 Councilwoman Ivy Taylors ascension to the mayors spot, which prompted not only a special election, but also a runoff election for her old seat.

Whew! One almost needs a scorecard to keep the campaigns and hopefuls straight.

More than likely most of these folks have the best intentions, but their comings and goings from the halls of power can only make voters heads spin. That hardly seems fair to the electorate.

OUR TURN continues from pg. 05

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

LOCAL LETTERS

OUR POLICE ARE DOING A GREAT JOBEDITOR: We live in a neighborhood where

our local police force is appreciated, and we like the feeling of being protected by those who serve. Every Christmas our neighbors provide a meal for our police officers and firefighters to show our appreciation.

Sure, there are those who abuse their position, but they are in the minority.

Margery Beitzel

DONT GENERALIZE ABOUT POLICE CONDUCT

EDITOR: I agree with the general point of the recent From the Editor column that every group has a few bad apples including police. But when you write that critics shouldnt tar and feather all police and that protesters want anarchy, I submit that you are way off base.

I dont think you could cite one spokesperson at any of the protests who says that all police are killers of black men. On the contrary, these are specific cases that are being protested. The protesters want accountability for those officers involved in the killings of Eric Garner, Tamir Rice and others.

Stephen Amberg

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OUR GUIDE

TO YOUR MONTH

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

HAPPENING LOCAL

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

ART TALKFITNESS OUTDOOR MUSIC FOOD

PARKS AND REC JOBS Almost 600 summer jobs are available with the San Antonio Parks and

Recreation Department, which is accepting applications now. The jobs will involve work in the Summer Youth Program, at more than 60 sites around town, and at the citys 23 outdoor pools. Apply online at www.sanantonio.gov/hr/; click on Career Center.

POETRY MONTH EVENTS The citys Department for Culture & Creative Development

is accepting submissions of events for Poetry Month which is April from institutions, organizations and individuals. Listings submitted by Feb. 23 will automatically be included in printed calendars distributed to libraries, colleges, bookstores and other sites; those submitted later will be online. All events should be

submitted online at www.npmsa.com.

TALLEYs FOLLY The Sheldon Vexler Theatre is staging Lanford Wilsons Pulitzer

Prize-winning romantic comedy about two people who find love when theyve nearly given up looking for it. Shows are at 7:30 p.m. Thursdays, 8 p.m. Saturdays and 2:30 p.m. Sundays; tickets range from $15 to $21. Go to www.vexler.org for seating information and call 302-6835 to reserve your seats. The Vex is at the Barshop Jewish Community Center, 12500 N.W. Military Highway at Wurzbach Parkway.

BOYS SCHOOL ENROLLMENT The San Antonio Independent School District is accepting

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applications for its new Young Mens Leadership Academy for classes starting in August. The school is open at no cost to boys across Bexar County who are entering fourth, fifth or sixth grade this fall. It will stress character, leadership and discipline along with high academic expectations. For more information and an application form, go to www.saisd.net/schools/ymla.

SCHOOL BOARD The trustees of the North East Independent School District

meet at 5:30 p.m. at 8961 Tesoro Drive.

CASTLE HILLS The City Council meets at 6:30 p.m. in City Hall, 209 Lemonwood Drive.

NORTHSIDE INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT Trustees meet Feb. 10 and Feb. 24 at 7

p.m. in the board room, 5900 Evers Road.

SONS OF CONFEDERATE VETERANS Hoods Texas Brigade, Camp No. 153, will

hold its monthly meeting starting at 7 p.m. at Gradys Bar-B-Que, 6510 San Pedro Ave. Members and guests come early and eat, and no reservations are required. The Camp meets the third Tuesday of the month. For more, go to www.hoodstexasbde.com/.

GARDENERS MEETING The Bexar County Master Gardeners will meet from

1 to 3 p.m. at the Texas A&M Agrilife Extension Office, 3355 Cherry Ridge Drive, Suite 208. The afternoon meeting offers educational opportunities and two continuing education units.

VICTORIA AARONS The Jewish Community Center Author Series presents local writer Aarons

and her book The New Diaspora at 7 p.m. Tickets cost $10; purchase them online at www.jccsanantonio.org/author or by phone at 302-6820. The JCC is at 12500 N.W. Military Highway at Wurzbach Parkway.

STAR PARTY Members of the San Antonio Astronomical Association will set up telescopes

in the open mulched field of the savanna at Phil Hardberger Park West for stargazing from 6 to 8 p.m. Park near the Urban Ecology Center; participants will meet at the centers Gathering Hall if the weather is bad. The party is free but donations are accepted. The parks western entrance is at 8400 N.W. Military Highway.

SHAVANO PARK The City Council will hold its regular meeting at 6:30 p.m. in

City Hall, 900 Saddletree Court.

SUNRISE BIRD WALK The Phil Hardberger Park Nature Walk series brings in Alan

Kuentz, Patsy Kuentz and Lora Reynolds to help participants spot and identify the parks most common birds. The walk, which takes place from 8 to 10 a.m., sets off from the Urban Ecology Center near the parks western entrance, 8400 N.W. Military Highway. Its free, but donations are appreciated.

THIRD ANNUAL WINSTON EAGLE RUN A kids fun run and a 5K run start off at 8 a.m.

and 8:30 a.m., respectively, at Shavano Park City Hall, 900 Saddletree Court, to raise funds for classroom and technology enhancements, programs for students and special programs or projects in support of The Winston School. The mission of the school is serving students with high potential, yet who learn differently. For registration or details about the event, go to at http://register.iaapweb.com/search/event.aspx?id=31116. Sign-ups are also available the morning of the event. Participants receive a T-shirt. For more, call Angie Cronin at 889-3570 or email [email protected].

A FEW OF MY FAVORITE THINGS The annual fundraiser will benefit the CIELO Gardens

program, which allows local refugees to grow their own food and work with others who are starting a new life in the United States. The $25 tickets cover dinner and entry to a silent auction featuring jewelry, ceramics, scarves and other creations from around the world. The event begins at 6 p.m. at House of Prayer Lutheran Church, 10226 Ironside Drive. For more information or to buy tickets, call Arisa Rice at 281-690-3458.

PURIM CELEBRATION Barshop Jewish Community Center offers a literacy-themed event

for families from 2 to 4 p.m. on the JCC soccer field. It will include touring author Tracy Newman, The Twig Book Stores Miss Anastasia and a book sale, plus games, crafts and even kite-flying. The event is free and open to all, but reservations are requested; go to www.jccsanantonio.org/seasons to make them. The JCC is at 12500 N.W. Military Highway, at Wurzbach Parkway.

SONS OF CONFEDERATE VETERANS Alamo City Guards, Camp 1325, will hold its monthly

meeting starting at 7 p.m. at Gradys Bar-B-Que, 6510 San Pedro Ave. This months speaker is Dale Schultz, on Brass Bands During the War Between the States.

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Members and guests come at 6 p.m. and eat, and no reservations are required. The Camp meets the first Thursday of the month.

SPRING BREAK J-CAMP The Barship Jewish Community Centers camp offers full-day

sessions with early arrival and late-stay options. Activity choices include sports, field trips and more. Call 302-6859 or go to www.jccsanantonio.org. The center is at 12500 N.W. Military Highway, at Wurzbach Parkway.

ST. GEORGE EPISCOPAL CHURCH MENTAL HEALTH FAMILY SUPPORT GROUP

The gathering takes place the second Wednesday of the month at 7 p.m. in the meeting room of the Parish Building (near the nursery). Patients and their family members, friends and providers are all welcome. St. George is at 6904 West Ave.

SINGLE PROFESSIONALS NETWORK This friendship group for single, mature adults

will gather at 5 p.m. for a happy hour at Tost Bistro, 14415 Blanco Road. SPN typically has events and outings several

times a week; for more on those and on the organization, go to www.spn-sa.org.

ELSEWHERE IN SAN ANTONIOWORLD WAR II IN PHOTOGRAPHS: LOOKING BACK The McNay Art

Museum exhibition marks this years 70th anniversary of the wars end and celebrates San Antonios long history as a military town. The exhibit, which the McNay organized, includes famous images but also photos of San Antonians doing their part to help the war effort. Tickets for those 12 and older are $10, and $5 for seniors, students and military. The McNay is at 6000 N. New Braunfels Ave.

SAN ANTONIO STOCK SHOW & RODEO The AT&T Center and Freeman Coliseum will house the

rodeos, exhibits, competitions, rides, music and shops of the 66th annual celebration of farm and ranch life. Top acts both on stage and in the rodeo arena are on tap. The grounds open at 8 a.m. daily; admission costs $10 for adults and $5 for those 65 and older or 3 to 12 years old. The $12 rodeo tickets include admission to the grounds, which are at AT&T Center Parkway and East Houston Street. For more, and to purchase tickets, go to www.sarodeo.com.

FLORAL DESIGN CLASSES Hands-on instruction in creating floral arrangements will be

provided by Melissa White in a three-session class on consecutive Tuesdays. Flowers, greenery and a container for each session are covered in the $75 cost. The registration deadline is Feb. 13 and the classes take place at the San Antonio Garden Center, 3310 N. New Braunfels Ave. For more, go to www.sanantoniogardencenter.org or call 824-9981.

SONS OF ITALY MEETING Pompeo Coppini Lodge 2712 of the Order Sons of Italy will

meet at 6 p.m. at Little Italy Restaurant, 824 Afterglow St. at West Avenue. Dinner costs $22; for reservations, call Jan Nicolucci Zeppelin, 410-1191. The chapter meets the third Tuesday of the month at Italian restaurants and welcomes anyone with an Italian connection. For more on the group, visit www.italiantexans.com.

RETIRED TEACHERS The North San Antonio Retired Teachers Association will open

its monthly meeting with a meet and greet at 9:45 a.m.; the meeting begins at 10:15 a.m. at San Pedro Presbyterian Church, 14900 San Pedro Ave. The guest

speaker will be Cesar Alvarado of the Better Business Bureau, who will discuss good buying practices as they relate to seniors and anyone on a fixed income.

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

FETE DU CUVEE CELLAR PARTY Get a preview of the auction items and chef creations that

will be featured at the Junior League of San Antonio Fete du Cuvee. Wine, food and music will be plentiful, and the party site the penthouse of the Alteza Residences, atop the Grand Hyatt will offer great views of downtown. The fun starts at 7 p.m.; tickets, $75 apiece, are available through a link at www.sanantoniowineauction.com. The Grand Hyatt is at 600 E. Market St.

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

HAPPENING continues from pg. 07

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

Open and Opening Soon Address of local businessName of local business

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1. CASTLE HILLS COMPLETE URGENT CARE, 6999 Blanco Road in the Blanco Junction shopping center, has opened just inside Loop 410. The motto is, Revolutionizing the urgent-care experienceone patient at a time. No appointments are necessary. Services include treating allergies, cholesterol screenings, dermatological problems, minor lacerations, physical exams, ear and eye pain, and more. Hours are 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. For more, call 202-1333 or visit www.castlehillsurgentcare.com. (See story on page 25)

2. MODA MIA BOUTIQUE, 10003 N.W. Military Highway, Suite 2113, is a relocated womens retail store featuring apparel, jewelry, shoes and handbags. Hours are 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday. For more, call 348-8339, or visit www.shopmodamia.com or Facebook at www.facebook.com/modamiaSA. (See story on page 26)

3. TARKA INDIAN KITCHEN, 427 N. Loop 1604 West, Suite 101, in the Sonterra Village shopping center, is a fast-casual eatery with made-to-order traditional Indian cuisine and some modern interpretations, such as naaninis, or pressed hot sandwiches similar to Italian paninis. The restaurant offers freshly baked Indian flatbreads, and unique specialty drinks such as whipped fruit lassi or mango lemonade. Hours are 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday. For more, call 499-

0982 or check out tarkaindiankitchen.com. (See story on page 27)

4. ZAYTUNE MEDITERRANEAN GRILL, 9955 Interstate 10 West, is a new eatery specializing in Persian dishes. Hours are 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday. For more, call 468-2700, visit zaytunegrillsa.com or like them at Facebook.com/zaytunegrillsa. (See story on page 28)

5. BURGER KING, 2002 N. Loop 1604 West, is opening in March to offer flame-broiled beef, quality ingredients and great service, according to a spokeswoman with St. Juste Management Corp., an independently owned and operated franchise with 19 Burger King restaurants. According to the spokeswoman, more than 11 million diners visit Burger King restaurants in 76 countries and territories around the world every year, continuing a 50-year legacy of success that helped the eatery earn the title of the second-largest fast-food hamburger chain in the world. Hours will be 6 a.m. to 2 a.m. daily. The eatery also is recruiting employees. For more, call 366-9900 or apply at www.work4bk.com.

6. CONCENTRA URGENT CARE, 12651 Vance Jackson Road, Suite 114, has opened in the Fiesta Trails shopping center and is the sixth in Bexar County. The care center provides treatment for a variety of common non-life threatening illnesses, injuries and

LOWDOWN continues on pg. 10

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7. HOME CONSIGNMENT CENTER, 17603 La Cantera Parkway, Suite 130, has opened in The Rim and is billed as one of the leading furniture and jewelry consignment businesses in the U.S., with 17 locations in California, Texas and Nevada. According to a brochure from the company, We do the work and you get 50 percent of the proceeds. The store offers free previews in homes, or clients can stop by with their items or email a photo. The store will even pick up the item with no up-front costs its deducted later from the clients proceeds at sale. The store accepts consignments every day. Hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday. For more, call 558-3968 or visit www.thehomeconsignmentcenter.com.

IN OTHER NEWSDISTRICT 9 COUNCILMAN JOE KRIER has been sworn in as mayor pro tem, meaning he acts in the absence of the mayor to oversee City Council meetings.

THE NATIONAL LEAGUE OF CITIES ENERGY, ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMITTEE has a new vice chairman District 8 Councilman Ron Nirenberg. The committee develops federal policy positions on air quality, water quality, energy, national wetlands and waste management. Harnessing growth while addressing challenges to natural resources is a balance that must be struck in every city across the country, Nirenberg said. Here locally, weve seen that our quality of life and economic competitiveness depend on sound policy on these issues. Also, Alamo Area Council of Governments Chairman Jim Wolverton appointed Nirenberg as chairman of the Air Improvement Resources executive committee, a collaborative entity comprosed of regional leaders focused on improving local air quality.

SHAVANO PARK OFFICIALS SAY A FIRM HAS BEEN SELECTED BY THE CITY COUNCIL to conduct a survey of residents to

LOWDOWN continues from pg. 09


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AN ENFORCEMENT EFFORT IN SHAVANO PARK TO KEEP OVERSIZED TRUCKS from driving on Lockhill Selma and De Zavala roads seems to be paying off, according to police. In October, officers began receiving complaints that large trucks were making deliveries to a new store just outside the city limits while using De Zavala to get there. Residents became worried that both roads, which are weighted for 26,000 pounds, could be damaged, according to a city newsletter. It is also illegal for vehicles over that weight limit to use the roads in the city. Police increased education efforts by meeting with delivery managers and also stepped up enforcement by issuing tickets, officials said. Since that time, citations have dropped significantly, police said.

VETERAN CASTLE HILLS OFFICER LANCE BONNETTE, who served 20 years, retired from the city Dec. 31, officials announced.

COLONIAL HILLS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL recently received a $1,000 grant from Walmart to help rev up its health and fitness program, according to the North East Independent School District. A group of fourth- and fifth-graders makes up the Kids School Health Advisory Council, which meets once or twice a month to develop ideas to promote health and wellness on campus.

MISSION MITSUBISHI RECENTLY HONORED LEE HIGH SCHOOL National Honor Society members Nadine Diaz Urrabas and Amir Osornio Ponce De Leon with scholarships. General Manager Islam Hindash and Marketing Director Olga Bernal Owens presented the two students with the scholarships.

MORE THAN HALF OF THE AWARDS GIVEN AT THE REGIONAL SCHOLASTIC ART COMPETITION went to North East Independent School District campuses. According to an NEISD website, of the 626 awards given out from more than 1,300 entries, NEISD earned 51 percent, including half of the Gold Key Awards. The Gold Key winning artwork advances to nationals in New York City. Winners included students



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A NEW MAGNET PROGRAM BEING INTRODUCED next academic year at White Middle School will offer the only specialized education of its kind to San Antonio middle school students. The new Design and Technology Academy will provide students focused instruction in computer programming and coding and information technology some of the most sought-after skills in todays workforce. Currently, DATA is a magnet school of choice for Roosevelt High School students. The middle school syllabus will provide a transition for pupils to move directly to the high school

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The fire, which broke out about 6:30 a.m. Dec. 28, led to the evacuation of hundreds of senior residents and 18 injures in addition to the fatalities. Castle Hills, San Antonio, Olmos Park, Alamo Heights and other emergency departments responded; in the aftermath, local businesses and charities have rallied to aid the displaced residents, since the building at 6701 Blanco Road is closed for the foreseeable future.

At press time, investigators had not issued a ruling on the cause of

the blaze at the apartments, designed to house up to 450 residents.

Meanwhile, area attorneys representing dozens of clients in lawsuits say the worst of the fire could have been avoided if essential safety precautions fire drills, sprinklers, an evacuation plan had been in force. Equipment malfunctions, such as repeated

THE DEADThe Bexar County Medical Examiners Office has identified those who died in the fire.

n Karen Rae Betz, 74, apartment 701n Jose O. Gonzales, 73, apartment 303n Molly Urban, 75, apartment 302, where authorities believe the fire may have originated n Ramon Villarreal, 85, apartment 323n Anita Marie Woodson, 75, apartment 709

The cause of death was listed as smoke inhalation for all of the residents except Urban, who died from burns, according to forensic reports.

The manner of death of another resident, Charlene Lowry, 71, apartment 924, is pending. She was in the building at the time of the fire and died later at Northeast Baptist Hospitals emergency room. At press time, a ruling was pending.

Community rallies to help victimsby RON AARON EISENBERG

CASTLE HILLS Weeks after flames and smoke spread through the 11-story Wedgewood Senior Living Apartments, a picture is emerging of heroism combined with terror and claims from attorneys that basic safety measures would have prevented five to six deaths and multiple injuries.

WEDGWOOD continues on pg. 14

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false fire alarms, have also been cited.

FIRE SAFETYIf the building had had management

controls in place, unthinkable fire alarm operations would not have occurred on the morning of the fire and that alone would have greatly decreased the time it took to get firefighters on the scene, said attorney James Shaw, whose firm Carabin & Shaw represents more than 50 residents. And that would have saved lives and reduced the number of injuries to residents.

Attorney Michelle Maloney, whose Marynell Maloney Law Firm also represents a number of residents, echoed Shaws concerns.

We were told there were constant false alarms in the building, Maloney said, so many false alarms that on the morning of the fire, some folks delayed seeing if there was an actual fire. They ignored the alarms.

No fire drills were conducted, Maloney said, adding, And there was no evacuation plan for the building despite the fact that most of the residents were elderly.

Maloney said, I heard numerous stories about problems people had evacuating from the building, including a story about a woman who couldnt walk who

was pulled down the stairs on a flattened cardboard box. One client told me an exit door was locked on her floor and she had to turn around and walk through smoke the length of the hallway to another exit.

There were also serious issues involving smoke and heat detectors, as well as problems with warning sirens on a number of the floors, Shaw said.

Our experts found that many of the smoke detectors, heat sensors, warning lights and sirens were taped over covered with masking tape. Apparently thered been a contract to paint the hallways prior to the fire and on certain floors tape covered sensors and alarm units, including sirens and lights, making them inoperable.

If those devices had been operable during the fire, we strongly believe the number of casualties and injuries would have been significantly reduced. People would have had more time to evacuate.

Wedgwood owners and management, their Houston-based law firm Bair Hilty and attorney Richard Griffin, and New York-based public relations firm Abernathy MacGregor Group had no comment for this story.

A letter from Entrada Management Services Inc., which operates Wedgewood,



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says former residents can call 344-0261 or 877-304-5668 for more information.

The Castle Hills city website, http://www.cityofcastlehills.com/, also offers tips and resources.

FIRE SPRINKLERS Wedgwood Apartments did not

have sprinklers, officials said. The building, built in 1964, was constructed before sprinklers were mandated by building codes. The building was grandfathered in, meaning the high-rise was not retrofitted for sprinklers.

In the wake of the fire, both Castle Hills and San Antonio may mandate that all high-rise buildings (those over seven stories) have sprinkler systems.

We are going to look at sprinklers very closely, said Castle Hills City Manager Diane Pfeil. We dont know what the Wedgwood apartment owners have in mind for the building, so it is premature to say more. Wedgwood was our only high-rise residential building. We have one office building (1 Castle Hills) with sprinklers in hallways, but not in offices.

San Antonio Fire Chief Charles Hood is exploring the possibility of advocating high-rises be retrofitted with sprinkler systems,

but such a decision is down the road, said Fire Department spokesman Christian Bove.

SURVIVORS STORIESMeanwhile, some residents say they are

struggling with emotional problems in the wake of the fire. In addition, most escaped with only the clothes on their backs.

Tony Escamilla, 86, who lived in apartment 1013, said, We heard many false alarms in the building nearly every day.

He said on the day of the blaze, I heard the alarm around 6:30 a.m. I kept looking out the window to see if I could see anything. I saw nothing and I went back to bed.

But his intuition prompted him to get up, open the door and gaze into the hallway.

I saw black smoking coming toward me, toward my apartment and I knew it was time to get out. I walked down 10 flights, he said. There were a lot of people who were kind of slow and I had to pass them. The further I got down, the more people there were Some were panicking. There were a whole bunch of fire trucks outside the building. We didnt know what to do. A lot of people were screaming. All we wanted to do was to get away from the fire.

He added, I heard people yelling for



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help up on the third floor. Some were standing on their balconies. It was horrible.

He knew two of the dead, and since the fire, I have been having some funny, funny dreams I dont know how to explain it. I see black smoke coming at me. I have trouble sleeping. He is staying with relatives.

Roberta Pratt, an 80-year-old retired nurse who lived in apartment 515, does not remember what woke her up the morning of the fire.

I ran to the door, opened it and smoke poured into my apartment. I couldnt see anything, she said. My neighbor in 517 came to my apartment. She told me to stay in my apartment and to open the window. I looked out and saw the parking lot was full of fire trucks and ambulances and police cars.

A firefighter came to her apartment.(He) told me I have to get out. I asked

him how, and he said, Down the stairwell. But I said, I cannot do steps. He said, We will get you out. We will carry you. I did not want to be carried, so using my cane and the railing, I walked down the stairs by myself. There was a lot of blood on one landing. I knew instantly someone was badly hurt.

Family members met her outside after she called them on her cellphone.

It has been very, very difficult because I have nothing from my apartment including some important papers, Pratt said. All my life is in the apartment. I wake up thinking about whats going on.whats my next move.

Pratt is also concerned because she did not hear a fire alarm and my smoke detectors did not go off.

CONTINUING EFFORTSResidents, lawyers and city officials

have praised the response by firefighters and other emergency personnel.

I could not be any more pleased with what our first responders did and with what our city continues to do to help in this situation, Pfeil said. The city of San Antonio and Bexar County had a unified command to fight what turned out to be the largest fire we had in recent memory. And they all did a great job.

As for response times, Bove said, We will talk with Castle Hills about a pact that would send our personnel and equipment to a fire at the same time as Castle Hills fire equipment is dispatched. That will save time and could save lives.

He added, In the case of the Wedgwood apartment fire, we were the only fire




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department in the area with ladders tall enough to reach the roof of that building.

San Antonio firefighters are credited with helping a number of residents safely down to the ground from their balconies and windows.

Groups in the community have responded to help residents who evacuated the apartment building with few if any possessions.

Among those pitching in is The WellMed Charitable Foundation, which has set up a $100,000 emergency fund to assist needy residents in danger of losing their temporary housing benefits.

The foundation has since received a $10,000 donation from radio station KAHL

EAGLE continues from pg. 01


EAGLES continues on pg. 18

for the emergency fund, and is accepting more donations to help residents with relocation expenses and other needs.

To make an online donation to help victims of the fire, visit www.wellmedgives.org/donate. Click on the In Memory or Honor box and type in Wedgwood Seniors.

Or call Charlene Lodge at 877-7716 to arrange a donation.

Many Castle Hills businesses have also offered assistance, including free and reduced-fee services ranging from food help to complimentary hair care from Mims Classic Beauty College.

Note: Author Ron Aaron Eisenberg serves as a communication consultant to The WellMed Charitable Foundation.

Though the game does not feature the standard 11-man configuration at most Texas schools, the Eagles embrace their accomplishments.

This is a football program, a school and a church that this community in Castle Hills

can be proudly associated with, said James Criner, the athletic director and former head coach. We would love nothing more than to have this community feel that sense of pride that comes with a state championship.

Recently, Criner joined the head football coach and four All-State players around an imaginary campfire on a bone-chilling day to recount heartwarming memories, including the Eagles fledgling beginnings.

Head coach Jeremy Samplaski, who joined the team as assistant coach in 2009, spoke of a whirlwind, noting hed never seen a six-man game before coaching in one.

Im thinking, OK, 11-man football, just with six players on the field, he said.

Coaches quickly learned nuances, such as how speed supersedes brawn in six-man, played by 200-plus Texas

Open house set for school Feb. 22by ARTHUR SCHECHTER

CASTLE HILLS Castle Hills First Baptist Schools football program has rapidly made great strides, including a victory in December that marked back-to-back state championships after only five full seasons for the six-man team.

The Mighty Eagles at Castle Hills First Baptist School have made great strides, coaches say, including winning back-to-back state championships in the Texas Association of Private and Parochial Schools six-man playoffs. Photo by Rudy B. Ornelas

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institutions. That includes several dozen in the Texas Association of Private and Parochial Schools, home to Castle Hills FSB, a private, Christian academy serving pre-kindergarten through 12th grade.

Texas public schools play in the University Interscholastic League with 11-man squads.

The six-man game is tackled with a somewhat different scoring system and on a smaller and narrower field. Modifications include scoring differences on the reduced 80-yard-long, 40-yard-wide field. Four points for field goals; touchdowns remain six; and kicked conversions are worth two (one for runs or passes). Fifteen yards achieves first downs and everyone is an eligible receiver.

You just have to wrap your brain around the idea that giving up 40 points a game is acceptable, Criner said.

Running back Dante Johnson, 17, concluded his Castle Hills career with impressive rushing and touchdown numbers, but discounts dissimilarities to 11-man.

When youre on the field, football is football, the senior said.

Fellow senior Micah Allmond, 17, recalled scoring a touchdown during freshman season and said, It was probably the happiest moment of my life at that time.

Meanwhile, the sports smash-mouth

appeal captivated 16-year-old Jacob Sily. I would definitely take six-

man over 11-man, said the junior. The hits are more violent.

The coach chimed in, He just likes to tackle people.

Samplaski continued, One of the biggest things to change for us two years ago was the emphasis on physical conditioning.

By 2013, the Eagles soared to new heights, sporting an unblemished 14-0 record and

a TAPPS Division I state championship.That season, to me, was kind of like a

rocket ship taking off; just kept getting higher and higher and higher and ultimately ended up with the perfect season, Criner said.

However, one erstwhile teammate missed the ride. Dillon Dorsett left Castle Hills his junior year and confessed shedding a tear.

I found myself missing this place, not just because of the football aspect, but because of the social aspect. Were all really a

brotherhood on the football team, and that does definitely translate into school life.

Were a deep-rooted team, Criner said. These guys deeply care for one another.

When Dorsett returned to the Eagles roost in 2014, the team wanted another championship.

This year was incredible, the senior said. I wouldnt trade this football

EAGLES continues on pg. 19

Members of the Castle Hills First Baptist School football team who helped secure the Texas Association of Private and Parochial Schools six-man football Division II championship include Nathan Mumme (left), Andrew Anderson, Elijah Loeffler, Dante Johnson, Jacob Sily, Luke Schmitt and Sy Birkey. Photo by Rudy B. Ornelas

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EAGLES continues from pg. 18

season for anything, Allmond said. The players consensus was the second

championship, in TAPPS Division II, proved harder because everyone wants to beat the previous years titleholder.

Its great to be able to put a ring on our finger and have a trophy, but, Samplaski said, reiterating his locker-room address after all the success, (there are) better days coming.

Criner added, Your self-worth is not dependent upon your performance. Its not. You are more than just how you function on a court or a field.

Samplaski said hed remember 2014 for attaining another title, but also one unifying practice.

Things werent going the way they needed to go, so I started to really get on the kids, he began. I had them running probably harder than they ever. All of a sudden, one kid began to struggle.

Consequently, a player displayed the type of leadership preached at Castle Hills.

The coach continued, (Jacob) was done, (but) he got back down on his hands and knees and did it all again so that he could do it with this other kid who was struggling, and I knew at that point, thats who were trying to be.

According to Criner, other core values instilled at the school include integrity, personal responsibility, respect, sportsmanship and serving others.

The latter was embodied in a game last season against Giddings State School, a juvenile-correctional facility.

On every corner of the field there were guards; they called them counselors, Criner said. All the boys on our team packed meals and served those boys when the game was over.

It was really one of the most amazing experiences Ive ever in my life been a part of, Samplaski said.

Another unforgettable moment arose during a spiritual retreat when the Eagles welcomed to the team a classmate with social challenges.

Dante goes and sits next to this kid, and spends his time with this kid, Criner said. That same boy scored his first touchdown this year and when he did, the rest of the boys raced up and down the field screaming and excited for him.

According to Susan Covarrubia, the director of admissions, there will be an open house for fall enrollment at 2 p.m. Feb. 22 in the Victory Building, 2220 N.W. Military Highway. Families will receive a tour and meet faculty members. For more, call 377-8460 or visit www.chfbs.org.

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CASTLE HILLS continues from pg. 01

The North East Independent School District campus has been operating as a year-round institution since Castle Hills Elementary, 200 Lemonwood Drive, became a magnet school during the 1992-93 academic year.

Lottery to enroll required for some studentsby COLLETTE ORQUIZ

CASTLE HILLS At Castle Hills Elementary School, learning doesnt stop when other campuses let out for traditional breaks.

It is also the districts oldest continuously operating school, opened in 1952, and the only one running all year. It is known for its high exam scores, educators said.

The model works well for staff, students and families. They love it, said Aubrey Chancellor, an NEISD spokeswoman.

Students at the year-round elementary school still take the same number of days as the traditional calendar calls for 177. But the differences include an earlier start to the academic year, with two semesters and four sessions of instruction lasting 42 to 46 days each across the year-round schedule, with two-week breaks between each session.

School started July 22 for Castle Hills during the 2014-15 academic year, while other NEISD schools began Aug. 25.

During some of the breaks, the school offers enrichment or tutoring classes called intersessions. The frequent,

CASTLE HILLS continues on pg. 21

THE MODEL WORKS WELL FOR STAFF, STUDENTS AND FAMILIES. THEY LOVE IT.

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CASTLE HILLS continues from pg. 20

shorter breaks also help prevent teacher burnout, educators said.

The calendar is voted on by both staff and parents every year, Chancellor said.

Anne Elizabeth Chacon enrolled her son Judah at Castle Hills Elementary for kindergarten, and he is now a first-grader. She said from a parents perspective, its not easy to follow a schedule different from other schools, especially when she works full time, but its worth it.

I like the idea that theyre not going to have these huge gaps in their education, Chacon said.

Chacon sees it as indicative of the way they approach education, considering that her son is excited to attend school and is not particularly fond of breaks.

Enrollment is open to six school districts including NEISD, but students who live outside the attendance zone must enter a lottery. A small portion of Castle Hills population is restricted to the school.

Educators said there is a waiting list to get in the school.

It is a diverse mix of cultures and backgrounds and creates a collaborative and rich environment, Chancellor said.

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Chacon entered her sons name in the lottery so he could enroll for kindergarten in 2013. She heard about the school through her aunt, after contemplating home-schooling or a private education.

I really like it so far, the mother said. Judah has really thrived and cant wait to go to school.

The school recently became the 2014 Asthma-Friendly School Initiative Champion Gold Award Winner and has been either a recognized or exemplary school since 1995.

The campus has been headed by Principal Betsy Asheim since 2013.

Transit Improvements in Your Community

SyStem-wide improvementS As part of the fiscal year 2015 budget, VIA Metropolitan Transit is bringing many improvements and enhancements to the entire service area. We are increasing bus service levels by 3.8 percent, helping our workers improve their skills and capabilities, introducing new technologies for fare payment, and coordinating with the City of San Antonio on the local comprehensive planning effort.

pASSenGer AmenitieS With the overall service increases coming, VIAs passengers will also see tangible improvements to their riding experiences. We are initiating the purchase of new buses to replace more than half of our fleet over the next five years (with most of the new buses powered by compressed natural gas), and we are installing 900-1,000 new bus shelters over the next couple of years.

ServiCe CHAnGeS For tHe new yeAr The increases in service levels started with the New Year. On January 5, 2015 the service frequencies improved on over a dozen of VIAs busiest bus routes in all sectors of the service area. Most of these routes currently have buses coming by every 30 minutes during the busy times on weekdays, but after January 5 the frequencies improved to every 20 minutes, in most cases. Besides receiving increased service, route 534 has been modified to move to NW Military Drive. This change provides continuous service along NW Military and increases access and connectivity for business in Castle Hills. Routes on the North Side that are being improved include: 2 Blanco 5 McCullough 534 Wurzbach 550/551 Looper Skip

Capital improvements on the North Side

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iH-10 weSt pArK And ride A proposed IH-10 West facility will serve as a collector for commuters coming in from outlying cities (such as Boerne and Fair Oaks Ranch) and counties north and west of Bexar County, including Kendall, Kerr, Gillespie, and possibly portions of Comal and Bandera counties. This facility will have major connections to other activity centers such as the South Texas Medical Center, UTSA, the central business district, and the greater airport area.

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OAK WILT continues from pg. 01

The danger to trees from the beetle-borne affliction should not be underestimated, according to experts.

(Oak wilt) has been in the San Antonio area for at least 30 years, said Mark Duff, a certified arborist and oak-wilt specialist with the Texas A&M Forest Service. Its acreage and number of oak-wilt centers has doubled in Bexar County in the past 15 years. Helotes, Hollywood Park, Castle Hills (among about 40 spots in northwest Bexar County), and now Shavano park are infected.

Cost of trenching operation estimated at $30,000by BAIN SERNA

SHAVANO PARK Officials are working to contain and eradicate a solitary case of oak wilt a degenerative fungal disease that attacks and kills certain species of oak trees before it can spread to other properties.

The U.S. Forest Service says that widespread oak wilt, if left unchecked, kills trees and reduces property values.

City Manager Bill Hill said now is the time to nip the problem in the bud before it gets worse.

In late November, a few oak trees on a property on Bobcat Bend in Shavano Estates were diagnosed with oak wilt, prompting city leaders to take action.

I wrote a letter to the 70 residents that surround that property, informing them of the oak wilt and invited them to a meeting at City Hall on Dec. 11, Hill said. Twenty-one residents attended the meeting, which lasted about two hours. The residents strongly encouraged the city to take

OAK WILT continues on pg. 23

Shavano Park City Manager Bill Hill examines some healthy oak trees outside the municipal complex on a recent winter day. An isolated case of the disease, deadly to oaks, has been identified in the city and steps are being taken to contain it, Hill said. Photo by Leland A. Outz

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any mitigating action that we could. Oak wilt is spread by certain insects

often sap-feeding nitidulid beetles that carry the fungus from a diseased tree to a healthy tree, as well as by root grafts of an infected tree with a healthy specimen. Oak wilt can quickly destroy a tree, and there is no cure once a tree is infected, though stopping the spread of oak wilt is possible by various methods.

On Dec. 15, the City Council asked Hill to consult with the Texas A&M Forest Service and to find a firm to contain the oak wilt by trenching. With that method, a trench is dug to sever the root system of a diseased tree so the fungus doesnt spread.

The city signed a contract with Wimberley-based We Love Trees to dig the trenches. The owner of We Love Trees is a certified arborist who has been excavating trenches since 1997, according to officials.

Weve selected a company that is going to do the trenching, Hill said. Ive got permission from the landowners and the idea is that we would begin trenching the first week of February. The best shot at defeating this is to get the trench in as soon as possible, so that we will only have a small area to combat.

Hill said he was pleased the resident and the city could agree so quickly on a course of action.

Its important to note that the City Council has approved the funding of

OAK WILT continues on pg. 24

Officials in Shavano Park are working with a homeowner and an arborist to control a solitary outbreak of oak-wilt disease which, if left unchecked, could spread to other oak trees and reduce property values. Photo by Leland A. Outz

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this project out of the citys oak-wilt fund, he said. A number of years ago, before we even had oak wilt, we created an oak-wilt fund which is funded by the tree-cutting permits. Weve been saving money for years. We dont have a lot of money in it, but we have enough to cover the cost of this trenching operation.

Total cost for contractor work and miscellaneous city repairs is estimated at $30,000.

Oak wilt has been an increasing problem on the North Side and the Hill Country in recent years, according to officials.

Duff, who has been working in a 12-county region area for the past 23 years, has watched the disease spread.

Oak wilt was first identified in Texas in the 1970s, up in Dallas-Fort Worth area, he said. Its probably been in Texas since the 1950s.

He added, There are thousands of spots as you move into the Hill Country around Medina, Bandera, Kerrville, Boerne and Fredericksburg.


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LOCAL: Castle Hills, Shavano Park, North Central, 78213, 78230, 78248, 78249 February 2015

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Transcript of LOCAL: Castle Hills, Shavano Park, North Central, 78213, 78230, 78248, 78249 February 2015