North San Antonio | March

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North San Antonio Edition VOLUME 4, ISSUE 6 MARCH 22APRIL 21, 2025

2025 Voter Guide

Crowded eld vies for San Antonio City Council seats

candidates. On top of the three local council races, as outgoing Mayor Ron Nirenberg completes his inal term as mayor, 27 candidates have entered the mayoral race, which has attracted individuals from a variety of professions, according to city candidate applications. Nirenberg said the candidates will have the potential to reshape the direction of the city when it comes to multiple issues, including major development projects in the works in the city and investments in infrastructure.

BY PARKS KUGLE

As the May 3 election approaches, North San Antonians will have to wade through a packed race of candidates to determine three local council seats. In districts 8 and 9, council members Manny Pelaez and John Courage have termed out of their respective seats and are running for mayor. This change leaves a ield of six candidates vying for the District 8 seat and seven candidates running for District 9. In District 10, incumbent Marc Whyte is running for re-election against four other

District 9

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District 8

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CONTINUED ON 18

Cities of Shavano Park, Hollywood Park, and Hill Country Village

District 8

District 9

District 10

Sakib Shaikh

Cindy Onyekwelu

Angi Aramburu

Daniel Mezza

Clint W. Norton*

Emily Joy Garza

Roy Anthony II

Marc Whyte

Cesario Garcia

Rodney Kidd

April Chang

Eric Litaker

Mark Duane O'Donnell*

Ivalis Meza Gonzalez

Celeste N. Tidwell

Paula McGee

Misty Spears

To view Q&As and background information on the candidates, visit communityimpact.com/ voter-guide.

Tristen Homan

NOTE: CANDIDATES ARE IN BALLOT ORDER. *CANDIDATE DID NOT SUBMIT HEADSHOT BY PRESS TIME.

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About Community Impact

Owners John and Jennifer Garrett launched Community Impact in 2005, and the company is still locally owned today with editions across Texas. Our mission is to provide trusted news and local information that everyone gets. Our vision is to build communities of informed citizens and thriving businesses through the collaboration of a passionate team. Our purpose is to be a light for our readers, customers, partners and each other by living out our core values of Faith, Passion, Quality, Innovation and Integrity.

Market leaders & metro team

Reporters Parks Kugle Thomas Leer Jarrett Whitener Graphic Designers Alissa Foss Abigail Hines Sabrina Musachia Chelsea Peters Joseph Veloz Managing Editor Darcy Sprague Product Manager Gloria Gonzalez Quality Desk Editor Adrian Gandara

Darcy Sprague Managing Editor dsprague@ communityimpact.com

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BUSINESS UPDATES

NORTH SAN ANTONIO EDITION

Impacts

The med spa in Stone Oak is an extension of PRMA Plastic Surgery. PREEMA Regenerative Aesthetics offers a range of services including wrinkle injectables, dermal fillers, PRF and exosome therapy, facials, chemical peels and other treatments. • Opened in December • 540 Madison Oak Drive, Ste. 600, San Antonio • www.preema.org 5 Timberwood Family Orthodontics Timberwood Family Orthodontics offers a variety of treatments, such as braces, custom clear aligners and 6 PJ’s Coffee of New Orleans PJ’s Coffee offers coffees, caffeine-free beverages and energy drinks. The coffee shop also offers pastries, beignets, breakfast sandwiches and lunch. Additionally, multiple items based on classic New Orleanian flavors are available, such as the pralines and cream latte, and the honey brûlée shaken espresso. • Opened March 14 • 16918 Bulverde Road, San Antonio • www.pjscoffee.com 7 Hazel Sky Smoke Shop The smoke shop’s first store opened in San Antonio in 2014 and now operates 17 locations, with stores in Dallas and Florida, according to its website. Hazel Sky Smoke Shop offers an assortment of glass pieces, hookah products, cigarillos, torches and apparel. • Opened Jan. 5 • 2407 Evans Road, Ste. 110, San Antonio • www.hazelskysmokeshop.com early orthodontic treatments for children. • 25219 Hwy. 281 N., Ste. 110, San Antonio • www.timberwoodfamilyorthodontics.com

281

OVERLOOK PKWY.

BULVERDE RD.

CAMP BULLIS

Stone Oak

281

MADISON OAK DR.

1604

Hollywood Park

Shavano Park

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A C

in the Northwoods Shopping Center. Homesense sells furniture, decor, lighting, art, bedding and rugs. • Opened Feb. 20 • 1730 N. Loop 1604 E., San Antonio • https://us.homesense.com/ 3 Pieper Smiles The dental office treats children and adults. Pieper Smiles services include emergency, preventive and restorative work, dentures, extractions and cosmetic dentistry. • Opened early January • 25219 Hwy. 281 N., Ste. 104, San Antonio • www.piepersmiles.com

Now open

1 Feng Cha Feng Cha offers boba tea, milk foam tea, classic milk tea, fruit drinks, coffee and desserts. The business opened its first San Antonio location in 2023 in the Castle Hills neighborhood. The business is housed in the space formerly occupied by Edible. Feng Cha has locations in Austin, Houston and in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex. • Opened March 10 • 18866 Stone Oak Parkway, Ste. 106, San Antonio • www.fengchausa.com 2 Homesense The home furnishing store opened a second location

In the news

8 CHRISTUS Santa Rosa Hospital CHRISTUS Health announced Feb. 24 that it will close its CHRISTUS Santa Rosa Hospital–Medical Center location April 25 and will consolidate care into local CHRISTUS hospitals. According to a news release, CHRISTUS Santa Rosa’s decision to close its Medical Center location came after an evaluation of the hospital’s operations

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BY PARKS KUGLE

as well as a way to address the changing needs of the community. • 2827 Babcock Road, San Antonio • www.christushealth.org 9 Dunkin’ Renovation and alteration work to Dunkin’ Donuts began Feb. 1 and is expected to wrap up by July 31, according to the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation. The project’s estimated cost is $150,000. • 22255 Hwy. 281, San Antonio • www.dunkindonuts.com 10 It’s Boba Time Renovation and alteration work to It’s Boba Time began in December and was expected to wrap up in early March, according to a TDLR filing. The project’s estimated cost is $350,000. • 1201 N. Loop 1604 W., Ste. 117, San Antonio • www.itsbobatime.com 11 Umiya Sushi Renovation and alteration costing $250,000 began in mid-March and is expected to be complete by the end of May, according to the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation. • 14424 San Pedro Ave., San Antonio • www.umiyasa.com

Now open

12 The Porch The new bar replaced the former retro-themed bar Billie Jean. The Porch offers beers and cocktails in The Commons at Wilderness Oaks retail center. • Opened Jan. 31

• 20711 Wilderness Oak, Ste. 113, San Antonio • Facebook: The Porch on Wilderness Oak

NORTH SAN ANTONIO EDITION

Government

BY PARKS KUGLE

San Antonio approves entertainment district During its Feb. 27 meeting, San Antonio City Council approved a memorandum of understand- ing between the city, Bexar County and the San Antonio Spurs to move forward with a proposed sports and entertainment district. What you need to know The MOU includes six proposed major projects: • Renovation of the Frost Bank Center and the Freeman Coliseum, and the redevelopment of the Freeman Coliseum grounds • Creation of a downtown sports and entertain- ment district • Proposed expansion of the convention center; renovation of the Alamodome

City allows alcohol sales at 2 golf courses During its Feb. 13 meeting, San Antonio City Council voted to amend Chapter 22 of city code to allow the sale of alcoholic beverages at First Tee—Greater San Antonio in Brackenridge Park and Mac Wylie Golf Center located in O.P. Schnabel Park. What you need to know According to city documents, the ordi- nance institutes minor code changes of Chapter 22 of city code, so rules governing public golf courses are consistent through- out the city. Additionally, the ordinance will allow the sale of food and non-alcoholic beverages in Woodlawn Lake Community Room at Woodlawn Park.

Project

Funding sources

Convention center expansion ($700M-$900M)

• City Hotel Occupancy Tax 9% • Project Finance Zone

Arena ($1.2B-$1.5B)

• PFZ • Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone • Private • Spurs • Venue tax

Alamodome revised project (TBD) Wood Courthouse, midsize venue ($100M-$150M) Convention center hotel ($750M+) Land bridge (TBD) Infrastructure (TBD) Acquisition of ITC & GSA properties (TBD)

• City HOT 9% • PFZ • Private • City HOT 9% • Private

• Private (Any financial gap will likely require public incentives)

• City capital • Federal/state • City capital • Federal/state

• Construction of a land bridge over I-37 • Encouragement of other developments downtown.

• TIRZ

SOURCE: CITY OF SAN ANTONIO/COMMUNITY IMPACT

Shavano Park green lights trail grant application During its Feb. 24 meeting, Shavano Park City Council voted unanimously to move forward with applying for a Metropolitan Planning Organiza- tion grant from Alamo Area Metropolitan Plan- ning Organization to help fund the construction of a new trail. What you need to know According to city officials, the resolution was

1 City of Shavano Park-Municipal Court 2 Inwood trailhead at Salado Creek bike trail

needed for the city to continue with the applica- tion process. The prospective trail would connect to Salado Creek trail and would include a trailhead near Shavano Park City Hall. City officials said the trail may also include a parking area, benches, bike racks, a public drink- ing fountain, a dog drinking fountain, information kiosks and an emergency call box. If approved, the funds would receive a 20% match from AAMPO.

SHOAL CREEK GREENWAY

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Transportation

BY PARKS KUGLE

Upcoming projects

Stone Oak

WOODLAND GREEN

MASONWOOD DR.

1 Evans Road Drainage Phase 1 Project: Part of the city of San Antonio’s 2022-2027 bond program, work includes rebuilding the street, widening sidewalks and improving drainage on Evans Road from East Elm Creek to Masonwood Drive. Update: According to the city documents, the project’s design phase is 70% complete. • Timeline: summer 2025-summer 2027 • Cost: $8.45 million • Funding source: 2022-2027 bond program 2 Babcock Road project Project: Part of the city of San Antonio’s 2022-27 bond program, the project includes widening the roadway to four lanes with a center lane, adding sidewalks, curbs and driveway approaches, drainage improvements and a mid-block pedestrian crossing. Update: Currently in the design phase, the bond program project will transform Babcock Road from West

CAMP BULLIS

E. ELM CREEK

281

OLD FREDERICKSBURG RD.

1604

UTSA BLVD.

Hollywood Park

BABCOCK RD.

W. HAUSMAN RD.

1103

1604

Hausman Road to UTSA Boulevard. • Timeline: fall 2025-winter 2027 • Cost: $10 million • Funding source: 2022-2027 bond program

Shavano Park

1518

Ongoing projects

3 FM 1518 expansion Project: TxDOT is widening the existing roadway of FM 1518 between FM 78 and I-10 E. to include two 11-foot lanes in each direction, separated by a 34-foot raised center median in a four-phase project. Additionally, the project will include a 10-foot-wide shared-use path along the east side of the road and a 6-foot-wide sidewalk on the west side of the roadway. Update: According to the TxDOT project website, the first phase of the project, which focuses on water and sewer lines beneath the roadway, began in 2024. Construction is estimated to be completed in 2028. • Timeline: 2024-28 • Cost: $73 million • Funding source: Federal and state funds 4 I-35 Northeast Expansion south project Project: TxDOT is expanding approximately 20 miles

N. WALTERS ST.

MAP NOT TO SCALE N

5 Old Fredericksburg Road Project Project: A five-phase project from I-10 to Ralph Fair Road, which includes constructing bridge, roadway and drainage improvements and the construction of a proposed roundabout. Update: Initial construction of Phase 1 began in January. • Timeline: Construction began on Jan. 13 and is expected to be completed in May 2027 • Cost: $13.25 million • Funding sources: Bexar County roadway funds, San Antonio Water System and the city of Fair Oaks Ranch Water

of I-35 from North Walters Street to FM 1103 in Bexar County. The project includes building elevated lanes which will provide direct connections to I-410 S., I-410 N., Loop 1604 W. and Loop 1604 E. Update: According to the TxDOT website, the initial phase of construction involves the construction of elevated lanes between I-410 N. and FM 3009 and direct connectors with I-410 N. and Loop 1604 W. Phase 1 of the project began in spring 2021 and was completed in fall 2024. • Timeline: 2021-2028 • Cost: $700 million • Funding source: Federal and state funds

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NORTH SAN ANTONIO EDITION

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INSIDE THIS ISSUE

DETOURS: An El Paso Refuge CRITTER: American Bumblebee OUT THERE: Meanwhile, in Texas

MADE IN TEXAS: A Leathermaking Legacy FEATURE PREVIEW: Where to Eat Now

Above: The Ysleta Mission, in El Paso.

NORTH SAN ANTONIO EDITION

DETOURS

A Tribal Sanctuary On a Sacred Trail

Location: eleven miles southeast of downtown El Paso. BY JOSH ALVAREZ

CRITTER

American Bumblebee

The bumblebee does something most bees don't: buzz pollination, which involves gripping the plant with its legs and vibrating its whole body. If you eat blueberries, potatoes, or tomatoes— all of which rely on buzz pollination— you’ve got a bumblebee to thank. WHY IS IT SO BIG? The better to collect all that sweet pollen to feed its young. That fuzz is actually densely packed hairs, or setae, that trap pollen as the bumblebee floats from flower to flower. Its large body likely evolved to provide even more surface area.

DOES IT STING? Only if you mess with its nest.

HOW MANY SPECIES ARE THERE? Texas has between seven and eleven types. The most common is the American bumblebee, found statewide. North Texans might spot the brown-belted bumblebee, while those in the west are likely to see the Sonoran variant. The gentle giant is in trouble, though: Since 1974, popula- tions across North America have fallen by 46 percent. SCIENTISTS KEEP TABS, RIGHT? Austin’s Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center is one of several Texas orga- nizations partnering with Jacqueline Staab, the owner of Darwin’s Bee Dogs. Her German shorthaired pointers are trained to sniff out bumblebee nests for population surveys. “If we lose bees,” says Staab, “we lose Texas ecosystems.” —Rose Cahalan

INSIDE THE ADOBE walls of the Ysleta Mis- sion are clues to a deep history of acculturation that characterizes El Paso to this day. The Ysleta del Sur Pueblo tribe, more commonly known as the Tigua, established the mission in 1682, making it one of the oldest in Texas (much of the current structure was built in 1851). The Tigua arrivedherefromNewMexico,whichtheyfled after the Pueblo Indians there overthrew the

Spanish colonial system, in 1680, forcing Span- iards and Christianized Pueblos to seek safety elsewhere. The Tigua dedicated the mission to Anthony of Padua, patron saint of things that have been lost, whose figure stands atop the entrance; inside are blankets dyed in brilliant blues and reds and a statue of Kateri Tekakwitha, the Catholic Church’s first Native American saint. The structure, part of the El Paso Mission Trail, holds a mass every day. If you can, plan your visit for June 13, when the Tigua celebrate Saint Anthony with traditional dancing.

The church interior at the Ysleta Mission, in El Paso.

NORTH SAN ANTONIO EDITION

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MADE IN TEXAS

He Goes With the Grain Clint Wilkinson carries on his grandfather’s leatherworking legacy out of the same downtown Denton storefront. BY PAUL L. UNDERWOOD

OUT THERE

Meanwhile, In Texas

After the San Antonio Zoo announced the birth of Tupi, the first capybara born there since 2000, it had to clarify to X users that it was “not associated with or benefiting from” a crypto- currency named after the baby animal. The number one item on the TSA’s top ten list of the most unusual airport confiscations in 2024 was a gun tucked into the back of a baby stroller at Houston’s William P. Hobby Airport. The Texas State Aquarium, in Corpus Christi, released into the Gulf of Mex- ico some 270 green sea turtles it had rescued when they became hypother- mic during a recent cold snap. A Temple woman was sentenced to felony probation for theft after with- drawing money from a GoFundMe account created for her after she lied about a cancer diagnosis so that her friends “would like her more.” A Bexar County jail officer was arrest- ed and fired after allegedly giving an inmate food from Whataburger . After the Houston Police Department announced plans to clean up its prop- erty warehouse, authorities revealed that rats had possibly compromised ongoing cases by eating mushrooms and other drugs stored as evidence. A man stole a pickup truck and led police on a chase to the Midland airport, where he drove through the perimeter fence and onto the runways before abandoning the vehicle. —Meher Yeda

George W. Bush and Fort Worth soul star Leon Bridges, as well as Stetson and 7-Eleven. Wilkinson works out of the downtown cor- ner storefront once owned by his grandfather Weldon Burgoon, who opened Weldon’s Sad- dle Shop & Western Wear in 1957. Burgoon, who helped cover the cost of Clint’s birth, in 1982, by giving a saddle to the obstetrician, taught his grandson the craft. Wilkinson started an e-commerce site for the shop and, with his grandfather’s encour- agement, began branding his own handsewn leather goods with his name. In 2019, a year after Burgoon died, Wilkin- son reopened the shop, which he renamed Wilkinson’s Fine Goods. He’s known for his leather tote bags, belts, and wallets, and he sells wares from other brands, like Nocona- based Fenoglio Boot Company. He’s also de- veloping a line of leather-crafting supplies. The intention, he says, is to create “a way that I can still be in the leather community when I’m seventy-five years old and can’t make anything anymore.”

LAST SUMMER, WILKINSON’S FineGoods, in Denton, received its biggest online order to date. Owner Clint Wilkinson was intrigued by his new client, who purchased a massive array of custom desk mats, bootjacks, and cherrywood boxes with hand-tooled leather accents. “I was just like, ‘Holy crap,’�” Wilkin- son recalls. “He must be a politician or lawyer or something.” Not quite. Wilkinson looked up the buyer, a Utah resident named Austin Post, and re- alized that he was doing business with Post Malone, the rapper who was raised in nearby Grapevine. Wilkinson emailed him to explain that fulfillment would take some time be- cause every item would be handmade. The two now exchange texts about everything from the order’s progress to the woes of their be- loved Dallas Cowboys. Eventually Wilkinson’s client list would include former President

Clint Wilkinson and Charlie Talkington in the Wilkinson’s Fine Goods workshop, in Denton.

NORTH SAN ANTONIO EDITION

2025

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Japanese hand rolls, sashimi, and sushi and en- joy the restaurant’s excellent vinyl collection. What does all this say about dining in Texas as weapproachtheendofthefirstquarterofthe twenty-firstcentury?Maybejustthis:Weneed to make room for more fun. The hospitality industry knows hard times all too well, with the ever-rising costs of raw ingredients and labor and the hollowing out of once vibrant restaurant-centric neighborhoods. Given all that, who wouldn’t opt for a break from the real world? It was in the same spirit that we selected the ten best new restaurants in Texas, along with a handful of honorable mentions. So get out there. Ask some friends to dinner; try some wild and crazy dishes; visit a place not on your radar. Life is serious enough—live a little. And eat a lot. To read the list of the best new restaurants in Texas, please subscribe to Texas Monthly .

IS IT OUR imagination, or are Texas restau- rants more, well, imaginative than ever? On our visit to an idiosyncratic spot in the Gulf Coast town of Kemah, we were treated to bil- lowing dry ice, a blowtorch, and a pasta cre- ation that was a dead ringer for a coral snake. In Dallas, we settled into a long, narrow dining room that looked as if it had been uncoupled from the Orient Express. In Fort Worth, we were sure that characters in The Crown would have felt right at home in a convincing replica of a posh London townhouse. Of course, not everything we loved this past year was stagy. One of our favorite venues was a comfy lit- tle place in Houston where guests can order

FEATURE PREVIEW

Where to Eat Now Dining in Texas has been one big experiment this year. Dry ice. Pasta snakes. Whey foam. Corn bubbles. (That’s right: corn bubbles.) Our best new restaurants want you to have a meal you’ll never forget.

BY COURTNEY BOND AND PATRICIA SHARPE

A scallop dish from Ishtia, in Kemah; smoked king salmon crudo at the Chumley House, in Fort Worth; sabering a bottle of wine at Isidore, in San Antonio.

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NORTH SAN ANTONIO EDITION

Education

BY PARKS KUGLE

Following a Feb. 10 vote to close three schools, North East ISD officials said they have taken multiple steps to ensure students and families affected by the campus consolidation process have a smooth transition. With a number of factors affecting NEISD, such as falling enrollment, facility maintenance costs, lower birth rates and rising housing costs, district officials voted to close Driscoll Middle School, Wilshire Elementary School and Clear Spring Elementary School for the 2025-26 school year. What you need to know Aubrey Chancellor, NEISD’s executive director of communications, said on Feb. 12 the district sent counselors to the three affected campuses NEISD works to create smooth transition amid campus consolidations

NEISD security program provides campus safeguards North East ISD has created a new safety program with more demanding recruitment requirements and a narrower set of responsibilities. District offi- cials said the new program will provide an added layer of security and stronger emergency response practices on district campuses. Quote of note “[The safety specialist’s] job is not only to be prepared to address an active threat, but to be proactive in the prevention, protection, response, recovery of any other safety issue,” said Paul Duran, senior director of safety and security.

Candidates file for NISD board races

Closing schools’ operating costs

Personnel

Other operating costs

Utilities

Maintenance work orders

$109 $401

Driscoll Middle School: $10,888 per student

$9,895 $482

There are four contested races for the May 3 Northside ISD board of trustees election. Incumbent Homer Guevara Jr. is running for re-election in District 2, challenged by candidates Sonia Jasso, Mary Olison and Richard Delgado Jr. In District 5, incumbent Corinne Saldana is running for re-election and is faced by challenger Laura Lee Zapata. Incumbent Carol Harle is running for re-election as the District 6 representative, faced by challenger Nicolette Maranan Ardiente. In District 7, incumbent Karen Freeman is running for re-election and faces challenger Larissa Martinez. For more details on the candidates, visit communityimpact.com.

Wilshire Elementary School: $15,434 per student

$627 $120

$453

$14,234

Clear Spring Elementary School: $9,383 per student

$351

$101 $330

$8,600

SOURCE: NORTH EAST ISD/COMMUNITY IMPACT

Criminal incidents by school year Conduct punishable as a felon Assault against a school district employee or volunteer Assault against anyone other than a school district employee or volunteer Possessed, sold, used or was under the influence of an alcoholic beverage Possessed, sold, used or was under the influence of marijuana or other controlled substance Terroristic threat Fighting/mutual combat

2022-23 2023-24 15 99 253 15 110 238

choice go out sooner than the July 25 deadline and are expected to be sent in late April or early May. NEISD Superintendent Sean Maika said impacted staff would receive notification of placement as soon as possible, with some being placed in new schools by April. District officials will continue to coordinate the transition for staff and families using multiple forms of communication. The board will also receive a monthly progress report.

to offer students and staff support. Additionally, district officials sent school choice letters to impacted families, including students who would have attended Driscoll Middle School as well as magnet and extension letters. Chancellor said the district received 220 school choice applicants as of Feb. 26, and four Driscoll students applied to magnet programs as of Feb. 28. Stay tuned District officials said notifications for school

55 25

17 31

598

629

SOURCE: NORTH EAST ISD/COMMUNITY IMPACT

STONE OAK 23026 US Hwy 281 N (210) 497-1322 DE ZAVALA 5219 De Zavala Rd (210) 561-0900

VINEYARD 1309 N Loop 1604 W (210) 408-8206

RECTOR 819 E Rector Dr (210) 340-2244

LEGACY 2003 N Loop 1604 E (210) 494-8600

Crowded field vies for San Antonio City Council seats From the cover

The overview

Two-minute impact

San Antonio’s North Side skews higher than the rest of the city in several demographic categories, including median age, income and education. According to U.S. Census Bureau data from 2019-23, North San Antonio has a higher rate of homeownership, with 62.36% of its population owning their own homes compared to 52.4% for the entire city. When it comes to education levels, North San Antonio has an average of 96.7% residents who have earned a high school diploma or higher, and 57.1% of its population holds a bachelor’s degree or higher. The city’s overall attainment rates are 84.3% for a high school diploma and 28.7% for a bachelor’s degree or higher. Additionally, North San Antonio skews older than the rest of the city, with an average age of 47 compared to San Antonio’s average age of 35, and has an average household income of $91,000 compared to the city’s average median income of $62,917.

Median age

Median income

BA or higher

ZIP code

Not only is the North Side of San Antonio voting for three council candidates, its residents will also have an outsized influence on the mayoral race. The North Side plays a disproportionate role in city elections, said Bryan Gervais, the director of the University of Texas at San Antonio Center for Public Opinion Research. “[Political participation] dovetails with socioeconomic status. On the North Side, you tend to have people who are more educated and [have] higher incomes. You tend to see higher voter turnout,” he said. Because of higher voter turnout, Gervais said North Side council members have a better chance being elected as mayor. “The number of candidates is unusual this year, but I suspect the person who ends up being mayor is probably going to be ... somebody who’s had some official position,” he said.

78230

44 $65,490 49.4%

78231

$129,470 63.8%

78232

$63,110 50.2%

78248

$130,605

65.1%

78258

39 $86,770 60.9%

78259

$96,233

51.3%

78260

39 $65,300 59.1%

San Antonio

$62,917

28.7%

SOURCE: U.S. CENSUS BUREAU/COMMUNITY IMPACT

May election turnout numbers

20%

The dais

15%

Current City Council members

All 10 City Council seats are on the ballot this May, along with the mayor’s seat.

10%

2013 2015 2017

2019 2021 2023

Teri Castillo District 5 Served: 2021-25

Adriana Rocha Garcia District 4 Served: 2019-25

Phyllis Viagran District 3 Served: 2021-25

Jalen McKee- Rodriguez District 2 Served: 2021-25

Sukh Kaur District 1 Served: 2023-25

Ron Nirenberg Mayor Served: 2017-25

Year

SOURCE: CITY OF SAN ANTONIO/COMMUNITY IMPACT

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

BY PARKS KUGLE

A changing environment

Looking ahead

In the Nov. 5 election, San Antonians voted to pass several charter amendments related to council and the mayor’s term limits and salaries. The changes stemmed from findings from a Charter Review Commission established in 2023, according to past Community Impac t reporting. Under the newly passed proposition, San Antonio council members earn $70,200 annually compared to $45,722 previously. Additionally, it raised the mayor’s salary from $61,725 to $87,800. All annual future adjustments must correlate to the U.S. Housing and Urban Devel- opment-determined income limits for a San Antonio family of four at 80% and 100% of the area median income. Proposition F altered term limits from two- year terms with eight-year term limits to four- year terms and a term limit of eight concurrent years of service for both the City Council and mayor’s office.

As Nirenberg leaves office, he said that due to San Antonio’s growth, future mayors and City Council members need to balance multiple priorities. This includes balancing expansion with the city’s natural resources such as the Edwards Aquifer, maintaining investments in infrastructure and transportation needs like the public transit system, and continuing to develop the city. “We remain one of the fastest growing regions in the country, and the next mayor and council will have to keep up with the record investments we’ve made in infrastructure to keep up with that growth that includes the maintenance and construction of roadways, sidewalk infrastructure, and other transportation needs,” Nirenberg said. Additionally, Nirenberg said future city governments need to continue downtown development projects, such as the Missions ballpark and the sports and entertainment district, which will strengthen San Antonio’s tourism efforts. “The next mayor and council will have to keep up with the record investments we’ve made in infrastructure to keep up with [the city’s] growth. RON NIRENBERG, SAN ANTONIO MAYOR

Compensation packages

According to past Community Impact reporting, San Antonio was one of the last major metropolitan cities to begin paying its mayor and council a full-time wage instead of a stipend.

Council member

Mayor

$70,200

San Antonio

$87,800

$116,688

Austin

$134,191

$62,983

Houston*

$236,189

$60,000

Dallas*

$80,000

SOURCES: CITY OF SAN ANTONIO, CITY OF AUSTIN, CITY OF HOUSTON, CITY OF DALLAS/COMMUNITY IMPACT

*AS OF 2020

Marc Whyte District 10 Served: 2023-25

John Courage District 9 Served: 2017-25

Manny Pelaez District 8 Served: 2017-25

Marina Alderete Gavito District 7 Served: 2023-25

Melissa Cabello Havrda District 6 Served: 2019-25

SOURCE: CITY OF SAN ANTONIO/COMMUNITY IMPACT

NORTH SAN ANTONIO EDITION

Let’s get real about vaccines GET THE FACTS

We understand that keeping your child safe is your top priority. Vaccines are safe and teach your child’s immune system to recognize organisms that can cause harm. Vaccines can help protect your child from serious disease or even death. For more information, visit SA.gov/Health

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Election

BY SHELBIE HAMILTON & ALEX REECE

What to bring before going to the polls May 3

identification, according to the Texas Secretary of State’s website. When voting in person, eligible voters not in possession of an allowed form of identification can request a provisional ballot and follow associated processes to cast their vote.

During uniform election days in Texas, which are held twice a year in May and November, eligible residents are given the opportunity to vote at a polling site or via a mail-in ballot. Both voting methods require presentation of a valid and approved form of

Voters are required to bring one of seven forms of identification with them when they cast their ballot in person.

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Government document that shows the voter’s name and an address, including the voter’s voter registration certificate Current utility bill Bank statement Government check Paycheck

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Certified U.S. state or territory birth certificate or a document confirming birth admissible in a court of law which establishes the voter’s identity

NORTH SAN ANTONIO EDITION

Election

BY PARKS KUGLE

KEY: *Incumbent

Hollywood Park City Council, Place 1

Why are you running for office, and what is the one central issue you wish to address? I am presently serving the unexpired term of the individual that is now Mayor—Chester Drash—since May 2024. I applied for the vacancy because I had concerns regarding the maintenance and repair of our streets and town facilities. Previously, I had been in contact with City Council members to express my concerns…

How can Hollywood Park city government best serve the community? By continuing to provide first rate police and fire protection, by keeping streets and town facilities well-maintained and repaired, keeping government efficient and customer-oriented, and at the same time, keeping our tax rate as low as possible.

Jim Rodriguez* Occupation & experience: Licensed Professional Engineer in private practice with own consulting engineering firm for 40-plus years.

The driving force for me to run for City Council is to expand my current level of service to our community, which has been such a welcoming place for my family since moving here. My driving goal is ensuring that Hollywood Park is a welcoming place for families.

Hollywood Park has a growing population of school- age families. The city government should endeavor to support programs that will retain and attract this population for the well-being of our town. This calls for us to develop and implement projects that improve parks and public facilities.

Alan Sale Occupation & experience: Community development professional. Appointed member of Hollywood Park Economic Development Corporation since 2022 and EDC President.

Candidates were asked to keep responses under 50 words, answer the questions provided and avoid attacking opponents. Answers may have been edited or cut to adhere to those guidelines, or for style and clarity. For more election coverage, go to www.communityimpact.com/voter-guide.

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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Nonpro t

BY JARRETT WHITENER

Barshop Jewish Community Center celebrates 145 years

For more than 145 years, the Barshop Jewish Community Center of San Antonio has served as a center for community involvement both for Jewish people and the community at large. Around 25 years ago, the agency moved to the Harry & Jeanette Weinberg Campus located o NW Military Drive and Wurzbach Parkway, oering recreational activities for the North San Antonio community, said Carisa Heiss, CEO of Barshop Jewish Community Center of San Antonio. “Our three primary hubs of engagement are cultural, recreational and educational program- ming,” Heiss said. The details While focused around Jewish culture, Heiss said the organization works to provide activities for all age groups and backgrounds. “We are open to the entire community,” she said. “We love that a percentage of our member- ship is not Jewish, yet it is a very important part of their life and we get to watch families grow from preschool forward.” Amenities at the center include a tness center, tennis courts, basketball courts and an outdoor heated pool for aquatics training. Alongside these amenities, members have access to classes and programs oered at the center. What else? For families with children, the center oers a variety of classes and after-school programs. Chil- dren can take part in camps, recreational sports, swimming, learning and other development-cen- tered activities. Children at surrounding schools have the oppor- tunity to be picked up from school and brought to the center for recreational activities. Parents are encouraged to call the facility to see if their children would qualify. “By the time the parent or guardian is done with their workday, the kids have already started their extracurricular, which takes some of that pressure o the parents,” Heiss said. Get involved For those interested in learning more about the nonprot organization, tours and membership options can be found on the website, or by calling 210-302-6820.

Members can take part in tness classes and programs held each day.

PHOTOS COURTESY BARSHOP JEWISH COMMUNITY CENTER OF SAN ANTONIO

A heated outdoor pool is located on the campus, focusing on aquatics training.

Educational programs are available for children after school hours.

Heiss said she is thankful for having been part of the organization and is looking forward to future community involvement. “Our mission is focused on strengthening individual life and Jewish identity,” she said. “The best thing we can do is help educate people, and I am proud that we have been doing that for more than 140 years.”

12500 NW Military Highway, Ste. 275, San Antonio www.jccsanantonio.org

NORTH SAN ANTONIO EDITION

Real estate

Median home prices in North San Antonio decreased from January 2024 to January 2025. Residential market data

Number of homes sold

January 2024

January 2025

-6%

+40%

+47%

-74%

-9%

281

78260

78230

78231

78232

78248

78258

78259

78260

78258

78259

Median home sales price

1604

78248 78232

January

2024

2025

$442,000 $537,450 $469,000 $510,000 $503,950 $374,000 $584,140

$397,000 $432,000 $374,000 $525,000 $499,900 $359,900 $420,990

78230 78231 78232 78248 78258 78259 78260

78230

78231

MARKET DATA PROVIDED BY THE SAN ANTONIO BOARD OF REALTORS • 9110 W. I-10 210-593-1200 • WWW.SABOR.COM

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Average home price in the last 6 months

Average days on market

January 2024

January 2025

-21%

-20%

+33%

-23%

-8%

-3%

+28%

78230 $488,984 78231 $522,809 78232 $440,321 78248 $603,192 78258 $580,274 78259 $459,575 78260 $568,808

78230

78231

78232

78248

78258

78259

78260

Homes sold by price point

78230 78231

78232

78248 78258 78259 78260

$900,000+

$700,000-$899,999

$500,000-$699,999

$300,000-$499,999

<$299,999

BEWARE: North San Antonio Homeowners must now verify homestead exemptions every 5 years – or risk losing it.

Fun Fact: If you haven’t applied for your homestead, you can get refunds for the last 2 years! Thats $5,543 total saved!

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NORTH SAN ANTONIO EDITION

Events

BY THALIA GUZMAN

• Ticket prices vary ($110-$490) • Majestic Theatre, 224 E. Houston St., San Antonio • www.majesticempire.com

March

San Antonio Cards & More Expo The San Antonio Sports Card and Collectibles show will feature sports cards and memorabilia, Pokémon cards, anime, comics, vintage items, and collectibles at the Drury Plaza Hotel San Antonio. The event will have giveaways every hour, food trucks, live music and vendors. • March 29-30, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. • Free (admission) • Drury Plaza Hotel San Antonio, 823 N. Loop 1604 E., San Antonio • Facebook: Cards and More Tour Yoga in the Park The Brackenridge Park Conservancy will host a free yoga day at the Joske Pavilion. • March 31, 7-8 a.m. • Free (admission) • Brackenridge Park, 531 Brackenridge Way, San Antonio • www.brackenridgepark.org Chicago at the Majestic Theatre The rock and roll band Chicago will perform its classic songs at the Majestic Theatre. • March 31, 7:30 p.m.

April

Race the River at Mission Reach The San Antonio River Authority and the San Antonio River Foundation will host the first installment of the 2025 Race the River competitive paddling series. Participants can test their skills on the Mission Reach Paddling Trail, navigating 5-7 miles of the San Antonio River. • April 12, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. • $30 (men’s and women’s solo race), $30 (tandem race) • San Antonio River, 655 Lone Star Blvd., San Antonio • www.sariverauthority.org Let’s Dance presented by Disney on Ice Mickey Mouse and other characters will take on the ice at the Alamodome. The event will feature the characters performing to Disney songs. • April 19, 7 p.m. • Ticket prices vary ($20-$80-plus) • Alamodome, 100 Montana St., San Antonio • www.alamodome.com

Rhythm and Beats The Rock at La Cantera will host an outdoor day filled with music by DJs J-Millie, Tee Reckz and others. Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and blankets. • March 29, 1 p.m. • Free (admission) • The Rock at La Cantera, 1 Spurs Way, San Antonio • www.therockatlacantera.com

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