North San Antonio Edition | February 2025

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North San Antonio Edition VOLUME 4, ISSUE 5 FEB. 25MARCH 21, 2025

SA Airport’s 20-year strategy takes o San Antonio International Airport saw its busiest year ever last year, with approximately 11 million passengers traveling in and out of the city. Revenue also grew from $5 billion to $7.4 billion. On Dec. 10, ocials broke ground on a new development in a variety of ways, from growing the city’s tourism to creating better access to the city for businesses. BY PARKS KUGLE 1 4 2

New Existing

1 Terminal C 2 Ground

“[The terminal project is] going to be something that’s going to allow us to create more jobs here in our city, better paying jobs, and really elevate life for all of our citizens,” Whyte said.

transportation center

3 Ground load facility 4 Terminal B 5 Terminal A

850,000-square-foot terminal designed to accom- modate the region’s growth over the next 20 years. District 10 City Council member Marc Whyte said the terminal project will spur economic

CONTINUED ON 20

As part of the $2 billion airport project, the terminal will use local ora and natural resources to give travelers a feel of the Hill Country.

RENDERING COURTESY CORGAN LAKEFLATO

Also in this issue

2025 Camp Guide

Impacts: The Super Bowl is long over, but it’s not too late to get wings at this new shop (Page 4)

Education: North East ISD votes to close three schools. Get the details (Page 6)

Guide: See more than a dozen summer camp options

Find Happiness in the Hill Country at Alsatian Oaks

Homes from the $380s Master-Planned Community

FIND YOUR HOME

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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 Thalia Guzman Shaheryar Khan Parks Kugle Jarrett Whitener Graphic Designers Alissa Foss Abigail Hines Sabrina Musachia Joseph Veloz Account Executive Stephanie Schillaci Managing Editor Darcy Sprague Product Manager Gloria Gonzalez Quality Desk Editor Adrian Gandara

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NORTH SAN ANTONIO EDITION

Impacts

2 Dae Gee Denver-based Korean barbecue restaurant Dae Gee opened its first Texas location in the Blanco Pointe retail center. Dae Gee offers all-you-can-eat Korean barbecue, and guests can cook a variety of meats and vegetables

Stone Oak

CAMP BULLIS

on a tabletop grill. • Opened Dec. 20 • 19186 Blanco Road, San Antonio • www.daegeesanantonio.com

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3 Park Forest Dentistry Led by Dr. Carlos Quezada, Park Forest Dentistry opened in early February. The dental office offers personalized treatments, as well as dental cleanings, fillings, extractions, crown and bridge restorations, dental implants, root canal therapy, partial and complete dentures, teeth whitening and other treatments. • Opened Feb. 10 • 4315 Moonlight Way, Ste. 101, San Antonio • 210-640-7474 4 6ixty Wings Canadian-based chicken wing restaurant 6ixty Wings opened in the Plaza at Rogers Ranch retail center. 6ixty Wings offers 60 different wings flavors, including its hottest selections, such as Suicide Blue, Texas Xtra Hot and Taj Mahal. • Opened Jan. 19 • 2703 N. Loop W. 1604, Ste. 106, San Antonio • www.6ixtywings.com 5 IM=X Pilates The Pilates franchise is opening its first San Antonio location in the Shops at Churchill Estates. Owned by Sayed Tabatabai and Hector Diaz, IM=X Pilates offers reimagined and rechoreographed exercises that integrate Pilates with barre, yoga, cycling, weight training and back wellness. • Opened Feb. 17 • 15614 Huebner Road, Ste. 115, San Antonio • www.imxpilates.com LoopDeco Furniture removal company LoopDeco will provide services to the Greater San Antonio area starting in February, owner Roman Pennell said. The business reuses around 90% of the picked-up furniture, which

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8 Trilogy Dance Center The dance center will relocate from the Bitters Crossing retail center to Valencia Village at 16535 Huebner Road, Ste. 108, San Antonio. Trilogy Dance Center’s relocation will expand the preschool and recreational programs to offer additional class times to accommodate more students. Trilogy offers a comprehensive curriculum in a nurturing environment to create well-rounded dancers and expand their confidence and creativity, according to its website. • Relocating TBD • 16535 Huebner Road, Ste. 108, San Antonio • www.trilogydancecenter.com

can be resold, donated or recycled through businesses in the area. • Launched Feb. 1 • Serves the Greater San Antonio area • www.loopdeco.com

In the news

Coming soon

6 Taziki’s Mediterranean Cafe The new cafe—locally owned by Lexie Leinneweber, Brooke Rubin and Conor Plyler—will serve homemade dips, gyros, salad bowls and soups. • Opening May 1 • 22103 Bulverde Road, Ste. 104, San Antonio • www.tazikis.com

Closings

11 The DoSeum The children’s STEM, art and literacy museum celebrated its 10th anniversary in January. Originally established in 1995 as the San Antonio Children’s Museum, a new facility was built at 2800 Broadway and was re-branded The DoSeum in 2015. In celebration of its milestone anniversary, The DoSeum unveiled its new mascot, Baxter The Robot, on Jan. 28. • 2800 Broadway, San Antonio • www.thedoseum.org

9 Love-15 Tennis and Pickleball The store offered tennis and pickleball apparel and accessories in the Stone Oak Plaza retail center. • Closed in December • 18720 Stone Oak Parkway, Ste. 152, San Antonio 10 Pickleball Giant The store offered pickleball supplies in the Plaza at Rogers Ranch retail center. • Closed in December • 2711 N. Loop 1604 W., Ste. 102, San Antonio

Relocations

7 Joshua Austin DDS & Associates The dental office relocated from 4553 N. Loop 1604 W., Ste. 1211, San Antonio, to the Plaza at Rogers Ranch retail center. Joshua Austin DDS & Associates offers family dentistry, cosmetic care, emergency services, dental implants and other services. • Relocated Jan. 27 • 2703 N. Loop 1604 W., Ste. 103, San Antonio • www.joshuaaustindds.com

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NORTH SAN ANTONIO EDITION

Education

BY PARKS KUGLE

CLUBHOUSE GRAND OPENING

On Feb. 10, North East ISD board of trustees voted unani- mously to close Driscoll Middle School, Wilshire Elementary School and Clear Spring Elemen- tary School. The overview NEISD Superintendent Sean Maika said the decision was the result of factors that were years in the making, including the growth of nonpublic school options, state funding issues, and a lack of single-family homes being built. “All of this choice [in schools] leads to [the student decline] you’re seeing,” Maika said. District officials said the major issue NEISD is facing is a $10 million budget shortfall and the plan will save an estimated $5 million. A closer look Students from the closed schools would move into nearby campuses, all of which are currently under utilized, includ- ing some like Serna Elementary, which is 39% full. Proposed plans for the three campuses include repurposing Clear Spring Elementary School NEISD board of trustees votes to close 3 schools

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Driscoll Middle School

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Clear Spring Elementary School

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Wilshire Elementary School

into an alternative center, repurposing Driscoll Middle School facility for the district’s alternative education program or as a police substation, and using campuses as pickup and drop-off for magnet school transportation. Maika said the district will retain all staff from the consoli- dated campuses. “We are large enough that every year we have enough attrition to absorb all of these spots,” Maika said. The bottom line After continued discussion, trustees voted unanimously to move forward with consolida- tion. District officials said they would be in contact with affected students and their parents as they finalize the plans.

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Government

BY PARKS KUGLE

County sets voting as legislative priority As the Texas 89th legislative session is underway, Bexar County has laid its priori- ties out for the session. The overview On Jan. 7, at a City Council meeting, Melissa Shannon, director of Bexar County Governmental Affairs, presented two pro- posals designed to ensure wider access to voting and the third item requested funding for the redevelopment of San Antonio State Hospital. The first item, known as the federal postcard application, would send voting applications by mail to active service mem- bers who are away from their precinct. The second agenda item would oppose a recent push by the state legislature to eliminate countywide polling. If passed, Bexar County residents would be required to vote within their precinct. The final legislative agenda item would request roughly $100 million to develop seven unused plaza buildings at the San Antonio State Hospital, which would pro- vide more forensic beds for patients deemed mentally incompetent to stand trial. The takeaway At the start of each legislative session, or biennium, the Commissioners Court adopts a program to communicate its position on state legislation. The program includes ini- tiatives it will actively pursue and guidance for local lawmakers on its positions.

City’s north pedestrian projects move forward San Antonio city officials are engaging in a series of projects to improve pedestrian mobility as part of the $1.25 billion 2022-27 Bond, including work in North San Antonio’s Districts 8, 9 and 10. The details Work included in the $1.2 billion bond is 7% complete, according to the city’s project dashboard. In District 8 , the city is; • constructing sidewalks Hamilton Wolfe from Ewing Halsell Drive to Tom Slick • adding to existing sidewalks on Tom Slick The work started in fall 2023 and will be contin- ued through summer 2026. In District 9 , the city will; • Add a traffic signal on Heimer Road at Cross Canyon • Adding new sidewalks on Old Blanco Road The work will begin in fall 2025 and last a year. In District 10 , the work includes adding sidewalks or connecting existing sidewalks on: • Jones Maltsberger Road and Autry Pond Road • Greenwich Boulevard from Eisenhauer Road to Brees Boulevard and Northridge Drive to Eisen- hauer Road • El Charro Street from El Sendero Street to La Posita Street. The work began in 2024 and will take two years. What’s next The city anticipates completing all work from this bond by 2027.

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San Antonio to rehabilitate Stone Oak Park

• Maintain trail width consistency • Keep segments that exceed 5 feet at current width but replace concrete Construction began in fall 2024 and is esti- mated to be completed in winter 2025. The city has allocated $750,000 from the $1.2 billion bond that passed in 2022.

As part of the 2022-27 Bond Project, San Antonio city officials are rehabilitating the trail system in Stone Oak Park. What you need to know According to city documents, officials will add trail improvements within available funds. Improvements include: • Replacing Stone Oak North Loop trail surface with concrete

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NORTH SAN ANTONIO EDITION

FIRST EDITION!

A TOUR OF THE STATE, MADE ESPECIALLY FOR COMMUNITY IMPACT FEBRUARY 2025

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

EXCURSIONS: A Port Aransas Quest CRITTER: Black-Tailed Prairie Dog OUT THERE: Meanwhile, in Texas MADE IN TEXAS: A Western Wear Pair FEATURE PREVIEW: Panhandle Fires, One Year Later

Above: Leonabelle Turnbull Birding Center, in Port Aransas.

NORTH SAN ANTONIO EDITION

TEXAS MONTHLY FEBRUARY 2025

Dear Fellow Texan, WELCOME

I couldn’t be prouder and more excited to bring you this special edition of Texas Monthly ’s February issue within the pages of Community Impact . One great Texas institution meets another. Community Impact and Texas Monthly have shared goals: to equip you with the news and perspectives that help you understand your state and your neighborhood and inspire you to engage with the people and places that surround you. Each month, we’ll provide you a kind of sampler of what Texas Monthly has to offer. Food, drink, travel, critters, and a taste of some of the award-winning storytelling Texas Monthly is known for. Enjoy the next few pages, thank you for welcoming us into your home, and please consider subscribing to Texas Monthly. —ROSS McCAMMON

EXCURSIONS Among the Craniacs North America’s tallest bird stalks Port Aransas once again. Its fans are back too. BY ROSE CAHALAN

I'M LEANING ON the rail of the Scat Cat, a red-and-white charter fishing boat in Aran- sas Bay, when two bottlenose dolphins leap majestically out of the water alongside our wake. The midday February sun gleams on their fins as the pair chases us. “Look!” I shout. A few of my sixty or so fellow passengers turn to watch, but this is only a warm-up for the real stars of the show: the whooping cranes. Today’s tour is part of the Whooping Crane Festival, an annual four-day winter celebra- tion of one of the continent’s rarest avian

species—and its tallest. About two thousand birders have descended on Port Aransas, a Gulf Coast town of around 2,900 residents on Mustang Island, for the twenty-seventh iteration, which is packed with more than fifty events, including birding tours and lectures by scientists. (This year’s festival happens February 20–23.) Before the arrival of European settlers, more than ten thousand of these birds soared across the continent, but habitat destruction and overhunting drove them to the brink. By

EDITOR IN CHIEF, TEXAS MONTHLY

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Its Reputation As a Ranch Pest Is Changing. The most common of the five species of prairie dogs in North America, these charismatic creatures today inhabit only about 2 percent of their native range, which once covered roughly 100 million acres of the Great Plains. Agriculture and urban development have consumed much of that habitat, and some ranch- ers, worried that these prairie dogs were competing with cattle for grass, exter- minated them. It turns out, though, that they are beneficial for grasslands. SO HOW DO THEY HELP? Prairie dogs nibble down the woody shrubs that could hide their predators and that often take over grasslands. This preserves habitat for birds and animals such as pronghorn. Plus, the rodents’ digging mixes and aerates the soil, and their scat provides nutrients. HOW DO WE KNOW FOR SURE? Scientists collected data from a group of GPS collar–wearing cattle that grazed on three pastures within a pre- serve. In warm seasons, the herd spent more time on the prairie dog colony than in areas outside it. I HEARD THEY CARRY PLAGUE. IS THAT TRUE? Prairie dogs are susceptible to the syl- vatic plague, caused by the same bac- terium as the bubonic plague. But it’s primarily fleas, not rodents, that spread it. At a respectful distance, you can en- joy them without fear. —Robyn Ross CRITTER BLACK�TAILED PRAIRIE DOG

early efforts to revive whooping cranes with captive breeding. During several breeding seasons in the late seventies and early eight- ies, he even lived in a shed with a female crane named Tex, who had imprinted on humans after hatching at the San Antonio Zoo. “Cranes require a great deal of space,” Ar- chibald said. “Each species selects a different type of wetland or grassland.” Unfortunately, those are some of the most easily destroyed habitats: With no trees to cut down, develop- ers can simply pave them over. Captive breed- ing has played a crucial role in the comeback of the species. In the past decade, the Dallas Zoo has picked up the baton, as one of seven organizations in the U.S. and Canada to carry on Archibald’s legacy of breeding baby whoop- ing cranes to release in the wild.

1941 only 21 whooping cranes were left in the wild. Today, after decades of extensive conservation work, there are about 700 wild whoopers left. Wherever there are cranes, there are crani- acs. The birders who visit Port Aransas—“We estimate the economic impact to be near $1 million,” says Brett Stawar, president and CEO of the town’s tourism bureau—bring with them an intense enthusiasm. The undisputed king of the craniacs is George Archibald, the 78-year-old cofounder of the International Crane Foundation. Archibald was a leader in

A birder at Leonabelle Turnbull Birding Center, in Port Aransas, on December 14, 2024; birders in Port Aransas; a sign at the preserve.

NORTH SAN ANTONIO EDITION

January 18-February 14

Give your loved one the ultimate symbol of endless love… a hissing cockroach.

Stop by the Museum Store to visit our Valentine's Roach Motel!

Endless Love supports conservation efforts of the Cockrell Butterfly Center

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TEXAS MONTHLY FEBRUARY 2025

MADE IN TEXAS

All Loud on the Western Wear Front With its bold colors and modern designs, the Kennimer label is drawing the attention of pop stars and New York Fashion Week.

Meanwhile, In Texas OUT THERE

BY TAYLOR PREWITT

A video of a horse riding in the back seat of a pickup truck in Fort Worth went viral on social media, with one viewer commenting “living in fort worth this normal to me at this point.” A woman in Dallas booked a rental car for one day, then drove to Wash- ington State and continued to use the vehicle for 46 days , telling Spokane authorities that she didn’t return the car because she was too busy. Claiming to be a member of the U.S. Army’s Delta Force special opera- tions unit, a man from Manor de- frauded victims of more than $12 million by falsely telling them that they were at risk of violence from drug cartels and offering “protec- tion” in exchange for money. A Richardson resident was named CNN’s 2024 Hero of the Year for running a nonprofit in North Texas that helps people going into treat- ment for addiction find temporary homes for their dogs. Billionaire Tilman Fertitta became the first restaurateur in Texas to of fer A5 Wagyu bone-in ribeyes from the Kagoshima region of Japan, which he sells at one of his Houston steakhouses for $1,000 each. Researchers at Texas A&M University–Corpus Christi detect- ed low levels of fentanyl and other pharmaceuticals in the blubber of dolphins swimming in the Gulf of Mexico. —Meher Yeda

while Ben, who hails from the small East Tex- as town of Latch and previously worked in graphic design, handles the hats. They jump in to help each other with tedious tasks such as adding rhinestones or handsewing when needed. “We’ve always just worked well to- gether,” Ben says, recalling early collabora- tive projects that included a hot dog–cart side hustle and a screen-printing business. They work as a team to conceive a collection’s overarching look and theme. The couple are motivated by their network of musician friends, many of whom have be- come clients. “We’re excited to show people it’s not a trend,” says Bonnie of Western style. “It’s a staple.” They’re looking forward to de- buting a few couture looks in New York. Some of the pieces, which incorporate subtle nods to the Victorian era (such as high collars and covered buttons), are so intricate that they required around seventy hours of detailed handsewing.

IN LESS THAN a decade, Ben and Bonnie Kennimer have gone from teaching them- selves hat making and clothing design to cus- tomizing looks for some of music’s biggest stars. Their eponymous Western wear label, which they founded in Houston in 2017, is fa- vored by Fort Worth songwriter and soul sing- er Leon Bridges, the Houston trio Khruang- bin, DJ and producer Diplo, and pop star Joe Jonas. One of Bonnie’s dresses, for renowned songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Jenee Fleenor, is housed at Nashville’s Country Music Hall of Fame. And this February the couple will take their creations to a New York Fashion Week runway for the first time. Now based in Bonnie’s hometown of Aus- tin, the married couple splits the work down the middle: Bonnie, who has a background in costuming and tailoring, designs the clothes,

Ben and Bonnie Kennimer.

NORTH SAN ANTONIO EDITION

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An estimated 15,000 head of cattle were killed in the Panhandle fires of February 2024.

flag warnings, an alert the National Weath- er Service issues a few dozen times a year in the Panhandle when a combination of strong winds and low humidity increases the risk of extreme wildfire. Though rain had been plentiful that winter and grass was thriving, unseasonably warm February temperatures had dried it out quickly. What should have beenarancher’sblessing—bountifulfieldsfor grazing—had instead turned into something ominous: “fuel load.” Adam, a 31-year-old with a slight build, shag- gy brown hair, and bright blue eyes, has the plumb posture of a man who takes pride in his work.He’dstartedpreppingforfireseasonthe week before, securing insurance for most of the 712 cattle he owned with his wife, Aubrie, a 30-year-old with sympathetic brown eyes and strawberry blond hair. They’d decided against paying the higher premiums to cover the full herd, largely because they’d made it through the previous five seasons unburned. Adam was no stranger to fire risks. The youngest of two boys, he’d known he want- ed to be in the cattle business since he was a five-year-old playing with a toy Ford pickup that was identical to the one his dad drove around their family’s ranch in Canadian, an almost utopian hamlet of 2,300 in the rolling sand hills and caprocks northeast of Amarillo. Adam earned a degree in ranch management at Texas Tech University. That’s where he met Aubrie, the daughter of an accountant and a rodeo competitor turned professor who’d given up horses when his children were born. To read the full story, please subscribe to Texas Monthly .

WHEN THE TOWERING black plume first sprouted on the western horizon, it wasn’t much cause for alarm. The sky in the north- eastern Panhandle is near-boundless, and from his Hemphill County ranch Adam Isaacs often spottedsmokefromfiresthatwereahundred miles away. Few of them ever threatened his property. This one, he knew, had gotten started roughly seventy miles west, and though the winds were blowing his way, the flames had a lot of ground to cover before Adam would allow himself to get concerned. His land, his livestock, his loved ones—none were at risk. Not right away. But the potential was there. That Monday morning, February 26, had brought one of the 2024 fire season’s first red

FEATURE PREVIEW

Where There’s Smoke After last year’s historic Panhandle inferno, Adam and Aubrie Isaacs are among the many ranchers in the region weighing how—and whether—to carry on. BY EMILY McCULLAR

READ THIS FEATURE AND MORE IN THE FEBRUARY ISSUE TK AUDIENCE SPACE

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NORTH SAN ANTONIO EDITION

Transportation

BY PARKS KUGLE

San Antonio City Council voted to adopt the Bike Network Plan during its Jan. 30 meeting, which provides a comprehensive guide on how to fund, plan and build bike facilities as well as how to develop policies and programs for safe biking. Council OKs Bike Network Plan

What's next

How we got here

The details

Current access with a 15-minute low stress bike ride Improved access after bike network projects District 8 Goal: K-12 schools were the most improved destination type. SA bike network plan improved connectivity

Types of bike lanes

Traditional bike lanes uses pavement markings to designate space for bikes Buered bike lanes provides additional space between a bike lane and trac Shared-use lanes oer two-way paths for non-motorized users Protected bike lanes utilize physical separation between car lanes and bike lanes Bike boulevards uses pavement markings, signs and trac calming elements

The plan includes four signature projects—or work that the city believes will create a big impact for riders. • Adding protected bike lanes to East Commerce from Cherry Street to Houston Street • Adding buffered/protected lanes to Rhapsody Street from Walker Ranch Senior Center to US 281 • Adding bike lane/bike boulevard on Gillette from Zarzamora Street to Pleasanton Road • Adding protected/raised protected lanes on Ingram Road from Callaghan Road to I-410 Overall, the plan is estimated to cost more than $8 billion and suggests funding sources such as federal grants. The estimated timeline for projects runs until 2050.

The city rst adopted a bike plan and imple- mentation strategy in September 2011, which was an update of the Bicycle Master Plan adopted by City Council in April, 2005, as part of the 1997 City Master Plan. In 2022, City Council approved a pro- fessional services agreement to provide consultant services to update and develop a Bike Network Plan. In 2023 and 2024, the consultants sought resident feedback on the bike network, including through more than 3,000 survey results and 26 events. According to the Bike Network Plan, only 10% of the city’s existing bike infrastructure is considered low-stress and comfortable for riders of all ages and abilities. Additionally, only 2% of San Antonio residents can reach their frequented destinations by bike and nearly 25% can not reach any destina- tions at all. The plan sets guidelines for future bike infra- structure and suggests possible changes such as allowing bikes on the sidewalk or making it easier to get neighborhood speed limits lower.

The plan includes 1,035 projects over 1,740 miles throughout the city, as well as strategic goals by district. The projects are separated into tiers based on impact and feasibility. Some tier 1 projects include work on: • UTSA Boulevard from Babcock Road to Valero Way • West Avenue from Blanco Road to Bitters Road • Thousand Oaks from Wetmore Road to I-35

39%

67%

District 9 Goal: Healthcare centers were the most improved destination type. 4%

7.9% of households do not have access to a vehicle Private vehicles account for 90% of emissions Homes with walkability/bikeability are worth $34,000 more San Antonians spend 22% of their income on transportation

19%

District 10 Goal: Employment centers were the most improved destination type.

38%

The San Antonio chapter of Black Girls Do Bike spoke in support of the plan prior to the vote.

SOURCE: CITY OF SAN ANTONIOCOMMUNITY IMPACT

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Community

Camp Guide

2025

San Antonio Music Masters Type: arts / day Ages: 3-8 Dates: June 10-Aug. 15 Cost: $175-$300 • 15714 Huebner Road, San Antonio • www.samusicmasters.com/summer-classes San Antonio Spurs Sports Academy Type: day / overnight / sports Ages: 6-18 Dates: June 2-Aug. 8 Cost: $350-$650 • Various locations around San Antonio • www.spurssportsacademy.com

Dates: June 2-Aug. 8 Cost: varies for members/nonmembers • 2800 Broadway St., San Antonio • www.thedoseum.org/summer-camps Girl Scouts of Southwest Texas Type: academics / arts / day / sports Ages: K-8 Dates: June 9-July 25 Cost: varies by camp type and activities • 5622 W. Cesar Chavez Blvd., San Antonio • www.girlsscouts-swtx.org San Antonio Botanical Garden Type: academics / arts / day Ages: 5-12 Dates: June 9-July 25 Cost: varies • 555 Funston Place, San Antonio • www.sabot.org/learn/kids-classes-camps/ summer-camps

San Antonio

Alamo Area Council BSA Type: academics / arts / day / sports Ages: 1-5 Dates: June 2-Aug. 1 Cost: $160-$375 • 2226 NW Military Hwy., San Antonio • www.alamoareabsa.org/summer-camp Barshop Jewish Community Center Type: academics / arts / day / sports Ages: K-9 Dates: May 27-Aug. 1 Cost: varies • 12500 NW Military Hwy., San Antonio • www.jccsanantonio.org/j-camp2025

San Antonio Zoo Type: academics / day Ages: 5-14 Dates: throughout May-August Cost: starting at $305 • 3903 N. St. Mary’s St., San Antonio

The Doseum Type: academics / arts / day Ages: 3-11

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YMCA of Greater San Antonio Type: day / sports Ages: 6-13 Dates: throughout May-August Cost: $153-$170 per week • Various YMCA locations • www.ymcasatx.org/programs/camps/ summer-day-camps

• www.newktennis.com/tennis-camps/junior-camps

• www.sazoo.org/education-programs/zoo-camp

School of Rock San Antonio Type: music Ages: 5-8 Dates: June 2-6; July 21-25 Cost: $350 • 109 Gallery Circle, Ste. 101, San Antonio • www.schoolofrock.com • music-camps

J&R Gymnastics Type: dance Ages: 4-10 Dates: June 16-20 Cost: $225 (members), $250 (nonmembers) • 1437 S. Walnut Ave., New Braunfels • www.jandrgymnastics.com

New Braunfels

T Bar M Family Camp Type: day / overnight / spiritual Ages: all ages Dates: May 26-Aug. 8 Cost: varies by family • 25490 Hwy. 46, New Braunfels • www.tbarm.org

University of Texas at San Antonio Type: academics / arts / day / sports Ages: 6-18 Dates: throughout June-August Cost: varies for community members/UTSA students/ employee s • 1 UTSA Circle, San Antonio • www.utsa.edu/camps The Witte Museum Type: academics / arts / cooking / day / STEM Ages: 6-12 Dates: June 9-July 25 Cost: $325 (members), $350 (non-members) • 3801 Broadway, San Antonio • www.wittemuseum.org/education/ camp-information

Brauntex Theatre Type: arts / music / theater Ages: 10-14 Dates: July 14-18 (visual arts), July 21-25 (theater), July 28-Aug. 1 (music) Cost: not provided • 290 W. San Antonio St., New Braunfels • www.brauntex.org

Live Oak

John Newcombe Tennis Ranch Adventure Camp Type: day Ages: 8-17 Dates: June 23-Aug. 10 Cost: $1,050 per week (adventure camp), $495 per week (commuter rate) • 325 Mission Valley Road, New Braunfels

Nike Soccer Camps at Soccer Zone Live Oak Type: day / sports Ages: 7-14 Dates: June 23-27 Cost: $395 • 8020 Pat Booker Road, Live Oak • www.ussportscamps.com/soccer/nike This list is not comprehensive.

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NORTH SAN ANTONIO EDITION

SA Airport’s 20-year strategy takes off From the cover

The overview

The airport’s master plan, which helps guide future development, forecasts an average of 13 million passengers a year by 2030 and over 16 million passengers by 2040. “We’re projected to continue to keep setting record numbers,” said Tim O’Krongley, San Antonio Aviation Department’s deputy director of development. Terminal C, the new terminal, will add an additional 17 gates by mid-2028, with larger gate hold rooms for passengers, 410,000 square feet of new concession space, roadway improvements, an extended runway and a modern federal inspection station for international travel. “[The work will] enhance the customer experience, the level of service, the offerings that we can offer to the airlines and ultimately growth for the airport and our community,” O’Krongley said.

Total number of passengers traveling through SA Airport

Projected

20M

16 million annual passengers projected by 2040.

15M

10M

SOURCE: SAN ANTONIO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT/COMMUNITY IMPACT 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2030 2040

Terminal development project construction cost estimates

Funding the project

“The new terminal [will] make it easier to get in and out of San Antonio. ... The airport experience will be that much better, and that can create business for our city.” MARC WHYTE, DISTRICT 10 COUNCIL MEMBER

New 17-gate terminal: $1.22B-$1.47B Fuel & hydrant systems: $169M-$187M Central Receiving Distribution Center: $125M-$150M Curbside & ground transportation center: $116M-$133M Terminal A & B reconfiguration, A & B connector: $48M-$59M

Projected to be 30% larger than both current ter- minals combined, the new terminal’s construction is funded through a mix of revenue bonds, federal grants and airport revenue. “The airport [terminal development project] is unique because that’s being funded through air- port revenue and through federal money, so [the cost is] not going to be on the back of San Antonio taxpayers,” Whyte said. Airport officials said most projects will be funded through General Airport Revenue Bonds, which are recovered through rents, rates and charges. Additional funds will come from facility charges and federal grants from the Federal

Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the FAA. O’Krongley said the airport will fund the bonds through two streams of revenue, non-aeronau- tical, such as concessions and parking fees, and aeronautical which provides a percentage from general airplane operating expenses, such as runway fees and a fuel.

Low-range cost

$322M difference

High-range cost

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The approach

Looking ahead

John Trupiano, the principal architect at Corgan, said the new terminal is designed to allow San Antonio’s medium airport hub to grow with its population. “San Antonio is a mid-sized hub, but it’s a mid- sized hub in one of the nation’s largest cities, and it’s important that we develop a facility that allows it to grow and really serve the demographics of the city,” Trupiano said. Aesthetically, the new terminal will reflect San Antonio’s unique culture and environment, featuring a riparian paseo entryway styled after the River Walk with local flora, a water feature, and an indoor-outdoor transition space. It will also include a live music stage, a mercado evoking the historic market square, and an expanded United Service Organization lounge for military personnel. On top of the expanded capacity and creating a sense of place, the terminal design prioritizes sustainability.

Scheduled to be completed late 2025 , the airport’s new ground loading facility will feature additional room for passengers on two levels and add three extra gates. Once completed, Terminal C will provide a 63% increase in the number of airport gates, and will create an estimated 16,000 jobs over its lifespan. Additionally, the ground transportation center—estimated to be completed in 2028 —will create better access to ground transportation options, such as ride-hailing services and taxis. Whyte believes the increased ease of travel provided by the terminal project will attract more businesses to San Antonio. “One of the things that [businesses] are always looking for when they’re looking at business partners or where to set up a headquarters or a second location is the ease of being able to get to and from that particular location,” Whyte said.

The mercado will feature live music in a space modeled after the Historic Market Square.

COURTESY CORGAN — LAKE|FLATO

The sustainable innovations in the design include low energy glazing glass panes, solar shades, natural light and using wastewater to water plants in the terminal. “Water is very critical in the region, [and] we want to be good stewards, so it gives us an opportunity with all the water that we have here that would otherwise just be sent somewhere else, [and] we can utilize [the wastewater] to water plants in the paseo,” O’Krongley said.

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NORTH SAN ANTONIO EDITION

State

BY HANNAH NORTON

When the 89th Texas Legislature convened Jan. 14, state lawmakers had filed dozens of bills that could adjust transportation policies directly affecting Texans. Their proposals include creating a new high-speed rail line, allowing voters to approve future toll projects and increasing penalties for distracted driving. Sen. Sarah Eckhardt and Rep. John Bucy, both Democrats representing Austin, filed legislation in November calling for a high-speed rail project that would link San Antonio, Austin and Dallas along I-35. Under Senate Bill 424 and House Bill 483, Texas would partner with a private entity to build and operate a new rail line that would reach at least 110 miles per hour. State lawmakers propose rail line

Also of note

High-speed rail line proposal

Dallas

Rep. Stan Gerdes, R-Smithville, filed HB 1589, which would require voter approval for new toll projects. Beginning Sept. 1, toll entities would not be allowed to construct new toll lanes or roads unless authorized by voters in each county impacted by the project. State lawmakers have an estimated $194.6 billion available for general- purpose spending as they write the 2026-27 state budget, Comptroller Glenn Hegar announced Jan. 13. “When [taxpayer money] comes in to us to spend on roads and infrastructure, are we being responsible with it?” Rep. Caroline Harris Davila, R-Round Rock, said Dec. 12. “We all know that every new road we build, we are also responsible for the maintenance of that road, and that’s a continuing expense.”

High-speed rail line

Austin

San Antonio

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Events

BY THALIA GUZMAN

March

The Market at Shavano Park The local event features food trucks, local vendors and art at Shavano Park City Hall. • Recurring every Sunday, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. • Free (admission) • Shavano Park City Hall, 900 Saddletree Court, Shavano Park • Facebook: The Market at Shavano Park Lost in Wonderland The festival will have vendors, art, cosplay and a costume contest. • March 1-2, noon-6 p.m. • Free (admission) • Rolling Oaks Mall, 6909 N. Loop 1604 E., San Antonio • Facebook: Big Bang Bazaar San Antonio Wino Wine Festival The festival features over 40 wines from Texas wineries. Attendees will receive a goodie bag and can enjoy wine sampling, live music and purchase food from local vendors. • March 8, noon-7:30 p.m. • $40 • Granberry Hills Event Center, 6390 Granberry, San Antonio • www.winofest.com San Antonio Cigar Festival Attendees can sample cigars, brews and spirits. The immersive experience will also feature local vendors and entertainment. • March 13-16, 4-10 p.m. • $25-$210 • Beethoven Maennerchor, 422 Pereida St., San Antonio • www.sacigarfestival.com Deftones The alternative metal band will perform at the Frost Bank Center. Special guest bands include The Mars Volta and Fleshwater. • March 13, 7 p.m. (doors open at 6 p.m.) • Ticket prices vary

• Frost Bank Center, 1 Frost Bank Center Drive, San Antonio • www.frostbankcenter.com Mochi Fest Anime Festival The two-day event will have artists, vendors, carnival rides, special guests, a cosplay contest and K-Pop performances. • March 15-16, 10 a.m. • Free ($6 parking fee) • Traders Village, 9333 Southwest Loop 410, San Antonio • www.yumicon.com San Antonio Lowrider Super Show The event will showcase lowrider cars and feature In A Pickle Festival The Houston-based festival will offer 140 unique food and artisan vendors carrying unique pickle treats like pickle pizza, pickle ice cream and pickle cotton candy. The event raises awareness to support the Hunter Syndrome Foundation.

• March 15, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. • $10 (general admission) • Comal County Fair Association, 701 Common St., New Braunfels • Facebook: In A Pickle Festival

performances by Amanda Solis and Baby Bash. • March 15, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. • $40 (general admission) • Freeman Coliseum Expo Hall, 3201 E. Houston St., San Antonio • www.gearheadevents.com Brewsology Beer Fest The festival will feature beer from over 40 breweries. An admission ticket will include beer sampling and access to the museum. • March 15, 7-11 p.m. • $50 (general admission), $65 (early admission) • Witte Museum, 3801 Broadway, San Antonio • www.brewsology.com

NORTH SAN ANTONIO EDITION

Real estate

Following high prices and demand from the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent interest hikes, North San Antonio is seeing a variety of conditions in their local markets by ZIP code. Residential market data

Number of homes sold

December 2023

December 2024

+12.5%

+30%

-50%

+81.25%

-9.52%

-10.42%

281

78230

78231

78232

78248

78258

78259

78260

78258

78259

Median home sales price

1604

December

2023

2024

78248 78232

$393,450 $472,500 $412,500 $525,758 $519,950 $410,000 $572,500

$440,000 $430,000 $359,950 $475,000 $489,900 $429,900 $513,990

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 78230 $512,785

Average days on market

December 2023

December 2024

+10.94%

+70.45%

+61.02%

+144.12%

-55.42%

+36%

+30.14%

78231 $545,559 78232 $428,136 78248 $585,578 78258 $567,739 78259 $463,869

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

78260 $567,313

<$299,999

NORTH SAN ANTONIO EDITION

Dining

BY THALIA GUZMAN

The mangonada ($6) is mango-based sorbet topped with mango pieces, chamoy and a tamarind candy stick.

The corn in a cup ($5.50) has white corn, cheese, mayo, housemade Mexican cream and a signature chile sauce.

Munchies, which oers a variety of Mexican street food snacks, was launched in 2013 by Tamaulipas-native Ramiro Mendiola.

PHOTOS BY THALIA GUZMANCOMMUNITY IMPACT

Munchies serves savory, Mexican-style treats

Before Munchies launched in 2013 in San Antonio, nding Mexican white corn snacks was a challenge for owner Ramiro Mendiola, who craved authentic treats from Mexico. “Us Mexicans are always looking for food,” Mendiola said. “At that time, I couldn’t nd the kind of snacks I grew up eating in Mexico in San Antonio.” The background Mendiola, who is from Tamaulipas, moved to San Antonio at 22 to earn his master’s degree in law at St. Mary’s University. After graduating, he said he wanted to take a shot at starting a busi- ness. Inspired by his love of Mexican street food, Mendiola launched Munchies to ll the gap of authentic Mexican treats in San Antonio. What they oer To remain as authentic as possible, Mendiola sources about 50 percent of his ingredients from Mexico and makes his own spices and sauces from scratch. In Mexico, corn in a cup usually uses white corn instead of yellow, which Mendiola said is typically oered in San Antonio. Munchies serves white corn in a cup with mayo, cream and chile sauce. Other popular items include the Tostielote, which blends the same ingredients over salsa verde-avored Tostitos chips, and the mangonada. Munchies also oers chamoy-covered candy

options like Skittles, gummies, tamarind, among others. On the fruit side, oerings include the manzana preparada, which is a sliced apple cov- ered in tamarind candy and topped with chamoy sauce, Japanese peanuts, and gummy candy. What else? Mendiola said he is proud to see businesses like his ourish in San Antonio. “I don’t ever see this as a competition with other businesses, “ Mendiola said. “I see it as a shared love of our food and our culture.” Mendiola said he has future aspirations to open more locations near The University of Texas at San Antonio. He hopes he can make Munchies a place where families can gather for quality time and tasty snacks.

Munchies sells chamoy-covered candies.

The Tostielote ($7) has salsa-verde avored Tostito chips, corn, mayo, Mexican crema, cheese and chile sauce.

E .

1604

923 N. Loop 1604 E., Ste. 109, San Antonio www.munchiesnacksa.com

Chamoy-covered treats include gummy candy.

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