North San Antonio | April 2025

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North San Antonio Edition VOLUME 4, ISSUE 7 APRIL 22MAY 20, 2025 Beneath the surface

San Antonio plans for future water security As the primary source of drinking water for the city, San Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenberg said the Edwards Aquifer is the keystone to San Antonio’s prosperity. Extending from Uvalde to Hays counties and through North San Antonio, the Edwards Aquifer consists of porous, soluble limestone rock that allows water to easily ow through it. Due to a unique network of recharge features, such as fractures, ssures, caves and sinkholes, water can rapidly recharge the Edwards Aquifer.

Also in this issue

Edwards Aquifer

The Edwards Aquifer Protection Program has purchased over

The Edwards Aquifer supplies approximately

Impacts Page 4 Check out three restaurants coming to North San Antonio

AUSTIN •

acres of land in the aquifer recharge zone. 130,000

52%

Seco Sinkhole

of San Antonio’s water.

SAN ANTONIO •

Guide

Page 18

Get in the Fiesta spirit with 12 upcoming events

INSIDE

COURTESY EDWARDS AQUIFER AUTHORITY

Let’s get real about vaccines GET THE FACTS

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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 Maddy Morales Jarrett Whitener Graphic Designers Alissa Foss Abigail Hines Sabrina Musachia Chelsea Peters Joseph Veloz Managing Editor Sierra Martin Product Manager Breanna Flores Quality Desk Editor Deekota Diaz

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NORTH SAN ANTONIO EDITION

Impacts

Coming soon

Stone Oak

2 Ferguson Plastic Surgery & Aesthetics Owned by Dr. Earl Ferguson, the new practice will offer affordable and convenient procedures for patients. The clinic will have a surgical suite as well as dedicated rooms for aesthetic treatments and services. • Opening late summer • 1202 E. Sonterra Blvd., Ste. 501, San Antonio • https://fergusonplasticsurgerysa.com 3 Slim Chickens The restaurant’s mission is to make the best hand- breaded chicken tenders, using only the freshest ingredients. Locally owned and operated by Big Star Chicken, the company creates over 100 jobs within the community with each new restaurant opening. • Opens in June • 7022 N. Loop 1604 E., San Antonio • https://slimchickens.com 4 Cremations of America The funeral business is opening a new location in North San Antonio. Locally owned and family operated, Cremations of America has created an easy process for families to arrange a service for their loved ones. • Opens in April • 19141 Stone Oak Crossing, Ste. 102, San Antonio • www.cremationsofamerica.com 5 Umiya Sushi The Japanese fusion restaurant is opening a second location along US 281 in North San Antonio. The restaurant’s menu includes sushi, seafood dishes,

STONE OAK PKWY.

CAMP BULLIS

281

SONTERRA BLVD.

REDLAND RD.

Hollywood Park

RIDGEWOOD PKWY

Shavano Park

1604

W Y

1604

281

410

appetizers and hibachi grill dishes. • Estimated opening July-September • 14424 San Pedro Ave., San Antonio • www.umiyasa.com

SAN PEDRO AVE.

MAP NOT TO SCALE

What’s next

Nail Supply offers shopping for individual customers as well as wholesale options for local businesses. • Opened Jan. 26 • 9715 San Pedro Ave., San Antonio • https://luckynailsupply.com

Now open

6 Aspire Regenerative Therapy Renovation and alteration work began on April 14 and is expected to wrap up on June 6, according to the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation.

1 Lucky Nail Supply The store, which opened on San Pedro Avenue in January, is a one-stop shop for nail care supplies. Lucky

1.8k+

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

BY PARKS KUGLE

10 Discount Tire The new addition to the existing building is expected to begin on April 30, and is expected to wrap up on July 31, according to the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation. • 2707 NW Loop 410, San Antonio • www.discounttire.com

• Opened Jan. 26 • 18707 Hardy Oak Blvd., San Antonio • www.aspiretherapy.health

In the news

7 Hummus Republic Renovation and alteration work to Hummus Republic began on April 16 and is expected to wrap up on July 15, according to the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation.

Expansions

• 842 NW Loop 410, San Antonio • https://thehummusrepublic.com

11 Root Causes Medicine Root Causes Medicine is a North San Antonio medical clinic specializing in holistic treatment. • Expansion completed March • 19026 Ridgewood Parkway, Ste. 119, San Antonio • https://rootcauses.com

8 Tapatio Springs Water Treatment Plant Construction of the Tapatio Springs Water Treatment Plant began on March 3 and is expected to wrap up on Dec. 12, according to the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation. • 14603 Huebner Road, Bldg. 18, San Antonio • www.tapatiosprings.com 9 H&R Block Renovation and alteration work began on April 12 and is expected to wrap up on Sept. 30, according to the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation. • 7119 San Pedro Ave., San Antonio • www.hrblock.com

13 Billiard Factory Houston-based Billiard Factory will celebrate its 50th anniversary this September. The company specializes in selling billiard and game room furniture. • Anniversary in September • 203 N Loop 1604 W, San Antonio • http://billiardfactory.com

Closings

12 Joann Joann is closing all locations nationwide, and all San Antonio locations have started closing sales. • Closing TBD • 25 NE I-410 Loop, Ste. 114, San Antonio • www.joann.com

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NORTH SAN ANTONIO EDITION

Government

HARDY OAK BLVD.

PEACEMAKER DR.

Bush Middle School

In a move to further improve mobility and ease traffic conges- tion in the Stone Oak area, San Antonio City Council passed an ordinance on April 3 to acquire 10 easements as part of the city’s 2022 Bond Program project. The overview Prior to the vote, District 9 Council member John Courage said the areas inscribed in the ordinance are essential to the com- pletion of the District 9 Traffic and Mobility Improvements projects. “These are significant areas that we’re addressing for traffic in the northside in District Nine. And in order to do that, we sit down and try and negotiate with City plans traffic improvements in Stone Oak

property owners, but if we aren’t able to do that, then we have the authority to use eminent domain,” Courage said. According to city documents, the 2022 Bond Program earmarked $5 million for roadway improve- ments, including turn lane bays, new traffic signals and modifica- tions to existing medians. Affected projects: • Constructing a right only turn bay from Stone Oak Parkway to Evans Road • Constructing a right only turn bay for Hardy Oak Boulevard onto Stone Oak Parkway • Adding improvements on Evans Road from Peacemaker to Barbara Bush Middle School, such as a new traffic signal, new pedestrian signals and median modifications Construction is estimated to begin in fall 2025 on the projects and be completed winter 2027.

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BY PARKS KUGLE AND BEN THOMPSON

State eyes UTSA ‘cyber command’ cybersecurity, educational and military foundation and

State leaders are looking to create a Texas Cyber Command, a new component of The University of Texas system charged with preparing for and responding to cybersecurity threats statewide, through House Bill 150. During a March hearing for HB 150, Jeff Webster, president and CEO of Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce, and San Antonio council member Marc Whyte called out the San Antonio City Council voted unanimously to move forward with the Construction Mitigation Grant program to provide relief for small businesses affected by construction during its April 3 meeting. The overview The ordinance authorizes a $1.385 million contract with LiftFund to oversee the grant program. As the administrator, LiftFund will manage $1.2 million in direct grants to eligible small City provides business relief

workforce in “Cyber City USA” as reasons it should house the new initiative. The command would carry an estimated $413.85 million price tag through 2030. That total includes tens of millions of dollars of building and costs at UTSA and tens of millions more for scores of full-time employees and contracted workers.

City ocials and Google representatives held a groundbreaking ceremony in March. PARKS KUGLECOMMUNITY IMPACT Google Fiber expands to Shavano Park

On March 18, Shavano Park City Council celebrated the onset of Google Fiber’s installation in the city with a groundbreaking ceremony at City Hall. The gist John-Michael Cortez, head of Government and Community Affairs at GFiber, said the option for residents to use Google Fiber will add to the community’s overall quality of life. He also emphasized how the installa- tion process for Google Fiber is designed to be as minimally disruptive as possible. “For residents, they’ll expe- rience most of the construction activity in less than a day,” Cortez said. “We may be in that neighborhood for a few weeks

[or] several weeks, depending on the size of the neighborhood. But for most folks, the direct impact to them and their property will just be less than a day.” Assistant City Manager Curtis Leeth said providing high speed internet to residents is an integral part of the city’s 2023 Town Plan. “Several years ago, it was noticed that a lot of neighbor- hoods around us ...were getting high speed internet directly to their homes, and Shavano Park at the time had no residents that had fiber internet direct to their homes,” he said. Installation of Google Fiber across Shavano Park is estimated to be completed in 2026.

Stabilization Construction Grant: Available for small businesses currently

impacted by construction projects

Mitigation Construction Grant: prepares small businesses that will be aected by future construction Accelerate Recovery Construction Grant: supports small businesses impacted by projects for a year

SOURCE: CITY OF SAN ANTONIO

businesses. According to city documents, the program will assist small businesses in certain commercial corridors affected by city-related construction projects.

NORTH SAN ANTONIO EDITION

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JUST FORE! YOU

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

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

WEEKENDER: A Big Time in Big Spring CRITTER: Gray Fox MADE IN TEXAS: A Recipe for Stunning Ceramics OUT THERE: Meanwhile, in Texas FEATURE PREVIEW: The Texas Monthly Profile of Scottie Scheffler

Above: Hotel Settles, in Big Spring.

NORTH SAN ANTONIO EDITION

CRITTER

Gray Fox

HOW CAN I IDENTIFY ONE? Look for a black stripe, typically run- ning down the length of the animal’s back. Gray foxes also have a “bright orange patch on the side of their face and neck,” says Amanda Veals Dutt, a postdoctoral scientist at Sul Ross State University. That distinguishes the species from the slightly larger, non-native red fox (which settlers near Waco introduced for hunting in the 1890s) and two smaller species: the swift fox, found in the Panhandle, and the kit fox, which roams West Texas. WHAT’S SPECIAL ABOUT IT? It can thrive in a range of habitats, in part because it’ll eat almost anything —mice, small birds, insects—and it seems to enjoy living close to humans. Attacks on us (or dogs or cats) are rare, but rabbits and guinea pigs might make a tasty snack. And if you keep chickens? “They’re basically ice-cream cones running around,” says John Tomeček, a carnivore ecologist at Texas A&M University. ANY URBAN FOX TALES? In October 2021, in front of at least one hundred onlookers at the San Antonio River Walk, firefighters rescued a baby gray fox stranded on a window ledge about 25 feet off the ground. More re- cently, Bethany Snowden, a lieutenant with the city’s animal care services department, sent colleagues to scoop up a fox that had wandered into a court- house. “We enjoy saving urban wildlife,” she says, adding that both foxes were transferred to Wildlife Rescue and Re- habilitation, a local sanctuary. —Rose Cahalan

WEEKENDER

A “Big” Secret in West Texas With a grand hotel and a rich history that includes oil, rail, and Midnight Cowboy , this Permian Basin town holds some surprises. BY COURTNEY BOND

a diner-style room complete with red vinyl– topped chrome stools. At the south end of town, the four-hundred- acre Comanche Trail Park is home to Big Spring’s big spring. Well, what’s left of it. The railroad, the ranches, and all the other busi- nesses of civilization long ago drained the water table, but officials utilize what they call artificial outflow, making for a nice waterfall that spills into a reservoir. Continue your educational journey during lunch at Local’s, a onetime school building down the street from the park. After lunch, fill up on the town’s more modern history at the Heritage Museum of Big Spring. For supper, pop in at J Jayz Bar and Grill (across from the Train Car) for colorful cock- tails and the kind of food—burgers, quesadillas —needed to soak them up. Or head back to home base and enjoy a whiskey sour and chicken-fried steak from Settles Grill. To read the full story, please subscribe to Texas Monthly .

FRIDAY: If you did nothing else but spend a night at Hotel Settles, your visit would be worthwhile. A dust-colored brick building rising fifteen stories, its glowing red rooftop sign visible for miles, the crown jewel of Big Spring exemplifies the word “landmark.” Catty-corner to the hotel, across Runnels Street, is what appears to be downtown’s most popular restaurant, Devour. Inside a narrow space, patrons pair giant margaritas with hearty American fare that includes burgers, pork chops, and bacon-wrapped quail with green onions and hot honey. After dinner, make tracks two blocks north and one street over to the Train Car Cigar Bar. SATURDAY: The sign outside still says Dell’s Café, but this spare restaurant with the odd name of Neutral Ways serves fat egg-filled tacos and classic American breakfast plates in

The entrance to Comanche Trail Park.

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MADE IN TEXAS

From Wheel to Table Restaurants around the country are turning to this Dallas ceramist for artful dinnerware.

BY AMANDA ALBEE

OUT THERE

was born. He attended St. Mark’s School of Texas, where he fell in love with his ceramics classes. At Southern Methodist University, he fulfilled an elective requirement with a ce- ramics course, in which he learned how to use awood-firedkiln,adays-longprocessthatem- ploys ashes to create one-of-a-kind textures and colors. Ortega turned his hobby into a side business while working in the corporate world. In 2018, when he received an order for more than nine hundred pieces to stock Beverley’s Bistro & Bar, on Fitzhugh Avenue, Marcello Andres Ceramics became a full-time enterprise. Ortega opened his current location, which also serves as an event space, two years later. Ortegafulfillsordersforrestaurantsaround the state and beyond: Tatemó, an intimate Mexican tasting menu spot, in Houston; Texas- centric Isidore, in San Antonio’s new Pull- man Market; and Juniper, an Italian bistro in East Austin. Ortega sees his art as having “a conversation with clay.” Fortunately for us, there are lingering —and beautiful—questions to answer.

YOU WON’T FIND “Do Not Touch” signs in Marcello Andres Ortega’s studio and retail space, housed in a Quonset hut just south of downtown Dallas. The ceramics artist encour- ages visitors to the showroom to feel and hold his plates, bowls, and copitas—small cups used for drinking mezcal, sherry, and other spirits. Formed out of Texas clay and natural minerals and fused in fire in one of the workshop’s five kilns, the appeal of the dinnerware extends be- yond the tactile. The primary palette of creams, taupes, and dark grays invites you to appreciate whatsitsatopeachdish:forexample,anorderof avocado toast’s shock of green against the neu- tral canvas of a plate. “The food is the art,” says Ortega of the earth tones he prefers for dishes. Ortega traces his love of dinnerware to the nightly sit-down family meals of his childhood, a ritual important to his Chilean- born parents, who moved to Dallas before he

Meanwhile, In Texas At a feedlot in Carrizo Springs, a man witnessed a group of cattle pin a coyote against a fence before it es- caped unharmed. An American Airlines flight was evac- uated and delayed for nearly five hours at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport after a passenger alerted cabin crew to a Wi-Fi hot spot titled “there is a bomb on the flight.” Upon discovering an unconventional hunting blind made from a portable toilet, Henderson County game wardens used a hidden camera to catch a man who was using it to hunt deer on private property without the owner’s consent. More than one hundred canisters of nitrous oxide were discovered in the car of a Houston dentist who had sped through town, ignored commands to pull over, led police on a brief chase, and, finally, stopped and allegedly ad- mitted to inhaling the laughing gas as he was driving. Port Arthur authorities announced that a man is under investigation for child endangerment after he posted a video on social media in which he used a baby dressed in winter clothing to wipe snow off his car’s windshield. A man in Travis County told police he “won’t press charges” and just wants his dog back after he was approached near his home by a man who shot him in the foot, grabbed his French bulldog, and fled in a car. —Meher Yeda

Marcello Andres Ortega throwing a sculpture in his studio on February 4, 2025.

NORTH SAN ANTONIO EDITION

Scottie Scheffler at Royal Oaks Country Club.

Palm Beach Gardens home, and ended his own life. As they learned of Murray’s death, some players spoke to reporters and others declined. Sixteen-year pro Peter Malnati wanted to talk. He also was not a big star, but he was aable, articulate, and thoughtful—and he happened to be the contestant who had played with Mur- ray the afternoon before. Malnati struggled to collect his thoughts on national television. The full weight and measure of the singular stresses of the game seemed to wobble him at a tender moment. “This is going to be really hard,” Malnati said, his voice shuddering. “We all want to beat each other.Andthensomethinglikethishappensand you realize that we’re all just humans.” There would be a service for Murray in early June, before the Memorial Tournament, at Muirfield Village Golf Club, near Columbus, Ohio. Brad Payne, who serves as a chaplain on the PGA Tour, helped organize it. He had coun- seled Murray through his personal struggles— anxiety, alcohol abuse—and had talked with him about the pervasive sense of loneliness and dread he just couldn’t seem to shake, even as he achieved remarkable success, rising into the top fiftyintheworldafterwinninginHawaiiatthe beginning of 2024. Before the service, Payne also counseled the players who were sched- uled to speak, a group that included Scottie Scheer,thenumberoneplayerintheworld. To read the full story, please subscribe to Texas Monthly .

ON A FRIDAY afternoon last May, late in the second round of the PGA Tour stop in Fort Worth, Grayson Murray pocketed his ball and toldocialshefeltunwell.Hewithdrewfrom the competition, cleared out his locker, and aimed his courtesy vehicle toward the airport. Few spectators noticed. Murray was thirty years old and had won twice on the tour, which is two more times than most professional golfers ever win, but he was not the kind of incandescent star who drew massive galleries and heavy media attention. He had two holes left to play when he hit the last shot of his life. The next day, word filtered through the old, pecan-lined fairways of Colonial Country Club that Murray had flown to Florida, gone to his

FEATURE PREVIEW

Great Scottie! Shhhhhhh. Quiet Please. Scottie Scheffler, the world’s most dominant golfer, is approaching the toughest part of the course. BY KEVIN ROBBINS

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Government

BY PARKS KUGLE

With an estimated population of 159,000 residents having served in the military, Bexar County has the second largest population of veterans in Texas. Addi- tionally, the county is also home to roughly 80,000 active-duty service members, and with the county’s population expected to grow to 2.4 million by 2030, these numbers are only projected to grow. To accommodate the signicant population of active and former service members, the Bexar County Department of Military and Veterans Services has expanded its reach across the county. The overview Multiple North San Antonio ZIP codes have a higher rate of veterans among their population than the county average of 9.6%. This includes 78230, which has the highest proportion of veterans at 18.7%; 78231 with 13.6% of residents; 78259 and 78260 with 11%; and 78232 and 78248 with 10.2% of the population comprised of veterans. Originally conned to its headquarters on East Grayson Street and an army transition center at Fort Sam Houston, MVS has added six new oces across the county since 2023 to accommodate that growth, which has drastically increased the department’s outreach capabilities. According to county ocials, the department serves as an advocate agency that assists military service members transitioning back to civilian life; veterans, military spouses and their survivors with claiming benets; job placement; peer support; and nancial assistance. Keith Wilson, executive director of MVS, said the department’s services do not end with ling a benet claim, but continue throughout the entire process. “Our services, care and advocacy does not stop after the ling of a Veteran Aairs benet claim. We continue to follow the progress of the VA claims process with the service member, veteran, military spouse or dependent throughout the often lengthy time it takes the VA to reach a decision,” Wilson said. From 2023-25, the department has processed 7,254 claims, garnering an estimated $50.8 million in benets for their claimants. What else? To supplement and enhance veteran services Bexar County Veterans Services expands outreach

Multiple North San Antonio ZIP codes have a higher rate of veterans among their population than the county average of 9.6%.

COURTESY CITY OF ROUND ROCK

Military and Veterans Services claims by precinct The department was able to process 3,158 claims resulting in $25.26 million being awarded to individuals.

Precinct 0 Precinct 1

Precinct 2

Precinct 4

Precinct 3

113

$0.44M

$6.81M

1,020

$9.45M

1,077

961

900

3,462 customers

3,158 claims

$25.26M awarded

563

666

748

476

$5.3M

$3.25M

SOURCE: BEXAR COUNTY MILITARY AND VETERANS SERVICESCOMMUNITY IMPACT

within Bexar County, the department expanded its capabilities to include assisting transitioning service members with a focus on employment services. County ocials said that since this expansion in 2022, the department has recalibrated its employ- ment and transition services team’s scope into a more holistic approach. The team now specializes in identifying pathways to employment, directly placing clients with companies, oering training and education assistance, providing information on dierent industries and salaries, and helping to translate military experience into civilian-based skills. In 2025, the department has engaged with over 1,300 potential employment and education clients and helped to write over 85 resumes.

One more thing MVS also received two grants in July from the Texas Veterans Commission to provide nancial assistance and peer support for Bexar County veterans. Funding from the grants will run through June 2026. According to county ocials, the nancial assistance program provides temporary and limited emergency assistance and nancial relief. From January to March 2025, the program has provided over $166,000 in mortgage, rent, utility and trans- portation assistance to 170 Bexar County veterans, family members and surviving spouses. For more information on MVS services, visit www.bexar.org/vets or call the MVS main oce at 210-435-7838.

NORTH SAN ANTONIO EDITION

Transportation

BY PARKS KUGLE

VIA adds new transit options ahead of Green Line construction

What else?

One more thing

To further develop alternate means of transportation, San Antonio City Council also voted to approve the Bike Network Plan on Jan. 30, which provides city ocials with a comprehensive guide on how to fund, plan and build bike facilities throughout the city. This network is designed to enhance the city’s transportation system to deliver better connectivity and safer roadways for cyclists. The Bike Network plan also oers guidelines for ve types of bike facility designs: • Bike Boulevards

nonresidential spaces, a hybrid-industrial district that serves as a transitioning area between districts and residential only districts. Key components include: • Building aordable housing near transit to prevent displacement and ensure inclusivity • Creating integrated networks where walking, cycling and public transit are practical means of transportation

Alongside the Green Line and Silver Line Advanced Rapid Transit systems, city ocials will construct a series of transit-oriented development districts. These districts would create transit-ori- ented communities where residents will have all the essentials of day-to-day life either within walking distance or accessible through public transit. TOD districts are divided into three zoning types: a mixed-use district of residential and

The Green Line includes several infrastructure improvements to give pedestrians greater mobility throughout the city, such as four miles of new and repaired sidewalks, over 20 intersection upgrades, 26 new bus stations and 66 bus friendly trac signals. The service is expected to reduce travel times through dedicated lanes and o-board fare collection. The Green Line will also feature modern stations. “The Green Line will make life easier and better for everyone in this vibrant, fast-growing city,” FTA Deputy Administrator Veronica Vanterpool said. “Right now, many San Antonio households are spending nearly a quarter of their income just on transportation.” Additionally, the east-west Silver Line will run from the Frost Bank Center to North General McMullen Drive on the west side of the city. Construction on the Silver Line is estimated to begin in 2027.

As the VIA Rapid Green Line moves from the nal design phase into construction, VIA is implementing a new program in the downtown corridor to help improve connectivity. Known as VIA Link, VIA ocials said riders can use the VIA Link app to book a ride in specially designated vans which will drop them o anywhere within the downtown corridor. Rides cost $1.30 per ride and riders can request a free transfer if transferring to a VIA bus. VIA Link also oers rides in two North San Antonio zones, with one running along Loop 1604 and I-35 and another stretching from UTSA’s main campus to Westover Hills Boulevard. According to VIA ocials, VIA Link is designed to give riders a greater array of options. The Green Line, which will run north-south along San Pedro Avenue, from a station near the San Antonio International Airport to the historical missions area is estimated to be completed in 2027.

Rapid line construction

410

368

281

"[Transit-oriented development districts] promote live, work, and play environments, and the opportunity for economic

“We approved the framework of a future where having the

• Traditional bike lanes • Buffered bike lanes • Protected bike lanes • Shared-use paths

convenience and amenities of The Pearl doesn’t have to come at the cost of being able to aord The Pearl.” SUKH KAUR, DISTRICT 1 COUNCIL MEMBER

growth is substantial when done properly.” MARC WHYTE, DISTRICT 10 COUNCIL MEMBER

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

Beneath the surface From the cover

The overview

CORYELL

Map key:

Contributing zone

Recharge zone

Transition zone

LAMPASAS

BELL

281

With San Antonio bracing for the sixth drought year in a row and Central Texas entering another dry spring, local ocials are implementing a multi-pronged strategy to maintain the city’s water supply for future generations. “The foundation for economic vitality and quality of life in San Antonio is our water security. Without it, we have nothing. And the basis of our water security is, and always will be, the Edwards Aquifer,” Nirenberg said. Annalisa Peace, executive director at the Greater Edwards Aquifer Alliance, said the best way to balance future development and protect the aquifer is to move development away from the recharge zone, which is the area where surface water ows directly into the aquifer. “[The city should] concentrate new growth in the urban areas,” Peace said. “But if you’re going east of the recharge zone we don’t have any problem, if you’re going south of the recharge zone, we have no problem. So there’s a lot of developable land, and there’s a lot of developments that we are not protesting at all. We’re just concerned about this one area, and it’s geographically a pretty small area.”

1604

BURNET

WILLIAMSON

TRAVIS

• Austin

BLANCO

HAYS

KERR

KENDALL

CADWELL

COMAL

EDWARDS

REAL

BANDERA

GUADALUPE

• San Antonio

GONZALES

MEDINA

BEXAR

KINNEY

UVALDE

WILSON

MAP NOT TO SCALE N

SOURCE: CITY OF SAN ANTONIOCOMMUNITY IMPACT

The details

What else?

Edwards Aquifer Protection Program

Another issue with maintaining the Edwards Aquifer is water quality. Peace said the best way to protect this resource is for counties to pass impervious cover limit laws, which control the amount of land covered by impervious surfaces, such as buildings and roads. “Most of the growth is taking place in the unincorporated areas, and counties are extremely limited as to what they can do. Counties can pass an impervious cover limit, which we prescribe as the best water quality measure that we could adopt to protect our water supplies,” Peace said. Aquifer zones

To protect this resource, San Antonio city officials implemented the Edwards Aquifer Protection Program in 2000. Through the program, city officials use a ⅛-cent venue sales tax to purchase land in the recharge zone. Properties purchased by the city have been added to the Canyon State Natural Area and have been repurposed into parks, such as the Classen-Steubing Ranch Park in North San Antonio.

Conservation easement: legal agreement to protect land

Fee simple acquisition: Buying land

Parks

Acres

Acquired

Parks

Acres

Acquired

November 2002 April 2003 December 2003

Medallion

146

Crownridge

208

March 2001

Schuchart Tract

Iron Horse Ranch

594

March 2001

Woodland Hills

327

Rancho Diana

1,153

March 2001

Canyon Ranch

421

January 2005

Cedar Creek

240

May 2001

Dress/Laredo

September 2006

172

Culebra

Mayberry Tract

345

April 2002

Artesian zone: 11,965 acres

Ma-Be Canyon

461

April 2013

Ranch

Kallison Ranch

1,164

June 2002

December 2013

Contributing zone: 44,553 acres

Kosarek Tract

187,343 acres

Hampton Tract

50 October 2002

Classen-Steubing

November 2002

160 October 2016

Recharge zone: 130,825 acres

Medallion

146

Ranch

Eisenhower Tract

102

January 2020

SOURCE: CITY OF SAN ANTONIO/COMMUNITY IMPACT

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

BY PARKS KUGLE

Looking ahead

Zooming out

Guz said though San Antonio is bracing for continued drought conditions, the proactive investment into multiple sources of water has left the city in a better position. “[Our predecessors] knew that one of the first questions businesses ask when they want to move their corporations here is, ‘Do you have water?’ And we can say, ‘Yes, we do, and we have a long term plan.’ We were one of the first major cities in Texas to do that,” Guz said.

as well as technology to lessen the city’s depen- dence on the Edwards Aquifer. “[The greater San Antonio area] uses about 275,000 acre feet a year, and about half of that is Edwards Aquifer water, and then the other comes from that Vista Ridge source, which is coming from pretty far away,” Guz said. “Then we’ve got regional Carrizo water coming from a different region, [and] we have our H2Oaks facility down in South Bexar County. At that facility, we bring out what we call local Carrizo water, and we store water during wet periods.” The H2Oaks Center utilizes Aquifer Storage and Recovery technology to store excess water from the Edwards Aquifer for later use in dry periods, desalination of brackish water and water pumped from the Carrizo Aquifer, which is a sand aquifer. The Carrizo Aquifer supplies water to more than 60 counties in Texas, and runs from the Rio Grande in South Texas northwest in Arkansas.

Another means of preserving the Edwards Aquifer’s water supply is the San Antonio Water System’s mitigation and diversification strategies. Karen Guz, SAWS vice president of conservation, said mitigation strategies include implementing stricter watering rules, tiered fines for excessive water consumption, promoting the use of drought tolerant plants, conducting free home conser- vation consultations and providing irrigation efficiency rebates. “There’s three main strategies for conservation. There’s education, getting everybody’s hearts and minds on the same page about [water usage] and understanding it and caring about it,” Guz said. “Then there’s incentives, so that’s the coupons to change your landscape or improve your irrigation system, and then there’s reasonable regulations, [such as rules] against watering in the middle of the day.” Guz also noted that SAWS uses multiple sources to provide water to the greater San Antonio region

“What I can say unequivocally is, if San Antonio had not been proactive in investing in all of those supplies we just laid out, it would feel very different today.” KAREN GUZ, SAWS VP OF CONSERVATION.

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NORTH SAN ANTONIO EDITION

Events

Fiesta guide Since the first parade in 1891, Fiesta has grown into an 11-day annual celebration, involving multi- ple organizations and events across San Antonio. Originally created as a way to honor the heroes of the Alamo, Goliad and the Battle of San Jacinto, Fiesta started with the Battle of Flowers Parade on April 24, 1891, according to the event website. The first parade, which was originally created as a way to honor the heroes of the Alamo, Goliad and the Battle of San Jacinto, featured floats decorated with fresh flowers. Today, events include celebrations honoring

2025

• Travis Park, 301 E. Travis St., San Antonio • www.fiestasanantonio.org

Taste of the Republic The Taste of the Republic explores the six culinary regions of Texas. Every ticket is a VIP, all-inclusive pass that provides access to food, wine, beer and cocktails. The event features 13 food stations and one dessert station, wine pairings at every station, and a performance by DJ Donnie. • April 24, 5-9 p.m. • $150 • Briscoe Western Art Museum, 210 W. Market St., San Antonio • www.tasteoftherepublic.com Fiesta Carnival Held in the Alamodome parking lot, the carnival is free and open to the public, with ride tickets varying in price per day. • April 24-May 4, times vary • Prices vary • Alamodome, 100 Montana St., San Antonio • www.fiestasanantonio.org Taste of New Orleans Held by The San Antonio Zulu Association, the Taste of New Orleans features New Orleans-style food vendors and music, such as jazz, zydeco, Dixieland, blues and brass bands. • April 25, 5-10 p.m., April 26-27, noon-10 p.m. • $22 (general admission), free (children age 12 and younger) • Sunken Garden Theater, 3875 N. St. Mary’s St., San Antonio • www.saza.org Fiesta Oyster Bake The Fiesta Oyster Bake is celebrating its 109th anniversary in 2025. The two-day event serves over

cultural touchstones, appointed Fiesta royalty and neighborhood celebrations throughout the city. To get into the spirit, here are 12 upcoming Fiesta events for April 24-May 4. San Antonio Cactus and Xerophyte Society Show and Sale Hosted by the San Antonio Cactus and Xerophyte Society, the event will feature cactus and succulent vendors, artisan pot vendors, landscape vendors that specialize in using xerophytes, a silent auction, Fiesta medals, a kids zone and educational displays. • April 24-25, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. • Free • San Antonio Garden Center, 3310 N. New Braunfels Ave., San Antonio • www.sacxs.org Fiesta Fiesta presented by Toyota Fiesta Fiesta is the official opening ceremony event for Fiesta. The event features carnival rides and games, food and merchandise vendors, live entertainment and a gathering of 2025’s Fiesta royalty. • April 24, 4-10 p.m. • Free

Fiesta Makes a Splash: The Annual Witte Museum Fiesta Exhibition The Witte Museum is one of the only locations in San Antonio to learn about Fiesta’s history from its 1891 origins with the Battle of Flowers Parade to today’s Fiesta San Antonio Commission events. • April 24-Nov. 2, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. • $16 (general admissions), $15 (seniors and teens age 13-18), $11 (children age 4-11) • 3801 Broadway, San Antonio • www.wittemuseum.org 100,000 oysters and 32,000 chickens on a stick with jalapeno. The Oyster Bake features three stages, and on April 26, attendees can enjoy a battle of the bands competition. Featured artists include Hoobastank, Sugar Ray, Eddie Gonzalez, Braxton Keith, Josh Abbott Band and David Lee Garza. • April 25, 5-11 p.m., April 26, noon-11 p.m. • $30 (single-day pass at the gate), $25 (presale), $40 (two-day admission), $175 (single-day VIP pass) • St. Mary’s University, 1 Camino Santa Maria, San Antonio

All Instruments All Ages All Skill Levels 1-on-1 Lessons

2540 Thousand Oaks Dr #109 San Antonio, TX 78232 (210) 201-5275 www.stjohnmusic.com

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

BY PARKS KUGLE

80th Texas Cavaliers River Parade First started in 1941 after a group of Cavaliers witnessed boats and barges decorated with flowers in the “floating gardens” of Mexico City, the Texas Cavaliers River Parade features San Antonio River boats decorated to celebrate the season, the Texas Cavaliers and King Antonio. • April 28, 7-9 p.m. • $30

134th Battle of Flowers Parade Started in 1891, the Battle of Flowers is the founding event of Fiesta. The parade features vibrant floats with Fiesta royalty members, equestrian units, marching bands and participants celebrating Texas culture. • May 2, 9:55 a.m.-1 p.m. • $20 • Begins at East Locust Street and North Main Avenue, finishes at West Martin and North Santa Rosa streets • www.battleofflowers.org Fiesta De Los Reyes Fiesta De Los Reyes is one of the largest free celebrations during the Fiesta season. Held in the Historic Market Square over a 10-day period, the event features food vendors; live music from a variety of genres, such as Tejano, Latin jazz and cover bands;

and family friendly entertainment. • April 25-May 4 • Free • Historic Market Square, 514 W. Commerce St., San Antonio • www.fiestadelosreyes.com

• San Antonio River Walk • www.texascavaliers.org

Fiesta Flambeau Parade Known as the largest illuminated night parade in the country, the parade features vibrant floats, costumed participants and marching bands. This year’s theme is Deep in the Arts of Texas. • May 3, 7:45-11 p.m. • $30-$40 • Begins on North Main Street near San Antonio College, ends near Santa Rosa and West Martin streets • www.flambeau.org

• www.oysterbake.com

77th Night in Old San Antonio A four-night celebration, a Night in Old San Antonio is held in the oldest neighborhood in San Antonio. The event features food stalls and live music. • April 29-May 2, 5:30-10:30 p.m. • $20 • La Villita, 418 Villita St., San Antonio • www.niosa.org

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Real estate

Residential market data

Number of homes sold

February 2024

February 2025

+22.22%

+250%

+8.67%

+55.55%

+37.78%

-10%

+42.86%

The number of homes sold in all ZIP codes except 78259 increased year over year in February.

78230

78231

78232

78248

78258

78259

78260

281

78260

78258

78259

Median home sales price

1604

78248 78232

February

2024

2025

$507,500 $417,250 $415,000 $570,000 $495,000 $384,250 $499,900

$334,000 $340,000 $425,000 $577,389 $549,900 $454,495 $532,500

78230 78231 78232 78248 78258 78259 78260

78230

78231

Homes sold by price point

February 2024

$800,000+

$600,000-$799,999

Average days on market

$400,000-$599,999

-21.18

-20.31

+33.33

-23.16

-8.91

-3.13

+28.13

$200,000-$399,999

<$199,999

MARKET DATA PROVIDED BY THE SAN ANTONIO BOARD OF REALTORS • 9110 W. I10 2105931200 • WWW.SABOR.COM

78230

78231

78232

78248

78258

78259

78260

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NORTH SAN ANTONIO EDITION

Dining

BY PARKS KUGLE

Husband-and-wife team Nacho Aguirre and Susana Mijares have appeared on multiple Food Network shows.

Délice stocks 1516 dierent avors of mini cakes ($6.95) , including tres leches, German chocolate and carrot.

PHOTOS BY PARKS KUGLECOMMUNITY IMPACT

Meet the team behind Délice Chocolatier & Patisserie

The chocolate true bon bon ($2.95) consists of a rich chocolate ganache infused with handmade llings.

Husband-and-wife team Nacho Aguirre and Susana Mijares chose to open Délice Chocolatier & Patisserie in San Antonio because of the city’s unique blend of cultures. After Mijares attended Le Cordon Bleu in Paris, France, the couple opened their rst chocolatier in their hometown of Torreón, Mexico, in 1998. In 2010, the couple moved to San Antonio and ocially opened Délice Chocolatier & Patisserie. What they oer Aguirre said they serve a wide range of cakes, chocolates, pastries and candy. Top sellers include the chocolate true bon bon, which consists of a rich chocolate ganache infused with liquor or natural avors and handmade llings.

What else? To showcase his wife’s talents, Aguirre signed her up to compete in the 2016 season of “Spring Baking Championship.” “Out of the blue, we got a call from a casting agent looking for bakers. And then I signed up my wife, and she made a great appearance. She made it all the way to the nal. She was a runner-up, and then two years later, she sent my information, I guess it was payback,” Aguirre said. Aguirre won season four of the “Spring Baking Championship,” and the couple has since appeared on multiple Food Network shows. Délice will celebrate the 14th anniversary at its far north San Antonio location in June.

1604

946 N. Loop 1604 W., Ste. 145, San Antonio www.delicechocolatier.com

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