ALAMO HEIGHTS KING WILLIAM MONTE VISTA OLMOS PARK TERRELL HILLSVOL. 3, ISSUE 8

INSIDE PG. 15 LOCAL SOCIETY on the scene of the latest partiesFEB. 2 - MAR. 2, 2015

WHAT'S INSIDEYOUR COMMUNITY

Veteran developer wants public land for park; separate deal on table would create mixed-use development

Counter-offer surfaces for parcels near Broadway and Austin Highway

PG.14

Brothers grew up helping parents with clothing store

CHANGING HANDS AFTER 64 YEARS

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

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COMMUNITY NEWS

PG.18SATEL'S OF ALAMO HEIGHTS UNDER NEW MANAGEMENT

Southtown store has changed locations but not artistic focus

Austin-based chain offes unique assortment of tacos

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PUTTING HER HEART into helping othersAlamo Heights’ Dr. Kristen Plastino-Arnold survives heart attack, now part of awareness campaign PG.16

2 FEB. 2 - MAR. 2, 2015

President Harold J. LeesAssoc. PublisherRick UptonEDITORIALExecutive EditorThomas EdwardsNews StaffCollette Orquiz, Bain Serna and Will WrightContributing WritersOlivier J. Bourgoin, Ron Aaron Eisenberg, Rose Mary Budge, Joyce Hotchkiss, Carole Miller, Eileen Pace and Susan Yerkes

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

ADVERTISINGAdvertising DirectorJaselle LunaAccount ManagerKelly Jean GarzaControllerKeith SandersREADER SERVICEMailing Address4204 Gardendale Ste. 201 SA, TX 78229Fax(210) 616.9677

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For advertising, customer service or editorial, please call us at 210-338-8842 or write to us at: Local Community News4204 Gardendale Ste. 201San Antonio, TX 78229

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PublisherGregg Rosenfield

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THOMAS EDWARDSEXECUTIVE EDITOR

FROM THE EDITORtedwards@salocallowdown.com

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

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

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

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

This strategy seems to be working, because 2014 was LOCAL’s most successful year yet. But we’re not sitting on our laurels.

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

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

So, as 2015 gets underway, I want to thank our readers and advertisers for their continued support. Don’t forget to drop me a line at tedwards@salocallowdown.com when you have a suggestion, observation or story idea.

Here’s to 2015

e have been busy here at LOCAL

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LOCAL COMMENTARY

Warning! This could happen to youby SUSAN YERKES

Every year, one in six drivers

in the United States gets a ticket. About the same number

get a warning.

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

Since I don’t drink, I have nothing to hide.

In this instance, I politely answered

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

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

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

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

“In our records, it’s a speeding ticket,” she said. “It happens. Come in and talk to the prosecutor.”

First, I was appalled. Next, I was grateful for the lawyer letters. Without them, I wouldn’t have known I had a court appearance scheduled. If I had failed to show, a warrant could have been issued for my arrest.

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

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

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

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

I wasn’t completely reassured. I wondered if the Department of Public Safety might have received the erroneous ticket and put it on my driving history. But after calling Austin I learned traffic tickets don’t go on your driving record unless you're convicted.

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

Now, readers, I’d like to hear about your encounters with traffic officers.

Email comments to syerkes@salocallowdown.com.

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

COP GENERATES ABOUT $300,000 IN REVENUE.

5SALOCALLOWDOWN.COM

OUR TURNViews and opinions about your community

Why won’t politicians stay on the job?

A recent series of decisions — or in some cases, defections — among elected

officials to seek another office while still holding their current position should concern voters.

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

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

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

Didn’t win an election for a higher office? Don’t like your current elected position? Then just throw your hat into the ring again, even if you haven’t finished your current term.

That seems to be the message broadcast by some candidates.

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

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

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

OUR TURN continues on pg. 06

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OUR TURN continues from pg. 05

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

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

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

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

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

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

LOCAL LETTERS OUR POLICE ARE DOING A GREAT JOB

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

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

Margery Beitzel

DON’T GENERALIZE ABOUT POLICE CONDUCT

EDITOR: I agree with the general point of the recent From the Editor column that “every group has a few bad apples” — including police. But when you write that critics shouldn’t “tar and feather all police” and that protesters “want anarchy,” I submit that you are way off base.

I don’t think you could cite one spokesperson at any of the protests who says that “all police” are killers of black men. On the contrary, these are specific cases that are being protested. The protesters want accountability for those officers involved in the killings of Eric Garner, Tamir Rice and others.

Stephen Amberg

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OUR GUIDE

TO YOUR MONTH

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

HAPPENING LOCAL

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

ART TALKFITNESS OUTDOOR MUSIC FOOD

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

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

POETRY MONTH EVENS The city’s Department for Culture & Creative Development

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

MEMORY & FORGETTING This exhibit at Cinnabar offers artists’ perceptions of

memory and the loss of it – particularly the space between the two. It features local as well as international artists. Cinnabar, both a gallery and a custom jewelry salon, is at 1420 S. Alamo St. in the Blue Star Arts Complex.

WORLD WAR II IN PHOTOGRAPHS: LOOKING BACK The McNay Art Museum

exhibition marks this year’s 70th anniversary of the war’s end and celebrates San Antonio’s long history as a military town. The exhibit, which the McNay organized, includes famous images but also photos of San Antonians doing their part to help the war effort. Tickets for those 12 and older are $10,

ONGOING

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THROUGHMAR 8

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HAPPENING continues on pg. 08

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HAPPENING continues on pg. 09

and $5 for seniors, students and military. The McNay is at 6000 N. New Braunfels Ave.

“HELDENLEBEN” As part of its ongoing Richard Strauss Festival, the San Antonio Symphony

presents a program culminating in the splendid “Heldenleben (A Hero’s Life).” The program will feature Eric Gratz, the symphony’s newly named concertmaster, on violin. Both concerts begin at 8 p.m. in the H-E-B Performance Hall of the Tobin Center for the Performing Arts. Tickets range from $25 to $81; boxes are $96. Buy them online through a link under Box Office on www.tobincenter.org, by phone at 223-8624 or at the box office at the center, 100 Auditorium Circle.

SCHOOL BOARD MEETING Trustees of the North East Independent School

District regularly meet 5:30 p.m. on the second Monday of each month at 8961 Tesoro Drive. To confirm dates and times, call 407-0533.

TERRELL HILLS The City Council meets 5 p.m. at City Hall, 5100 N. New Braunfels Ave.

ALAMO HEIGHTS The City Council meets at 5:30 p.m. at City Hall,

6116 Broadway, and then again Feb. 23 at the same time and location.

FLORAL DESIGN CLASSES Hands-on instruction in creating floral arrangements

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

SONS OF CONFEDERATE VETERANS Hood’s Texas Brigade, Camp No. 153, will

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

ALAMO HEIGHTS INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT The board of trustees

FEB9

FEB9

FEB9, 23

FEB17

FEB19

FEB6-7 FEB 17, 24

MAR 3

HAPPENING continues from pg. 08 meets at 7 p.m. in the boardroom at Central Office, 7101 Broadway.

OLMOS PARK The City Council meets at 6 p.m. in City Hall, 120 W. El Prado Drive.

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

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

SINGLE PROFESSIONALS NETWORK This friendship group for single, mature adults

will gather at 5 p.m. for a happy hour at Ruth’s Chris Steak House in Concord Plaza, 7720 Jones Maltsberger Road. SPN typically has events several times a week; for more, go to www.spn-sa.org.

ASIAN FESTIVAL The Chinese New Year – 2015 is the Year of the Ram – will be

celebrated from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Institute of Texan Cultures, along with the cultures of India, Japan and Pacific islands. Highlights include food, music, demonstrations and craft sales. Tickets are $8 in advance, $10 at the gate, and tickets for children age 6 to 12 are $5. The Institute is at 801 E. Cesar Chavez Blvd.

SIKHS: LEGACY OF THE PUNJAB The Asian Festival will also introduce a traveling

exhibit, making a stop at the Institute of Texan Cultures, that explores the culture of the distinctive Indian group. Sikhs have been in Texas for a century; there are now nearly 300 Sikh families in San Antonio alone. Sikh art and artifacts will be on display, along with information on Sikhs’ beliefs, in a show developed by the Smithsonian Institution and sponsored by the Sikh Heritage Foundation. Regular admission ranges from $6 to $8. Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday. The Institute is at 801 E. Cesar Chavez Blvd.

MEALS ON REELS The San Antonio chapter of Les Dames d’Escoffier International raises

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funds for its culinary programs with a delightful combination of movie clips and movie-inspired dishes paired with wine. The festivities, which take place at the St. Anthony Hotel, begin at 6 p.m. with cocktails and cooking demonstrations, followed by the multi-course meal. Live and silent auctions will also be conducted. Tickets cost $175 and can be purchased online at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/meals-on-reels-presented-by-les-dame-descoffier-san-antonio-chapter-tickets-14491994947. The St. Anthony is at 300 E. Travis St.

SAN ANTONIO HOME & GARDEN SHOW The annual extravaganza at the Alamodome

offers aisles of ideas and services for home and yard, plus areas for kids and pets, the Go Texan Art, Gift and Gourmet Center and a food court. Hours are 2-7 p.m. Feb. 27, 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Feb. 28 and 11 a.m.-6 p.m. March 1. Admission is $9 for those 17 and older, or $6.50 for 65 and up. Active-duty military personnel get in free with ID. The Alamodome is at 100 Montana St.

AVA PINE A Texas native and a dazzling soprano, Pine will close out the Tuesday Musical Club’s

2014-2015 Artist Series. Pine, known for her commitment to contemporary opera, was a Grammy nominee in 2011, for Best Opera Recording. The concert is at 2 p.m. at Laurel Heights United Methodist Church, 227 W. Woodlawn Ave. Tickets are $25 and are available through a link on the website, www.satmc.org, or at the door.

GARDEN CENTER CLUBS The San Antonio Garden Center Clubs’ monthly meeting starts

with coffee at 9:30 a.m. The program, at 10 a.m., is “Digging Into Spring” with David Rodriguez, a Texas AgriLife Extension Service horticulturist. The meeting is free and open to the public. The San Antonio Garden Center is at 3310 N. New Braunfels Ave. For more, go to www.sanantoniogardencenter.org and click on the calendar tab.

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

its monthly meeting starting at 7 p.m. at Grady’s Bar-B-Que, 6510 San Pedro Ave.

SUBMITTING EVENTS: Email all the details along with your contact information two months in advance to tips@salocallowdown.com.

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

Open and Opening Soon Address of local business

Name of local business

1. CALIFORNIA CLOSETS OF THE TEXAS HILL COUNTRY, 280 E. Basse Road, Suite 150, opens its San Antonio design studio in February at this location in the Quarry Village. It is a showcase for closets, home offices, pantries, and kitchen and bath vignettes. Another store is at 1111 Arion Parkway No. 120, and the phone is 829-1991. Hours at the new location will be 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, and noon to 4 p.m. Sunday.

2. LA VIDA ART GALLERY, 1110 S. Alamo St., is slated to celebrate a grand opening Feb. 6 in Southtown after moving from its previous location. It still offers paintings, Mexican folk art and the works of numerous Texas artists. In addition, a large selection of collectibles, including embroidery, clothing, jewelry and decorative items, fill every corner. La Vida will continue holding special events such as art openings and book signings. Hours are 10 a.m. to LOWDOWN continues on pg. 11

7 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on First Friday. For more, call 782-3340 or visit www.lavidagallerysa.com. (See story on page 21)

3. LA PANADERIA, 8305 Broadway, started at the Quarry Farmers & Ranchers Market (now the Yard Farmers & Ranchers Market in Olmos Park), and has now expanded its storefront. Owners and brothers, Jose and David Caceras, continue to offer customers authentic Mexican breads using a 48-hour culture process, plus coffees and other light fare. Hours are 7 a.m. through 8 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. For more, call 375-6746 or visit http://lapanaderia.com/.

4. TORCHY’S TACOS, 999 E. Basse Road, is an Austin-based chain that has opened in Lincoln Heights and offers everything from drinks to shrimp tacos, beef brisket tacos, egg-and-bacon tacos and more, including some off-the-menu selections. Hours are 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday. For more, call 824-1603 or visit http://torchystacos.com/food. (See story on page 22)

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LOWDOWN continues on pg. 12

5. ALBERICO FINE WINE, 5221 McCullough Ave., has opened in The Yard in Olmos Park and is both a restaurant and a retail wine shop. According to a spokeswoman, Alberico offers “a five-star restaurant experience with a blue-collar price tag.” Billed as the newest addition to the city’s culinary wine scene, the location has “global cuisine,” winemaker dinners and tastings, and private rooms. Hours are 10 a.m. to midnight Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 2 a.m. Friday and Saturday, and brunch 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. For more, call 320-8466 or visit www.albericofinewine.com or Facebook.com/albericowinesa.

IN OTHER NEWSVISITORS TO DOWNTOWN SAN ANTONIO now have a high-tech way to explore the historic Texas Star Trail. The San Antonio Conservation Society has launched a mobile app, www.TxStarTrail.com, which offers users an interactive self-guided/self-paced tour of dozens of historic points of interest in central San Antonio, from the Alamo to the Spanish Governor’s Palace. The free mobile app can be accessed by a smart phone, tablet or any other Internet-capable device. The 2.6-mile walking tour of downtown can

begin at any point along the route, and for convenience, is divided into five sectors that take about 30 minutes each to complete. Those who prefer printed maps can visit the society’s office at 107 King William St. For more, visit www.saconservation.org.

MANO FACTURA: ARTE REGIO IS ON EXHIBIT IN TRAVIS PARK UNTIL MARCH 5, offering 30 life-size sculptures from San Antonio’s sister city Monterrey, Mexico. Each sculpture includes a hand making the peace sign. The artworks are embellished by a range of artists from Mexico and other countries. The sculptures traveled 300 miles from Monterrey. The opening ceremony Jan. 10 included officials from the Mexican Consulate, Mexican Cultural Institute and San Antonio: Acting Consul General Jose Antonio Larios, Monterrey Councilman Ignacio de Leon, San Antonio District 1 Councilman Roberto C. Treviño and Felix Padrón, director of the city’s Department for Culture & Creative Development. “This exhibit gives our community the opportunity to experience art from artists of different geographical backgrounds in the center of downtown,” Padrón said. “These cultural connections help strengthen the bond between our two cities and open

LOWDOWN continues from pg. 10

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LOWDOWN continues from pg. 11

the door for more collaboration.” TIM MORROW HAS BEEN NAMED THE NEW CEO/EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR of the San Antonio Zoo after a nearly 20-year career that included working at SeaWorld Park & Entertainment. Zoo officials said his experience in San Antonio dates back to the debut of Fiesta Texas, as part of the opening team. He served in the Fiesta Texas management office for four years before joining SeaWorld San Antonio. His most recent post was as vice president of SeaWorld Aquatica in San Antonio, a water park featuring almost 1,000 animals. Morrow grew up in San Antonio, and graduated from both San Antonio College and the University of Texas at San Antonio. He and his wife, Jennifer, remain San Antonio residents.

SPARKLE OF THE SEASON HOLIDAY AWARD WINNERS for best-decorated homes announced in January by the Alamo Heights Rotary Club include 302 College Blvd. — first place; 202 Grandview Place — second place; and 346 Blue Bonnet Blvd. — third place. All three winners received a yard sign and gift certificates from a local merchant. The awards recognize

single-family dwellings in Alamo Heights considered outstanding in appearance, attractiveness and the manner in which they complement their locations. Alamo Heights Rotary meets at noon every Tuesday in the Petroleum Club, 8620 N. New Braunfels Ave. Founded in 1948, the club is known for its annual Fiesta event, Alamo Heights Night. Proceeds support various Rotary community service projects. To learn more about the club, membership and Rotary International, visit ahrotary.org.

TERRELL HILLS POLICE OFFICER GABRIEL ORTIZ was selected as the 2014 Officer of the Year and promoted to corporal, according to a city newsletter. Gail Baham and Roger Mangum have moved up the ranks from sergeants to lieutenants. Also, Brian Cortez is the 2014 Firefighter of the Year.

ALAMO HEIGHTS HAS ANNOUNCED THE ONGOING TREE PRESERVATION PROGRAM will continue in 2015. City officials said maintenance and trimming will be done during the winter, or dormant stage, to allow for a fuller canopy in spring. The trimming is required to maintain the 13-foot-6-inch height access needed by emergency vehicles including fire trucks. Questions can be directed to 822-3331, officials said.

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Living inside410 presents a certain level of urban living that cannot be achieved anywhere else in the San Antonio area. This month, we are going to focus on a very special property that defines the classic bungalow for our area and simply sparkles with traditional charm while coupled with the modern amenities any discriminating homeowner searches for. Constructed in 1904, this home has been lovingly renovated/restored from head to toe. The first aspect most will notice is the inviting porch spanning nearly the breadth of the property and offering a nostalgic desire for Texas tea and lively conversation with friends and neighbors. Throughout the home, you will be enticed by the masterful craftsmanship. Gleaming hardwood floors are just the start. Updated fixtures and designer paint colors encourage a level of comfort not typical of a home of this vintage. The renovated kitchen includes solid-surface counters, replaced cabinetry and stainless appliances which is a joy for any home chef.

Other features include two living areas, formal dining area and master suite addition with a gorgeous private master bath and walk-in closet. Other point of interest is the lovely exposed rock fireplace which towers from floor all the way up to the 10-foot ceilings. Out back, the home features a great sized deck, lush landscaping, privacy fencing and a two-car carport which doubles as a second outdoor living area. This 3 bedroom/2 full bath home is currently available for purchase at the recently reduced price of only $499,000. Call for more information.

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2/10 Discovering The Waterfront 10 Year An-niversary Tour: Silverstein, Hands Like Houses, Major League, My Iron Lung, 7 p.m., Backstage Live, $18/$22

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2/11 Raise The Dead Tour: Alice Cooper, 8 p.m., Majestic Theatre, $37/$57

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2/23 In The Name of Love Tour: Diana Ross, 8 p.m., Majestic Theatre, $51/$126

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2/26 Ruben V, 8 p.m., Sam’s Burger Joint, $10/$45

2/27 Shine On Tour: Sarah McLachlan, 8 p.m., Majestic Theatre, $40.50/$80.50

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At stake is the fate of several parcels centered around the intersection of Broadway and Austin Highway, where last year a Dallas-based developer abandoned plans to build the Alamo Gateway project — a retail and apartment complex — after the City Council asked for more alterations in the wake of a public outcry.

The Broadway Ellwood Co. already owns the 1.7-acre parcel at Broadway and Ellwood Drive where Alamo Gateway would have been built, but wants to purchase

Nothing has been finalized, city officials say

ALAMO HEIGHTS — The debate over creating a mixed-use development

in the heart of the city with the additional purchase of public land took a new turn with a counter-offer from a developer to transform the city parcels into a park.

adjacent municipal land that could include a small portion of Ausway Lane and part of Fenimore Avenue and Broadway.

Broadway Ellwood, along with Austin-based developer Argyle Residential, wants to use the properties to develop a four-story luxury apartment complex with retail space and underground parking, a project estimated to cost $30 million.

Meanwhile, as company officials await a decision from the city on its offer, H. Glenn Huddleston, a commercial real estate developer, on Jan. 16 submitted a letter to the city outlining his own vision for some of the public land.

The tracts Alamo Heights is considering selling involve “the municipally owned property adjoining the intersection of Broadway and the Austin Highway, including Ausway Lane and parcels on Ellwood,” Huddleston said. “I am only interested in Ausway Lane and the public property on the west side of the Ellwood intersection with the Austin Highway. We own and manage our projects over the long term and care very much about this area.”

According to Huddleston’s letter, he wants to see the area “restricted to the use of a public-activity center that meets all the requirements of being designated a ‘public park.’”

The developer, who has been building

projects on Broadway for almost 40 years and in Alamo Heights for three decades, told city officials the area would undergo heavy landscaping so it could be transformed into a public meeting place for activities such as arts-and-crafts fairs, temporary public art installations and other “events drawing public involvement and creating community pride.”

Huddleston has offered the city $100,000 for the tracts.

San Antonio-based Stouffer and Associates appraised the four tracts of land, totalling just under an acre, at $93,970. The appraisal was commissioned after Broadway Ellwood Co. expressed interest late last year in buying the land.

Social-networking sites and neighborhood conversations have already started to heat up — just as they did with the Alamo Gateway project — over just how the land should be developed, with many residents unsure about any mixed-use development on the site.

Huddleston indicated his idea is more in keeping with the tone of Alamo Heights.

“The property I am proposing to purchase, I want to see developed as a park used for community activities,” Huddleston said. “This property is the centerpiece of Alamo Heights. If my vision is fully

PARCELS continues on pg. 16

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Plenty of magic as old year turns into new timesby CAROLE MILLER

When Tetco hosts an employee Christmas party, it’s as big as Texas. The one-and-only Travis Tritt topped off the evening and everyone hit the dance floor and boogied ’til the wee hours of the morning. Guests lined up at chuck wagons full of down-home, slap-your-knee good food.

And after dinner, Tetco’s Turner family presented a $50,000 check to

The young (and the young-at-heart) spent a truly magical afternoon recently at

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Returning Heroes Home to help wounded warriors. The evening was definitely a country-fried, Lone Star success.

Ringing in the new year, the Witte Museum hosted its monthly Salud! Culinary Nights. This three-course, deliciously healthy dinner was made with love by Zedric’s executive chef Zach Lutton.

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realized, it will make the statement to the entire metropolitan area what our village is about: green space, trees, landscaping and daytime activities, art installations, people spending time with people of our community and for our community.”

The conversation is far from over about what to do with the different proposals, officials said. Nothing has been accepted or finalized by the city.

“I think it would be fair to say that there are those that support it and there are those that are against it,” said Councilman Bobby Hasslocher.

The council was set to vote on accepting the appraisal price during a Jan. 12 meeting, but postponed the vote until Jan. 26. A decision was pending at press time.

“The City Council initiated to have these rights of way appraised,” Hasslocher said. “The price came in with what some, and I want to emphasize some, might consider extremely low and the council was going to vote and set a price on the sale of the right of ways and the streets, but decided not to because our notice of what was taking place at the meeting (Jan. 12) wasn’t clear.”

City Manager Mark Browne said officials are carefully evaluating the latest figures.

“There was lots of concern about the

value of the appraisal and whether it reflected the true value of the property,” Browne said. “Based on that, I think the council felt like they weren’t ready to take action on that (during the Jan 12 meeting).”

A year ago, Alamo Manhattan notified city officials it would not build the $30 million Alamo Gateway apartment and retail complex. Company officials said the project was not economically viable after the council requested that the developer scale back its proposal.

Many in the city welcomed the complex, noting Alamo Heights had been losing retail business to San Antonio sites including The Pearl and the Alamo Quarry Market, but others said the project was out of character for Alamo Heights.

If the public properties are sold, any developments will have to go through an extensive vetting process that includes public hearings.

“We’re just beginning now to go through the process,” Browne said. “It’s got to go through several boards and commissions: the Planning and Zoning Commission, the ARB (Architectural Review Board) and the City Council. They all three have to review different aspects of this project. We’re at the early stages of this process. It’s still in the beginning phases of the review process. Nothing has yet been finalized.”

PARCELS continues from pg. 14 HELPING continues from pg. 01

A tall, slender blonde and mother of four, the obstetrician-gynecologist was fit and a nonsmoker, with no family history of heart disease. And yet it came, changing her life.

Each February, as the American Heart Association’s Go Red Campaign focuses on women’s heart health during American Heart Month, she’s especially conscious of her own experience, and how her story may help others avoid or handle heart problems.

These days, she’s deeply involved with the American Heart Association-San Antonio, serving on the nonprofit’s board and Circle of Red group and

Heart disease No. 1 killer of American womenby SUSAN YERKES

On a beautiful March day nearly four years ago, Dr. Kristen Plastino-Arnold

had her heart attack. It came out of the blue, with no warning, no indications.

chairing the Passion Committee. Activities during American Heart Month

include a Feb. 6 Go Red for Women Day at the Grand Hyatt Hotel, and a Vestido Rojo Conference Feb. 28 at the San Antonio Event Center. Both will include health screenings and education sessions aimed at increasing women’s awareness of heart disease, including the fact that it is the leading cause of death for women in America.

One of Plastino-Arnold’s fields of outreach is close to home, in her children’s schools.

“The Alamo Heights schools are very wellness-oriented, and so is the whole community,” Plastino-Arnold said. “We’ve done Jump Rope for Heart at Cambridge and Woodridge, and a Walk to Woodridge day. This year we’re looking at middle schools and promoting wellness and programs like Hands-Only CPR, which is mandated for all Texas high school graduates now.”

On the day of her heart attack, Plastino-Arnold, who also is an associate professor at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, and her husband, gastroenterologist Dr. Hays Arnold, were at Alamo Heights Little League Field for one of son Cole’s games. They had come in separate cars.

HELPING continues on pg. 17

Wisdom For Life’s Storms

Go to www.trinitybaptist.org/modernfamilies to register online and for a full description of each workshop.

I once said to an older friend, “when I get to heaven, there are several questions I am going to ask God”. Her telling response was, “honey, once you get to heaven,

you are not even going to remember your questions.” Maybe so. Maybe not. But her insight holds. God ultimately knows why things are, and when we are perfectly in His presence, all things which we still need to know about our earthly life will be made clear to us.

However, we, like the biblical character Job, live in the hard realities of an earthly life. And our lives sometimes gets turned upside down. Job’s children were killed by storms. His ranch & farm lands were invaded by terrorists who killed the ranch hands and stole all the livestock. Job’s body became infected with boils and shingles.

To find answers for his soulful questions, Job turned to a way of understanding God that is called wisdom. Most of us want to be wise, not fools. Wisdom’s warning signals alert us of coming danger. Acting rightly before regret sets in is the wise person’s course of action. Wisdom is not a substitute for faith but a faithful reflection of how to make decisions in the midst of life’s storms.

My son Steven once asked when I was driving him to kindergarten,”Dad, can you make me be 3 or 4 again?” ... “No. Why, son?” ... “I was just checking. Life was easier then.” All of us know what it is like to yearn for an earlier time when life seemed simpler.

Job ached for his former feeling of security that had come from a lifestyle made secure by abundance. With his prior “muchness” he felt assured of God’s presence. Now that he had only the anguish of enforced loss, he was painfully learning what it was like to feel God’s presence in the midst of grief.

A friend wrote to me weeks after his wife’s death, “I realize the only peace I am going to find in accepting this is going to come from God; I am struggling with that for the

first time in over two years. My thoughts and feelings are out of sync.” He had beautifully cared for her and guided the family during her long goodbye. Now a lasting grief has set in for him. Knowing that nothing will ever be the same, he pursues a wisdom to know how his heart & head can come together in light of his new reality.

As our wounds heal, a heavenly wisdom is born in our earthly lives. Wisdom

makes us more aware of how to live in God’s grace. Like Job we can learn how to hear God’s voice in the midst of stormy circumstances. Life storms do not mean that God has abandoned us. Instead they can mean that God trusts us enough to trust Him in the midst of the storm.

D. Leslie Hollon, Ph.D.Senior Pastor Trinity Baptist Churchwww.trinitybaptist.org

THREE BASICS FOR EVERY MARRIAGE | Led by Pastor Les Hollon 4pm

“A Workshop for all Ages”Childcare available for infants through 6th (please register online)

4:25-5:25 pm—Session 1

5:35-6:35 pm—Session 2

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LET FREEDOM BEGIN HERE | Led by Pastor Debbie Potter & Pastor Dara Ake | For parents of children and teenagers on the effects of pornography.

FOSTERING A FAITH”FAMILY” AT WORK | Led by Pastor Christopher Mack Exploring how to grow your faith with others while you work.

DEPRESSION: HELPING YOURSELF, YOUR FAMILY, YOUR FRIENDS | Led by Wayne Grant, Pat Mirrer, & Pastor Vicki Hollon | This session will look at the physical, psycho/social, and spiritual aspects of depression.

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FEBRUARY 22 | 4-7:30PMLARGE DINING ROOM | MULBERRY CAMPUS

SINGLE PARENTING: YOU AREN’T ALONE | A panel discussion with single parents led by Pastor Debbie Potter | This workshop will discuss issues single parents face today.

LETTING GO, LEANING IN: LIVING IN TENSE RELATIONSHIPS INTENTIONALLY | Led by Pastor Christopher Mack | Navigating conflict in relationships, relinquishing control, and growing from adversity.

IS RETIREMENT ON YOUR MIND? | Led by Dave Ballard and Pastor Vicki Hollon | Learning more about social security, long-term care, pension plan distribution, and the timing of retirement.

“I’M NOT GOING TO CHURCH” | Led by Pastor Dara Ake and Joe GonzalezThis session will help you find ways to teach your teenager the importance of belonging to church.

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THREE BASICS FOR EVERY MARRIAGE | Led by Pastor Les Hollon 

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LET FREEDOM BEGIN HERE | Led by Pastor Debbie Potter & Pastor Dara Ake | For parents of children and teenagers on the effects of pornography.

FOSTERING A FAITH”FAMILY” AT WORK | Led by Pastor Christopher Mack Exploring how to grow your faith with others while you work.

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HELPING continues from pg. 16

“After the game, when I tossed Cole’s batting bag in the back of the Suburban, I suddenly got crushing chest pains,” she said. “By the time we arrived at our house, I was gray. (My husband) took one look at me, gave me some aspirin to help break up the platelets that form in a heart attack, and drove me straight to University Hospital. By then, he was driving fast, and I was heaving – another sign of a heart attack, with this crushing chest pain and radiating pain.”

At the hospital, medical staff sprang into action.

“When they got me into emergency, they hooked me up to this EKG machine and everybody suddenly got real quiet,” she said. “They took me to the cath lab and cleaned out my artery and put me in ICU. Twelve hours later, I had another heart attack. It was a spontaneous coronary artery dissection, where an artery tears and a clot forms and no blood can get past it.”

Doctors put four stents in her artery. She was in the intensive care unit for five days.

Next came three months of intense cardiac rehab.

“But the other patients were so supportive, so fabulous, and you learn to be supportive and help the new people, too,” Plastino-Arnold said.

Even after the initial rehab, Plastino-Arnold’s cardiologist, Steven Bailey, who also is the chairman of the department of cardiology at UTHSCSA, found significant damage. But he encouraged Plastino-Arnold to keep working on it. She settled on a heart-stimulating combination of Zumba, step aerobics and body pumping, which she continues today. And it worked.

As executive director of the AHA-SA, Stacy Herr has gotten to know Plastino-Arnold as a friend and strong supporter.

“Kristen is an amazing woman,” Herr said. “She took her heart attack as a challenge and inspiration to help inform and motivate others. She is constantly involved in grass-roots education.”

One in three women dies of heart disease or stroke. It’s more fatal to women than all forms of cancer combined, and since diabetes raises the risk of heart problems significantly, the statistics here are even grimmer.

“Women are an incredibly important group when it comes to raising awareness of heart disease,” Bailey said. “Most women don’t think of themselves as at risk for heart problems. They’re better at taking care of others than themselves.”

Bailey stresses the importance of chewing two aspirin at the onset of symptoms, and calling 911 immediately.

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SATEL'S continues from pg. 01

On Feb. 1, Satel’s — the men’s clothing store owned by his family that has been an Alamo Heights fixture since 1950 — officially changed hands.

But Toffee, who has left his house just off Broadway inside Loop 410 at 5:30 a.m. for decades to be at the store, said he’ll probably wake up early anyhow.

“I do on weekends now and I don’t see that changing,” he said.

Satel’s has dressed the movers and shakers of San Antonio since it opened. Originally located on the west side of Broadway, it moved across the street in the 1960s to the Stewart Center in the 5100 block and has been there ever since.

At one time there were three

Satel's locations. But the Satel family consolidated their business in Alamo Heights after it proved too difficult to manage a trio of outlets.

Satel’s began as a family business and has remained so. And despite the sale, it will continue to be a family business. The new owner, Ben Bratteli, a 35-year-old in Longview, has worked in his dad’s clothing stores in Longview and Fort Worth for years.

The only difference, Bratteli said, is that, “my dad’s stores sell some women’s clothing.”

Bratteli will be on the floor everyday, working alongside his wife Amy.

The Satel’s name will stay. Bratteli also plans to keep the sales force in place. Many employees have been with the company 25 years or more.

Toffee’s parents, Selma and Toffee Satel Sr., opened Satel’s. The elder Toffee was a tailor and ran the back of the operation while his wife managed the front. Their son said his parents’ commitment to customer service continues to be one of the secrets of Satel’s success. Indeed, the son said his mom knew the names of almost every client.

Prior to opening Satel’s, the elder Toffee managed a tailoring and cleaning facility at Fort Sam Houston during World War II.

Toffee Satel not ready to slow downby RON AARON EISENBERG

ALAMO HEIGHTS — Toffee Satel Jr. can sleep late now — but odds are he won’t.

SATEL'S continues on pg. 19

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SATEL'S continues from pg. 18

He operated a similar operation at Lackland Air Force Base during the Korean War.

According to Toffee Jr., his dad helped Gen. Dwight Eisenhower design the “Eisenhower Jacket – The Ike Jacket,” a shortened coat that ended in a waistband, versus the mid-hip-length all-purpose service coat.

“Mamie and Gen. Eisenhower would visit Dad and Mom whenever they came to San Antonio,” Toffee recalled of the former U.S. president and his wife.

Toffee Jr., 77, and his brother, Jimmy,

79, literally grew up working in the store. The siblings have been laboring together 64 years. The older brother will continue to work at Satel’s after the sale.

As far back as he can remember, Toffee Jr. and Jimmy would report to the store after school to work. And by the time he went to Alamo Heights High School, Toffee was “doing the buying with my mom.”

Their dad died in 1988. But their mom, who is 101, still comes into the store.

“She’s angry with me for selling the business,” Toffee said with a laugh.

SATEL'S continues on pg. 20

After more than six decades of ownership by the Satel family, the Alamo Heights landmark has beensold to a clothier from North Texas. Photo by Rudy B. Ornelas

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SATEL'S continues from pg. 19

“She told me she’d take it over again. And I think she really means that.”

So why sell and retire when business is doing well and he still has his health?

“Sherry (wife) is ready for me to retire,” he said. “And, frankly I think it’s time for new blood, new ideas, a new family to take over this business. I don’t have the energy I once had to do what needs to be done.”

He added, “We’ve tried to keep pace with fashion changes. Younger customers are really the future of this business and that’s why we added lines like Vineyard Vines and Southern Tides. It’s a very preppy look and preppy is hot once again. Our business is doing fine. But we know it can grow and I think it will under new ownership.”

He has known Bratteli for several years. They were in a buying group together in New York.

Bratteli said he is very excited about taking over Satel’s. He had been an assistant district attorney in Gregg County and was in private legal practice for a while, but left the practice to go into his dad’s retail clothing business.

“It’s what I really wanted to do,” he said. “You know there are very few of these stores left in Texas or elsewhere. Our stores in Longview and Fort Worth are similar, family-owned, free-standing, not in a mall.”

Toffee plans to watch sunrises and sunsets from the porch at his small ranch near Castroville. He sold a larger ranch and the cattle he and Sherry owned to a San Antonio attorney.

As for Toffee’s plan to relax on his porch, neighbor Jane Gregory said, “That will last about two weeks. And then he’ll be looking for something to do.”

And don’t be surprised if that “something” puts Toffee back on the sales floor at Satel’s at least for a few hours a week.

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She helped pack up the inventory— her paintings, fine Mexican folk art and the works of numerous Texas artists. Her husband, determined to remain in Southtown where family roots go deep, searched for a new retail space and finally found it at 1110 S. Alamo St., across from Liberty Bar.

“My family has been part of this neighborhood for more than 200 years,” Matt Weissler said. “It’s fitting that Carole

and I should carry on the tradition.” The space (a house dating from

the 1890s) isn’t far from the gallery’s former location on Barrera Street and has been renovated with art in mind. Walls are white to show off canvases. A larger selection of distinctive collectibles — including elegant embroidery, clothing, jewelry and decorative items — fills every corner.

Along with being a shopping destination, La Vida will continue holding special events such as art openings and book signings. Cookbook author Diana Kennedy has been a frequent First Friday attraction. Rug weavers and woodcarvers have been among the craftsmen demonstrating their skills on site.

The new shop’s grand opening Feb. 6 will spotlight San Antonio artist Lyn Belisle. Mariachis and tempting eats will add to the festive occasion, which

could be called a belated homecoming celebration for Matt Weissler, who worked for book companies in New Orleans before returning to San Antonio four years ago.

Historic homes that once housed his ancestors still stand on Lavaca Street and near the area once known as the Irish Flats.

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At new location, Southtown gallery looking aheadby ROSE MARY BUDGE

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La Vida Gallery & Boutique has moved to a new home on South Alamo Street, where customers can find numerous paintings by Texas artists and works from Mexico including hand-sculpted pottery, collectibles and more. Photo by Collette Orquiz

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

Torchy’s opened Dec. 17 at 999 E. Basse Road with a 225-seat restaurant in the space that once held La Posada del Rey once stood (that eatery has located about a mile down the road to The Carousel, 1896 Nacogdoches Road).

Torchy's founder Michael Rypka quit his job as a chef to open the first Torchy’s Tacos in 2006. Since then, the company has experienced steady growth with 29 locations in Texas.

Offering nine different breakfast tacos and 14 regular-menu taco selections, there

is something for everyone. In addition, there’s always a Taco of the Month.

A recent entry was the TUK TUK taco, marinated and grilled Thai beef fajitas with cooked cabbage slaw, pickled cucumbers and carrots, Sriracha, avocado sauce, jack cheese, lime and garnished with crushed peanuts and mint, then served on your choice of tortilla.

“We were waiting for the right spot at the right time and we searched for a quite a while and looked at many different lease options until we found this spot and in the end, we’re very happy about it,” said Brittany Platt, the marketing director for Success Foods, the holding company that owns Torchy’s. “This is the largest of all Torchy’s locations, so far. We call it the ‘Taj Mahal’ and we’re very proud of it.”

The menu features proteins (chicken, vegetarian, pork, beef, fish and shrimp); five degrees of heat, from wimp to scorching; and five culinary styles under the headings classic, unique, adventurous, country or hipster.

Want to show your friends you’re a true Torchy’s Tacos insider? Ask for one of their “Off the Menu, Secret Tacos.” These range from the Hillbilly — stuffed with fried chicken tenders, green chile queso, chorizo and bacon — to the Ace of Spades, a jalapeño sausage link with grilled brisket,

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The slogan at Torchy’s Tacos (above) touts its 'Damn Good' tacos such as the migas (left, front), just one of more than 20 options — and that's not counting the secret menu. Photos by Collette Orquiz

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