Beacon Hill Newsletter 2015 June
Content
BEACON NEWS
June 2015
www.bhana-sa.org
Check out our website at www.bhana-sa.org or visit us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/groups/
BeaconHi$ANA/
Beacon Hill Area Neighborhood Association is a 501(c)(4) non-profit organization working
for the benefit of owners and residents of the Beacon Hill area of San Antonio, Texas.
The boundaries are Hildebrand on the North, Fredericksburg Rd on the South and the Union
Pacific Rail Road tracks near IH-10 on the West and the Union Pacific Rail Road tracks
between Blanco Rd and San Pedro Rd on the East.
Note from the BHANA President,
Harry Wallace
Happy summer, Beacon Hill. Stray dogs have obviously
been an issue in our neighborhood for a long time (cats
too, but that’s another discussion). The problem is not
merely a nuisance or something sad to see. Most strays
keep a low profile, but if you regularly walk, run, or bike
in Beacon Hill, you’ve surely been threatened or attacked
by loose dogs at one time or another. And the problem
dogs seem to pick on the most vulnerable targets. We had
an extended discussion about the situation at the May
BHANA meeting with a representative from Animal
Care Services (ACS), and neighbors shared stories of
personal injury and pets harmed or killed. Some
interventions are familiar—more responsible ownership,
spay & neuter roundups, timely reporting of dog details
to ACS (get the 311 app!)—but progress will not be easy.
BHANA has not had an active animal care subcommittee
in recent years, but I think having one could make a
difference. If you’d like to be a participant in this
enterprise, drop me a line: [email protected]; 210-216-6687.
Volunteer Needed
Volunteer needed to lead the Heart of the Neighborhood
(HON) Committee. HON coordinates fun events throughout
the year such as the annual Christmas Party and National Night
Out. This committee has dedicated members that will help
with the events. If interested, contact Harry Wallace 216-6687.
BHANA GENERAL MEETING
Monday, June 8, 2015 7:00 pm
Location: Agnes Cotton Elementary School
1616 Blanco Rd.
Agenda: TBD
Please Note: Any person requesting to present forma$y to the
community at the general meeting must submit their request to the
secretary at least 24 hours before the meeting to be placed on the
agenda. The time a$owed for presentations, unless decided by the
Board or General Assembly wi$ not exceed five minutes.
Important Notice
The BHANA general meetings at Cotton will
be in the cafeteria, not the gym (closest
entrance is on Fulton, but can access from
parking lot on Gramercy). There will not be a
BHANA meeting in July and the August 10
meeting location is TBA (won't be at Cotton).
El aviso importante
Las reuniones generales de BHANA en la escuela
primaria de Agnes Cotton estará en la cafetería, no
el gym (la entrada más cercana está en Fulton, pero
puede tener acceso de la porción del
estacionamiento en Gramercy). No habrá una
reunión de BHANA en julio y la localización de la
reunión del 10 de agosto debe ser determinada (no
esté en Agnes Cotton).
JUNE 2015 PAGE 1
BHANA REPORTS
Benevolent Fund
Summer days are here but it is never too early to start planning for the NNO We need school supplies such as note books,
paper, pencils, rulers, crayons, folders, glue and markers. Donations are always welcome and so are Volunteers! For more
information you may contact Lucy Eller at 733-9276 or Lola Rodriguez at 844- 9226
" ALWAYS REMEMBER CHILDREN AND YOUTH ARE THE MOST ESSENTIAL MEMBERS IN THE COMMUNITY"
Beacon Hill Community Garden
The Beacon Hill Community Garden is located at the corner of West Gramercy and Capitol. The next work day will be posted on the
pavilion chalkboard. If you are interested in a veggie garden plot contact Dara Anderson 264-8568.
You can still plant okra, malabar spinach and sweet potatoes. If you want to try a cover crop to build productive soil plant cowpeas.
Cover crops are also called green manure and suppress weeds, improve soils, and help control pests and diseases. At the end of
the season you can dig them into the soil or cut them off at the base of the plant.
Add plants that attract butterflies to your garden. You will see many nectar plants in the community garden: blue mist flower, purple
coneflower, white mist flower, cenizo, flame acanthus, lantana and salvias. Cross vine and passion flower are two vines that attract
butterflies. The passion vine is also a host plant so you may see many caterpillars. Don’t worry if they eat a lot of the plant because
it will grow back. All of these plants are drought tolerant.
What to prune? Remove spent flowers from daisies, cannas and other summer flowers Remove fruiting canes from blackberries
after harvest. Tip prune new canes at four feet to promote branching. Do not prune oak trees at this time since the beetle that
carries oak wilt is active now and may be attracted to any cuts you make.
Thanks to the gardeners that helped with Sicloverde May 9. Two groups of bicyclists toured the garden.
Zoning and Urban Design (ZUD) Committee
The Zoning and Urban Design (ZUD) Committee meets the first Thursday of every month at 7PM at 900 W Woodlawn Ave. The
NCD standards are available on the city’s website at http://www.sanantonio.gov/planning/neighborhoods/urbandesign.asp. We have
continued to receive support from the city code enforcement cases. Some property owners who in the recent past have done major
work without permits have made repairs and torn down projects that have gone to court over ordinance violations. This is a win for
keeping the neighborhood safe and looking good. Signage on commercial property became an issued at our last meeting. Our NCD
standards do not allow for commercial signs to be larger than 50 sq. ft. Also remember that all fences require permits.
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Mass: Saturday 5:30pm
Sunday 8:30am, 10:30am (Spanish), 12pm
Tuesday-Thursday 5:30pm
Friday 10am (at nearby Senior homes)
Confession: Saturday 5:00pm ± 5:30pm
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JUNE 2015 PAGE 2
Our Kids In Our Capitol!
By Rhea Mahbubani, Principal, Beacon Hill Elementary
With great thanks to our constant community friend, Pastor Heger, for organizing our adventure to the Texas
Capitol. Through his outreach, our Beacon Hill choir was invited to the capitol to perform by Representative
Diego Bernal and Senator Jose Menendez. The very special day began with a charter bus ride to the Capitol.
The 3rd through 5th grades students toured by staff from Representative Bernal’s staff through both chambers of
the capitol and were able to see the legislature in session. While in the Senate viewing gallery, they were
recognized on the Senate floor by Senator Menendez; he also later signed autographs and took photos with the
students. Lunch was served in the Representatives’ lunch room. The children performed in both the interior
rotunda and the rotunda in the extension annex earning applause and accolades for their renditions of : Listen to
Me; Oye; Peaceful River; Hand Me Down; and Sing, Sing, Together. Truly this was a memorable experience!
Update on Linear Park, Phase II By Jerry Lockey
The Beacon Hill Linear Park, Phase II is essentially complete. There is sign painting still to be done (rain delays)
but they are all primed and ready to go. They are spreading mulch and rotor-tilling it into the ground. They will
hang the basket swing in the playground. Next the COSA is supposed to inspect and give the contractor a punch
list of anything that might have been missed and those are usually minor at this stage. When the punch list is
complete the city will take ownership. Interestingly they have had to replace two signs at the crosswalks because
people have run over them. Finally, KUDOS to Ed and Gus of Evergreen Nursery because they have already put
in plantings in the area on the other side of the parking lot entrance at Hildebrand (Lullwood side).
!
Terry Gomez, Realtor!
10999 IH 10 West, Ste 175, SA, TX 78230
DIRECT 210-459-6315
Fax 210-696-9981
[email protected]
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JUNE 2015 PAGE 3
BHANA General Meeting Minutes, May 11, 2015, 7:05 pm at Cotton Elementary School
SAAFE OFFICER: SAFFE Officer Bigler report (Ofc Bigler not able to make it) Ofc Soldevila gave the report. Reminder: NextDoor online site
is monitored by SAFFE Officers. Use <Raids.org> to look up crime in our area. SAFFE Officer contact 207-7413 and email Brian Bigler NA.
Email: [email protected]
Presentation: Stray Dog Interventions - Mr. Shannon Wade Sims, Field Operations Manager for City of San Antonio Animal Care Services explained process for reporting attacks, city statistics on animals, etc. Residents asked questions and give input. Call 311 to report bites then call
Mr. Sims at 210-207-6657
Councilman Trevino made announcements: Rail Road Quiet Zone, Property Taxes flyer that is available on Councilman Trevino's fb page and
City of SA website with lots of information on exemptions, payment plan, and the protest process.
Treasurer’s Report: Brock Curry
Committee Reports
Community garden: Cassy Lewis explained the Harvest Work Table by UTSA students. Thanks to people who have helped and information on
getting involved.
Benevolence: Mrs. Lucy Eller - begin to collect school supplies for the fall.
HON needs volunteers
Updates and Announcements
Quiet(er) Zone in effect now. Union Pacific track on the east boundary of the neighborhood.
Linear Park Extension-in near future the park will be inspected, and soon after will be completed.
Martinez Creek Linear Trail groundbreaking - the reception was well-attended.
Save Miguel’s home - announcements coming soon.
Fred Road Community (FRED) Visioning Discussion (6-8pm Wed, May 20, 823 Fred Rd) Cosima Colvin
Beacon Hill Elementary choir will be performing at the capital on May 27th.
Property Workshop on May 16, 10am-12pm at Hobby Middle School by Mike Villarreal.
Meeting adjourned at 8:35 p.m., Cynthia Spielman, Secretary
Update from the Office of Lloyd Doggett, US House Representative District 35
Representing you in Congress means ensuring that your federal priorities are my priorities. I was pleased my bill to expand
the Missions Park has now become law. And over the past few months I have heard your concerns about noisy Union Pacific
train horns blaring through your neighborhood. At the prompting of concerned citizens and with the assistance of
Representative Diego Bernal and Councilman Roberto Trevino’s office, I made urgent inquiries with Union Pacific Railroad
and the Federal Railroad Administration to resolve complications with the City of San Antonio’s pending quiet zone
application. I was able to obtain cooperation from Union Pacific to get the process of implementation restarted and back on
track. At my request, the Federal Railroad Administration resolved pending issues with the City of San Antonio and as of
April 17, granted a notice of establishment for the quiet zone.
What does this mean for you and your family? Train horns have ceased their routine blowing, and you and your family will
finally be able to enjoy some peace and quiet. I salute the neighborhood association for being the Beacon that attracted a
little more tranquility to the community.
If you have any questions regarding this development or any federal issue, feel free to contact me. I can be reached at
210.704.1080 or by email at [email protected]. My local office at 217 W. Travis is accessible from the sidewalk,
across from the downtown Frost drive-in bank near Santa Rosa Hospital. If you would like to receive updates on my work in
Congress, please subscribe to “Lloyd’s List” via my website, on Facebook.com/lloyddoggett, through Twitter:
@RepLloydDoggett, and on Instagram: @RepLloydDoggett. I look forward to representing our shared values in Congress
and hope to hear from you.”
L it t l e D e b b y ’s
D o g G ro o m i n g
210
324
6373
1910 Fredericksburg Rd.
San Antonio, TX 78201
Make a difference in your
community........
CompleteCare Home Health and Hospice
is looking for kind and caring individuals
who would be interested in sharing their time and
talents with a terminally ill patient. Volunteers will sit
with patients, read, pray, run errands, listen and just
be a friend or help with craft projects.
For more information, please call CompleteCare
Home Health and Hospice at 210 520-7977.
JUNE 2015 PAGE 4
Connecting4Community
It’s June. Already.
June… it’s a month of – and a metaphor for – significant endings and profound beginnings:
- School’s out… and vacation’s freedom is here.
- It’s Graduation… almost limitless choices.
- June weddings … bold promises.
- And the Texas Legislators will… finish, and go home.
If you could get “the last word,” what would you say to these key participants in June’s transitions? What would
you tell the Legislators, as they finish this 84th Session and leave Austin? What did you say to our students and
teachers, on their last day? How would you honor and challenge our graduates and send them off to shape an
uncertain future? What would you proclaim, if you were me, on Saturday the 6th, when I witness the bold vows of the
precious daughter of dear old friends, in Austin, and her amazing beloved, and celebrate their joy as they exchange
promises and share lives and love? What would you say? Advice? Wisdom? Cautions? Challenges? Warnings?
At least, give them – all – more than trite bromides, please. None of us want to hear tired warmed-over
commencement clichés ever again: “dream big,” “work hard,” and “follow your passion.” Please, preach a better
sermon than a ”father knows best,” finger-wagging, “Now, just don’t go to sleep angry, you two!” You can do better.
They deserve better. What would you say?
Look quietly, deeply, inside. Inside yourself. Listen. That’s where truth resides. What are you saying to
yourself? How are you making sense of today’s tumultuous transitions? What story about change are you telling
yourself? Because, of course, it’s June for you, too. Lots of little endings and quiet beginnings. Simultaneously. And
you are – and our beloved Beacon Hill is – also buffeted by huge changes, too: sometimes subtle, like a slowly –
infuriatingly – growing pot hole on Michigan Avenue, sometimes jaw-dropping-instant, like the Blanco River’s Memorial
Day devastating surge.
How do you make sense, for yourself, of the changes? What would you say, in your commencement address
or your wedding homily? What stories, what authentic stories that have touched you deeply, would you tell?
I might, if I were quietly honest, point to two timely, very local, story symbols of beginnings and endings:
- Our easily taken-for-granted, and lost in the false stereotypes, urban neighborhood school, Beacon Hill
Elementary, where economic realities shape – and limit – everything. Our State Representative and our State
Senator invited our Beacon Hill’s choir to come to the Capitol and sing – and they sang their hearts out! They
had an amazing adventure – tangible history, timely recognition, enthusiastic applause. Old limits, transcended.
A fitting end to a school year. Pointing to a hopeful beginning. It’s June.
- An easily overlooked aging couple of quiet, everyday Beacon Hill neighbors, for whom serious illness
dominates everything. They almost lost their home! Some neighborhood folk thought enough of them and their
plight to find a way to save their home from demolition and provide a way for them to – we promise! – celebrate
this coming Christmas together in their renovated home. Old limits, transcended. A fitting new beginning, not a
tragic ending. It’s June.
I’d tell those two stories. They’re real. They’re our stories. What stories are you telling?
Thanks, Tom Heger: neighbor, retired Presbyterian pastor and never-retired story-teller: [email protected]
SYMBOLISM OF THE BEACON HILL TRAFFIC CIRCLE
BY: Martin Leyvani
Beacon Hill was platted in 1890 and was known as the Queen of the Suburbs, as it was compared to King William
south of downtown. Beacon Hill became San Antonio’s suburban experiment. Much of society has always been an
experiment. The art that graces the center of our traffic circle not only fulfills the neighborhood’s need for a beacon as
its name would imply, but its candelaria symbolizes reconciliation of the past and reconciliation of the races.
I challenge you to think of one neighborhood that encompasses more mystique, diversity or history than Beacon Hill.
I first landed here in 1969 as a first grader at Agnes Cotton; I became fascinated with sidewalks. I was eager to test the
connections these sidewalks provided and often disappeared without parental consent. Yes I learned a lot at Cotton
Elementary, but my most valuable life lessons were learned on the porches of Beacon Hill.
The people inviting the weary sidewalk explorer onto their porches were mostly of German, Irish and Italian descent.
Many stories were about how their grandparents built the community and how the cattle and railroad industries
afforded them the American Dream. I learned that the law offices on the traffic circle used to be a meat processing
plant, the Modern Locker Plant. The rail used to bring cattle to the slaughter. I learned that our neighborhood was
famous as refuge from the flooding downtown; people seeking higher ground. “No need to worry about flooding when
you live on the hill!”
Next time you drive or walk by the circle, give it a good long stare. Know what has come before you in this place.
Let’s honor our heritage-each in our own way and appreciate this great neighborhood, built and improved over the
decades.
JUNE 2015 PAGE 5
Spotlight on Beacon Hill Businesses By Margaret Pahl
THE CHICKS NEST
1815 BLANCO ROAD
(210) 320-2174 W-F 12-6 SAT 10-6 & SUN 12-4
Beate Marzec and Simone Sauceda met over 10 years ago while working at a yarn store. They eventually decided to
start a business together-a yarn store that was more than just a yarn store. They characterize the Chicks Nest as a
COMMUNITY HANG OUT SPOT for knitters. So they
filled the space with beautiful antique furniture,
handmade curtains, and yummy homemade pastries.
The coffee was delicious, the music soothing and the
colors were everywhere. Silk yarns, baby yarns, multicolored yarns and books to show you how to make all
things yarn. The two women have built their dream
spot with obvious
creativity. They
offer classes of all
sorts for beginners,
people with
intermediate skills
and folks who just
want to learn a
specific project, like
how to make a hat.
Students can bring their own yarn (many stores require you to purchase their yarn
for a class). They even have a student who is a recovering stroke victim. Doctors
recommend knitting as a way to reconnect the brain to the hands. Details of
classes are available on their Facebook page where you check out their shop. But
don’t just gaze from afar. You HAVE to go visit them and hang out. Another great
home-grown business from Beacon Hill neighbors who are waiting to meet you
and share their passion for yarn and pastries
The “Before I Die” wall at second Friday,
Clamplight Studio.
JUNE 2015 PAGE 6
Nota del presidente de BHANA, Harry
Wallace
Verano feliz, Beacon Hill. Los perros perdidos han
sido obviamente una edición en nuestra vecindad
durante mucho tiempo (los gatos también, pero ése es
otra discusión). El problema no es simplemente un
fastidio o algo triste considerar. La mayoría de los
parásitos guardan un perfil bajo, pero si usted camina
regularmente, funcionan, o bici en la colina de faro,
otros le ha amenazado o ha sido atacado seguramente
los perros flojos contemporáneamente o. Y los perros
del problema se parecen escoger en las blancos más
vulnerables. Teníamos una discusión extendida sobre la
situación en la reunión de mayo BHANA con un
representante de los servicios del cuidado animal
(ACS), e historias compartidas los vecinos de los daños
corporales y los acariciamos dañado o matado. Algunas
intervenciones son familiar-más rodeos responsables de
la propiedad, spay y neutrales, divulgación oportuna de
los detalles del perro a ACS (consiga los 311 app!)- sino
progreso no sea fácil. BHANA no ha tenido un
subcomité activo del cuidado animal estos últimos
años, pero pienso que teniendo uno podría diferenciar.
Si usted quisiera ser un participante en esta empresa,
cáigame una línea: [email protected]; 210-216-6687.
BHANA Treasurer Report May 31, 2015
Beginning Balance
$ 6,364.44
Income
Dividend
$
0.54
Ad revenue
300.00
Donation for Harvest
10.00
Work Station
$ 310.54
Total Income
Expenses
Harvest Work Station
10.00
$
10.00
Total Expenses
GF
GF
CG
CG
300.54
Net Income
Ending Balance
$ 6,664.98
Fund
May Bal
Animal Care (AC)
Fund
$
Change Apr Bal
187.75
$
187.75
Benevolent Fund (BF)
1,664.02
1,664.02
Community Garden (CG)
1,064.63 0.00
1,064.63
General Fund (GF)
284.31 300.54
(16.23)
Graffiti Fund (GR)
207.60
207.60
Heart of the Neighborhood (HON)
Liz Davies Park (LD)
Ending Balance
2,508.70
747.97
2,508.70
747.97
$ 6,664.98 $ 300.54 $ 6,364.44
The Harvest Work Station at the Community Garden,
corner of West Gramercy and Capitol is almost finished.
Thanks to the UTSA architect students and their instructor,
Darryl Ohlenbusch, the shade structure is complete.
The table and sink will be installed soon and then the next
step is a garden gathering! Go by and see the structure and
tour the community garden.
JUNE 2015 PAGE 7
The BHANA General Meeting is the second
Monday of each month and now meets in the
cafeteria of the Agnes Cotton Elementary School
at the corner of Blanco and Gramercy, 1616
Blanco Road. The closest entrance is on Fulton,
but you can access from parking lot on Gramercy.
Look for the BHANA meeting sign posted near
the door. Hope to see you at the meeting.
Support the Beacon News and advertise
your business here. The Beacon News
reaches 2,100 households every month.
If you would like to advertise in the
Beacon News in 2015, please contact
Margaret at 801.209.6322 or Brock Curry
at 378-0104.
Beacon Hill Contact List
We want to hear from you!
Share your concerns and suggestions…
www.bhana-sa.org
Mail:
BHANA P.O. BOX 15732
SAN ANTONIO, TX 78212-5732
…. or just pick up the phone
President:(
Harry Wallace(
216-6687
Vice President:(
Lola Rodriguez(
844-9226
Secretary:(
Cynthia Spielman
396-3688
Treasurer:(
Brock Curry
378-0104
Director:(
Maite Landa*
473-0715
Director:(
Matthew Purdy( 512-968-3333
Director:(
Celeste Wackenhut
452-4840
Committees:
Animal Care- Open
Benevolent Fund- Lucy Eller, 733-9276 and
Lola Rodriguez, 844-9226
Heart of the Neighborhood– Trish Wallace, 216-6688
Community Garden - Dara Anderson, 264-8568
Zoning & Urban Design – Mark Spielman, 396-3689
Graffiti Cleanup--Mary Ann Van Ness, 725-8049
Westside Creekways Restoration CommitteeAbigail Rodriguez, 737-2166
Newsletter Advertising- Margaret Pahl, (801)-209-6322
or Brock Curry, 378-0104
Newsletter Walker organizer– Susan Breidenbach,
606-2574
Newsletter Editor-Steven Lewis, 392-4496
*Habla español
District 1 Councilman: Roberto Trevino,
207-7047, ask for Frederick Chapa,
[email protected]
State District 123 Representative:
Diego Bernal
State Senator District 26:
Jose Menendez
US House Representative District 35:
Lloyd Doggett, 704-1080
Bexar County Commissioner:
Tommy Calvert, 335-2614
Beacon Hill SAFFE Officer:
Officer Brian Bigler, 210-219-0184 or
[email protected]
Cellular on Patrol (COP) Representatives:
David & Rachel Martinez, 724-3283 or 849-9658,
email: [email protected]
SAPD website COP program:
www.sanantonio.gov/sapd/cop2.asp
Police Non-emergency:
207-SAPD or 207-7273
Crime Coalition of San Antonio:
279-8912 or [email protected]
Code Enforcement Officer: Gloria
Gutierrez, 218-9614 or email
[email protected]
HELP STOCK St. Ann’s SVDP PANTRY!!
This month we are asking for donations of jars of
peanut butter, jelly, and bags of beans. St. Vincent de
Paul is an organization that helps those less fortunate
in the community.
All donations can be dropped off at the rectory
located at 210 St. Ann St. For more information call
734-6687.
JUNE 2015 PAGE 8
June 2015
www.bhana-sa.org
Check out our website at www.bhana-sa.org or visit us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/groups/
BeaconHi$ANA/
Beacon Hill Area Neighborhood Association is a 501(c)(4) non-profit organization working
for the benefit of owners and residents of the Beacon Hill area of San Antonio, Texas.
The boundaries are Hildebrand on the North, Fredericksburg Rd on the South and the Union
Pacific Rail Road tracks near IH-10 on the West and the Union Pacific Rail Road tracks
between Blanco Rd and San Pedro Rd on the East.
Note from the BHANA President,
Harry Wallace
Happy summer, Beacon Hill. Stray dogs have obviously
been an issue in our neighborhood for a long time (cats
too, but that’s another discussion). The problem is not
merely a nuisance or something sad to see. Most strays
keep a low profile, but if you regularly walk, run, or bike
in Beacon Hill, you’ve surely been threatened or attacked
by loose dogs at one time or another. And the problem
dogs seem to pick on the most vulnerable targets. We had
an extended discussion about the situation at the May
BHANA meeting with a representative from Animal
Care Services (ACS), and neighbors shared stories of
personal injury and pets harmed or killed. Some
interventions are familiar—more responsible ownership,
spay & neuter roundups, timely reporting of dog details
to ACS (get the 311 app!)—but progress will not be easy.
BHANA has not had an active animal care subcommittee
in recent years, but I think having one could make a
difference. If you’d like to be a participant in this
enterprise, drop me a line: [email protected]; 210-216-6687.
Volunteer Needed
Volunteer needed to lead the Heart of the Neighborhood
(HON) Committee. HON coordinates fun events throughout
the year such as the annual Christmas Party and National Night
Out. This committee has dedicated members that will help
with the events. If interested, contact Harry Wallace 216-6687.
BHANA GENERAL MEETING
Monday, June 8, 2015 7:00 pm
Location: Agnes Cotton Elementary School
1616 Blanco Rd.
Agenda: TBD
Please Note: Any person requesting to present forma$y to the
community at the general meeting must submit their request to the
secretary at least 24 hours before the meeting to be placed on the
agenda. The time a$owed for presentations, unless decided by the
Board or General Assembly wi$ not exceed five minutes.
Important Notice
The BHANA general meetings at Cotton will
be in the cafeteria, not the gym (closest
entrance is on Fulton, but can access from
parking lot on Gramercy). There will not be a
BHANA meeting in July and the August 10
meeting location is TBA (won't be at Cotton).
El aviso importante
Las reuniones generales de BHANA en la escuela
primaria de Agnes Cotton estará en la cafetería, no
el gym (la entrada más cercana está en Fulton, pero
puede tener acceso de la porción del
estacionamiento en Gramercy). No habrá una
reunión de BHANA en julio y la localización de la
reunión del 10 de agosto debe ser determinada (no
esté en Agnes Cotton).
JUNE 2015 PAGE 1
BHANA REPORTS
Benevolent Fund
Summer days are here but it is never too early to start planning for the NNO We need school supplies such as note books,
paper, pencils, rulers, crayons, folders, glue and markers. Donations are always welcome and so are Volunteers! For more
information you may contact Lucy Eller at 733-9276 or Lola Rodriguez at 844- 9226
" ALWAYS REMEMBER CHILDREN AND YOUTH ARE THE MOST ESSENTIAL MEMBERS IN THE COMMUNITY"
Beacon Hill Community Garden
The Beacon Hill Community Garden is located at the corner of West Gramercy and Capitol. The next work day will be posted on the
pavilion chalkboard. If you are interested in a veggie garden plot contact Dara Anderson 264-8568.
You can still plant okra, malabar spinach and sweet potatoes. If you want to try a cover crop to build productive soil plant cowpeas.
Cover crops are also called green manure and suppress weeds, improve soils, and help control pests and diseases. At the end of
the season you can dig them into the soil or cut them off at the base of the plant.
Add plants that attract butterflies to your garden. You will see many nectar plants in the community garden: blue mist flower, purple
coneflower, white mist flower, cenizo, flame acanthus, lantana and salvias. Cross vine and passion flower are two vines that attract
butterflies. The passion vine is also a host plant so you may see many caterpillars. Don’t worry if they eat a lot of the plant because
it will grow back. All of these plants are drought tolerant.
What to prune? Remove spent flowers from daisies, cannas and other summer flowers Remove fruiting canes from blackberries
after harvest. Tip prune new canes at four feet to promote branching. Do not prune oak trees at this time since the beetle that
carries oak wilt is active now and may be attracted to any cuts you make.
Thanks to the gardeners that helped with Sicloverde May 9. Two groups of bicyclists toured the garden.
Zoning and Urban Design (ZUD) Committee
The Zoning and Urban Design (ZUD) Committee meets the first Thursday of every month at 7PM at 900 W Woodlawn Ave. The
NCD standards are available on the city’s website at http://www.sanantonio.gov/planning/neighborhoods/urbandesign.asp. We have
continued to receive support from the city code enforcement cases. Some property owners who in the recent past have done major
work without permits have made repairs and torn down projects that have gone to court over ordinance violations. This is a win for
keeping the neighborhood safe and looking good. Signage on commercial property became an issued at our last meeting. Our NCD
standards do not allow for commercial signs to be larger than 50 sq. ft. Also remember that all fences require permits.
!
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210.734.6687 www.stanncatholicchurch.com
Mass: Saturday 5:30pm
Sunday 8:30am, 10:30am (Spanish), 12pm
Tuesday-Thursday 5:30pm
Friday 10am (at nearby Senior homes)
Confession: Saturday 5:00pm ± 5:30pm
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JUNE 2015 PAGE 2
Our Kids In Our Capitol!
By Rhea Mahbubani, Principal, Beacon Hill Elementary
With great thanks to our constant community friend, Pastor Heger, for organizing our adventure to the Texas
Capitol. Through his outreach, our Beacon Hill choir was invited to the capitol to perform by Representative
Diego Bernal and Senator Jose Menendez. The very special day began with a charter bus ride to the Capitol.
The 3rd through 5th grades students toured by staff from Representative Bernal’s staff through both chambers of
the capitol and were able to see the legislature in session. While in the Senate viewing gallery, they were
recognized on the Senate floor by Senator Menendez; he also later signed autographs and took photos with the
students. Lunch was served in the Representatives’ lunch room. The children performed in both the interior
rotunda and the rotunda in the extension annex earning applause and accolades for their renditions of : Listen to
Me; Oye; Peaceful River; Hand Me Down; and Sing, Sing, Together. Truly this was a memorable experience!
Update on Linear Park, Phase II By Jerry Lockey
The Beacon Hill Linear Park, Phase II is essentially complete. There is sign painting still to be done (rain delays)
but they are all primed and ready to go. They are spreading mulch and rotor-tilling it into the ground. They will
hang the basket swing in the playground. Next the COSA is supposed to inspect and give the contractor a punch
list of anything that might have been missed and those are usually minor at this stage. When the punch list is
complete the city will take ownership. Interestingly they have had to replace two signs at the crosswalks because
people have run over them. Finally, KUDOS to Ed and Gus of Evergreen Nursery because they have already put
in plantings in the area on the other side of the parking lot entrance at Hildebrand (Lullwood side).
!
Terry Gomez, Realtor!
10999 IH 10 West, Ste 175, SA, TX 78230
DIRECT 210-459-6315
Fax 210-696-9981
[email protected]
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JUNE 2015 PAGE 3
BHANA General Meeting Minutes, May 11, 2015, 7:05 pm at Cotton Elementary School
SAAFE OFFICER: SAFFE Officer Bigler report (Ofc Bigler not able to make it) Ofc Soldevila gave the report. Reminder: NextDoor online site
is monitored by SAFFE Officers. Use <Raids.org> to look up crime in our area. SAFFE Officer contact 207-7413 and email Brian Bigler NA.
Email: [email protected]
Presentation: Stray Dog Interventions - Mr. Shannon Wade Sims, Field Operations Manager for City of San Antonio Animal Care Services explained process for reporting attacks, city statistics on animals, etc. Residents asked questions and give input. Call 311 to report bites then call
Mr. Sims at 210-207-6657
Councilman Trevino made announcements: Rail Road Quiet Zone, Property Taxes flyer that is available on Councilman Trevino's fb page and
City of SA website with lots of information on exemptions, payment plan, and the protest process.
Treasurer’s Report: Brock Curry
Committee Reports
Community garden: Cassy Lewis explained the Harvest Work Table by UTSA students. Thanks to people who have helped and information on
getting involved.
Benevolence: Mrs. Lucy Eller - begin to collect school supplies for the fall.
HON needs volunteers
Updates and Announcements
Quiet(er) Zone in effect now. Union Pacific track on the east boundary of the neighborhood.
Linear Park Extension-in near future the park will be inspected, and soon after will be completed.
Martinez Creek Linear Trail groundbreaking - the reception was well-attended.
Save Miguel’s home - announcements coming soon.
Fred Road Community (FRED) Visioning Discussion (6-8pm Wed, May 20, 823 Fred Rd) Cosima Colvin
Beacon Hill Elementary choir will be performing at the capital on May 27th.
Property Workshop on May 16, 10am-12pm at Hobby Middle School by Mike Villarreal.
Meeting adjourned at 8:35 p.m., Cynthia Spielman, Secretary
Update from the Office of Lloyd Doggett, US House Representative District 35
Representing you in Congress means ensuring that your federal priorities are my priorities. I was pleased my bill to expand
the Missions Park has now become law. And over the past few months I have heard your concerns about noisy Union Pacific
train horns blaring through your neighborhood. At the prompting of concerned citizens and with the assistance of
Representative Diego Bernal and Councilman Roberto Trevino’s office, I made urgent inquiries with Union Pacific Railroad
and the Federal Railroad Administration to resolve complications with the City of San Antonio’s pending quiet zone
application. I was able to obtain cooperation from Union Pacific to get the process of implementation restarted and back on
track. At my request, the Federal Railroad Administration resolved pending issues with the City of San Antonio and as of
April 17, granted a notice of establishment for the quiet zone.
What does this mean for you and your family? Train horns have ceased their routine blowing, and you and your family will
finally be able to enjoy some peace and quiet. I salute the neighborhood association for being the Beacon that attracted a
little more tranquility to the community.
If you have any questions regarding this development or any federal issue, feel free to contact me. I can be reached at
210.704.1080 or by email at [email protected]. My local office at 217 W. Travis is accessible from the sidewalk,
across from the downtown Frost drive-in bank near Santa Rosa Hospital. If you would like to receive updates on my work in
Congress, please subscribe to “Lloyd’s List” via my website, on Facebook.com/lloyddoggett, through Twitter:
@RepLloydDoggett, and on Instagram: @RepLloydDoggett. I look forward to representing our shared values in Congress
and hope to hear from you.”
L it t l e D e b b y ’s
D o g G ro o m i n g
210
324
6373
1910 Fredericksburg Rd.
San Antonio, TX 78201
Make a difference in your
community........
CompleteCare Home Health and Hospice
is looking for kind and caring individuals
who would be interested in sharing their time and
talents with a terminally ill patient. Volunteers will sit
with patients, read, pray, run errands, listen and just
be a friend or help with craft projects.
For more information, please call CompleteCare
Home Health and Hospice at 210 520-7977.
JUNE 2015 PAGE 4
Connecting4Community
It’s June. Already.
June… it’s a month of – and a metaphor for – significant endings and profound beginnings:
- School’s out… and vacation’s freedom is here.
- It’s Graduation… almost limitless choices.
- June weddings … bold promises.
- And the Texas Legislators will… finish, and go home.
If you could get “the last word,” what would you say to these key participants in June’s transitions? What would
you tell the Legislators, as they finish this 84th Session and leave Austin? What did you say to our students and
teachers, on their last day? How would you honor and challenge our graduates and send them off to shape an
uncertain future? What would you proclaim, if you were me, on Saturday the 6th, when I witness the bold vows of the
precious daughter of dear old friends, in Austin, and her amazing beloved, and celebrate their joy as they exchange
promises and share lives and love? What would you say? Advice? Wisdom? Cautions? Challenges? Warnings?
At least, give them – all – more than trite bromides, please. None of us want to hear tired warmed-over
commencement clichés ever again: “dream big,” “work hard,” and “follow your passion.” Please, preach a better
sermon than a ”father knows best,” finger-wagging, “Now, just don’t go to sleep angry, you two!” You can do better.
They deserve better. What would you say?
Look quietly, deeply, inside. Inside yourself. Listen. That’s where truth resides. What are you saying to
yourself? How are you making sense of today’s tumultuous transitions? What story about change are you telling
yourself? Because, of course, it’s June for you, too. Lots of little endings and quiet beginnings. Simultaneously. And
you are – and our beloved Beacon Hill is – also buffeted by huge changes, too: sometimes subtle, like a slowly –
infuriatingly – growing pot hole on Michigan Avenue, sometimes jaw-dropping-instant, like the Blanco River’s Memorial
Day devastating surge.
How do you make sense, for yourself, of the changes? What would you say, in your commencement address
or your wedding homily? What stories, what authentic stories that have touched you deeply, would you tell?
I might, if I were quietly honest, point to two timely, very local, story symbols of beginnings and endings:
- Our easily taken-for-granted, and lost in the false stereotypes, urban neighborhood school, Beacon Hill
Elementary, where economic realities shape – and limit – everything. Our State Representative and our State
Senator invited our Beacon Hill’s choir to come to the Capitol and sing – and they sang their hearts out! They
had an amazing adventure – tangible history, timely recognition, enthusiastic applause. Old limits, transcended.
A fitting end to a school year. Pointing to a hopeful beginning. It’s June.
- An easily overlooked aging couple of quiet, everyday Beacon Hill neighbors, for whom serious illness
dominates everything. They almost lost their home! Some neighborhood folk thought enough of them and their
plight to find a way to save their home from demolition and provide a way for them to – we promise! – celebrate
this coming Christmas together in their renovated home. Old limits, transcended. A fitting new beginning, not a
tragic ending. It’s June.
I’d tell those two stories. They’re real. They’re our stories. What stories are you telling?
Thanks, Tom Heger: neighbor, retired Presbyterian pastor and never-retired story-teller: [email protected]
SYMBOLISM OF THE BEACON HILL TRAFFIC CIRCLE
BY: Martin Leyvani
Beacon Hill was platted in 1890 and was known as the Queen of the Suburbs, as it was compared to King William
south of downtown. Beacon Hill became San Antonio’s suburban experiment. Much of society has always been an
experiment. The art that graces the center of our traffic circle not only fulfills the neighborhood’s need for a beacon as
its name would imply, but its candelaria symbolizes reconciliation of the past and reconciliation of the races.
I challenge you to think of one neighborhood that encompasses more mystique, diversity or history than Beacon Hill.
I first landed here in 1969 as a first grader at Agnes Cotton; I became fascinated with sidewalks. I was eager to test the
connections these sidewalks provided and often disappeared without parental consent. Yes I learned a lot at Cotton
Elementary, but my most valuable life lessons were learned on the porches of Beacon Hill.
The people inviting the weary sidewalk explorer onto their porches were mostly of German, Irish and Italian descent.
Many stories were about how their grandparents built the community and how the cattle and railroad industries
afforded them the American Dream. I learned that the law offices on the traffic circle used to be a meat processing
plant, the Modern Locker Plant. The rail used to bring cattle to the slaughter. I learned that our neighborhood was
famous as refuge from the flooding downtown; people seeking higher ground. “No need to worry about flooding when
you live on the hill!”
Next time you drive or walk by the circle, give it a good long stare. Know what has come before you in this place.
Let’s honor our heritage-each in our own way and appreciate this great neighborhood, built and improved over the
decades.
JUNE 2015 PAGE 5
Spotlight on Beacon Hill Businesses By Margaret Pahl
THE CHICKS NEST
1815 BLANCO ROAD
(210) 320-2174 W-F 12-6 SAT 10-6 & SUN 12-4
Beate Marzec and Simone Sauceda met over 10 years ago while working at a yarn store. They eventually decided to
start a business together-a yarn store that was more than just a yarn store. They characterize the Chicks Nest as a
COMMUNITY HANG OUT SPOT for knitters. So they
filled the space with beautiful antique furniture,
handmade curtains, and yummy homemade pastries.
The coffee was delicious, the music soothing and the
colors were everywhere. Silk yarns, baby yarns, multicolored yarns and books to show you how to make all
things yarn. The two women have built their dream
spot with obvious
creativity. They
offer classes of all
sorts for beginners,
people with
intermediate skills
and folks who just
want to learn a
specific project, like
how to make a hat.
Students can bring their own yarn (many stores require you to purchase their yarn
for a class). They even have a student who is a recovering stroke victim. Doctors
recommend knitting as a way to reconnect the brain to the hands. Details of
classes are available on their Facebook page where you check out their shop. But
don’t just gaze from afar. You HAVE to go visit them and hang out. Another great
home-grown business from Beacon Hill neighbors who are waiting to meet you
and share their passion for yarn and pastries
The “Before I Die” wall at second Friday,
Clamplight Studio.
JUNE 2015 PAGE 6
Nota del presidente de BHANA, Harry
Wallace
Verano feliz, Beacon Hill. Los perros perdidos han
sido obviamente una edición en nuestra vecindad
durante mucho tiempo (los gatos también, pero ése es
otra discusión). El problema no es simplemente un
fastidio o algo triste considerar. La mayoría de los
parásitos guardan un perfil bajo, pero si usted camina
regularmente, funcionan, o bici en la colina de faro,
otros le ha amenazado o ha sido atacado seguramente
los perros flojos contemporáneamente o. Y los perros
del problema se parecen escoger en las blancos más
vulnerables. Teníamos una discusión extendida sobre la
situación en la reunión de mayo BHANA con un
representante de los servicios del cuidado animal
(ACS), e historias compartidas los vecinos de los daños
corporales y los acariciamos dañado o matado. Algunas
intervenciones son familiar-más rodeos responsables de
la propiedad, spay y neutrales, divulgación oportuna de
los detalles del perro a ACS (consiga los 311 app!)- sino
progreso no sea fácil. BHANA no ha tenido un
subcomité activo del cuidado animal estos últimos
años, pero pienso que teniendo uno podría diferenciar.
Si usted quisiera ser un participante en esta empresa,
cáigame una línea: [email protected]; 210-216-6687.
BHANA Treasurer Report May 31, 2015
Beginning Balance
$ 6,364.44
Income
Dividend
$
0.54
Ad revenue
300.00
Donation for Harvest
10.00
Work Station
$ 310.54
Total Income
Expenses
Harvest Work Station
10.00
$
10.00
Total Expenses
GF
GF
CG
CG
300.54
Net Income
Ending Balance
$ 6,664.98
Fund
May Bal
Animal Care (AC)
Fund
$
Change Apr Bal
187.75
$
187.75
Benevolent Fund (BF)
1,664.02
1,664.02
Community Garden (CG)
1,064.63 0.00
1,064.63
General Fund (GF)
284.31 300.54
(16.23)
Graffiti Fund (GR)
207.60
207.60
Heart of the Neighborhood (HON)
Liz Davies Park (LD)
Ending Balance
2,508.70
747.97
2,508.70
747.97
$ 6,664.98 $ 300.54 $ 6,364.44
The Harvest Work Station at the Community Garden,
corner of West Gramercy and Capitol is almost finished.
Thanks to the UTSA architect students and their instructor,
Darryl Ohlenbusch, the shade structure is complete.
The table and sink will be installed soon and then the next
step is a garden gathering! Go by and see the structure and
tour the community garden.
JUNE 2015 PAGE 7
The BHANA General Meeting is the second
Monday of each month and now meets in the
cafeteria of the Agnes Cotton Elementary School
at the corner of Blanco and Gramercy, 1616
Blanco Road. The closest entrance is on Fulton,
but you can access from parking lot on Gramercy.
Look for the BHANA meeting sign posted near
the door. Hope to see you at the meeting.
Support the Beacon News and advertise
your business here. The Beacon News
reaches 2,100 households every month.
If you would like to advertise in the
Beacon News in 2015, please contact
Margaret at 801.209.6322 or Brock Curry
at 378-0104.
Beacon Hill Contact List
We want to hear from you!
Share your concerns and suggestions…
www.bhana-sa.org
Mail:
BHANA P.O. BOX 15732
SAN ANTONIO, TX 78212-5732
…. or just pick up the phone
President:(
Harry Wallace(
216-6687
Vice President:(
Lola Rodriguez(
844-9226
Secretary:(
Cynthia Spielman
396-3688
Treasurer:(
Brock Curry
378-0104
Director:(
Maite Landa*
473-0715
Director:(
Matthew Purdy( 512-968-3333
Director:(
Celeste Wackenhut
452-4840
Committees:
Animal Care- Open
Benevolent Fund- Lucy Eller, 733-9276 and
Lola Rodriguez, 844-9226
Heart of the Neighborhood– Trish Wallace, 216-6688
Community Garden - Dara Anderson, 264-8568
Zoning & Urban Design – Mark Spielman, 396-3689
Graffiti Cleanup--Mary Ann Van Ness, 725-8049
Westside Creekways Restoration CommitteeAbigail Rodriguez, 737-2166
Newsletter Advertising- Margaret Pahl, (801)-209-6322
or Brock Curry, 378-0104
Newsletter Walker organizer– Susan Breidenbach,
606-2574
Newsletter Editor-Steven Lewis, 392-4496
*Habla español
District 1 Councilman: Roberto Trevino,
207-7047, ask for Frederick Chapa,
[email protected]
State District 123 Representative:
Diego Bernal
State Senator District 26:
Jose Menendez
US House Representative District 35:
Lloyd Doggett, 704-1080
Bexar County Commissioner:
Tommy Calvert, 335-2614
Beacon Hill SAFFE Officer:
Officer Brian Bigler, 210-219-0184 or
[email protected]
Cellular on Patrol (COP) Representatives:
David & Rachel Martinez, 724-3283 or 849-9658,
email: [email protected]
SAPD website COP program:
www.sanantonio.gov/sapd/cop2.asp
Police Non-emergency:
207-SAPD or 207-7273
Crime Coalition of San Antonio:
279-8912 or [email protected]
Code Enforcement Officer: Gloria
Gutierrez, 218-9614 or email
[email protected]
HELP STOCK St. Ann’s SVDP PANTRY!!
This month we are asking for donations of jars of
peanut butter, jelly, and bags of beans. St. Vincent de
Paul is an organization that helps those less fortunate
in the community.
All donations can be dropped off at the rectory
located at 210 St. Ann St. For more information call
734-6687.
JUNE 2015 PAGE 8
