Vance Jackson Neighborhood, Inc.

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Newsletters


Introduction


Vance Jackson Views are mailed at the beginning of every:
  • January
  • March
  • May
  • July
  • September
  • November
Our publishing deadline:
  • We submitted inputs to Neighborhood News, our publisher, by the 15th of prior months.
  • You can submit articles to us thru the contact information at the bottom of this page. Allow plenty of time for regular mail.



Selected Articles
(from current and past newsletters)

Nov 2008:
  • Ted Trakas - President's Message (11/08)
    • "In early September, we became aware of a proposal to rezone the old Calloway nursery property, on the IH-10 access road south of Wurzbach, from C-2 and O-2 to C-3."
    • "Red McCombs petitioned the city to close Mockingbird (a public street) in order to expand his car dealership. Step back and repeat this to yourself slowly. He wants to close a public street in order to expand his business! Incredible."
  • Ted Trakas - Calloway Rezoning Case
    • "Hopefully, Calloway was just a matter of bad timing that will not be repeated in the future, and we can all learn from the experience."
  • Katie Reed - "Northside's Financial Status"
    • "The commitment to fiscal responsibility will always be our promise to you our taxpayers and to our students."
  • "Curb Appeal vs. The Brown and Blue Monsters!"
    • "Lets all do our part by providing a space for our new trash and recycling containers – out of sight."
    • Personal Note - These receptacles are so large, I've constructed Garage Ceiling and Wall Shelves to make room at Casa Trakas. (TCT)
  • Victor Camacho - Vote"
    • "As I write this, there are less than 3 weeks left before the election. If you did not registered to vote by October 6, you cannot vote. I will publish the numbers from the November election in the January newsletter."
  • "Bonnie Conner - Talkin’ Turkey"
    • "Voelcker Park master plan is moving along nicely. On October 4th, over one hundred visitors joined the San Antonio City Parks staff and other lovers of parks to enjoy “Wild Wacky Webs”."
  • June Kachtik - "Billboards Alert!"
    • "(W)hen the Electrical Supervisory Board denied the work presented to them by staff, they were overruled by staff"

  • The following aricles had to be cut from our mailed newsletter due to reduced page count

  • Ted Trakas - Red McCombs Case
    • "Special Project 1402 concerned a petition from McCombs Family, LTD. C/o Kaufman & Associates that requested the closure, vacation and abandonment of an improved portion of Mockingbird Lane Public Right of Way."
    • "This petition appears to be primarily motivated by commercial interest and should be rejectedby the City of San Antonio.”
  • Melly Trakas - "Family Friendly Lanes at HEB"
    • "Our hope is that the Wurzbach/I-10 trial will be successful and then we can ask HEB to expand it to other stores near the association, i.e., the De Zavala/I-10 store and the new Military/Wurzbach one."
  • James Bray - "Southwest Loop" Short Version   |   James Bray - "Southwest Loop" Long Version
    • "I knew I-40 west of Albuquerque passed by some amazing sights - the Petrified Forest/Painted Desert, Meteor Crater and Grand Canyon to name just a few."
    • "One man in particular, gave us a tip to take Alt 89 out of Flagstaff to Sedona, AZ, which turned out to be a spectacularly beautiful drive through the mountains and valleys of the Coconino National Forest."
  • Zucchini Soup
    • "To make this a main dish, separately microwave frozen Chicken Breasts (the ones from HEB) according to package instructions. Cube and add these at the end."

Sep 2008:
  • Ted Trakas - President's Message (09/08)
    • "On June 19, Neighborhood and civic groups, including Vance Jackson Neighborhood, Inc., addressed city council about the digital billboard pilot during ‘Citizens to be Heard’"
    • "As of this writing, a zoning change request has been submitted for properties on Huebner and Sandstone. The request (Z2008225) seeks rezoning of three Huebner properties from O-2 (Office) to C-2 (Commercial) and rezoning of the two Sandstone properties from R-6 (Residential) to C-1 (Commercial)"
  • Victor Camacho - Colonies House
    • "Thank you to the all the new members from the community. Our membership is up this year but we still would like to increase our membership and we still need your participation"
  • June Kachtik - "The Case Against More Billboards"
    • "About 350 cities in Texas ban new billboards. San Antonians need to tell their elected officials that they want better public policy . . ."
  • Katie Reed - "School is Back in Session"
    • "Brandeis High School, Vale Middle School and Carnahan, Forester and Scarborough Elementary Schools were all finished on time and either at or under budget"
  • Romona Lucius - "Cody Library Activities"
    • Activities for Sep-Oct 2008, including Friends of Cody Library Book Sale - Oct. 11, 9 am-3 pm
  • Bob Reisen - "Building Your Nest Egg"
    • "4. Start a 'Starbucks' savings plan. Think Christmas Club, but one that lasts until retirement"
  • Melly Trakas - "Magazine Signature Drive"
    • "In June of ‘08, I met with the VJ Board and received support for my concern about the magazine racks at HEB’s checkout lanes . . ."
  • Ann Breed - "Come Play Bridge for the Kids!"
    • "Candelight Ranch is a 501(c) 3 organization and partners with other non-profit organizations that serve special needs kids by providing the Ranch for outdoor retreats and campouts"
  • Molly Keck - "Pest of the Month – Mosquitoes"
    • "Personal protection is very important because mosquitoes can carry West Nile Virus and other diseases"
  • Bruce Burris - "Gang Violence in San Antonio"
    • "Juvenile crime has been on the rise in the past 2 years. Approximately 80% of crimes committed in S.A. have been linked to juvenile perpetrators"
Jul 2008:
  • Ted Trakas - President's Message (07/08)
    • "(O)ur last newsletter for May went to the publisher prior to the tragic death of Mrs. Viola B. Barrios on April 24, 2008. Our sincere condolences go out to her family and friends. May all of us rededicate ourselves to making our neighborhood and city better and safer places"
  • Victor Camacho - Colonies House (including swimming team member names)
    • "I am very pleased at the number of members who have work at the grounds to open the facility this season. We have made major improvements to the facility and we will continue to work on the many tasks to improve it"
  • June Kachtik - Digital Billboard update
    • "On Jun 10, the Electrical Supervisory Board considered the application for nine digital billboards by Clear Channel Outdoor. The Board denied four of the requests, one because of insufficient paper work and three because the cost of replacement exceeded 50%"
  • Katie Reed - "Stay in School"
    • Lists a multitude of NISD programs to help students stay in school
  • Romona Lucius - "Cody Library Activities"
    • Summer Events at Cody Library
  • Bob Reisen - "Does a Reverse Mortgages Fit Your Budget?"
    • "(T)he federally-insured, variable Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (HECM) enables seniors to borrow against the equity in their home without repaying the debt for as long as they live in the house"
May 2008:
  • Ted Trakas - President's Message (05/08)
    • "I have completed an economic analysis of the digital billboard ordinance that San Antonio City Council passed on December 6, 2007"
  • June Kachtik - Billboard Safety
    • "We ought to be able to rely upon our local government to protect our safely. Have they let us down?"
  • Molly Keck - Pest Control Program
    • "We are an educational agency and part of the Texas A&M University System. We provide educational programs to the general public on integrated pest management, nutrition, food safety, horticulture and gardening, youth development, natural resources, and agriculture"
  • Katie Reed - Northside ISD News
    • "We currently have 12 new schools in some phase of construction; 5 of them will open this fall"
  • Rhonda Woolhouse - Igo Library
    • "Igo Library is located at 1330 Kyle Seale Parkway, inside Loop 1604. The phone number is 210-561-6113"
Mar 2008:
  • Ted Trakas - President's Message (03/08)
    • "I think Councilwoman Lourdes Galvan had the quote of the day at the council meeting when she thank Cibrian for “not only having a good idea but finding the pot of gold to pay for it”."
  • June Kachtik - Scenic San Antonio Message
    • "Scenic San Antonio is a member organization. VJ has joined as an association. If you would like to join as an individual, the dues are $30. Mail to: Scenic Texas, Inc./ 3015 Richmond, Suite 220/ Houston, Texas 77098."
  • Honeycomb Zoning Case
    • "City Council approved the zoning application, with the conditions stated above, on February 7, 2008 with VJ and Sunburst support"
  • Rock Creek Run Case
    • "Our wonderful Texas state legislature passed a law in 2005 which nullified automatic renewal of deed restrictions, so the restrictions lapsed!"
  • Tree Planting
    • "An ordinance to enhance the Citywide Tree Plan, establishes a Citywide Street Tree Planting Initiative and continues the Parks Tree Planting Program which will facilitate the planting of approximately 1,200 new trees, and amends the appropriate budget"
Jan 2008:
  • Ted Trakas - President's Message (01/08)
    • "Citizen opposition to this bar [B-Rock] is unmistakable; we received 90 signatures at the D8 picnic on Nov 3, and 212 signatures from our November newsletter"
    • "Councilwoman Cibrian voted on the wrong side of this issue [the Clear Channel Digital Billboard Ordinance], but promised on the record to make constituent inputs a deciding factor when the 1-year pilot program comes up for review."
  • June Kachtik - Scenic San Antonio Message
    • "(O)n December 6, 2007, your City Council representative voted with 8 others to pass an ordinance to allow billboard companies to place 15 digital signs anywhere in San Antonio during 2008."
  • Chuck Saxer - NNOD Message
    • "NNODs Mission is to enhance and protect the quality of life of residents; inform residents of issues affecting them; and work with government, governmental agencies, and local businesses to represent neighborhood interests."
  • Slow Cooked Beef
    • "This recipe allows you to start with completely frozen meat"
Nov 2007:
  • Scenic San Antonio
    • "A Statement by June Kachtik to the Electrical Supervisory Board, September 11, 2007"
  • Petition Insert
    • Newsletter petition inserts against B-Rock and Digital Billboards
  • Eblasts from Cibrian
    • "My office is committed to staying in contact with our community and to increase this effort, I have instituted an email drive."
  • A Letter by Diane Cibrian to Texas Alcoholic Beverages Commission, October 12, 2007
    • "On behalf of the citizens if District 8, I would like to take this opportunity to protest the issuance of any and all original, renewal, and/or transfer of any alcoholic beverage permit (s) for 'The [B-]Rock” and/or the address of 10855 W IH-10 in San Antonio, Texas."
  • Summit Good Citizen
    • "A GREAT BIG THANK YOU to the good citizen in The Summit who removed the graffiti from the signs at Tioga and Wurzbach"
  • Foothill Zoning Case
    • "In the last issue of Vance Jackson Views, several concerns were mentioned in regards to a residential construction at 3235 Rock Creek Run"
  • Chicken and Cabbage
    • Primary Ingredients - Boneless Chicken, cut as strips or small/medium chunks, and Pre-cut Coleslaw, which is available in bags from the Produce section
Sep 2007:
  • Ted Trakas - President's Message (09/07)
    • "We continued to be engaged in a zoning case at 11714 Vance Jackson. The owners petitioned to change zoning from Multi-Family (MF33) to Office (O-1"
  • Pollo Vera Cruzana
    • "This is a simple, old style, ‘comfort food’ recipe of mine’s from when I was a bachelor"
Jul 2007: May 2007:
  • Board's Message (05/07)
    • "Our association usually does not comment on City Council races, but the Board has decided to break with that tradition this year"
  • Barbecue Safety
    • "the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has released a few common-sense safety tips you should keep in mind when using gas or charcoal grills"
  • Sausage and Vegetables
    • "This recipe is very forgiving of relative amounts of ingredients and seasoning"
Mar 2007:
  • Ted Trakas - President's Message (03/07)
    • "Our guest speaker at the meeting was Mr. Rene Compose, Code Compliance Officer for the City. Rene gave an informative presentation about common compliance issues"
  • Beef and Cabbage
    • "Can be used as a main or side dish. Great for portion control. For a spicy version, add Tabasco Sauce or Cayenne Pepper."
Jan 2007:
  • Ted Trakas - President's Message (01/07)
    • "The best way I know to lift your spirits from the harsh realities of our South Texas winter is . . . to attend our annual VJ neighborhood association meeting"
  • Code Complaints
    • "Installation of non-flush-mounted antennason the extended telecommunications tower" - But we appeared to have no legal instrument to enforce verbal understandings and promises. This case presents a cautionary tale for the perils of negotiating with commercial interests.
    • "Side parking of vehicles and apparent operation of a business on a property zoned for residential use"
    • "Violation of Conditions for an Outdoor Art Gallery"
  • Chicken Verde
    • "A Casa Trakas Favorite"
Nov 2006: Sep 2006:
  • President's Message (09/06)
    • "We requested code compliance corrections at the Hair Salon (signage) on VJ at Orsinger, and the Outdoor Art Gallery (signage, temporary structures and equipment) on VJ near Cody"
Jul 2006:
  • Ted Trakas - President's Message (07/06)
    • "Last newsletter we gave details for a new conditional use permit (Zoning Case Z2006049C) for an Outdoor Art Gallery on residential properties on Vance Jackson. We now expand on the topic area"
  • City of San Antonio, Texas Unified Development Code, Home Occupations, Article 3: Zoning 35-380, May 2005
    • "General Requirements. Home occupations are permitted in any dwelling unit subject to the following provisions . . . "
  • Code Compliant
    • "Since 2002, the VJ neighborhood association has found enforcement of the simple sign restriction to be problematic"
    • Post Script - A small number of VJ members have questioned me why the VJNI was so dogged on enforcing signage on this property. From my perspective, a deal is a deal and people need to be held accountable. Sorry. tct
May 2006:
  • Ted Trakas - President's Message (05/06)
    • "The Barrera family submitted a petition (Zoning Case Z2006049C) for conditional use of their properties as an Outdoor Art Gallery, for a limited period each year. Your VJ board was impressed with the quality of the events being staged, but sought formal language in the permit delineating restrictions."
  • Conditions for the Outdoor Art Gallery on Vance Jackson (Zoning Case Z2006049C)
    • "All hours of operation and external activities for the Outdoor Art Gallery (OAG) shall be limited to Saturdays and Sundays for the period that includes the second weekend of March to the third weekend of June of each year (“Period of Operation”)."
Mar 2006:
    Ted Trakas - President's Message (03/06)
    • "The VJ board is also starting conversations with the Barrera family concerning their petition (Zoning Case Z2006049 C) for conditional use of residential properties on VJ as an Outdoor Art Gallery, for a limited period each year"
  • NNOD Message
    • "Community members from the Northern areas of District 8 and contiguous areas of District 9 met on February 6th to reactive NNOD"
  • Annual Meeting
    • "In his ‘State of the Association’ report, Woody explained that the board of directors had agreed to a contract modification with the publisher of our newsletter, whereby the newsletter will be expanded in length but will cost the association substantially less to publish"
Jan 2006:
  • Ted Trakas - President's Message (01/06)
    • "We have invited Mr. Amezquita, Chief Appraiser of Bexar Appraisal District (BAD) to return. Mr. Amezquita spoke at our January 2004 annual meeting, and was warmly received – in a good way"
  • Letters to Association
    • "“This past summer I was working in the back room of my garage (garage doors were open). I heard a noise and stepped into the garage just in time to see a young fellow going across my yard with my two-tank compressor and hose in his hand"
Nov 2005:
  • Ted Trakas - President's Message (11/05)
    • "As promised in the September newsletter, we are publishing correspondence we have received for the association. I hope you will find these informative. We invite any new messages you might have."
  • Letters to Association
    • "I received the VIEWS and was disappointed in the lack of substantial news." . . . "Sorry to say we (are) kind of a mom and pop organization. To enjoy articles with high impact and content, we need volunteers to write these"
Sep 2005: Jul 2005:
  • Ted Trakas - President's Message (07/05)
    • "VJ directors reach a compromise with Verizon that allows us to make landscaping design changes in the vicinity of the tower"
  • Bandit Signs
    • "On June 9th, City Council passed an ordinance defining a “Bandit Sign” and allowing private individuals to remove it"
May 2005:
  • Ted Trakas - President's Message (05/05)
    • "In Zoning case 2004289, Verizon Wireless seeks a special use permit (SUP) for a 20-foot extension of the cell phone tower behind the Oak Ridge Baptist Church at Wurzbach and Vance Jackson, and addition of new antennas for their use"
  • Identify Thief
    • "People whose identities have been stolen can spend months or years - and even their hard-earned money - cleaning up the mess thieves have made of their good name and credit record"
Mar 2005:


Vance Jackson Views Newsletter

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Vance Jackson Neighborhood, Inc., 10004 Wurzbach Rd Ste 192, San Antonio, TX 78230-2214
Email - officers@vjni.org