City of San Antonio Customer Service (7 am to 11 pm, 7 days a week) Dial 311
Councilperson Sukh Kaur
City Council District 1
Contact person: La Juana Chambers Field Office 210-207-0903
SAPD SAFFE Officer
Rob Henderson 210-207-7413
Email robert.henderson@sanantonio.gov
MISSION STATEMENT
“To encourage the preservation of the distinctive heritage of the Monte Vista area; to keep the physical identity of this late nineteenth-early twentieth century district intact; and to educate the public, especially the youth, with knowledge of our inherited neighborhood values which contribute to a wholesome urban environment.”
Dear Monte Vista Residents, It is beginning to feel like fall, that is if you get up really early and feel the morning air before 10:00 a.m.! The calendar does tell us that October is here and surely we can look forward to milder days ahead.
October brings the annual Monte Vista Historical Association meeting of our general membership. This year the meeting will be held on Sunday, October 20, 2024 at Laurel Heights Methodist Church from 2:00 to 4:00. This annual meeting is where we vote on new board members who have been nominated by our nominations committee to serve as board members for the next three years. We will present a new slate of officers for the coming year, review the financial report of our association, and recap the year to date.
On the last Sunday of September we held a Town Hall style meeting at Dickie Hall on the campus of Trinity University. This meeting was well attended by over 200 plus residents of our neighborhood and area. Officials from the City of San Antonio and VIA Metropolitan Transit presented details about future plans for the Green Line and the transit oriented development that will surround the corridor of the Green Line. Residents were able to ask questions of the officials and voice their opinions with respect to the development.
Many thanks to the participants and the Planning Committee of MVHA for making this a successful event. Last but not least, to the generosity of Trinity University for allowing us to use their state of the art facility and providing technical personnel to make this presentation.
MONTE VISTA HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION
2024 OFFICERS
President
Lynn Boyd
President-Elect
Tom Archer
Past President
Toni Van Buren
Treasurer
Fred Suchy
Recording Secretary
Michele Giddens
BOARD MEMBERS
Art Campsey
David Smith
Judy Warren
Kathy Kennedy
Kristin Kellum
Mallory Baird
Peter Hugill
Rick Wilson
Robin Teague
Sally Bullock
Ann Van Pelt
Tony Garcia
Chris Scruggs
Angela Gallegos
David Dickie
Pat DiGiovanni
Trudy Kinnison
Tom Seerden
Contributors
Lynn Boyd
Rick Wilson
Lydia McAfee
Victoria German
Commissioner Rodriguez
Images
David Smith
Toni Van Buren
Victoria German
Editor-in-Chief
Lydia McAfee
This fall Monte Vista Historical Association will be hosting a Fall Fest 5k Run/Walk and a Holiday Arts Market on the grounds of Landa Library. The event will be our primary fundraising event for the year and will be curated to appeal to all ages! There will be art and crafts for sale, programming for kids, and a Food Truck to satisfy the appetites of those attending. Please mark your calendars for November 19th to attend this event. Sponsorships and advertising opportunities are available to help make this effort a great success.
I ask all of you who are receiving and reading this copy of Vistas to make sure your membership to Monte Vista Historical Association is current and if it is not, please renew or join for the first time! Membership is how we are able to bring programming to our residents and keep them informed of developments that will affect our neighborhood and the quality of life we enjoy. Please think about becoming involved and participating in our association in order to make a difference!
All my best,
Lynn Boyd III, President Monte Vista Historical Association, 2024
ADVISORY BOARD MEMBERS
Ryan Reed
Melody Hull
OFFICE ADMIN
Lydia McAfee
Have questions about the MVHA Board? Call 210737-8212 or email mail@ montevista-sa.org for more information.
MVHA Town Hall: Community Voices Concerns Over Transit and Development Plans
By Rick Wilson
On Sunday, September 29, 2024, more than 200 Monte Vista residents gathered at Trinity University’s Dickie Hall for a Monte Vista Historical Association (MVHA) Town Hall. The event, held in the main auditorium with two overflow rooms connected by video link, focused on significant city and transit initiatives that raised concerns throughout the community.
Three key topics dominated the meeting:
1. Green Line Advance Bus Rapid Transit (ART) Project
VIA presented its $450 million Green Line ART project along San Pedro Avenue, designed to boost public transit with dedicated bus lanes. VIA estimated the project would increase ridership by about 4,000 daily passengers, a figure that shocked many residents, given the high cost for what seemed a modest increase in use.
2. Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) Zoning
The City’s plan to implement TOD zoning along San Pedro Avenue raised further alarm. The zoning would encourage higher-density, mixed-use developments along the transit corridor that borders Monte Vista. Residents were concerned that these developments would be incompatible with the neighborhood’s historic singlefamily homes and could erode its character.
3. City Plan Update for Monte Vista
The City’s initiative to update
Monte Vista’s long-term plan includes proposed land-use classifications that favor multifamily development. This sparked fears among residents that increased density could alter Monte Vista’s architectural integrity and residential nature.
The Monte Vista Planning and Development Committee raised several concerns about these initiatives:
Traffic Diversion: With San Pedro Avenue set to be reduced from four lanes to two for the bus lanes, the Committee warned that neighborhood streets could experience a significant rise in diverted traffic, creating safety risks on the narrow residential roads. Inappropriate Development: The Committee also expressed concern that TOD zoning could lead to development encroachment that conflicts with Monte Vista’s historical protection efforts and introduces commercial and retail activity that doesn’t fit the neighborhood’s identity.
VIA and City officials defended the initiatives as part of a broader strategy for sustainable San Antonio growth. VIA explained that the Green Line project aims to reduce congestion and improve citywide transit, but many residents remained skeptical, particularly given the high cost for the modest projected ridership gains.
City officials emphasized that TOD zoning changes would promote walkable, transit-friendly communities while maintaining Monte Vista’s character through careful planning. However,
residents questioned whether these measures would truly protect the neighborhood’s historic qualities. During the discussion, many residents voiced strong opposition to reducing lanes on San Pedro, citing concerns about congestion, accidents, and traffic overflow onto neighborhood streets. Concerns about the scale and nature of TOD developments also dominated the conversation, with many fearing that higher-density and larger scale projects with no parking requirements could drastically alter the neighborhood.
The meeting concluded with MVHA reaffirming its commitment to monitor these projects closely and to advocate for solutions that balance city growth with protecting Monte Vista’s historic identity and heritage. Residents were encouraged to stay engaged by attending city meetings and public forums to ensure their concerns are addressed.
Town Hall Meeting at Dicke Hall on Sept 29.
Photo by Toni Van Buren
4th of July Parade & Picnic
We had a great time at the 55th Annual 4th of July Parade & Picnic!! Thank you to event Co-Chairs Tom and Gayle Seerden, the many, many volunteers that helped make it a success and our sponsors, the SA Fire Department for bringing their fire truck, H-E-B and PlainsCapital Bank and all who participated!
Parade Grand Marshals: Trudy Kinnison, Melody Hull, Ann Van Pelt
Pie Chair: Trudy Kinnison
Pie Judges: Kathy Donellen, Al Notzon, Renee
Murray and Dr. John McClusker
Pie Winners:
First Prize - Michelle Casillas with a Classic Buttermilk Pie
Second Prize - Katie Kinder DeBouche with All American Cherry Pie
Third Prize - Will Varney with Peach Lemon Verbena Habanero Cheese Pie
Parade Co-Chairs: Ryan Reed and Toni Van Buren Contest Judges: MVHA President Elect Tom Archer, Lindsey Varner and Mike Molak of PlainsCapital Bank, this year’s parade sponsor!
Parade Winners:
Best adult costume - Kathy Armstrong with an award ribbon and a gift card Outlaw Kitchen
Best child costume - Noah Wilkinson with an award ribbon and a gift card to Amy’s Ice Cream
Best non-motorized float - Andres Casillas with an award ribbon and a gift card to Extra Fine Cafe
Best decorated bike - Sara Clark with an award ribbon and a gift card to Sohill Café
Grand Fido - Rho and Ohmie McAfee with an award ribbon and a gift card to Woof Gang Bakery & scarf
Best Overall 4th Theme - Saachin & Rasika Thakur with an award ribbon and a gift card to La Fonda on Main
Picnic MCs: Paige & Chris Berry
Big thank you to the great David Smith with all the wonderful photos. See more photos at Facebook.com/ montevistasanantonio
Unlocking Sustainability Secrets of Monte Vista’s Past and Present
By Victoria German
There is no doubt that San Antonio is getting warmer. In fact, if you look at a map of the City of San Antonio inside loop 410 this area is known as San Antonio’s “Urban Heat Island.” San Antonio is one of the hottest cities in the US. Heat is becoming a public health issue.
A key to understanding urban heat islands is knowing the difference between air temperature and ground temperature. Our local weather stations routinely report air temperature. When the air temperature is 95-degrees Fahrenheit, pedestrians are walking on pavement that is between 118 to 140 degrees Fahrenheit. These high temperatures can actually burn our skin, pets, and kiddos. High humidity makes air temperature feel even hotter during the day and slows cooling at night.
The good news is that Monte Vista, both past and present, is slightly cooler because of location, height, greenspaces, and building styles. What can we learn from the past to mitigate the urban heat island today?
• Big trees, trees provide amazing shade and cooling in the summer. After the Paris Olympics, Paris is planning to let their trees grow out because pedestrians are literally bursting into flames on their biggest pedestrian street, the Champs Elysees. Trees matter and they can make cities cooler. Cities are experimenting with tree canopy to cool urban areas. These ecosystems also attract birds, flowers, and butterflies. Plant trees that are native to our area. Cities around the world
Ilustrations by Victoria German are experimenting with greenspaces because they cool and absorb carbon dioxide
• Native bushes and foliage can also block out sound and create more livable areas. They are adapted for our area and use less water. If we are literally melting, so are the birds, animals, and insects around us. Creating cool habitats benefits everyone. Rockscapes save water but they are up to 40 degrees hotter than the air temperature, rocks also radiate heat all night long. If rock surrounds your house, your house is probably hotter. Encourage birds/wildlife: they are a sign the ecosystem is healthy.
• Water features: fountains, ponds, rivers provide an urban oasis. San Antonio exists because 300 years ago the river was as welcoming as it is today. Make sure that you have a way to mitigate mosquitos with goldfish or dunks. San Pedro Park is a spring. Brackenridge Park is a combination of greenspace and waterscapes.
• Parks and Greenspaces: We are surrounded by public parks like Brackenridge, San Pedro Park as well as areas we enjoy like parks: Landa, Trinity, St. Anthony’s, etc. We also enjoy both private and
public greenspaces that are a part of the Monte Vista neighborhood.
• Cool pavement and cool neighborhoods: There is a great deal of research right now about using building materials that reflect heat rather than absorb it. This is important because San Antonio is not cooling off at night the way it once did. These are things we have to consider within the historical context of our neighborhood, technical innovation, and intention. Want to learn more: https://www. sanantonio.gov/Sustainability
THE SUSTAINABILITY QUIZ
By Victoria German
The original builders and inhabitants of Monte Vista chose to site the neighborhood on a hill to catch the gulf breezes. Way before the invention of air conditioning, Monte Vistans were coming up with clever ideas to beat the heat and the cold. They were ahead of their time: practicing green building and sustainability out of necessity. What are some of the secrets their building techniques reveal? What still works today? How can we use their ancient wisdom to navigate hotter summers and preserve the neighborhood for the future? Take this quiz to see how many of these techniques you are using today. Give yourself a point for each technique. Challenge yourself, family and friends to try a few new ideas and let us know what you discovered.
Thicker Walls Keep Temperatures Inside
Consistent: like adobe, plaster, brick, when thick enough cools in summer and retains heat in winter. Each type of architecture has its perks and its quirks: so, whether you live in a Victorian, Queen Anne, Craftsman, Tudor, Spanish Colonial, Colonial, Classic Revival, Modern, or Midcentury modern your architect created your dwelling with good bones for sustainability.
Build on a Hill: Monte Vista, hint hint (the clue is in its name) is built on a hill and catches the gulf breezes in the evenings. The early Monte Vistans didn’t have air conditioning so they relied on building on hilltops and opening transoms to move air around. These techniques were built into these amazing homes. What other lessons can the early Monte Vistans can teach us?
Catch the Breezes: Porches were built specifically to catch the breezes and provide shade and shelter. Sun shades/ sails are temporary ways to shade hot areas and enjoy the outside out of direct sun. In the past, people slept semi-outside on sleeping porches in the summer.
Add a Rain Barrel: Many people in the past collected rainwater. We have to balance this with mosquitos today. The earliest farmers, ranchers, and residents collected rainwater in water barrels.
There are some great systems that can work in conjunction with your gutters to collect water.
Create a Water Feature: if you are melting, chances are that the animals who call the neighborhood home are really hot too. Consider adding fountains, gold fish ponds, or a pop up splash pad.
Plant Trees: Trees provide amazing shade and cooling in the summer. After the Paris Olympics, Paris is going to let their trees grow out because pedestrians are literally bursting into flames on their biggest pedestrian street, the Champs Elysees. Trees matter and they can make cities cooler. Major cities like Cairo are experimenting with trees to create a neighborhood oasis. Do your research by visiting the Botanical Garden and Arboretum. Check with your local nursery and neighbors to find the right tree for your garden.
Plant Native bushes and foliage: They can block out sound, create more livable areas. They are adapted for our area and use less water. Rockscapes save water but they are up to 40 degrees hotter than the air temperature, rocks also radiate heat all night long. If rock surrounds your house, your house is probably hotter. Native plants can conserve water and create greenspace.
Share seeds and cuttings: Check out the seed bank at Landa Library. Share seeds and cuttings with your neighbors.
Create Cool Living Zones: Window treatments, pocket doors, transoms, shutters were used in the past to keep rooms heated or cooled by zone or room. You can test this for yourself with an instant read thermometer. This has the potential to save energy.
Check A/Cs and Weatherize: Tune up your air conditioning systems so that they run efficiently and generate less heat. You can check windows and doors to see if you need to weatherize to keep the cool inside. Make it a game to find heat spots and patch these with your kids. The local DIY building supply shop can give you advice. Calking,
weatherization around doors and windows. Weatherizing will save energy in both summer and winter.
Energy Efficient Appliances: Check the energy rating of new appliances, do laundry during off peak times, take a look at your energy use, water use, plug leaks, look at conservation notes on bills. Every incremental change can pay off over time in savings and conservation.
Ceiling Fans: Can make your AC up to 10 degrees cooler by moving around the air.
Consider materials: Especially consider landscapes, carefully. Figure out what type of heat it will generate. How will this affect your energy use? Will it be cooling and pleasant or hot and miserable? Drive around the neighborhood and check out different solutions. Ask questions and do your research.
Lifestyle
Eat Locally: while we don’t have cattle drives or cattle running down the streets of Monte Vista, we can take advantage of local farmer’s markets and shopping locally or even growing a few tomatoes in the backyard. Eating locally and in season uses less fuel and supports local farmers.
Picnic in the Park: Landa is cool and shady. Bring a lunch and a book and sit under a big tree.
Bike vs Car: if you’re staying in the neighborhood consider biking, walking or running.
Walk under tree canopy especially in the summer. Your kids and dogs will thank you.
Participate in Local Activities around the neighborhood and local parks: Stay cool by swimming at San Pedro Park; head to the Zoo, the San Antonio Botanical Gardens, Brackenridge Park.
Head to the Museums: Area museums are gloriously cool. This is a great way to get out of the heat and learn new things: McNay, SAMA, Witte, Dooseum, and the Alamo.
See the last page for your score
MVHA Fall Fest and 5K Fun Run/Walk
MVHA is hosting the first Fall Fest & 5K Fun Run/Walk on November 16th.
Starting at 9am, people all ages are invited to run or walk through one of Texas’ largest Historic District. Marvel at the “Gilded Age” homes built from 1890-1930 and enjoy passing a variety of architectural styles. The event will start & end at Landa Library. Leashed dogs are encouraged & welcome to participate with their owners.
After the fun run/walk is over, stick around the grounds of Landa for a free Fall Fest that includes kids activities, a holiday market, a food truck & live music from 11am-4pm. The Holiday Market will feature a variety of local artists and small businesses.
How can you help?
Consider supporting the event with a generous sponsorship. Funds raised will directly support the Monte Vista Historical Association, a 501(c) (3) non-profit that works to foster a positive sense of community and focuses on neighborhood issues such as city ordinaces, ongoing development, traffic problems that impact the families of our historic neighborhood. Donations can be made through our website, montevistasa.org/5krunwalk or by mailing a check to PO Box 12386, San Antonio, TX 78212. Qualifying funds received by October 25 will be included on the event tshirt & collateral materials.
Invite local artists or craftsmen to purchase a booth space for $50 at the Holiday Market. We are hoping to support Monte Vista artists and those small businesses in our surrounding communities. The application can be found at montevistasa. org/5krunwalk.
Sign up or encourage others to register for the 5K Run/Walk. Medals will be given out for winners in various age groups. Breakfast tacos & refreshments will be available after the race. Register at montevistasa.org/5krunwalk. Volunteers are needed for set up & clean up. Email mail@montevista-sa.org.
We appreciate any support you can give us towards this fun fall event and hope to see you on the beautiful grounds of Landa Library on November 16th.
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F o u r r a c e e n t
Upcoming Events
October Third Thursday
October 17, 6:30-8:30pm 102 E Kings Hwy
Annual Meeting
October 20, 2-4pm Laurel Heights Church
Fall Fest & 5K Fun Run/Walk
November 16, 9am-4pm Landa Library
November Third Thursday
November 2, 6:30-8:30pm 2500 North Main Ave
December Third Thursday
December 18, 6:30-8:30pm 151 E Elsmere Pl
Board Meetings, every second Tuesday of the Month @ 6pm MVHA Office at Landa Library & over Zoom
Architectural Review Committee, every first Monday of the Month @ 6pm MVHA Office at Landa Library
Sign up for our Monte Vista Monday Newsletter! Email mail@montevista-sa.org or visit the home page of our website to sign up.
A Letter from Comissioner Rodriguez
As we enter the final quarter of the year, I would like to share some updates on our recent work at Bexar County Commissioners Court.
We recently adopted Bexar County’s FY 2024-2025 Budget, totaling $2.8 billion, with no increase in the property tax rate. This budget reflects our commitment to fiscal responsibility while enhancing core services that are vital to our community, including public safety, the justice system, and public health. Moreover, it allocates $1.1 billion for essential infrastructure such as roads, flood control, parks, and trails.
I am also proud to share that the County has made significant investments throughout the year to address behavioral health needs in our community. This includes over $50 million in American Rescue Plan Act funds for prevention, intervention, and recovery programs for youth and adults as well as targeted school-based mental health initiatives. We are also investing $11
million to help identify and provide access to treatment and recovery services for those battling opioid dependency.
Additionally, we continue to prioritize delivering efficient and effective core county services, providing support for vulnerable populations like victims of domestic violence and system-involved youth, and expanding access to key resources – housing, jobs, transportation – to support an improved quality of life.
As your County Commissioner, I am honored to represent over 500,000 residents in Precinct 2. While we have seen tremendous growth, particularly in our unincorporated areas, it remains a high priority of mine to continue to collaborate with our partners at the City of San Antonio and our suburban cities. Please know that you can always reach out to my office for information or support on any issue no matter the concern. You can also keep up to date with the work happening in Precinct 2 and Bexar County through our newsletter and updates on social media.
I look forward to continuing to serve the needs of your neighborhood and all of Bexar County. Thank you for your trust and support!
Warm regards,
Commissioner Justin Rodriguez
Dear Friends of the Monte Vista Historical Association,
TOWN HALL
FROM PAGE 3
Call to Action
The Planning Commission Technical Advisory Committee (PCTAC), Planning Commission, and Zoning Commission will tweak the recommendations on TOD UDC amendments in October and November, and then City Council will vote on its final form in December. Monte Vista residents are encouraged to participate by attending public meetings, sending letters, emails, or voicemails, and engaging with the process through SA SpeakUp (https://www.saspeakup.com).
Key dates include the PCTAC Meeting on October 14, 2024, at 1 p.m., where Agenda Item #3 is TOD review and editing. Now is the time for residents to get involved and ensure that the future of Monte Vista reflects the community’s voice.
Colonel Behrens was a longtime resident of East Elsmere. His wife, Loretta (also a Colonel) was MVHA president in 1993. A recent book review stated “Long Shots is not just a recount of Behren’s achievements but a rich tapestry of the many lives he’s led, the people he’s met, and the experiences that have made his life fulfilling. The book serves as a reflection on how diverse experiences and relationships contribute to a person’s life story.”
Available on Amazon, Target and Barnes & Noble
BRINGING
Sustainability Quiz Score
1-7: You have an amazing opportunity to expand your horizons. Learning about sustainability is a great thing. If you see an idea or a solution that might work for you, test it out first. Start a conversation with a neighbor who can help you learn more. Make your garden, saving water, or DIY idea a family project. Start incrementally with something small and fun like a picnic. Then add a walk. Check out the local nursery or Landa gardens to learn more. Plant a tree or a container garden and enjoy what you grow.
8-14: You are sooo close. With a little push you can achieve sustainability greatness. Choose ideas that look the most interesting to you first because you will be more successful. If you think you are using too much energy, start there and chart your progress. Be intentional but realistic: start with small projects. Teamwork makes the dream work: find a friend who will take the journey with you. Remember, little changes over time matter. Many of these ideas will save you money and make life more pleasant.
15 – 19: You have this sustainability thing down! Now it’s time to share what you know! Maybe you know some friends who need a little help or don’t see the potential. This is your chance to share your expertise with others. Start a challenge with your friends and family to live more sustainably. Pay it forward and pass your knowledge on.
Vista Historical Association
2024 Membership Form Membership is valid for 365 days from date of payment. Questions? Call 210-737-8212 or Email mail@montevista-sa.org Website: www.montevistasa.org
at www.montevista-sa.org or complete this form and mail check payable to the Monte Vista
