Contact person: La Juana Chambers Field Office 210-207-0903
SAPD SAFFE Officer
Rob Henderson 210-207-7413
Email robert.henderson@sanantonio.gov
Dear Monte Vista Friends,
The holiday season is here and I am writing my last President’s letter for Vistas! As I reflect back over the 51st year of our organization, I feel like we have accomplished many objectives and still have many on our list of items to do. I know that we will continue to move forward with the leadership of our incoming President, Tom Archer and the 2025 Board members who have volunteered to serve. Last, but not least, the volunteer residents who give their time and resources to make this neighborhood so incredibly special and unique.
MONTE VISTA HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION
2024 OFFICERS
President Lynn Boyd
President-Elect
Tom Archer
Past President Toni Van Buren
Treasurer
Fred Suchy
Update on Hildebrand Study Presented
By Peter Hugill
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.”
This year we mobilized our organization to study the effects of the proposed Green Line by VIA, the proposed zoning changes suggested for properties located in the transit oriented development (TOD) areas surrounding the transit corridor, and the City of San Antonio’s emphasis on affordable housing within the urban core. These are all issues that are important to our City and that have an impact on the existing neighborhoods within the urban core.
The most important approach we can take as a responsible neighborhood within the city of San Antonio is to be educated on the proposed developments and changes. Using our voice on how these are enacted with respect to how our neighborhood is impacted is our ultimate responsibility.
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
We finally have the report on Hildebrand begun well over a year ago after the fatality at Howard. The Engineering firm of PapeDawson reported on their study and their recommendations at a public meeting at the District 1 Offices on Tuesday November 19. They focused on the section of Hildebrand between San Pedro and Thelma. Their suggested changes made sense give the constraints of the existing right of way (ROW).
Some background data from their published report:
(a) Hildebrand is classified as a secondary arterial road, type B. As such it should have 70’ to 86’ ROW. In fact it has only 54’ which massively constrains its redevelopment.
(b) Traffic levels have been declining steadily for the past 20 years from roughly 19,000 vehicles per day to just under 12,000.
people suggested this would take until late 2025.
Contributors
Lynn Boyd
Peter Hugill
Lydia McAfee
Victoria German
Toni Van Buren
Katharine Martin
Nirmal Kozak
Jean Brady
Images
David Smith
Victoria German
Lydia McAfee
Editor-in-Chief
Lydia McAfee
There are so many of you that make this organization work that it is hard to name all of you, but I do need to mention the work of Tony Garcia and Victoria German who have worked tirelessly on our behalf in the realm of zoning, Rick Wilson and members of the Planning Committee who have educated our residents and formed bridges with various stakeholders in the City to have our voices be part of the ongoing conversations. I am so grateful for all of your efforts!
In closing, I want to thank all of you who supported my efforts during my time as President. It has been an honor and a privilege to serve as the President of Monte Vista Historical Association over the last two years. I am humbled by the opportunity that I was given to serve and I will always look back on this time as a highlight in my journey.
All my best, Lynn Boyd III, President Monte Vista Historical Association, 2024
Trudy Kinnison
Tom Seerden
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.
(c) The “corridor crash history” from 2018 to 2023 saw 349 total crashes of which 101 resulted in injury/possible injury (remember these are crashes reported to the police, not fender benders).
(d) The “corridor crash rate” is about 4 times the state average crash rate.
Other information from the meeting:
Before any work can begin SAWS needs to work on the water mains and sewage lines. CPS needs to work on electric lines. Many CPS poles are located in the middle of what passes for a sidewalk on the north side of Hildebrand, especially between Howard and the Jim’s parking lot. Such a sidewalk is NOT ADA compliant! The Public Works
Apparently Hildebrand had its origin in the 1920s as a service alley on the northern limit of the city. Although Hildebrand is no longer a service alley, technically the responsibility for controlling vegetation lies with the homeowners on either side of the road, and quite a bit of that vegetation impedes sight lines, especially eastbound at Howard.
The Head of Public Works who was at the meeting implied that it should be possible for Public Works to take over that responsibility.
Major proposals and costs:
Pape-Dawson suggested two levels of change: interim and more long-term. The interim changes involve re-striping the section between Thelma and Belknap as three lanes—one eastbound, one westbound, and a turn lane. Each intersection except Belknap would have ADA compliant sidewalks, pedestrian controlled lights with crosswalks on all four sides, and a pedestrian safety zone at each corner marked out as such and with
poles. A functional ADA compliant sidewalk would be installed from McCullough to the Jim’s parking lot along the north side of Hildebrand (there is inadequate ROW for one on the south side).
The cost for the interim solution would be $1.3 million and our current Councilperson indicated this could be found out of existing District 1 monies. The long-term solution would require expanding the ROW and estimated cost is in the order of $15 million. This could only be raised via bonds and the next bond election is 2027.
Comments:
Comments were numerous but generally very positive on the interim solution. One of the main criticisms was that Belknap needs more attention since there have been numerous crashes there. The report only stated number of crashes and did not identify their locations. The people from PapeDawson were open to looking more at Belknap.
To see the full presentation, visit montevistasa.org/mvha-news/ hildebrandtrafficstudy.
Slide presented by Pape-Dawson Engineers at the Nov 19 meeting.
MVHA Fall Fest and 5K Fun Run/Walk
Thank you everyone that participated in our first MVHA Fall Fest & 5K Fun Run/Walk on November 16th! We had 150 people register for the Fun Run/ Walk. After the event, participants enjoyed refreshments & breakfast tacos donated by La Fonda.
Fall Fest included a full day of kid’s activities, over 30 local artists and craftspeople, Say Cheese food truck, wine tastings and great performances from Arachnophobia and Mitch Webb/Michael Guerra. We so appreciate the support from our neighborhood & the surrounding communities!
Special thanks to our sponsors listed on the next page.
And last but not least our planning committee - Lydia McAfee, Trudy Kinnison, Melody Hull, Claudia Langford, Toni Van Buren and our volunteersSally Bullock, Darren McAfee, Lyndsay Varner, Nick Goodwin, Mark Langford, Victoria German, Ruben Pena, Thomas Gage, Clare Whitehead, Michele Giddens, Tom Seerden, Pam & David Thomas, Julie Nyren, David Smith, Becky & Charlie Kirbo, Mike Goos.
Photos by David Smith. See all of the photos at facebook.com/ Montevistasanantonio.
Monte Vista Storage Garage Cleanup
By Nirmal Kozak
Albert Einstein is credited with saying, “It’s every man’s obligation to put back into the world at least the equivalent of what he takes out of it.” When my mom asked if I’d help build shelves and organize Monte Vista Historical Association’s storage garage I was excited to help.
I’ve been a part of the Girl Scouts of Southwest Texas for over 10 years and I thought I’d get my troop to use our woodworking skills to build some wooden shelves, but we had just finished renovating the composting area for Catholic Charities’ St. Stephen’s Care Center and my friends could only help with the Monte Vista project one
day. So we pivoted and a few of us bought adjustable, metal shelving and assembled the shelves and cleaned and organized the storage space. We accomplished a lot in one afternoon! A few more hours here and there on other days finished the project. In the space one table is open so people can use it, and we tried to make sure everything is visible once you walk in. Items are easier to get out and put back.
After looking at the finished space, my mom and I went back and built a few more shelves to get as much shelving in the space as possible and helped to organize the Fourth of July decorations after the parade and picnic. The nice thing about the shelving is that it is
adjustable so it can be changed. I’ve grown up in Monte Vista and love all of our neighborhood events like the Fourth of July and Easter Egg Hunt. I was happy to help with this project and hope everyone enjoys the space.
George and Polly Spencer
Toni Marie Van Buren Ruby Road Gems
Jill Torbert & Vincent Johnson
Lynn Boyd, III
John McCusker & Ann Van Pelt
Rick Noll & Diane Abdo
Carl Robin Teague and Sher Brooks Trinity University Press
Lawton Family of Restaurants
Allison Stocker MD/Skin by Design Dermatology
San Antonio Library Foundation
Landa Branch Library
Nirmal Kozak (left) with her mom & MVHA Secretary, Michele Giddens in the newly organized garage.
Christmas Traditions & Memories
By Victoria German
When the nights grow short, we celebrate light. It might be Diwali or Hanukkah or Advent or Las Posadas. How lucky we are to be able to share our traditions with each other at this time of the year.
And what makes this season special in San Antonio? Is it the magical lights so high in the trees that drip into the river? Is it the charm of a winter parade? Is it the beautiful luminaries, lights in windows, and illuminated trees we see throughout our Monte Vista neighborhood?
Maybe it’s hosting a tamalada and learning how to make tamales from our tias and abuelas. Maybe it’s making gingerbread and schnitzel with our omas and opas. Traditions help us remember those who made their way before us. By sharing our traditions with our family and friends, we wonder again with a child’s eyes.
Some of our most beloved Christmas traditions are relatively new. In fact, tree trimming came to the US with German families who immigrated in the 1800s. In 1850, the American magazine Godey’s Lady’s Book published an etching of Britain’s Queen Victoria, Prince Albert, and their children gathered around a glittering tabletop Christmas tree. Prince Albert was German and had brought the tree-trimming tradition to his bride in England. Christmas stockings appeared in the US in the 1830s, and they were actual stockings! Then, a child was very lucky to receive an apple, an orange, a penny, or a dime. Later stockings might also hold cakes, nuts, and candy. Sugar and citrus fruit were very expensive in the past so these were very special treats. Toys were whittled by hand; dolls were hand sewn with scraps of the family’s fabric. Dolls were dressed like their children. Sometimes dolls were made of corn husks. Early immigrants to the US brought their special traditions with them to remind themselves and their children of home. If you were Dutch, you set out a wooden shoe for Sinterklaas to fill with tiny presents
and candy. For the horse of Sinterklaas, you left hay or a fat orange carrot. If you were German, you might hang gingerbread on the Christmas tree. Your parents might hide a green glass pickle somewhere on the tree, and the child who found the pickle received a pink sugar pig as a prize. Perhaps you also built a gingerbread house and drank hot chocolate with cousins.
If you were from Mexico, you waited for our Lady of Guadalupe to fill Juan Diego’s tilma with roses in mid-December. Roses blooming in winter? Definitely a miracle. Tres Reyes celebrations for Epiphany on January 6 included presents and King Cake and marked the end of the holiday
English families transformed fruit cake, that ugly duckling of the cake world, into a swan by adding a thick layer of marzipan, soft white frosting, a snow globe’s worth of confectioner’s sugar, and cheery bright Christmas ornaments as decorations on top of the cake.
A proper British Christmas tea— complete with bright colored paper crowns, Christmas crackers, a very large slice of cake, and tea poured out of a Christmas teapot in front of a roaring fire—remains a glorious way to spend time with friends.
Italian families gathered for the Feast of the Seven Fishes on Christmas Eve. A child might have attended midnight mass and enjoyed his Nonna’s cannoli filled with chocolate chips and sweet ricotta or ribbon cookies made out of fried noodle dough and lemon icing when he came home.
What are your memories of Christmas? One year during winter long ago, 13 inches of snow fell and San Antonio shut down. My sister and I decided to walk to a friend’s house about 15 miles away since the school was out and barely any cars were around. It was so beautiful. We felt like we were inside a snow globe. There was so much snow: big flakes, very cold, such a rare event.
New Book by Monte Vista Resident
The first book in this series was Marshland, published in 2023. Peace at Battle Mountain, is available on Amazon and at The Twig Bookstore. Resident of MONTE
VISTA and member of the MVHA Architectural Review Board, Chris Scruggs, is the regional author of this series. He writes under the pen name of Alystair West.
Proud to Proud to support support the Monte Vista the Monte Vista Historical Association! Historical Association!
Precinct2Commissioner@Bexar.org 210-335-2612
@CommishJRod
Good tidings to all for a peaceful and prosperous new year!
Thank you all who work so diligently to keep Monte Vista the beautiful neighborhood it is.
ANN VAN PELT REALTOR ®
Phyllis Browning Company (210) 844-7001
The Treasure Hunt: Monte Vista’s Everyday Animals & Mythical Beasts
By Victoria German
Once long ago, a neighbor of ours found someone’s pet python slithering toward his porch stairs. Worried that the python might go under his porch, he caught it by the tail…in his best business suit. As he was wrestling with the very large and irritated snake, a good Samaritan (coincidentally a professional snake enthusiast with a large bag) came along to help capture the python and take it to the Zoo. Thankfully, this doesn’t happen every day.
Remembering this ancient act of heroism got me thinking about all the other real animals that call Monte Vista home: cats, dogs, foxes, raccoons, opossums, parrots, escaped budgies, hawks, hummingbirds, grackles, turtles, and horny toads. Some are wild; some are not. Maybe we put out a
bowl of food or water for them or watch them from our windows.
Out on a walk and noticing animals used as decorations in art and architecture, I thought about mythical beasts that share Monte Vista with us. They are all around us hiding in plain sight.
We’re going to go on a treasure hunt through Monte Vista to find mythical beasts and learn about architecture. What do these animals symbolize and why are they there?
I’m not going to give you the answers but I am going to give you some clues so you’ll know what these beasties are trying to tell you. See if you can find them on your next walk.
The spitting frog and the fountain: Associated with water and rain, frogs signify new beginnings, transformation, rebirth, and good luck. When you see a frog, a change is on the way. There is a famous restaurant that used to have the fountain of the spitting frogs in its courtyard. At the corner of Main and Craig, the concrete fountain that looks like a tiny pond with a sweet little frog who spouts water even has a little fountain below for your dog.
The smiling cat door knocker: Depicted in art for over 9500 years, cats often symbolize guardianship. Did you know that orange colored or “marmalade” kitties (because they are the color of marmalade jam) come from ancient Egypt? In England, a Cheshire cat is a kind of cat that can disappear and reappear at will, sort of like actual cats. Legend has it that we have our very
own Cheshire cat in Monte Vista that mystically appears during tea parties in our backyards.
Giant griffin guardians and the tiny griffin weather vane: Griffins are mythical creatures from ancient Greece and Rome embodying power and protection. With the body of a lion, the head and wings of an eagle, pointy ears, large beaks, and giant tongues, fierce griffins often appear on coats of arms. When positioned on doorways or high above on ramparts, vigilant griffins are always on guard. I live next door to a fabulous griffin weather vane who shows me every day which way the wind is blowing. I feel very lucky and enchanted. The trotting horse: The trotting or running horse means freedom, power, and beauty to many different cultures. Horses, both flying and running, appear in mythology, folklore, art, and literature. The Americas, Europe, and Asia love
horses. Horses are sacred to Native Americans because they mean strength, life, and safety when embarking on a journey. We celebrate horses in our rodeos and charros. See if you can find some horse weather vanes in the neighborhood.
Dolphins over the door: Apollo’s messengers in mythology, dolphins signify smooth sailing, joy, guidance, and transformation because their intelligence connects them to the spiritual realm. Ancient Greeks painted dolphins in art, and dolphins were a big hit in Venice in the Renaissance. Look for these guides for real and mystical journeys over the doors of houses in Monte Vista.
Dragons near the playground: Dragons symbolize good luck and protection and are said to chase the
pearl of immortality. In Chinese mythology, dragons control the tides, weather, and the seasons.
Ancient Chinese emperors were said to descend from dragons, and dragons are a royal symbol in many cultures. Dragon myths probably come from the discovery of dinosaur bones long ago. If you play or picnic at Landa Library look for the dragon lights that scamper up the sides of the house and protect the building.
Foo dogs always travel in pairs: Foo dogs guard house entrances, and they always travel in pairs. They are actually imperial guardian lions, but we call them “foo” or “fu” dogs in the West. A tiny pair of foo dogs in your house is also fun.
Foo dogs symbolize luck, health, and wealth in Chinese culture.
Lions and their shields: The
royal lion symbolizes courage, strength, valor, and leadership. This king of the animals appears on shields and flags to show nobility and royalty. Shields evolved into an art form over centuries. Prince George, Charlotte, and Louie have lions on their shields. We have more lions (in art…not real ones) in Monte Vista than the San Antonio Zoo. See if you can find them. Tiger in the garden: Tigers are fearless; they represent optimism, positivity, and a spirit of success. They are beloved in Japan, India, and China because of their grit, determination, and persistence. Tigers move quickly and confidently. Can you find a new life-sized tiger sculpture in our neighborhood? Fortunately, he is very tame.
lboyd@phyllisbrowning.com
Illustration by Victoria German
Upcoming Events
Seeking hosts for 2025!
Please reach out to mail@montevista-sa.org if you are interested in hosting a neighborhood social event.
I Love MV Party
February 16 2-4pm
302 W Mulberry Ave
March 20
Location TBA
April 17
Location TBA
May 15
Landa Library
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.
Passing of beloved neighbor, Bill Davis MVHA Annual Appeal Letter
By Jean Brady
Bill Davis was a devoted partner, businessman, Monte Vista neighbor, dog lover and most of all a friend. He left on us too soon this Fall after a short illness.
We will miss him as we know his partner Oscar Camacho does.
Bill and Oscar opened their first shop, On Main, in the heart of Monte Vista in 1978. It was a popular place, especially with all the school children after school. Bill and Oscar got to know all their families, leading to a customer and friend base across the city. Threatened with a rent increase, they moved their eclectic, quirky store half a block west on Mistletoe to become On Main Off Main.
The store became a local favorite for unusual gifts, cards and treats. Always high on the party list, they were known for their Fiesta Parties (when kings dropped by) and Christmas Open Houses with Margaritas and Frito Pie. And there were a few margarita Saturdays always thrown in as well.
When Bill and Oscar decided to retire, they could always be found walking their dogs, visiting their favorite local venues and enjoying their life together. Two trips, one to Colorado and another, a cross country train trip, were part of their bucket list. For all of us, It was a privilege to know this gentleman and to call him our friend.
CHRISTMAS
FROM PAGE 6
We made it exactly 10 blocks to the center of Monte Vista. Our wonderful neighbors, the Medinas, took pity on two chattering icicles and made us hot chocolate and gingerbread cookies. We sat together by the fire enjoying the magic of Christmas, telling stories, roasting marshmallows, and laughing. And of course, when we were completely thawed and filled with treats, they drove us home.
Wherever you call home, take time to share your traditions with friends and family this Christmas. Make some wonderful memories and keep the magic of the season close to your heart.
Dear Monte Vista Neighbors, Happy Holiday Season! As you know, MVHA focuses on important issues that impact our neighborhood, our families, and our local businesses. The Board of Directors stay informed of city ordinances, current laws and ongoing development affecting residents of Monte Vista and work together to preserve, maintain and improve our neighborhood.
In 2024 we...
• Another great Easter Egg Hunt and one of the biggest 4th of July Parades we’ve ever had!
• We held the Fiesta Medal Raffle again and raised a lot of money; congrats to winner Leith Negley!
• We formed the MVHA Planning and Development Committee to monitor the impact of VIA’s new Green line. We passed a Board Resolution outlining our concerns. Thanks to so many of you who attended the Town Hall meeting, various City boards and hope to see you December 19th at the City Council meeting
• The first ever 5k Fun Run/Walk was a huge success! Thanks to the 150 runners and walkers that participated and everyone who supported it!
• We brought back the Holiday Arts Market and had 30+ local artisans!!
• Architectural Review reviewed more than 48 cases! Thanks Ryan and committee!
• Lydia and others have fielded more than 300 phone calls and emails!
• Produced the quarterly newsletter, Vistas, which shares expert information and background about living in our historical neighborhood, while showcasing our neighbors and other neighborhood treasures
• We hope you continue to enjoy the weekly Monte Vista Monday. It is consistently read by 1,000 people each week.
Please share with others and let us know if you have something to include!
We write to you today to ask you to contribute to our fifth Annual Appeal for the Monte Vista Historical Association, please consider a gift today on the website https://montevistasa.org/support, or mail checks to P.O. Box 12386, SAT 78212. Please support the Association - as a 501(c)3 your donation is fully tax deductible.
Thank you in advance for your support. Warmest wishes for a healthy and bright 2025!
With much appreciation,
Your MVHA Board of Directors
Oscar Camacho (left) and Bill Davis (right) with a King at a Fiesta event.
