Vehicles: EMS Ambulance, Engine, Ladder, and Squad
Three
Photos courtesy SA Fire.
CONTACT US
Monte Vista Historical Association
P.O. Box 12386
San Antonio, TX 78212 210-737-8212
Visit us at our website montevistasa.org
E-mail mail@montevista-sa.org
City of San Antonio Customer Service (7 am to 11 pm, 7 days a week) Dial 311
Councilperson Suhk 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.”
“Boy, that escalated quickly……..”
Those famous words (iykyk!) have been playing in my head over and over since our San Antonio summer decided to roar into town with such an early and outrageous vengeance; in the beginning of May, no less (or was it late April?)! Is it really going to get warmer?!?!?
Well, regardless of the early heat, I do love summer and I’m especially excited right now because we are less than a month away from one of our most popular Monte Vista events; the annual Monte Vista Fourth of July Parade and Picnic! It truly is a fantastic family event and has something for just about everyone!
So, spruce-up your favorite 4th-themed costumes, SPFup your kids, and let Fido know he/she is included too and get ready to get your parade on. We have fabulous prizes for every category imaginable and much, much more! Plus, there is a very competitive and tasty pie -making contest (we have experts on this subject too), so now’s the time to show your finest baking skills!
The parade assembles at 10:15 at Lynwood & Howard and proceeds to Landa Library where we’ll gather, eat, drink and celebrate those previously mentioned costumes. Hope to see you there!
On a more serious note………
Over the past few months and continuing on through the remainder of the year (and likely beyond), we, along with several other neighborhoods will be participating in a city-led process of creating a “Neighborhood Plan” which involves elements related to Land Use, Mobility, Housing, Amenities & Public Spaces and Economic Development. This is a big deal, to say the least.
MONTE VISTA HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION
2025 OFFICERS
President
Tom Archer
President-Elect
David Dickie
Past President
Lynn Boyd
Treasurer
Fred Suchy
Recording
Secretary
Melody Hull
BOARD MEMBERS
Art Campsey
Judy Warren
Kathy Kennedy
Mallory Baird
Peter Hugill
Rick Wilson
Sally Bullock
Ann Van Pelt
Tony Garcia
Chris Scruggs
Angela Gallegos
Pat DiGiovanni
Trudy Kinnison
Tom Seerden
Victoria German
Lyndsay Varner
Lobie Stone
Mike Goos
Keith Sanford
JR Martinez
Ryan Reed
ADVISORY BOARD MEMBERS
Contributors
Tom Archer
Victoria German
Rick Wilson
Pat DiGiovanni
Toni Van Buren
Images
David Smith
Victoria German
Editor-in-Chief
Lydia McAfee
There is a lot to understand here, but in the immediateterm I’d like you to be aware of the following:
1. Your Monte Vista Historical Association Board is very much involved and has the determination and expertise to represent us in this matter.
2. We are just now in the beginning phases. We will be providing you with a lot more information and updates via newsletters, town halls, and the like, as things progress.
3. There are many aspects of this city planning process, but the focus for us will be in ensuring the appropriate Land Use classifications are adopted for our existing single-family homes.
We’ve provided a deeper dive on this topic so please
Continue Reading on Page 3
Toni Van Buren
OFFICE ADMIN
Lydia McAfee
Have questions about the MVHA Board? Call 210737-8212 or email mail@ montevista-sa.org for more information.
President’s Letter
FROM PAGE 2
give it a read. And, if you want to go even deeper, you can go to NearNorth.SACompPlan.com for further learning.
Finally, I would like to note that for many San Antonio neighborhoods, this is a much needed and valuable process. For
Monte Vista, it can be valuable too, so long as it’s done with an understanding and appreciation for our unique historic, cultural, and architectural character.
And, finally-finally, a teaser of more fun to come!
I can’t say too much just yet, but I do want to mention that your MVHA Board is cooking up something really special that I think you will all enjoy; a “recurring
celebration” if you will. Plus, it will have the added benefit of helping us safeguard the things we all hold dear by living in the greatest neighborhood in Texas. Cheers Monte Vista!
More to come soon! Stay cool!
Regards, Tom Archer, President Monte Vista Historical Association, 2025
Message from the Planning Committee
Near North Sub-Area Planning Process — What you need to know!
San Antonio’s neighborhoods, including our Monte Vista Historic District, has arrived at a pivotal moment in our collective history. As some may know, the City of San Antonio has embarked upon an ambitious new planning process that has the potential for sweeping reclassifications of neighborhood
land uses under its five-year “SA Tomorrow Sub-Area Planning” initiative. While the effort is intended as a way to help modernize development and promote housing equity, it also brings with it very real risks for the future of our historic district — and for other neighborhoods alike.
MVHA is On It
Before going further, you should know that your Monte Vista
Historic Association is already fully engaged in this process and is working diligently with city leaders to preserve the things we hold dear in Monte Vista, namely the historic, cultural and architectural character of our neighborhood, all while also striving to help the city achieve its goals.
As a starting point, the city is pursuing a large area
Continue Reading on Page 4
LAND USE
FROM PAGE 3
planning process that aims to be neighborhood inclusive. Each planning sub-area will have its own set of neighborhood profiles that identify and acknowledge its individual history and community character. But inclusivity has its blind spots too. Our district is just one of thirteen neighborhoods that have been grouped into a single mega-planning area. While this consolidation may be efficient from a staffing perspective, it runs the risk of inadvertently homogenizing the unique characteristics of our individual (and very different) neighborhoods. In the end, it could prove difficult to trace how any one community’s needs, traditions, or values might be reflected in the city’s proposed land use recommendations.
The Most Crucial Concept to Understand Right Now
One concept is key for all Monte Vista residents to understand. As the city prepares new property development maps for our district, we are at an inflection point. Two primary land use categories are under consideration for our existing single-family homes: Low Density Residential and Urban Low Density Residential. While the difference in names may seem minor, the application of one vs. the other would be anything but minor.
Low Density Residential maintains compatibility with our existing housing mix— single-family homes, duplexes, and modest rental properties. More importantly, it ensures a requirement that any proposal for denser development on any
given property must go through a Planning Amendment process, thus giving neighbors the opportunity to weigh in. This “community voice” element is critical.
Urban Low Density Residential, on the other hand, allows much denser development—including large apartment complexes up to 18 dwelling units per acre — without requiring a Planning Amendment. If adopted, this designation dilutes one of the few tools that Historic Districts have to engage in the shape of their futures, and that is our local community voice.
We’ve already seen where this can lead. In Tobin Hill, another historic neighborhood just southeast of us, the new land use map reclassified most if not all singlefamily residential areas to Urban Low Density Residential in order to encourage high-density multifamily development. This designation, applied aggressively, will now surely reshape the decision-making framework for every future project in Tobin Hill. Zoning changes will now face little resistance when they align with the city’s broader new land use designations. While Monte Vista is not Tobin Hill, and your association leadership is committed to preserving the Low Density Residential designation where appropriate, this “precedent” should remind everyone of the need to become and remain vigilant.
MVHA Supports Responsible Growth
We want to be clear that our position is not about resisting growth or change. We welcome thoughtful, inclusive development that supports San Antonio’s future. Yet growth must be shaped with the participation of the people who live here—not handed down from
above.
And that especially includes our newer and younger residents and families — who are the future stewards of the Monte Vista community. Whether you’ve been here for decades or just bought your first home, your voice is critical. These decisions affect daily life, long-term stability, and the character of the place we all call home. We believe San Antonio can grow equitably and responsibly. But that will only happen if neighborhood input is preserved and valued—not minimized.
The Land Use maps for our area haven’t been drawn yet, and the final vote by City Council is still down the line. But now is the time for everyone to start becoming familiar with the broader concepts and begin readying for action…… and we will help you with that process.
The choices made in the coming months will shape our neighborhood for decades. Let’s make sure those choices reflect the values—and the voices—of the diversity of individuals and families who live here.
To take a deeper dive into the Near North Sub-Area Planning Process, please open the following City link: NearNorth.SACompPlan.com.
The Planning & Development Committee is Chaired by Pat DiGiovanni. Committee members include Rick Wilson, Tom Archer, Ryan Reed, Wade Caldwell, Jane Lewis, Antonio Garcia, Victoria German, Mallory Baird and Clarence Wyatt.
Annual Easter Egg Hunt at Landa
We had a great Easter Egg Hunt back in April with over 100 kids & families participating! Volunteers stuffed and hid over 3,000 eggs on the grounds of Landa Library. Thank you to the many people it takes to put on this event including Becky & Charlie Kirbo, Amanda Holmes, Lydia & Darren McAfee, Tom & Kimberly Archer, Susanna and David Dickie, Victoria German, Katherine Martin, Sandra Grove, Carolyn Delecour, Liliana Dodge, Julie Bryan, Susan Conrad, Lindsey Goodwin, Mary Beth Budenholzer and the kids from St. Anthony’s High School.
Photos by David Smith.
Sunscreen Tips for a Safe Summer
By Thomas Gage
Happy June, neighbors! I am a pharmacist and proud Monte Vista resident. As summer approaches, it is important that we remember to keep our skin safe in the sun. I wanted to remind everyone of the importance of sunscreen and how it can contribute to excellent skin health during this season, and beyond.
Why You Really Should Wear Sunscreen Every Day
When you think of sunscreen, your mind probably jumps to beach days and poolside lounging. But the truth is, sunscreen isn’t just for summer or sunny vacations—it’s something your skin needs every single day.
What Does Sunscreen Actually Do?
Sunscreen protects your skin from
the sun’s UV rays—those invisible rays that can burn your skin, cause wrinkles, and even lead to skin cancer. There are two main types of UV rays: UVA goes deep into your skin and is mostly responsible for wrinkles and aging. UVB hits the surface and causes sunburns. Sunscreen blocks or absorbs these rays before they can negatively affect your skin.
Two Main Types of Sunscreen Chemical Sunscreen: Soaks into your skin and absorbs UV rays, turning them into heat. It usually feels lighter and is great under makeup.
Mineral (or Physical) Sunscreen: Sits on top of your skin and reflects UV rays. Think of it like a shield. It’s a good pick if you have sensitive skin.
Why Bother with Sunscreen Daily?
It helps prevent skin cancer. Seriously—this is the big one. Regular sunscreen use cuts your risk of developing skin cancer, including melanoma.
It keeps you looking younger. Sunscreen slows down the signs of aging like wrinkles, fine lines, and dark spots.
It stops sunburns. Obvious, but worth repeating. Sunburns aren’t just painful—they damage your skin long-term.
It evens out your skin tone. It helps prevent dark spots ad flare-ups of things like melasma.
Continue Reading on Page 11
Historical Firehouse in Monte Vista
By Victoria German
On a quiet Monte Vista Street, you will find a two-story caramel colored, brick building with distinctive tile trim and three apparatus bays. It’s a beautiful building from the late 1920’s but don’t let the architecture fool you. In each bay, is an exceptional modern firefighting vehicle ready to go at a moment’s notice.
Facing the fire station from left to right, you will see a state-of-the-art white ambulance with red trim; a bright red fire engine; a very large red and silver ladder truck (named Fury), and a white electric powered squad truck. A flag flaps gently on the quiet street while firefighters prepare their gear and a radio is playing softly in the background. A dispatch comes in over the station PA announcing an emergency, and suddenly it is “go” time. You can hear the truck engines fire up as a well-trained team of San Antonio firefighters and paramedics runs to respond to a structure fire or an accident on the freeway. It’s hard and dangerous work. It’s unpredictable, but their dedication and training keep us all safe.
These firefighters are our neighbors, our friends, and members of a very special firefighting tradition in San Antonio.
The fire service in San Antonio began on June 6, 1854 when 20 young San Antonians resolved to start our very first volunteer fire department. It was called the Ben Milam Company, and it was a single bucket brigade. This literally meant volunteers made a line from the water well to the fire and handed buckets of water from person to person to fight a house, stable, or warehouse fire. Remember at that time, people used lamps and candles for light so fire was a constant worry (cities
like Chicago, London, and San Francisco experienced devastating fires in the past).
The bucket brigade showed organization but lacked the latest technological innovation. So, in 1858, the Ben Milam company bought its first-hand operated fire engine, which made San Antonio one of the best local fire departments in the entire southwestern region of the United States! However, in 1859 there was a major fire at a place called Eckenroth’s store. This fire showed the volunteers that one truck was not enough for a growing town like San Antonio, population 37,000. Still, it took over 30 years (1891) to ramp up the fire safety program to create a permanent paid fire department with the state-of-theart equipment of the time: two 700 gallon per minute steam pumpers, five hose carriages, two hook and ladder trucks, multiple wagons and carts, and 45 firefighters.
Over the years, we have moved from horses to engines; from buckets to leather hoses to modern hoses; and from steam to gasoline to electric powered vehicles.
Fire station number 6, built in
Illustrations by Victoria German.
Firetruck from 1967 at Station 6. Photo courtesy of SA Fire.
1929, in Monte Vista still has the brass plaque dedicating the station next to the front door. In 1929, the firefighters reported to the Honorable Phil Wright, San Antonio Commissioner of Police & Fire. Mr. J.G Sarran was the Chief of the San Antonio Fire Dept. Mr. Henry T. Phelps was the architect who designed Fire Station No. 6; and Mr. C.H. Blount was the contractor who built it. The Honorable C.M. Chambers was Mayor of San Antonio. Nearly 100 years later, Fire Station No. 6 is going strong!
Want to learn more about the San Antonio Fire Department and its History? Check out the San Antonio Fire Museum. The museum was once a working fire station; and today it is one of the best fire museums in the country! The museum is housed in the historical central fire headquarters built in 1938 and shows hand water pumpers and heavy leather hoses, which were used to battle fires in the past. Learn more at www.sanantoniofiremuseum.org
Special thank you to Fire Station No. 6 for attending the MVHA Annual 4th of July Parade & Picnic for many years!
Fire Safety in Vacant Buildings
Fire safety is a partnership. We all need to do our part to be fire aware. Unfortunately, vacant or unoccupied structures are at higher risk for fires. It is important to look out for unusual activity and to make sure structures are secure.
The neighborhood has a SAFFE Officer as well as Committees that focus on neighborhood safety. Please report vacant buildings to 311 and contact MVHA if you are concerned about a specific structure or unusual activity.
Upcoming Events
Seeking hosts for 2026! Please reach out to mail@montevista-sa.org if you are interested in hosting a neighborhood social event.
Annual 4th of July Parade @ 10:15am Picnic @ 11am Landa Library
Third Thursday Sept 18, 6:30-8:30pm TBD
Third Thursday Oct 16, 6:30-8:30pm TBD
Third Thursday Nov 20, 6:30-8:30pm TBD
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.
Guess the neighbor!
Hint 1: They graduated highschool in 1965.
Hint 2: They have lived in San Antonio for 39 years and Monte Vista for 20 years.
Hint 3:They walk in the neighborhood almost every morning.
The first person to email mail@montevista-sa.org the right answer receives this MVHA T-shirt for free!
MVHA T-Shirt Sale
Show off your Monte Vista pride with a t-shirt featuring the MVHA logo for just $20! They are a cotton/ polyester blend (and very soft!). Sizes available include S, M, L, and XL. Sizes generally run small. Pick up or delivery in Monte Vista.Purchase at montevistasa.org/mvha-merch or at any upcoming event!
MV Book for sale
Looking to learn more about the history of the Monte Vista Historic District? Trinity University Press recently reprinted “San Antonio’s Monte Vista Architecture and Society in a Gilded Age” by Donald E. Everett. Books can be purchased for $20 at montevisasa.org/mvha-merch.
SUNSCREEN
FROM PAGE 7
How to Pick the Right Sunscreen
Go for SPF 30 or higher. It blocks about 97% of UVB rays, which is enough for daily use.
Look for “broad-spectrum” on the label—it means it protects against both UVA and UVB.
If you’re swimming or sweating, get a water-resistant one and reapply often.
Tips for Using Sunscreen Correctly
Apply it 15–30 minutes before going outside.
Use enough! About a shot glass worth for your whole body.
Reapply every two hours, or right after swimming or sweating.
Don’t skip the easy-to-forget spots: ears, neck, tops of your feet, lips, and the back of your hands.
But What If It’s Cloudy (or You’re Indoors)?
Still wear it. UV rays can get through clouds and windows, so even if you’re working inside near a window or running errands on a grey day, your skin is still getting hit.
Bottom
Line
Wearing sunscreen isn’t just about avoiding a sunburn. It’s about protecting your skin from long-term damage, keeping it healthy, and looking your best for years to come. Make it a part of your morning routine—your future self will thank you.
Have a wonderful summer, neighbors!
Assignments Desk
Have something interesting to share? Email content ideas, questions, and volunteer to contribute content. Send to mail@ montevista-sa.org. The Fall issue will come out in September and the Winter issue in December.
Advertising in the Vistas affordably reaches a valuable market of over 1,300 addresses in Monte Vista. Ad revenue supports production of Vistas issues. Contact Lydia at mail@montevista-sa. org to reserve ad space or to volunteer to solicit advertising in future issues.
2025 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
