2026 Fall Issue

of the

Fall 2026

Volume 33, No. 3

The Quarterly Newsletter

The 57th Annual MVHA 4th of July Parade & Picnic See more on Page 3.

Photos by David Smith.

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Support Monte Vista. Join Today.

2026 President’s Letter

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: Allison Martinez Field Office 210-207-0903 SAPD SAFFE Officer Jesus Hinojosa 210-207-1039 Email jesus.hinojosa@sanantonio.gov

MISSION STATEMENT “To encourage the preservation of

the

distinctive

heritage

of

the Monte Vista area; to keep the

physical

late

nineteenth-early

century

district

identity

of

this

twentieth

intact;

and

to

educate the public, especially the youth, with knowledge of our inherited

neighborhood

values

which contribute to a wholesome urban environment.”

Contributors Tom Archer Toni Van Buren Suzanne Dickie Rick Lewis Judy Warren Lyndsay Goodwin Lydia McAfee Tom & Gayle Seerden Mike & Paula Goos Images David Smith Lydia McAfee Mike Goos Editor-in-Chief Lydia McAfee

Sprinting Through The Finish Line!

Hello neighbors and welcome to the time of year known in some parts of the country as Fall! It’s 103 degrees as I write this and I must say, San Antonio’s lack of (or delayed) seasonal changes sure make the passage of time feel even faster than it really is……as in “Can you believe we have less than 4 months left in 2026?!?!? It seems impossible!

What feels just as impossible, at least to me, is that there are now less than 4 months left in my final year as MVHA’s president. It seems like only yesterday I was muddling my way through my first board meeting and pretending I knew what I was doing (and hoping no one would notice that I didn’t!). Fond memories indeed!

Which brings me to today. In short, your MVHA Board has an action packed agenda over these next 3+ months of 2026. In addition to holding our 3rd annual 5k Fun Run/ Walk & Holiday Market (more below), we’ll be doing everything we can to add to the accomplishments and momentum created earlier this year.

More specifically, we’ll be identifying lessonslearned from our past accomplishments (see last issue’s President’s Letter), noting areas where there is more still work to be done and then fine-tuning our going-forward focus areas for the immediate years ahead.

Some of you may recall, during my initial months in this role, the Board and I introduced a “Five-Year Vision” designed to keep us focused on the most important issues and opportunities facing Monte Vista. Its initial framework highlighted several key areas/initiatives designed to help us better interact with the changing world (politically, socially, environmentally, etc. ) around us. It challenged us to become a more formidable advocate for Monte Vista’s unique needs while strengthening our commitment to supporting the City of San Antonio; all while being a more involved member of our local community.

I’m proud to share that we accomplished many of our most important goals over the past two years and we’re well on our way to achieving others. Of course, there are areas where we weren’t as strong as we’d hoped, so it’s now time to double-back and get after those items with renewed energy.

Equally important, it’s now time to reassess our priorities and commit to what’s most critical over the NEXT five years. In the coming few months, the Planning & Development Committee will be fine-tuning this

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MONTE VISTA HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION 2026 OFFICERS President Tom Archer President-Elect David Dickie Past President Lynn Boyd Treasurer Fred Suchy Recording Secretary Melody Hull

BOARD MEMBERS Mallory Baird Sally Bullock Art Campsey Suzanne Dickie Pat DiGiovanni Tony Garcia Victoria German Mike Goos Marianne Hileman Peter Hugill Trudy Kinnison Jane Lewis Ryan Reed Keith Sanford Tom Seerden Lobie Stone Lyndsay Varner-Goodwin Judy Warren Rick Wilson

ADVISORY BOARD MEMBERS Toni Van Buren David Smith

OFFICE ADMIN Lydia McAfee Have questions about the MVHA Board? Call 210737-8212 or email mail@ montevista-sa.org for more information.

Celebrating the 4th of July Parade & Picnic

By Tom & Gayle Seerden It was an honor to once again chair the Monte Vista 4th of July Parade and Picnic. This year’s celebration of America’s 250th birthday was made possible by more than 50 dedicated volunteers, along with countless couples, families, and community groups whose time and enthusiasm made the day unforgettable.

Special thanks to Scouting Troop 90, the San Antonio Fire Museum, the ASL Gleek Club, Laurel Heights United Methodist Church, the Landa Library & Conservancy, the Murgo family, and Monte Vista’s own rock band, Arachnophobia. We also extend our appreciation to Carl Hileman, a recently returned Peace Corps volunteer, who proudly portrayed Uncle Sam. The parade, led through the heart of Monte Vista by antique motor vehicles, concluded at Landa Gardens, where the celebration continued with live music, a patriotic program, recognition of contest winners, and classic Americana fare including hot dogs, watermelon, ice cream, lemonade, and homemade pies.

Annual Pie Contest Winners 1st Place - Mallory Honan (Smores Meringue)

2nd Place - Estelle Comeaux (San Antonio Pecan) 3rd Place - Jackie Fagan (Cherry)

Best Adult Costume - Carl Hileman

Best Overall 4th Theme - Bill White

Best Non-Motorized Float - S.S.Sutton

Best Decorated Bike - Mary Margaret Thompson

Best Child Costume - Sawyer Berry

Grand Fido - Archie Guitierrez

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Being a good neighbor Leash Laws

By Lyndsay Varner-Goodwin Did you know that keeping your pet on a leash or safely fenced in isn’t just a good neighborly rule, but it is also the law in San Antonio?

Under the City of San Antonio Municipal Code (chapter 5), an animal owner or keeper shall not walk an animal without a leash restraint. Fines can range from $100 to $750. This rule matters for a number of reasons, even when your furry friend is exceptionally well trained and not a risk in your eyes.

Dog Safety: Leashed dogs are less likely to run into traffic, get lost, eat toxic items, or contract diseases from feces and wildlife.

Public Protection: A leash prevents dogs from jumping on strangers, chasing runners, or scaring people who are afraid of animals. Not everyone is comfortable with pups, as hard as that may be to believe. Some have

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allergies or fears and following these laws ensures everyone can enjoy our community without a worry.

Animal Conflict: Even friendly dogs can react defensively or fight if approached too fast by an unleashed animal. Our current dog is well trained and socialized. He attends a doggy playcare and is able to interact with other animals easily.

However, an off leash dog will trigger him to respond. He senses there is something unsafe about it. By having him on a leash, I am doing my part to keep him safe and not risk an unwanted encounter.

Wildlife and Nature: Loose dogs can chase, harm, or disturb fragile local wildlife and damage public plant life.

As a resident of MVHA - and an avid dog walker - my husband and I have been discouraged to see an increasing number of our neighbors

walking their animals without any restraint. We’ve been even more disappointed when many are not open to the recommendation to change this behavior.

In our last home, a neighbor was confident that his small terrier was not at risk. He would let him off leash and walk up and down the street. To his surprise, when another dog (also off leash) attacked his, the animal center was unable to provide him with any protection.

Two dogs off leash means that both are equally at fault. Had his been restrained not only would he have been able to protect the pup, but he also would have been able to press charges against the other owner.

These laws are in place to protect you, your pets, your neighbors, and fellow animal lovers alike and it’s up to all of us as Monte Vistans to follow this. Please do your part and leash up. It’s the law!

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Alleyways

By Victoria German, Mike Goos, Paula Goos Alleys are very underappreciated but remarkably important bit of city infrastructure. This is “treasure your alley” month – so an article to celebrate all of our alley seemed appropriate and timely. Why, you may ask, are we going to explore what it means to love your alley?

Well, as it turns out, they really, really matter. Think of your lungs: you breathe in, but you also need to breathe out. Regular streets help us breathe in all that a neighborhood has to offer. Alleys help us to breathe out: they allow extra egress and a place that is not on busy streets to access utilities, park a car, empty a trash bin, or let in an emergency vehicles. They can also be a passageway for wildlife: a little quieter and greener. Yes, alleys really matter. This article explores the importance of alleys and how to responsibly care for them.

Almost all the streets in Monte

Alleyway in Monte Vista.

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Vista have an alleyway in between them. We suggest taking a minute on google maps to take a virtual tour or better yet, slap on a pair of walking shoes and check out the array of alleys for yourself.

Alleys come in all shapes and sizes. This article doesn’t propose to dictate how to best manage and care for your alley but provides some guiding principles and regulations to help you keep your alley functioning, vital, and well… street legal.

The alley/service roads provide many useful conveniences for residents and access for city services. It is our responsibility to ensure they can continue to do so.

The San Antonio Property Maintenance Code (SAPMC) outlines the responsibilities of property owners regarding the maintenance of alleys. Here are the key points: Mowing: Alleys must be mowed to their center, with the responsibility for the other half being shared between neighbors.

Grass and weeds must be under 12 inches tall. The spring & summer rains helped the explosion of blooms around Monte Vista and that includes the vines, weeds, grass, etc that grow in the alleyways.

Debris and Obstructions: Alleys should be kept free of debris and other obstructions, including plants that could obstruct the alleyway.

This includes removing weeds, brush, and debris within 150 feet of the curb or property lin. Trash and other cans should remain out of the pathway.

Alleyway in Monte Vista.

Public Passageway: Alleys are considered public passageways and must be kept open, free of fencing, and maintained to allow for vehicle access. Clearance for vehicles needs to be at least 14 feet high by 15 feet wide for vehicles to enter and pass through. This is key for the city’s garbage and recyling trucks to get through and any public safety vehicles that might need emergency access.

Property Lines: Property owners are responsible for knowing and maintaining their property lines or boundaries. Each neighbor has to participate in keeping their section of the alley clear and maintained.

This is the ultimate group project.

Animal Welfare: We have quite a lot of wildlife that calls the alleys home. Please refrain from putting traps, poisions or other dangerous materials that may hurt them.

Neighborhood cats roam around

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Alleyways FROM PAGE 5

and people often walk their dogs down the alleys, please think of their safety as well.

Occassionally the City peforms routine maintence, repaving or upgrades to the alleys. If that is the case, here is what to expect: • During City projects, you must remove personal items, trash, brush, structures in the alley path.

The city cannot be held responsible for damage.

• Trash, recycle and organic bins will be removed from the curbside during work and neighbors will be notified when service resumes.

What happens when we don’t take good care of our alleys?

The Code Enforcement Department can issue notices and fines. If violations are not dealt with, the City may remove obstructions and bill the property owner for the cost. See a potential problem in your alleyway?

Residents are encouraged to call 311.

By keeping your alley clear, passable, and free of obstructions, you help ensure safety, compliance, and smooth operations for both residents and City services.

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Empty Buildings

By Lydia McAfee There are a number of empty houses in Monte Vista including ones that are for sale and others that are considered vacant.

A vacant building is a building, structure or house where all lawful activity has ceased, or reasonably appears to have ceased for 30 days.

Residents are encouraged to report vacant buildings to the Development Services Department through their website or by calling 311. You can also report a vacant property to the District 1 office at allison.martinez2@ sanantonio.gov.

There has been a recent uptick in unhoused individuals breaking into homes that are for sale. SAPD advises neighbors to report any suspicious individuals seen on properties to the nonemergency number at 210-207SAPD.

Neighbor Check-in

By Judy Warren Monte Vista is filled with families and individuals across many generations.

There are a number of things we as good neighbors can be doing to check in on one another, especially for our older community. Some suggestions include: • Keep the sidewalks in front or on the side of your homes clear of debris.

This supports safe walking and can help prevent falls.

• Make it a habit to tell your neighbor if you are away for a period of time since an extra pair of eyes on your home can improve security.

• Notice what is “out of the ordinary” for your neighbor. Are there variations in your neighbor’s patterns of raising blinds or opening curtains, coming and going, vehicle movement, or yard maintenance? Check in with them to see if they are okay.

Looking for additional resources?

SAPD’s non-emergency line (210-207-SAPD) can be used to schedule a wellness check if you are concerned about the well-being of a neighbor but don’t feel comforable checking in on them yourself.

The Alamo Area Council of Governments and the Bexar County Area Agency on Aging offers a variety of resources for home support, caregiver resources, transportation and more. Many of these services our paid for through our taxes. Visit www.aacog.gov to lean more.

Development Services Code Enforcement Department has resources for property maintence that includes a community tool shed and a senior assistant program for those 65+. Find info at www.sa.gov/Directory/Departments/DSD/ CES/Process/Maintenance.

Additional resources include our SAFFE Officer Jesus Hinojosa at Jesus. hinojosa@sanantonio.gov, 210-207-1039 and our District 1 representative Allison Martinez at allison.martinez2@sanantonio.gov, 210.207.8040.

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SAN AN TO N IO EXPERT IS E. N OW, A FAMILY APPROACH. LYNN A. BOYD III AND MADISON BOYD Two generations of San Antonio real estate.

Together, they bring two generations of perspective to the buying and selling experience, combining Lynn’s decades of market knowledge and established relationships with Madison’s fresh perspective, energy, and shared commitment to thoughtful, highly personal service.

c. 210.863.5758 | laboyd3@phyllisbrowning.com | lynnboyd.com

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Completed Pilot Landscape Project

By Rick Lewis The Pilot Landscape Project (PLP) was conceived as a way to showcase a sustainable, droughttolerant yard designed to tastefully coexist within its early 20th Century neighborhoodWorking with landscape designer and installer Clay Cauthhorn, the project was initiated with Monte Vista residents Melody and Andy Hull for their home located at 324 W. Rosewood Ave. We’ve reported on the logistical plans and progress of the deisgn over the past year in Vistas.

The project’s planting efforts were completed in July just as the the relentless summer heat and drought

were already settling into their all-too-familiar routine. The yard’s ground cover, shrubs and small trees have endured the heat aided by modest sprinkler and drip irrigation systems. The project highlights an alternative way to transform yard in a time and place where it simply does not rain enough to sucessfully sustain a grass lawn.

Appreciating that new plants take time to grow and mature, the project is now ready to be critically viewed by Monte Vista neighbors.

Clay Cauthorn, the Hulls and other members of the project will be hosting a tour of the yard on September 26th from 9:45-11:45am.

Event Agenda 9:45am: Gather at the Hulls for coffee, refreshments, and socializing. Welcoming and opening comments (tour participants are encouraged to walk to site).

10am: Clay Cauthorn and Melody Hull speak about the client and landscape designer working relationship in defining the goals and concepts of the project, and how the PLP yard meets the expectations set forth by the ARC Landscape Task Team.

Tour of the project by Clay with time given for attendee questions and responses.

11am: Concluding remarks

by Clay and an invitation for those who would like to see a mature drought tolerant landscape to walk over to the Cauthorn Residence for a short tour their property.

11:45am: Tour concludes.

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PRESIDENT’S LETTER

FROM PAGE 2

updated Five-Year Vision. This new view will then be presented to the MVHA Board for approval and adoption.

And, while it would be premature to share details at this time, I can tell you that it will include elements that continue to strengthen our partnerships with the various City entities, elevate our financial acumen and governance, and build-out a more robust framework for dealing with the most challenging issues lurking on the horizon.

In any event, I intend to work hard and enjoy these final months to their fullest. It’s worth noting, too, I won’t be going far when my term as president expires. I remain on the board and will support our incoming president, David Dickie in every way I can.

One last thing………please mark your calendars for the 2026 5k Fun Run/Walk & Holiday Market scheduled for November 14th. It’s our 3rd year hosting this event and each year has been more robust and more exciting than the last. While perhaps not as elaborate as our annual Soirée, this event is also an important fundraising event for MVHA. You can check-out sponsorship options at www. montevistasa.org/5Kmarket and email mail@montevistasa.org for Holiday Market Vendor opportunities.

Regards,

Tom P.S. Have ideas on how we can do better? Want to help us protect and preserve this neighborhood we all love? Submit your application to join us on the MVHA Board! See flyer to the right.

MV Book

Learn more about the history of the Monte Vista Historic District! “San Antonio’s Monte Vista Architecture and Society in a Gilded Age” in softcover

by Donald E. Everett can be can be purchased for $20 at montevisasa.org/mvhamerch. www.montevistasa.org

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Upcoming Events Seeking hosts for 2026!

Please reach out to mail@montevista-sa.org if you are interested in hosting a neighborhood social event.

Third Thursday Oct 15, 6:30-8:30pm 238 W Hollywood Ave Annual Meeting Oct 18, 2-4pm Laurel Heights Church Third Thursday Nov 19, 6:30-8:30pm Bushnell Rooftop

Spring Pet Spotlight: Rho & Ohm

By Lydia McAfee Meet Rho & Ohmie, you’ve probably seen them barking out of our front windows or on our daily walks. Rho is a Great Dane/Catahoula mix and Ohmie is a Chow/Great Pyranees mix - both rescues from SNIPSA. Ohmie is a shy gentle boy who takes his job of head security officer very seriously even though he’s afraid of most things. His smile & fuzzy, fox-like looks bring happiness to anyone that meets him.

Rho is our grumpy old man who’s hobbies include barking at airplanes, chasing lizards, sleeping and exclusively playing with stuffed hedgehogs. He’s even the star of a famous meme that’s been seen by millions on the internet.

They are my favorite co-workers and companions and I feel so lucky everyday that they are ours.

They will always be my greatest joy and one day (hopefully far off in the future) my greatest heartbreak.

Ohmie, Age 9

Rho, Age 13

5K & Holiday Market Nov 14, 9am-2pm Landa Library

We want to feature your pet in the next issue of Vistas! Submit photo & paragraph to mail@montevista-sa.org.

Board Meetings, every second Tuesday of the Month @ 6pm MVHA Office at Landa Library & over Zoom

Monte Vista Fiesta Medal Raffle Purchase a raffle ticket for the chance to feature your historic home on the 2027 MVHA Fiesta Medal.

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.

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1 ticket for $30 or 4 tickets for $100

This could be your home!

montevistasa.org No limit to ticket purchases. All proceeds of the raffle benefit MVHA. Drawing will take place at the October Third Thursday.

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Thank you to the John & Florence Newman Foundation for underwriting Vistas and your continued support of the Monte Vista Historical Association.

Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID San Antonio, TX Permit No. 2614

P.O. Box 12386 San Antonio, Texas 78212

2026 Membership Form

Monte Vista Historical Association

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

Pay online at www.montevista-sa.org or complete this form and mail check payable to the Monte Vista Historical Association, P.O. Box 12386, San Antonio, Texas 78212. Please print!

Date _______________________________________ 1st Member's Name _________________________ 1st Member's Phone _________________________ 1st Member's Email __________________________ Home Address & Zip Code___________________ ____________________________________________

The newsletter of Monte Vista Phone 210-737-8212 Email mail@montevista-sa.org Interested in advertising in Vistas?

1/2 page ads - $500 1/4 ads - $250 Ads can be purchased on our website or checks mailed to MVHA.

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Indicate:__Renewing Member or __New Member 2nd Member's Name________________________________ 2nd Member's Phone_______________________________ 2nd Member's Email________________________________ Mailing Address (if different) ________________________ ____________________________________________________

Membership and Sponsorship Categories Annual Member $50 per household $_______________ 5 Year Member $200 (2025-2030) $ ________________ Lifetime Member $1,000 per household $________________ Annual Business Membership $100 $________________ 5 Year Business Membership $500 (2025-2030)

________________

Business Name_________________________________

Business Website __________________________________

Business Contact Name_________________________

Business Address __________________________________

Founders Fund in memory/honor of $_______

_____________________________________________

Amount

__ Yes, include our household in the next printed membership directory, or __ No, please do not list my information in the directory.

LIST YOUR VOLUNTEER INTEREST __ Serve on the MVHA board __Host a Third Thursday Social at your home.

COMMITTEES __ Architectural Review __ Historic Preservation __ Social __Code Compliance __Membership __Home Tour __ Communications __ Neighborhood Safety and Services List a topic or activity for the MVHA board to pursue: ___________________________________________________