Historical Society to Censure the City
Opening of street in front of Alamo denounced

The Bexar County Historical Commission has voted to censure the city for opening the street in front of the Alamo so a private motorcycle club could take a group photo. Hours after the commission's vote Monday, a second opening of Alamo Plaza East in less than a month was broadcast nationwide on the "Tonight Show" with Jay Leno.

The comedian, who taped the spot Saturday during an eight-hour visit to the city, could be seen leaving a car parked on the street and going up to the Alamo as part of a gag.

Commission Chairwoman Virginia Nicholas said members voted unanimously to send a letter to the city voicing their displeasure over the Nov. 12 motorcycle club photo shoot.

The street has been closed since 1993 for various reasons. In 1994, the City Council adopted a plan calling for it to be closed permanently, partly in response to complaints by American Indians that it went over the graves of Native Americans buried there when the Alamo was a Spanish mission.

"If the city had made an agreement to close the street, they're selectively letting people drive over graves. How else can you see it?" Nicholas said.

Spokesmen from the club and the city have said the bikes were pushed, not driven, over the possible cemetery site.

Also, city Parks Director Ron Darner said Tuesday, Leno's car was not permitted to drive over the cemetery area. A park ranger was there to make sure of that, he added.

Commission member and historian Henry Guerra said opening the street for the two photo events sent the wrong message.

"When the city closed it to big things, like Fiesta (parades), then let motorbikes and automobiles go over ground where (graves) might be - it seems contradictory.

"It seems they are giving way to commercial interests (but) what interest are they showing in protecting historical attractions?" Guerra said.

Bob Benavides, a former member of both the commission and the Alamo Plaza Study Committee that recommended closing the street permanently, also criticized the photo and taping.

"If an individual member of the City Council cannot show respect for the sacrifices made on that site by the heroes of the Alamo, how can the rest of the community expect to see Spanish, Mexican and Indian heritage respected there?" he asked.

Councilwoman Linda Billa Burke proposed the resolution that allowed the motorcycle club photo to be taken.

The city film commission asked for permission for the Leno taping upon the request of KMOL-TV, which broadcasts the "Tonight Show" said Kathy Rhoads, film commission director.

Darner said that was the first request to open the street his department has had.