San Antonio: A Transit Hub, Then & Now.
Explore the rich history and compelling data that highlight the need for enhanced transit in San Antonio. Discover the district's historical significance as a transportation hub, and examine the present-day demographics that clearly show the urgent need for improved connectivity.
San Antonio's Transit Story
East Oakland's San Antonio district bears witness to a remarkable, yet often overlooked, history as a vital transportation nexus. In the mid-19th century, Antonio Maria Peralta's rancho became the site of the East Bay's first shipping wharf, the San Antonio Embarcadero, strategically located where a creek met the estuary. This hub facilitated the movement of cattle hides and redwood lumber, laying the foundation for the area's growth.
1869 map of Oakland, featuring the former San Antonio Embarcadero, located where the two east-west streetcar routes converged at the foot of today's 13th and 14th Avenues in what was then the Township of Brooklyn.
A Key Point for the East Bay
Subsequently, San Antonio became a crucial intersection for maritime, rail, and urban transit, fueling rapid development and the incorporation of Brooklyn township (now San Antonio and Clinton). From 1875 to 1895, the Embarcadero's rail connections cemented its role as East Oakland's central development point, fostering commercial activity along E. 12th Street. Notably, the Alameda County Courthouse even briefly resided near E. 14th Street and 20th Avenue. This legacy underscores the district's historical significance as a key transportation artery, a role we believe it can reclaim.
1857 U.S. Coast Survey Map of San Antonio Creek and Oakland, California (near San Francisco)
Source: Wikipedia
Describe your image
The building was constructed in 1894 by A. W. Cornelius and designed by architect John Conant. Olander opened the saloon in 1895. The Oakland Tribune described the interior as "a work of art" and it featured a large oak bar with birdseye maple veneer
Plan of San Antonio
Describe your image
Slideshow of images from San Antonio, Oakland
SHOWING THE NEED
Interactive Data Maps
Data-driven equity, community-powered progress.
Our neighborhood deserves a future with accessible and affordable transportation. That's why we're advocating for the San Antonio BART Station.
This project isn't just about convenience; it's about equity.
Thanks to supporter Ruth Fatolitis, we now have a powerful data map showcasing the critical need for this station. This map visualizes key demographics, including transit reliance, income levels, and racial diversity. It paints a clear picture: our community is brimming with residents who would greatly benefit from improved public transportation access.
Data from American Community Survey 5 year estimates (2022 tables), geospatial data is the 2022 Tiger file for California. Thank you, Ruth!
How to use the map:
-
Toggle on and off data layers using the "eye" icon
-
Toggle data "layers" using the stack icon
-
View the data ranges with the "legend" icon
Please allow a moment for the data to load
High density of multi-family housing
Dense multifamily housing is a sweet spot for infill stations. More residents living close together means a higher ridership. Residents in multifamily units are also less likely to own cars, so a station offers a convenient alternative, reducing traffic and emissions.
Building an infill station in a densely populated area with multifamily housing creates a win-win for residents, the environment, and economic growth
Reduced car dependence and environmental benefits
12-30% of our community's residents don't own a car, and need transit options to get to shopping, school, work, and recreation.
A conveniently located BART station offers a reliable alternative, reducing car dependence and associated traffic congestion. This translates to lower emissions and a more sustainable transportation system.
Equity and inclusion
The demographics speak for themselves. we are nearly 80% non-white and have been passed over by systems designed in the mid-century to transport residents of whiter suburbs to jobs in the city.
Equitable public transportation access helps right the wrongs of the past, and will bring economic, social, and environmental benefits for all.