The SAH Star

Traditionally lit each night between Thanksgiving and New Years Day, the star has been in the trusted care of two families for nearly 6 decades! George Hostetler and his family built their home and erected the 35' star to illuminate the greater Upland area. That tradition was honored faithfully until 1996, when the home was sold to Ken Petschow.

Ken and his wife were immediately drawn to the star after traveling from their home in Pasadena, and fell in love not only with the property – but what the star represented to the community. In the years that followed, the commercial airline pilot and engineer ensured the star underwent changes to not only make it bigger – but to make it brighter and more visible to everyone wishing to enjoy this treasured piece of community history.

Ken's mission has always been one of community spirit – he doesn't do it for the recognition, and the surprisingly humble man dutifully carries out the work required because he cannot imagine a Christmas season without the star being lit, and most residents would agree – it is just not Christmas without the San Antonio Heights Star.

Admittedly, Ken likes to keep the Star as spiritually neutral as possible – which serves to welcome new generations every year into this amazing tradition. Funded largely by public support – the general maintenance and repairs always seem to fall to one family and a small group of volunteers donating their time and materials to keep the star as big and as bright as possible.