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Dental office’s abrupt closure leaves patients frowning By Adam Zuvanich azuvanich@theleadernews.com Nothing seemed amiss on Jan. 17, when Amanda Leal took her two daughters to the Signature Smiles dental office in Garden Oaks. The Candlelight Estates resident said she joked with some of the employees there after her girls had their checkups, and then Leal made appointments for the following month. Three days later, however, she got an email saying the office was non-operational. “I’m just flabbergasted,” Leal
said. Several other Northwest Houston residents have had similar reactions since the local Signature Smiles office, located at 3800 N. Shepherd Dr., Suite 3A, abruptly closed Jan. 20. The business provided no warning, according to multiple patients, and some said they aren’t sure whether they can continue to receive treatment from the doctors who worked there or recoup payments they made for services that have yet to be provided. According to the office’s web-
site, its founder and majority owner is Dr. Terry Lee. Harris County court records show that Lee, the Signature Smiles office and the affiliated Alliance Surgical Center were sued in November by U.S. Bank Equipment Finance, which claims that Lee and the business defaulted on payments for more than $95,000 in medical equipment. Court documents also show that Lee filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy protection in December. Neither Lee’s attorney, MargaSee Closing P. 8A
Photo by Adam Zuvanich The Signature Smiles office in Garden Oaks, located at 3800 N. Shepherd Dr. Suite 3A, closed Jan. 20.
Enough is enough
Jason Knebel (713)232-9712
jasonk@greenwoodking.com GREENWOOD KING
PROPERTIES
Eastman
THEHEIGHTSTHEATER.COM
Eastman beats La Rotta in runoff for statehouse seat
339 W 19th St, Houston, TX 77008
By Adam Zuvanich azuvanich@theleadernews.com
See the NOW Lineup OPEN O PEN page 7A
INSIDE. Photo by Adam Zuvanich Alli Jarrett, owner of Harold’s Restaurant and Tap Room, speaks during a town hall meeting about crime in the Heights.
Police chief vows to curb burglaries at area businesses By Adam Zuvanich azuvanich@theleadernews.com Future is now. Robot vehicles that deliver groceries have arrived in the Heights.
Page 1B
Food and friendliness. Zarah Parker reviews Heights Asian Cafe
Page 7A
Art Acevedo has an entire police force at his command. He still fell victim to a crime that remains unsolved. The Houston Police Chief said his son’s bicycle was stolen last year from a rack at Harvard Elementary in the Heights, where Acevedo resides with his family. The bike was never found. “It pissed me off,” he said. Acevedo shared his personal crime story Monday during a town hall meeting at the Historic Heights Fire Station, where more than 100 business owners from the Heights and other parts of the city sounded off about their own experiences as victims. Many complained to the police chief about what they said is a recent uptick in building burglaries and vehicle break-ins in the Heights, Midtown and Montrose ar-
eas, along with an inadequate response from the Houston Police Department, Harris County prosecutors and judges who make it easy for repeat offenders to get out of jail and go back to stealing. Bobby Heugel, co-owner of Better Luck Tomorrow and Squable, said the popular Heights restaurants have been burglarized a combined seven times in the last two months. “It’s been an enormous problem,” he said. “The past three years have been something that we’ve never seen in this city before. It’s a whole other level.” Acevedo acknowledged that burglaries have been a “tremendous challenge,” particularly in the Heights area, and said HPD needs to do more to combat them. He said he’s asked Houston See Burglaries P. 8A
Photo by Adam Zuvanich Houston Police Chief Art Acevedo, a Heights residents, speaks Monday during a town hall meeting.
Anna Eastman will represent Northwest Houston in Austin, at least for now The Heights Democrat beat Republican Lui La Rotta in a special election for the District 148 seat in the Texas House of Representatives, staving off 11 other Democratic candidates in November and then earning nearly twice as many votes as La Rotta in the runoff that ended Tuesday. Eastman received 65.5 percent of the 6,915 votes cast in the runoff, according to unofficial results released Tuesday night by Harris County Clerk Diane Trautman. Eastman, a former Houston ISD trustee, will complete the term of fellow Democrat Jessica Farrar, who retired at the end of September after 25 years as the District 148 representative. Before participating in the next state legislative session in 2021, however, Eastman must win at least two more elections. She will compete in the March 3 primary against four other Democrats -- Adrian Garcia, Penny Morales Shaw, Cynthia Reyes-Revilla and Emily Wolf -- and the seat will be up for grabs again in November. La Rotta, a first-time political candidate who had hoped to flip a seat long held by Democrats, will have another chance later this year. He is unopposed in the Republican primary.
HHA asking community to reimagine Donovan Park Feeling Salty. Meet Stacy Gresell, the subject of this week’s Art Valet column.
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THE INDEX. Church/Calendar. ............................. 5A Classifieds.............................................. 4B Coupons. ................................................. 6A Food/Drink/Art................................... 7A Obituaries.............................................. 5A Opinion. ................................................... 4A Public Information......................... 2A Puzzles...................................................... 4A Sports. ....................................................... 7B
By Adam Zuvanich azuvanich@theleadernews.com Generations of Heights children have enjoyed Donovan Park, where there are swing sets and several structures to run through, climb atop and slide down from. There’s even a wooden replica of a train kids can pretend to conduct. The 24-year-old park at 7th Street and Heights Boulevard has been utilized more and more in recent years as the neighborhood has experienced a revival and Photo by Adam Zuvanich exponential growth. That has acFresh paint was applied to the wooden train at Donovan celerated the erosion of Donovan Park on Wednesday. More upgrades are upcoming. Park, where safety and the need
for upgrades have been become increasing concerns. “It’s a well-used, well-loved park,” said Bill Baldwin, a prominent Heights Realtor and former president of the Houston Heights Association (HHA). “It is apparent when you’re there that things need attention.” Baldwin and other neighborhood leaders are tending to the park’s needs, and they’re asking for residents to do the same. Baldwin leads the “Friends of Donovan Park” committee that is starting a capital campaign called “Donovan Park Reimagined,” which aims to improve and overhaul the park so it can be enjoyed by future genera-
tions of Heights children. The public is invited to a news conference scheduled for 10 a.m. Saturday at the park, where the Friends of Donovan Park will announce a fundraising goal of $1 million. Baldwin said the first $500,000 will be used to revamp the 37,505 square foot park, which is owned and operated by the HHA, and the other $500,000 will be allocated for future maintenance. “It’s a big part of our history,” said Damian Ogier, the new president of the HHA. “That whole thing was built and developed by See Park P. 8A
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THE PUBLIC. The Leader • Saturday, February 1, 2020 • Page 2A
Post 560 accepting applicants for educational program From Staff Reports American Legion Post 560 in Garden Oaks is gearing up to sponsor a select number of young men from the area to attend the 75th Session of “Texas Boys State” from June 7-12 at the University of Texas at Austin. American Legion Boys State
is an educational program of government instruction for high school students that aims to provide an opportunity to develop leadership skills. In order to be chosen for the program, the student must be a current high school junior with “strong academic performance, good interpersonal, oratorical skills and leadership
skills,” according to the organization. High school juniors and their parents or guardians, as well as high school principals and counselors, are invited to attend a question-and-answer session from 1-3 p.m. Feb. 15 at Post 560 at 3720 Alba Rd. for information on the nomination process.
Prior to the meeting, the organization has asked hopefuls to view the programs, pictures and videos on the Texas Boys State website at texasboysstate.com.
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Officer fires shots during chase through neighborhood From Staff Reports Authorities have arrested two suspects who allegedly led police on a chase through the area last weekend that resulted in an officer discharging his weapon. The Houston Police Department said it has arrested 35-year-old Joshua Wayne Stacey on charges of aggravated assault against a public servant, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and evading arrest in a motor vehicle. Police also arrested 43-year-old Russell Blaylock and charged him with possession of a controlled substance and evading arrest in connection with the incident. According to police, a resident who witnessed a nearby white truck and trailer involved in a Sunday theft at Algiers Road and Burnside Lane flagged down a state trooper
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who was in the area around 8:30 a.m. When the trooper attempted to stop the truck and trailer, the driver – identified by police as Stacey – allegedly fled in the truck, according to HPD. During the pursuit, HPD said the vehicle stopped momentarily at 7600 West Tidwell Rd. before backing the trailer into the trooper’s patrol vehicle and another vehicle. Stacey then allegedly fled until he reached the 5800 block
of Pinemont Drive, where he stopped once more, and police say he again backed the trailer toward the trooper. In response, HPD said the trooper shot at Stacey and Blaylock, who was in the passenger seat. HPD said Stacey then fled until he reached the 8000 block of Kempwood Drive, where the vehicle and trailer jack-knifed. HPD said both suspects then attempted to flee the scene on foot, but were caught.
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None injured in area apartment fires By Landan Kuhlmann landan@theleadernews.com Multiple area apartment fires broke out in close proximity last weekend, causing estimated damage north of $100,000. No injuries were reported in either incident. According to the Houston Fire Department, crews arrived on the scene of a fire at the Aspen Apartments at 6150 W. Tidwell Rd. just after
10 a.m. Jan. 19 to see smoke coming from the roof of one of the complex’s two-story units. The apartment’s occupant told investigators he smelled smoke and noticed smoke coming from an electrical outlet in the bathroom. Investigators determined the outlet shorted out, causing an accidental fire that burned up the wall and extended to the attic space of the apartment next door, causing an estimated $80,000 worth of
damage. Crews later responded to another fire less than 2 miles away at an apartment complex in the 5900 block of Pinemont Drive just before 3:30 p.m. Jan. 19 to find flames coming from the first floor of the two-story complex. Investigators determined the cause was a cooking fire which had extended into the cabinetry and walls of the kitchen, causing an estimated $40,000 in damage.
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Police Reports • Jan. 22 - 27 JAN. 22
Burglary 2 AM 500 BLOCK YALE Theft 1 AM 100 BLOCK W 20TH Theft 5 PM 600 BLOCK W 19TH Theft 10 AM 2600 BLOCK FOUNTAIN KEY BLVD Theft 5 PM 500 BLOCK YALE Theft 5 PM 300 BLOCK W 19TH Theft 4 PM 500 BLOCK W 19TH Theft 7 PM 1000 BLOCK STUDEWOOD
JAN. 23
Theft 1 AM 3900 BLOCK HEIGHTS BLVD Robbery 9 AM 5000 BLOCK E CROSSTIMBERS Theft 7 AM 100 BLOCK CAVALCADE Burglary 9 PM 100 BLOCK CONOLY Burglary 7 PM 1500 BLOCK SHEPHERD Theft 9 PM 1400 BLOCK STUDEMONT Assault 12 AM 1000 BLOCK BAYLAND Theft 6 PM 1100 BLOCK W 19TH Theft 11 AM 500 BLOCK GRANBERRY
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Theft 2 PM 2500 BLOCK SHEARN Burglary 1 AM 1000 BLOCK N SHEPHERD Theft 8 PM 1400 BLOCK LAIRD
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Theft 11 PM 5400 BLOCK LARKIN Theft 2 PM 5100 BLOCK N SHEPHERD Theft 10 PM 5000 BLOCK SCHULER
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Theft 9 PM 900 BLOCK W 19TH Theft 5 PM 1000 BLOCK W 20TH Theft 7 PM 1300 BLOCK W 20TH Theft 10 PM 2500 BLOCK YALE Burglary 4 AM 1600 BLOCK ENID Burglary 3 AM 700 BLOCK CROSSTIMBERS
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THE TOPICS. The Leader • Saturday, February 1, 2020 • Page 4A
Air quality should be growing concern for city
I
t hit me as soon as I stepped outside, like a big plume of smoke, except I couldn’t see it. The Houston sky looked like it always had when I returned from a two-week trip to France, but the feel and smell of it felt foreign. The air was heavy and sticky and reeked of oil and gas, which made me want to get back on the plane and go away again. I was home, though, and the air was no different than it had been before I left. It just took an extended stay on another part of the planet – a far less polluted part – to make me realize how bad it was. And that was in 1992. Nearly 30 years later, the Space City has made some improvements in terms of its air quality. According to the American Lung Association’s annual “State of the Air” report, Houston had far more unhealthy air days in the late 1990s than it did in 2019. But that’s not exactly a reason to brag. The city still ranks as one of the 10 most polluted in the United States, according the latest air quality report, and it’s still noticeable. That’s largely because of all the industry in the Houston area, from
and damaged or destroyed hundreds of other structures, including places where people live. The blast was heard and felt several Adam miles away, including in areas served Zuvanich by The Leader. My immediate concern when I heard about it was the effect it Editor might have on air quality. There apparently were no significant problems in that regard, but that’s beside the point. Air quality in the aftermath of industrial malfunctions has become an ever-present oil refineries to chemical companies concern for many Houstonians, to manufacturing plants to sites that because those glitches might be more produce concrete. They have helped common than flooding. make the city prosperous and diverse, There were three petrochemical providing jobs and a boost to the local fires in the region in a span of 17 days economy, but its effects also can make last spring, including a fire at Interconbreathing problematic. tinental Terminals Company in Deer And let’s just say the ability to Park that burned for more than four breathe is important. days. It created a huge plume of black The issue is exacerbated by Houssmoke that rolled its way across the ton’s lack of zoning laws, because city, including this part of town. many industrial businesses are in Events like that are frightening, close proximity to residential comespecially for families with young munities. That problem was no more children or senior citizens who are evident than early last Friday mornespecially vulnerable. I recently joined ing, when an explosion at Watson that group, becoming a father about Grinding & Manufacturing in Northa month ago, and the health ramificawest Houston killed two employees tions of growing up in Houston is a
Lynn Ashby Columnist
magazines. Again, stealing from other sources, we find that in 2011, 152 magazines ceased operations. Between the years of 2008 to 2015, Oxbridge communications announced that 227 magazines launched and 82 magazines closed in North America. Furthermore, according to MediaFinder.com, 93 new magazines launched between the first six months of 2014 and 30 closed. The category which produced the most new publications was “Regional interest,” of which six new magazines were launched. However, two magazines had to change their print schedules. Jet stopped printing regular issues making the change to digital format, but it still prints an annual edition. Ladies’ Home Journal stopped their monthly schedule and home delivery for subscribers to become a quarterly newsstand-only publication. Subscription levels for 22 of the top 25 magazines declined from 2012 to 2013. Some tried to change their format. Playboy published its first non-nude issue in March 2016. One year later it brought back the nudes, which tells us that no one bought Playboy to read Hugh Hefner’s philosophy. Some mags are going online, following the newspaper industry. (The New York Times, which is making gobs of money, has more on-line readers than print.) Notice that, while massappeal magazines are faltering, those aimed at specific readers are growing. Go to any Barnes & Noble and you will see rows of niche magazines: Spider Collectors, Your Mustache, Flashers Weekly. Some mags are going online, following the newspaper industry. (The New York Times, which is making gobs of money, has more on-line readers than print.) Just look at U.S. News & World Report. In June 2008, citing the decline overall of magazine circulation and advertising, the mag became a biweekly publication. Five months later it published monthly. At one point U.S. News was sold for a dollar in addition to the buyer assuming some $40 million in liabilities. In December, 2010, it stopped printed editions, but still turns out its list of best colleges, trucks, etc. As for Time, during the second half of 2009, newsstand sales declined 34.9 percent, and they kept going down. In the first half of 2010, another decline of at least one-third. In 2017, the mag’s weekly circulation had dropped one-third, to 2-million copies, although it still notes the “person of the year.” The company also cut the print issue frequency of Sports Illustrated, Entertain-
against a business that planned to operate a concrete batch plant next to homes and across from a park. The TCEQ had taken steps toward granting an air quality permit to Soto Ready Mix, which pulled its application amidst pressure from Turner and other elected officials. Acres Homes residents spent nearly two years voicing opposition to the proposed plant, and as Turner and Air Alliance Houston pointed out, communities shouldn’t have to work so hard and shout so loud to be safe from pollution. Protecting their rights and well-being should be a given. Houston should be more mindful of that moving forward, especially as the city continues to become more densely populated. Maybe it’s time to implement some zoning laws, or maybe there should be stricter guidelines and regulations for industrial businesses, especially when they’re near neighborhoods. If we keep letting things catch fire and blow up, there might come a time when we all decide to move someplace like France. And as great of a place as it might be, I’m not sure any of us wants that.
THE READER.
Dying of poor circulation THE MAIL BOX – More mail. Six days a week I get more mail. All the important stuff comes via email, tweet, twitters, smoke signals and carrier pigeons. The Postal Service brings me catalogues, ransom notes and magazines. I love magazines, having grown up when they were an important part of America’s communications. Once a week my family would get Time and Life, sometimes it was also Newsweek or U.S. News & World Report, although I could never figure out why the Saturday Evening Post arrived on Tuesday afternoons. Yes, magazines were vibrant, anticipated and carried weight. Once Life did a profile on a classmate and she was the talk of the school. My father was a pediatrician, and when he built his own office, it was on the front cover of Architectural Digest. You would have thought he had won the Nobel Prize for Architectural Splendor. Today my magazine list is limited to the New Yorker and Texas Monthly. (The Alcalde, UT’s alumni mag, is different and mostly just hits me up for money. UT Systems has an endowment of $30.886 billion. Now, if it’s a collection for a new head football coach, I’ll listen.) But I don’t know how long mags will be around because -- just look at this letter: a plea to continue my subscription. Here’s another. It’s really pathetic. These sobbings start in the dead of summer with cards sporting little snowflakes to get me in the holiday mood. “Don’t forget your subscription.” Sort of dry, businesslike. Two weeks later. “This is a Labor Day reminder to…” Then: “Don’t get spooked on Halloween. Just fill out this card….” “Thanksgiving is coming! Be thankful you can just check this box and…” As Christmas approached, New Yorker was getting desperate. “Please subscribe! We have spouses and children. Santa is hurting!” Texas Monthly tried a new plea: “We won’t list you in our Bum Steers Awards this year. Promise.” I turned down the New Yorker when it promised: “We’ll put your home on the front cover. Eat your heart out, Architectural Digest.” We hear a lot about the death of newspapers, and we should. One in five newspapers has closed since 2004 in the United States, and about half of the nation’s more than 3,000 counties have only one newspaper, many of them printing weekly, according to a report by the University of North Carolina published in late 2018. Between 1970 and 2016, the year the American Society of News Editors quit counting, 500 or so dailies went out of business; the rest cut news coverage, or shrank the paper’s size, or stopped producing a print edition, or did all of that. Meanwhile, in the last year alone, Facebook and Google added tens of thousands of employees and reported billions of dollars in profits. Maybe there’s a link. But not as much has been said about the demise of
concern that has crept into my mind. These chemical fires and explosions tend to blow over in the minds of people who consider them common, which is where we’re at as a city. We might not worry too much because we can’t always feel their effects immediately, and we might be reluctant to place blame because we know these incidents are accidents. That line of thinking reminds me of something my dad always told me growing up, which is what his dad told him and I’ll probably tell my son when he gets older. Whenever I knocked something over and said, “I didn’t mean to,” the response I got was, “You didn’t mean not to.” It may take that sort of attitude to curb the troubling trend of industrial malfunctions that impact communities. There needs to be more deliberate and effective action to prevent them. There should be more accountability from government agencies charged with keeping citizens safe. Mayor Sylvester Turner and the nonprofit Air Alliance Houston criticized the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality last week after Acres Homes residents won a battle
ment Weekly, Fortune and four other mags. Time is running out for Time. You want deals? Go online to “magazines” and you will find subscription prices slashed 20 percent, 40 percent, one mag gives you 75 percent off. Last summer, when those appeals to resubscribe started, I began counting what I received: seven from Texas Monthly and10 from the New Yorker. That’s more pleas for money than I get from PBS and Wounded Warriors. The mags are offering to buy one, get a second subscription free, or get tote bags and calendars. The publisher will come to your house and read the cover story. So if you want to stop receiving all those pleas from magazines to re-subscribe, just wait. That problem will solve itself. Ashby subscribes at ashby2@comcast.net
Email us your letters: news@theleadernews.com
City holding tree-planting event at T.C. Jester Park
has much suction as Sylvester or Shelia JacksonLee….or could it be were were the wrong color? Matthew Feinberg
Dear Editor: Don’t get me wrong, I’m all for cleaning up the environment and planting trees, but why that many? It’s way too concentrated. I’ve been driving by and seeing all the trees ready to be planted and it’s just too many in one area. This will attract wildlife but which will become roadkill. And if the forest isn’t kept up I’m sure the Candlelight neighborhood will not be too happy. Once again I think this is great and I’m glad trees are being planted but please cut the number down at least. There are so many things they can do with this park but okay. Neighbor
Dear Editor: Everyone loves the no zoning laws in Houston, until it comes to their neighborhood. It seems like Mayor Turner made sure that his neighborhood won’t have any heavy trucks and noise, but he doesn’t seem too concerned about heavy trucks and noise in YOUR neighborhood. Jason Hochman
Upcoming closing of Doyle’s evokes restaurant full of memories
Dear Editor: I was told, a year ago, by the Watonga Park disc golf course organizers that they were working with park officials to remove brush, install signs and concrete, even relocate homeless people for that now abandoned course. Seems like a lot of effort for park officials to let get by and then label it as “rogue.” Zach Maxwell
Soto Ready Mix to withdraw application for concrete batch plant in Acres Homes
Dear Editor: I and my neighbors fought a concrete plant in our neighborhood for a year. I guess our State Rep, Mayor, county Commissioner, County Judge, City Council members who all protested just don’t have
Dear Editor: When I was pregnant with our first child, we went to Doyle’s twice a week for pizza. We would eat one there and order another uncooked for me to have later because that’s what I craved and it was only Doyle’s, large works pizza with ground beef and light sauce! I didn’t want any other pizza than Doyle’s! Now , both my children and my two grandchildren have been eating it since each one was little making FOUR generations of my family that eats, ate there as my parents introduced us to it when I was just a small child. It opened the same year I was born! Please let your followers and life long customers know when and where you are opening the spinoff restaurant! Even if it is only for takeout, we will be there. We were there Dec. 24, and have vowed to go every week till you close! Thanks for such wonderful memories and fantastic food over all these years! Karen and Mark Goodwin
the leader Puzzlers. Answers found in this week’s Classified section
SUDOKU
aCrOss 1. Poets 6. Insecticide 9. Insect feeler 13. Intestinal 14. ‘Drum Boogie’ singer 15. Region 16. Chinese automotive co. 17. Served before entree 18. Dwells 19. Boosted 21. Tells players what to do 22. Infections 23. Hoover is one 24. Expresses surprise 25. Basketball position (abbr.) 27. Fresh Prince of __ Air 28. Hindu queens 30. Easter marshmallow treat 32. Where coaches stand 35. Women 37. Thai province 38. Drenches 40. Matters that settle 43. Not wide 44. Elaborate garments 45. Swiss river 47. South Dakota 48. Instinctive part of the mind 50. Some put this in their
hair 51. French young women 53. Two legged support 55. Stimulates the heart 59. Waste matter 60. Nocturnal rodents 61. The Who anthem ‘__’ ‘Riley’ 62. Old age personified 63. Remnant 64. Disband 65. Nanosecond 66. Referee declares 67. A citizen of Iran
dOwn 1. ‘ER’ actress Leslie 2. Wings 3. Power to direct and control 4. Small freshwater fishes of Eurasia 5. Scandium 6. Earnhardt and Hunter are two 7. Two-parted 8. Foul-mouthed bear from the movies 9. Tan horses 10. Song 11. Draw blood 12. High-ranking Turkish officer 14. Determine time 17. Begets 20. Watch chain 21. Constellation
representing a dog 23. Indian dish 25. Legumes 26. Romanian river 28. An auto you don’t keep 29. Signs, __, delivers 30. Police Department 31. Relating to teaching 33. Sportscaster Patrick 34. A way to glide 36. Fathered 39. Statute mile (abbr.) 41. One-thousandth of an inch 42. Discounts 46. Rockers from Georgia 48. Norwegian playwright 49. Herbs 51. S. China seaport 52. Stout sword 54. Pasty 55. Fill a suitcase 56. Japanese weapon 57. Dark brown or black 58. Grain crop 60. Time used in far western states 64. Drill instructor
WORD SCRAMBLE
The Leader • Saturday, February 1, 2020 • Page 5A
THINGS TO DO. The Arts
College Guidance Saturday, Feb. 1 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. Heights High School – 413 E. 13th St. College GPS is a free symposium to provide parent and students 7th – 12th grade with information in regards to the holistic college admissions process and beyond.
Electric Guest Saturday, Feb. 1 8 p.m. White Oak Music Hall – 2915 N. Main Electric Guest is performing at White Oak Music Hall. Paper Gliders Saturday, Feb. 1 8 p.m. White Oak Music Hall – 2915 N. Main Paper Gliders is performing at White Oak Music Hall with Via Linda and DAZE. The Devil Makes Three Thursday, Feb. 6 8 p.m. White Oak Music Hall – 2915 N. Main The Devil Makes Three is performing at White Oak Music Hall. Colter Wall Friday, Feb. 7 7 p.m. White Oak Music Hall – 2915 N. Main Colter Wall is performing at White Oak Music Hall with Summer Dean.
Theatre Suburbia, 4106 Way Out West Dr., presents “Murder at the Book Club� through Feb. 2.
3106 White Oak Dr. Heights Morning Market gathers local talented artisans, farmers, and entrepreneurs to bring you closer to the goods you need. Stop by to shop and stay to brunch, drink mimosas, and listen to live music at Onion Creek.
The Pews  TALC Spring Semester Registration Thursday, Jan. 30 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. TALC – 215 E. 10 St. All Saints Third Age Learning Center (TALC) senior program will hold its 2020 Spring Semester Registration on Jan. 30. The registration will take place in the church parish. The Spring Semester will begin on Monday, Feb. 10 and late registration will continue the first week, Feb. 10 - 14. The Spring Semester will conclude on Friday, May 8. For information on TALC programs and lunch reservations, call 713-248-1277.
Moon Hooch Friday, Feb. 7 8 p.m. White Oak Music Hall – 2915 N. Main Moon Hooch is performing at White Oak Music Hall with The Main Squeeze.
The Markets Eleanora’s Market Saturday, Feb. 1 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. Cavatore – 2120 Ella Blvd. There will be local growers, makers, designers, artisans and food producers. The Farm Stand at Petrol Station Saturday, Feb. 1 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. 948 Wakefield Dr. The Farm Stand at Petrol Station features goods from local vendors. First Saturday Arts Market Saturday, Feb. 1 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. 530 W. 19th St. Since 2004, First Saturday Arts Market has been bringing Houston art lovers the best artists from all over the greater metropolitan area. First Saturday Arts Market represents the many diverse and popular mediums all in a festive, outdoor market. Heights Morning Market Sunday, Feb. 2 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
AARP Monthly Meeting Monday, Feb. 3 10 a.m. Candlelight Park Community Room – 1520 Candlelight Ln. Would you like to learn how to exercise while sitting in a chair? Angela Sisk, from Memorial Hermann Greater Heights Hospital, will lead participants in chair yoga. AARP 1265 is open to anyone 50 or older. Come to the Meet and Greet at 9:30 a.m. Stay for refreshments after the meeting. For Information, contact Richard Rabe, Chapter President: 713-681-1133.
Women’s Bible Study Group Monday, Feb. 3 4:30 p.m. YMCA Chapel –1234 W. 34th St. The women’s bible study group meets every Monday at the Harriet and Joe Foster YMCA’s Chapel. It’s a community nondenominational bible study. Guests and new members are always welcomed. Email Kvanderpol@ swbell.net for more information. Men’s Scripture Sharing Group Thursday, Feb. 6 6:30 – 7:30 a.m. YMCA –1234 W. 34th St. The Men’s Scripture Sharing Group meets every Thursday at the Harriet and Joe Foster YMCA. There will be music, Bible study and fellowship. Guests and new members are welcome to attend this non-denominational Bible study. Email scripturesharing@ earthlink.net for information.
Shred Event Saturday, Feb. 1 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. Inner Loop Bible Fellowship – 946 W. 17th St. Inner Loop Bible Fellowship is hosting a free community shred event.
Thursday Night Bingo Thursday, Feb. 6 5:15 p.m. SPJST Lodge 88 - 1435 Beall St. Bingo at SPJST Lodge 88 is held every Thursday night. Bingo pads are $10 each. Doors open at 5:15 p.m. Bingo begins at 7 p.m.
The Chocoholic Feast Friday, Feb. 21 7 – 10 p.m. St. Rose – 3600 Brinkman St. The St. Rose of Lima Altar Guild is hosting its annual fundraiser, the Chocoholic Feast. This evening of games, a light dinner and desserts will be held on Friday, Feb. in the St. Rose East and West. Tickets are $10 per person in advance and $15 at the door and include a Silent Auction and an evening of all-you-can-eat food and fun. Reserve a table or purchase individual tickets on the parish website, www.stroselima. org, or in person at the parish and school offices. For additional information, call 713-692-9123.
Boy Scout Troop 604 BBQ Saturday, Feb. 8 6 – 8:30 p.m. ScoutHouse – 2002 W. 43rd St. Come enjoy BBQ brisket and fixings and know you’re supporting Troop 604 and their high adventure trips. Tickets are $20 and available any Monday night at 7 p.m. at the ScoutHouse or at the door the day of the event. Aces & Knaves, The Movie Saturday, Feb. 8 6:45 - 8 p.m. Marriott Houston Westchase 2900 Briar Park Dr. Aces & Knaves, a new film about the most fascinating mind sport ever invented is being shown free of charge as part of the Lone Star Regional Bridge Tournament. The film features a quick-paced explanation of the game, interviews with the world’s superstars and a segment on bridge and brain science. The public is invited to this free showing of the movie. If desired, interested attendees will be able to receive more information about the game including signing up for lessons from top teachers. More information about Aces & Knaves can be found on the film’s website at https://www. acesandknavesthefilm.com.
Fun & Games Murder at the Book Club Friday, Jan. 31 8:30 p.m. Theatre Suburbia – 4106 Way Out West Dr., Ste. N There are only 2 more weekends to see Theatre Suburbia’s production is the Houston Premier of a comedy murder mystery, Murder at the Book Club, by Houstonian, Sam Havens. Dates are Jan. 31, Feb. 1, 7-8 at 8:30 p.m. and a matinee Feb. 2 at 3 p.m. Reservations are strongly encouraged. Tickets: $18 Adults, $16 Students and Seniors. Sunday Matinees, all Seats $16. Cash, check, and all major credit cards accepted. Reservations may be made online at www.theatresuburbia.org or by phone at 713-682-3525.
Wine Tasting Wednesday, Feb. 12
Software Development Engineer,
THE OBITUARIES. Gladys Godkin, 98, born Oct. 14, died Jan. 23. She is survived by her children, Earl Ralph Godkin, Jr. (Mary Ann), Jerry Wayne Godkin, Joyce Ann Hanson (Chris), and Janet Leatherwood (Darrell); grandchildren, Robin, Julie, Melodee, Gary, Gregory, Amee, Jeremy, Erik, Scott, Kristy, and Aaron; 14 greatgrandchildren and 1 greatgreat-grandchild.
Pauline Dorothy Harris, 93, born Nov. 18, died Jan. 27. Charles Herman Meyer, 95, born Oct. 1, 1924, in Houston, died Jan. 28. Philip Nicholas Rocco, 68, born July 10, died Jan. 26. Rocco was an avid sports enthusiast, he played churchleague softball and was a
software concept/design/ implementation/TS/support by C#, ASP.NET, SQL, Java, HTML5, Python; development/modification to interface: Corrosion Management for HP Computing & new software for CM in cloud via AWS/ Azure/cloud providers; documentation & work/engr. & disciplines/departments/ customers new/existing software/products. BS/SC & Eng. 6 mon. exp./SEngr., Rohrback Cosasco Systems, 1315 Rayford Park Rd, #D, Spring, TX 77386; cv@
professional bowler. He was employed as a computer programmer. He is survived by his son Adam, daughter Rebecca, and siblings Grace, George, Frances, and Margaret as well as many nieces and nephews. Robert Hardin Thomas, 71, born Aug. 23, died Jan. 26.
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Send your story of interest news@theleadernews.com
By Pastor Will Cover Arise Baptist Church 803 Curtin St. Houston TX 77018 713-659-9697 • www.arisebaptistchurch.org By Pastor Will Cover
4040 Watonga • 713-688-5227 Pastor Jerry McNamara We invite you to •worship with us! 4040 Watonga 713-688-5227
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5:30-7:30 p.m. Rainbow Lodge - 2011 Ella Blvd. This year, the popular Monthly Wine Tasting features a different worldly destination each month. In February, come celebrate DĂa de la ConstituciĂłn and sample some Mexican wines. The cost is $38 per person through Open Table, and $40 cash per person the day of the event. For information, visit rainbow-lodge.com or call 713-861-8666.
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I am writing forSt.a Houston, few weeks on why God is 803 Curtin TX 77018 worthy of our time, attention, affection, and 713-659-9697 • www.arisebaptistchurch.org love. In Colossians 1:13 the Bible says that God hasâ€? delivered us from the power of darkness.â€? e are entering a time of holidays and celebrations To deliver is the idea of taking something from for many people in our country. Thanksgiving is one place to another. word in the has a holiday that we This as Americans haveGreek enjoyed for the emphasis being a to bad place generations. Manyon people are taken looking from forward time spent andfamily, put into a good place. Here this verse it with time off from work, a big feast,inwatching football, catching theGod biggest of the years, andthe probably says that hassales delivered us from powermany of others things during Thanksgiving will be darkness. Manythis tend to think weekend. of thingsThere as good some people who will struggle during the this time of holiday or bad but don’t often thing about the power as they remember loved ones who they have lost, or close struggle involved between good and evil. There companions that are unable to be together because of the truly isor power on bothEither sides. Bible says that schedule the logistics. way,The Thanksgiving will be a thewhen power of God greater thanhappy all ofthoughts the powers time people are is either thinking or sad of darkness, but the reality is that there is still thoughts about something. When I was boy, darkness. I remember my mother saying, “Don’t forget power inathe I am thankful that God tohas say delivered thank you.â€? me She was reminding me to be to my from the power ofthankful darkness. grandmother thelifted wonderful or to my He rescuedforme, me,Thanksgiving pulled me meal, out of, and family member that gave me a special gift, or to my friend who picked me up. invited me to their birthday party. Most people want to teach children One of to the to fully understanding their bechallenges thankful. I think most people would agree this point is the necessity of understanding that being thankful is important, it is also true that it that is not each to and every person without isgoing under the always be thankful depending on whatGod we are through. power darkness. weforallall The Bible of says in EphesiansThe 5:20 Bible “Givingsays thanksthat always things and theWe Father in the name of Jesus haveunto a sinGod nature. are controlled byour theLord power Christ.â€? I would encourage you, nolike matter how you feel they during of darkness. Some people to think that this season to remember youcan can be areholiday basically good, or thatthat they getthankful betterto God. He gave up His only Son to die a cruel death on the cross if they choose to do so. This is fundamentally so that anyone who trusts him can be forgiven of their sins and wrong and the clear teaching of the have eternal life.opposite Don’t forget to say thank you! Bible. The Bible clearly says that “all have sinned If you would like to discuss this further or have questions, and come short gloryatof God.â€? It Church is onlyat Pastor Will Cover canofbethe reached Arise Baptist 803 Curtin St., www.arisebaptistchurch.org, 713-659-9697. because of or God’s deliverance throughorthe death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ that we have any hope. God is worthy because He gives deliverance from the power of darkness.
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Page 6A • Saturday, February 1, 2020 • The Leader
Alleviating stress on cat when moving Dear Tabby, We’re moving in a couple of months and we want to make the transition a bit easier for our already-skittish cat. Any advice for minimizing the stress on her during and after the move? Moving on Up in Garden Oaks Dear Moving on Up, Congratulations on the move! (And we sincerely hope that you’re staying in one of the neighborhoods served by The Leader ... or, that you continue to read online!) Moving households can be very stressful for most pets. Imagine all of the new smells and sights that must bombard your pet! The good news is that with a little care and forethought, you can make your move as easy as possible for your pets.
haviors for longer than a few days following the move, head to the vet to rule out any other conditions. But, after a few days, your kitty should get more comfortable exploring the new house and making it her own.
fluffy towel or blanket and encourage kitty to hang out in it (with the door open, of course) as much as she likes. This way, when it’s moving day and time to load her into her carrier, it will be a more pleasant experience for you all.
Planning a long-distance move? If you’re planning a longdistance move--including a long car or plane trip--it’s important to get your cat acclimated to her pet carrier sooner rather than later, since they’ll be spending lots of time in it during the move. A few weeks ahead of the move, get the carrier out, fill it with a
Try to keep schedules in place If possible, try to keep life before, during and after the move as “normal” as possible for kitty. Continue to feed her on her usual schedule, using her usual bowls. Make sure that her litter box is somewhere easily accessible and in a location that feels safe and quiet.
Be patient! This move will likely be stressful for you--but imagine how stressful it will be for your cat, so be patient with her! Let her warm up to the new house on her own terms, in her own time. Continue offering her love and treats as needed to make her feel more at home. Because, really, all your pet wants is to be with you and, if you’re there at the new house, she’ll quickly learn that she is home, too!
Contributed photo Residents participate in an adult ESL class at Gethsemane Lutheran Church.
Area church offering free English classes
Do you have a question for Tabby? Email her at deartabbyquestions@gmail.com.
From Staff Reports Gethsemane Lutheran Church and Preschool, located at 4040 Watonga Blvd., is offering free English as a Second Language classes for adults in February, March, April and May. The three-week courses
Pet of the Week Meet Sammy This 2 year old, Boxer/Basenjimix is one smart cookie (and handsome to boot)! He was found roaming the streets, but has adapted remarkably well to domestic life. He rides beautifully in the car and already knows the sit and shake commands. There’s no telling what else this great dog is capable of in a loving home! Sammy’s adoption fee is 50% off, so hurry in before someone else scoops this good boy up! To learn more about Sammy, visit www.cap4pets.org.
Watch for signs of stress Cats are very territorial, so their home is their castle and, quite honestly, they’d be perfectly content to never leave it! But, moves are inevitable and your kitty doesn’t have to suffer. Be on high alert for behavior changes in your cat during and after the move. Watch for signs of stress in your cat, such as: - Always hiding - Not using the litter box - Aggression - Lack of appetite If your cat shows these be-
LHN to celebrate 40th anniversary in style From Staff Reports
alumni VIP tent, live music, raffles, food trucks and much more along with a kids’ zone. Entry to the event is free, while tickets for the kids’ zone is $5. To buy kids’ zone tickets and RSVP, visit the LHN 40th Anniversary Eventbrite page at https:// www.eventbrite.com/e/lhn40th-anniversary-celebration-tickets-86140272875.
On Saturday, Feb. 8, Lutheran High North will be celebrating its 40th anniversary with an event filled with activities for all ages. The event will be held on the LHN campus at 1130 W. 34th St. from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Those in attendance will have access to an arts market,
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The Leader • Saturday, February 1, 2020 • Page 7A
Art Valet: Salty reception overwhelms gallery Mitch Cohen Art Columnist
Public speaking comes as naturally to me as sitting down and talking to wild animals such as lions, tigers and bears. Getting tips from a professional was high on my list before an engagement last Friday afternoon. My fears were overblown as this was a panel discussion for college students on how to make a living as an artist. (Oh, something I’m familiar with!) The invitation came from the Department Chair of Communication, Stacy Gresell, at Lone Star College-CyFair. Who better to coach me than a professor of public speaking? The panel included artist Lisa Morales and Gresell led the discussion. Afterward, we joined Gresell and a growing crowd in the Bosque Gallery next door where Gresell featured her latest art in an opening titled “Salty.” I mentioned Morales and Gresell a couple of weeks ago
in my interview with Holly Nowak in the Jan. 18 edition of The Leader. All three artists along with Chrissy Doolen share a new spacious art studio at Winter Street Studios #C6. Gresell uses multiple media to create her ocean and coastal-themed art, but the word “salty” has more meanings than just the source for her. As she communicated this to an attentive and huge crowd, I realized there was a great story here. Salty was not the usual art reception, why? “This show was the perfect collision of all the things I value and am inspired by. I wholeheartedly believe in the community college model - a place to learn for everyone,” Gresell said. “There are a variety of events scheduled throughout the tenure of the show that seeks to educate visitors on the process of encaustic painting as well as begin discussions about some of the topics the show delves into.” What else makes the Bosque Gallery unique? “There is also an event for our A.L.L group (academy of
Stacy Gresell talks about her work at Bosque Gallery.
“Made in the USA” by Stacy Gresell.
lifelong learners ie- seniors),” Gresell said. “This gallery is open to the community, art students, and non-art students. It’s for everyone. Further, the salty theme gave me the opportunity to embrace the saltwater landscapes and animals that I love as well as the topics that make me feel a little salty like racism, the immigration
debate & the wall and the pollution of our environment.” Did you create different art than your norm? “A show like this allows me to explore deeper themes and ideas than I typically don’t express in my more mainstream or commercial art. A piece about climate change might not match your couch but is
still important to consider - a show like this gives me the opportunity to open that dialogue. I was also able to experiment with different mediums like paper collage, wire sculpting and wax pastel. “All of the portraits in the show were referenced from selfies posted publicly on social media of ordinary people making salty expressions. My hope is that this body of work will spark discussion in a place of learning; that even one piece in the show will cause someone to see something a
little differently than they did before they visited our gallery.” “Salty” remains on view through Feb. 20. Learn more about the gallery and associated talks and workshops at lonestar.edu/bosquegallery. Join Gresell and friends at their studio grand opening celebration Feb. 8. Details at www.stacygresellfineart.com/ event. Cohen is an artist and founder of First Saturday Arts Market and the Market at Sawyer Yards. Find him at ArtValet.com.
REVIEW:
Heights Asian Café serves good food with friendliness Zarah Parker Managing Editor
Heights Asian Café is a family-owned restaurant that sits on Yale Street between 22nd and 23rd streets. It’s a simple space with a variety of featured menu items. What made it stand out on my recent visit was both the food and the server. The server not only topped off my tea and made sure our food got to our table quickly, but he was an all-around friendly guy that made me think he easily recognized regulars. My lunch mates and I arrived at the semi-crowded café for a late lunch. The lunch special, which is available from 11 a.m.-3 p.m., seemed like the best choice, because I got my choice of a main dish with the addition of an egg drop or hot and sour soup, plus two vegetable egg rolls. I went for the sesame chicken and upgraded for the wonton soup as well as for fried rice. First the wonton soup was brought out in a small bowl
Photo by Zarah Parker Shown is the sesame chicken with two vegetable egg rolls on the side at Heights Asian Cafe.
full of broth and four chicken dumplings. The flavor of the broth was subtle and light with a few pieces of green onion. The dumplings were soft and the chicken inside was tender. It was a simple soup that would be good on sick days. A short wait later my main dish arrived with a healthy amount of sesame chicken spread on half a plate, with two vegetable egg rolls sitting on the other half. The fried rice came in a separate bowl and, while it didn’t look like it,
it was enough for three of us. The sweet reddish-brown sauce thickly covered the chicken, and black and white sesame seeds were sprinkled on top. Personally, I like to throw some fried rice on top of the chicken. The chicken itself was made delicious by the sauce and the rice added another texture. The vegetable egg rolls were crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside. I wished there were more vegetables inside the rolls.
Killen’s pop-up event ignites ample excitement for future restaurant By Zarah Parker zarah@theleadernews.com
The anticipation for Ronnie Killen bringing his brand of upscale comfort food inside the inner loop to the Heights is fueled by a pop-up series that showcases what’s to come. Last Saturday, a slew of people lined up half an hour before the acclaimed chef’s pop-up began at 11 a.m. at the former Hickory Hollow space, 101 Heights Blvd., which will one day house the new Killen’s restaurant. “It’s like a tease,” attendee Sharon Jackson said. “I’ve come to two pop-ups and both times have made me more happy to know that this food will eventually be served in the restaurant all the time.” The items available at last Saturday’s pop-up included a bucket of fried chicken, or just a chicken plate, chicken fried steak, brisket, beef rib and brisket tamales. Mashed potatoes, creamed corn, baked beans, mac and cheese and potato salad were the side options. For dessert, the featured items were bread pudding and peach cobbler. “Last time I had the brisket, which is phenomenal, so I’m going to grab a fried chicken plate this time with a side of
Photo by Zarah Parker The fried chicken plate with mashed potatoes and potato salad at a recent Killen’s pop-up event in the Heights.
mashed potatoes,” Jackson said while waiting in line. Jackson admitted that fried chicken usually isn’t her first choice, but later she said that Killen’s chicken might have changed her mind. While the line of people waiting to grab their own plate of comfort food continued to grow, some eaters grabbed a chair under a tent and others opted to take the food to go. A line of people and a tent with tables is what drew Henry Maguire to the scene while
he was walking his dog. “I didn’t know what was going on until I asked someone walking by with a to-go box,” Maguire said. “I’ve heard of Killen’s but I’ve never tried any of his restaurants.” After waiting in the line, Maguire happily walked home with a pound of brisket. The pop-up series will continue. For updates on locations and times, visit the Killen’s Facebook page at https:// www.facebook.com/killensTX/.
This café may be unassuming, but it dishes out good food from friendly servers. Heights Asian Café Address: 2201 Yale St. Hours: 11 a.m.–9 p.m. Sunday–Monday and Wednesday–Thursday, 11 a.m.–10 p.m. Friday–Saturday Pricing: $7.25-$13.95 Kid-friendly: Yes Alcohol: No Healthy options: Yes Star of the show: Sesame Chicken
Photo by Zarah Parker The wonton soup brought ample flavor to the table at this neighborhood spot.
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Page 8A • Saturday, February 1, 2020 • The Leader
Company withdraws application to operate concrete batch plant in Acres Homes By Adam Zuvanich azuvanich@theleadernews.com
The two-year fight over a proposed concrete batch plant in Acres Homes has ended, with neighborhood residents and their high-profile advocates prevailing. But even though the historically black community no longer needs to worry about pollution from Soto Ready Mix, which withdrew its application to mix and produce concrete near residential homes and a city park on De Soto Street, air quality advocates say the battle against similar businesses must continue on behalf of other neighborhoods. The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) had previously determined that Soto Ready Mix’s air permit application met the requirements of applicable state law, which prompted Acres Homes residents and their elected officials to push back. “The withdrawal of this permit application represents what we can achieve when residents, advocacy groups and elected officials collaboratively work toward a common goal,” Air Alliance Houston, a nonprofit that works to improve air quality and public health, said in a statement. “However, it is unfair that we all continue to bear the burden of fighting to protect our own health from environmental hazards because we have a state agency, the (TCEQ), that has failed abysmally at doing
its job to protect communities. Residents should not have to continue to defend themselves against each air permit application that threatens the health, safety and quality of life of their neighborhoods on a case-bycase basis.” In response to that claim, the TCEQ said in a statement that its “permitting process is protective of human health and the environment, and complies with all state and federal laws.” Online records on the State Office of Administrative Hearings website show that legal representation for Soto Ready Mix owner Armando Soto, who had applied for an air quality permit to operate a concrete-mixing facility at 3411 De Soto St., filed a motion Jan. 22 requesting that the case be remanded to the TCEQ so the application could be withdrawn. The motion was subsequently granted by Administrative Law Judge Joanne Summerhays, who cancelled the preliminary hearing that was scheduled for Jan. 23 in Houston. The purpose of the hearing was to hear arguments against the permit. The TCEQ granted the hearing in October after executive director Toby Baker ruled that Soto Ready Mix’s batch plant application -- initially denied in 2018 -- met the requirements of applicable state law. Mixing and producing concrete is a notoriously dusty process that affects air quality and the health of those nearby. According to TCEQ spokes-
person Brian McGovern, Soto Ready Mix had requested a maximum production rate of 180 cubic yards per hour and planned to operate up to 8,760 hours per year, which amounts to 365 days. “I am relieved to learn that Soto Ready Mix has withdrawn its application to build a concrete batch plant in Acres Homes,” Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner, an Acres Homes native and resident, said in a statement. “This is a great victory for residents who did not want to live with unhealthy air emissions, specifically particulate matter, heavy trucks and noise in their neighborhood.” The Jan. 22 motion filed by Birch, Becker & Moorman, LLP of Austin said Soto determined that withdrawing the application was in his best interest after conversations with “interested persons” on Jan. 21 and Jan. 22. “Soto has no intention of moving forward with the Application and any further steps in furtherance of the Application are unnecessary and would not be the best use of any party’s time and energy,” the motion read. Acres Homes residents near the proposed site, where Soto Ready Mix has operated a concrete delivery and storage business for the last few years, had spoken out against the proposed batch plant because of its potential impact on the Northwest Houston neighborhood. The site is surrounded by homes and across the
Photo by Adam Zuvanich A Soto Ready Mix employee prepares to pull a cement-mixing truck into the company’s property at 3411 De Soto St. on Jan. 7.
street from Highland Park Community Center, where children regularly play. The fight against the proposed batch plant strengthened in early January, when municipal, state and federal lawmakers spoke out against it at a news conference called by Turner. Among the other elected officials who spoke at the event were U.S. Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee, state Sen. John Whitmire and state Rep. Jarvis Johnson, all of whom represent the neighborhood. Turner echoed Air Alliance Hous-
ton in saying there is a need for more regulation at the state level. “The company chose to withdraw the application, but the action proves the TCEQ must have more tools to protect vulnerable neighborhoods and prevent companies from building concrete batch plants near homes and parks where our children play,” Turner said. “I will direct my government relations team to continue working on protection for residents in communities without land use regulations.”
Hope Episcopal Church welcomes new pastor to congregation From Staff Reports Hope Episcopal, 1613 W. 43rd St., announces the arrival of its new pastor, the Rev. Canon James C. McGill, who began Jan. 1. The assignment to the church is a homecoming for McGill because as a youth, he and his family were members and residents of Oak For-
est. McGill served the Episcopal Diocese of Texas for all of his nearly 30 years of ordained ministry. He was ordained in 1991 directly out of seminary at The School of Theology at the University of the South in Sewanee, Tennessee. McGill served churches in Pasadena, the Park Place area near Hob-
by Airport and most recently as Canon Missioner of Christ Church Cathedral. McGill was appointed a Cadet at the United States Military Academy at West Point, New York, in his last semester at Highland Park High School in Dallas. Graduating from West Point in 1973, he was stationed at Fort Hood, Texas,
at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, and at Fort Huachuca, Arizona, as well as the Federal Republic of Germany, where he commanded a battery of artillery. He resigned his commission in 1985 and in 1988 entered seminary. While serving as the Rector of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Park Place, in 1991, McGill founded Crossroads
at Park Place, a ministry that works to meet the needs of restoring the health, wellbeing and dignity of homeless people in Southeast Houston. He was also instrumental in opening The Beacon, the ministry of Christ Church Cathedral to the homeless in downtown Houston in 2007. He served as Chaplain to The Beacon the
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Mayor Sylvester Turner for increased patrol between 2-6 a.m., when most of the break-ins occur, and vowed that his officers would be more visible in vulnerable areas and more diligent in their investigations and interactions with citizens. In response to criticisms that HPD detectives were not following up with victims and acting on tips provided to them, Acevedo asked those business owners to provide contact information to some of the 15 or so HPD officers who joined him at the town hall. Acevedo also provided his personal email address to those in attendance. “Just know that we don’t always get it right, and we won’t always get it right because the human condition isn’t perfect,” Acevedo told the crowd. “But if we’re falling short, you’ve got to let us know.” An email about the burglary problem sent to Acevedo from Glenn Clements Jr., the president of a real estate investment company with properties in the Heights, spurred the town hall. Clements said he was encouraged by the response from the police chief, who said he wanted to continue meeting with the business owners as they work to improve the issue. Acevedo pointed out to the group that HPD had made 315 burglary-related arrests in its Central Division within the last three years. HPD Assistant Chief Pedro Lopez, who also spoke at the town hall, said the department had made about 10
ret McClure, nor the trustee in the bankruptcy case, Randy Williams, responded to Jan. 24 voicemails seeking comment. As of Tuesday, the dental office’s voicemail greeting referred patients to the Signature Smiles location in The Woodlands, but an employee who answered the phone there Tuesday said the offices are independently owned franchises and do not share patients or medical records. “They didn’t even offer to have me come in,” Leal said of her interaction with the office in The Woodlands. Leal and Garden Oaks resident Angie Lane, a patient at the local office along with her two children, both said they were patients of Dr. Kevin Yeh and already paid for services that have not been completed. Leal said one of her daughters has a full set of braces that are set to come off this spring, and Lane said she had a temporary crown installed Jan. 14 and was waiting for the permanent crown to come in. Lane and Leal both said they received emails from Signature Smiles, first saying that patients who wished to continue being seen by Yeh could contact him by email. They received subsequent emails from Signature Smiles saying Yeh and Dr. Mandy Wilkinson, who worked as an orthodontist there part of the time, are now accepting patients at BLVD Dentistry Oak Forest at 1343 W. 43rd St., Suite F. “Unfortunately, they (BLVD Dentistry) do not have any insight into what you may have already paid to Signature Smiles and have no way to recoup that money for you, but they are committed to keeping your fees as low as possible,” said the latter email, which Leal
Photo by Adam Zuvanich Houston Police Chief Art Acevedo, a Heights resident, speaks to business owners Monday at the Historic Heights Fire Station.
burglary-related arrests in the area since Jan. 20. Acevedo said HPD wants to improve its communication with citizens, too, by posting crime and arrest information on Nextdoor, the social media app catered to neighborhoods. “I think he’s genuinely concerned and he’s going to try,” Clements said of Acevedo. “We’ll see what the efforts do.” Nicole Bean, owner of Pizaro’s Pizza in the Montrose area, said she is not convinced that the crime problem will be solved. She argued with Acevedo after he encouraged the business owners to continue reporting crimes and following up with detectives, saying they already have done that but to no avail. Bean said HPD’s message seemed like “fluff” but also described Monday’s experience as therapeutic. “I’m glad that we can all band together and scream
at the top of our lungs,” she said. “We need help.” Damian Ogier, the new president of the Houston Heights Association, said the neighborhood organization was glad to help facilitate the conversation between HPD and the community. The HHA offered to host future town halls at the former fire station, located at 107 W. 12th St. Acevedo won’t have to leave his own neighborhood to attend the future gatherings. He might even be able to ride his bike, assuming it isn’t stolen. “Anytime that any member of our community gets impacted by crime, I take it personally, because ultimately I’m responsible for the safety of the people of Houston,” he said. “Then on top of that, it’s my own neighborhood that I live in. We all have to come together, and we the police have to do a better job.”
last year before he retired from active ministry in 2016. Fluent in Spanish, McGill has served both Hispanic and Englishspeaking congregations. McGill has been married to Beth, whom he met at a dance at West Point, for more than 46 years. They have two grown children and six grandchildren.
provided to The Leader. An employee who answered the phone Tuesday at BLVD Dentistry confirmed that Wilkinson and Yeh are practicing there. Messages left for them at that office were not returned, and Yeh did not respond to an email seeking comment. Lane said she received an email from Yeh on Jan. 23 saying he had received her permanent crown and would cement it for her at a time and location to be determined. In the email, which Lane provided to The Leader, Yeh also told her it had been a “crazy week” and thanked her for being understanding. “I was appreciative of that,” Lane said. “I take it he’s doing the best he can in a bad situation.” The website for the now-defunct Signature Smiles office in Garden Oaks lists five doctors, including Wilkinson and Yeh, as being part of the office’s dental team. But it is unclear how many of them were practicing there at the time of the closure. Leal said she and her daughters usually saw the same hygienist but “never the same dentist,” aside from Yeh. Lane and Leal both said they had good experiences at Signature Smiles, but Lane said appointments had become increasingly difficult to secure in recent months. Lane also said she noticed a “pattern of breakdowns” in terms of organization and communication leading up to the office’s closure. In two cases, she said, she received bills that were inaccurate or difficult to understand. “It was just some weird things that happened,” Lane said. “So I wasn’t surprised.”
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Park, from P. 1A
Donovan Park has been a place to play for Heights children since 1983.
Photo by Adam Zuvanich
citizens.” Baldwin said the HHA purchased the land in 1979 with funds from the Houston Endowment. The green space initially featured a volleyball net, and the park in its present form was constructed in 1996. Baldwin said park usage has spiked in the last couple years, with previous average traffic of about 200 people on a Saturday ballooning to about 1,000. That has contributed to the deterioration of the mostly wooden structures at Donovan Park, with Baldwin saying there has been an increased number of splinters and other injuries in recent years. He said the park, which will maintain its name, needs safer construction materials, improved drainage, a rest-
room and increased accessibility for children with physical and mental disabilities. “Everything (else) is on the table,” Baldwin said. “Nothing has been predetermined other than those givens. Basically, what it looks like and how it’s going to function is open for engagement. We want community engagement. We want people to weigh in.” Community input will be solicited and collected during the next few months, beginning with the next HHA meeting Feb. 9 at the Historic Heights Fire Station. There also is a picnic event at the park scheduled for May 2. During the interim, Baldwin said Friends of Donovan Park will be periodically stationed at the park to listen to feedback. Heights residents
also will be able to weigh in, and make donations, online and with their mobile phones. Among the things for citizens to consider, Baldwin said, are charging stations, power sources and WiFi at the park, entrance and exit locations, the configuration of sunny and shady spots and the incorporation of food trucks and other vendors. The park also could cater to special exercise events, cyclists and dogs. “We want the community to come together, recognize it’s an asset and give their input on what and how they want to use it,” Ogier said. “From there, we’ve got to go raise the money, come up with a vision, hone in on what that vision is going to cost and then go execute it.”