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Prop B turning into big problem for Houston By Adam Zuvanich azuvanich@theleadernews.com Houston voters made themselves clear regarding Proposition B, with nearly 60 percent supporting the city charter amendment to give firefighters equal pay to police officers of similar rank. Putting the idea into action, however, has become a muddy mess. More than four months after the referendum passed – by a margin of more than 91,000 votes – the pay raises have yet to be implemented amidst an ongoing legal dispute involving the city and the local unions for firefighters and police officers.
Citizens in the area, where 54.6 percent of voters supported Prop B, weighed in on the topic on Facebook this week. “If the voters have spoken, why is action not being implemented?” Mary Heffernan said. Mayor Sylvester Turner has challenged the legality of Prop B and said, if implemented immediately, it would cost the city more than $100 million annually and lead to a significant reduction in city services and personnel. According to a statement released by Mayor Pro Tem Ellen Cohen, a city councilwoman who represents Garden Oaks, Oak Forest and much of the Heights, the job cuts could include approximately 400
firefighters. Turner has proposed phasing in the pay raises, estimated to be about 29 percent on average, over a period of five years as a means of avoiding widespread layoffs. Cohen said she supports that idea and asked the Houston Professional Fire Fighters Association to agree to it. “I’m for the firefighters being paid more,” reader Ashley Jean Jackson said. “However, I think a 2-5 percent raise over the next 10 years is appropriate for everyone to keep their jobs.” The firefighters union, in a March 8 statement on its Facebook page, called See Prop B P. 3A
Danger zone
www.paylessinsulation.com
Photo by Adam Zuvanich Retired Houston firefighter Willie Morrison, left, talks to a voter Nov. 6.
11TH ST. BEFORE
11TH ST. AFTER
Historic home in Heights sold to area family By Adam Zuvanich azuvanich@theleadernews.com
Jason Knebel (713)232-9712
jasonk@greenwoodking.com GREENWOOD KING
PROPERTIES
Crash rates of 356 per 100 million vehicle miles traveled (Texas’ 2010-19 average for four undivided lanes), compared to 385 per 100 million vehicle miles traveled (the 2010-19 average for 11th Street
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Based on City of Houston statistics cited in the above graphic, a lane reconfiguration has been proposed for 11th Street between Shepherd Drive and Michaux Street. Photo by Adam Zuvanich. Graphic design by Martha Buhler.
Cyclist’s death magnifies safety concerns Traffic lane reconfiguration proposed for 11th Street By Adam Zuvanich azuvanich@theleadernews.com
Cooking crawdads. ‘Tis the season to boil mudbugs, which brings people together.
Page 1B
Bold brew. Brash Brewing Co. near Garden Oaks makes strong beer and no apologies.
Page 6B
More than 50 community members gathered at the Heights Fire Station on March 5 for a meeting called by the City of Houston, which presented a plan to make 11th Street safer. They were shown a video and fed facts about the benefits of a road diet, which reduces the number of lanes but makes for more efficient traffic flow and fewer crashes, according to proponents. A key part of the proposal was the addition of bicycle lanes on the outside of 11th Street, a major artery in a bike-loving community. The Heights Hike and Bike Trail crosses the road at its intersection with Nicholson Street, which was identified by bike advocates as one of the most dangerous spots in the city. David Loya According to Houston Planning & Development Department assistant director Jennifer Ostlind, who made
Amy Lynch Kolflat said she specializes in selling places that are “historic and quirky and artistic.” The Houston Realtor has never had a sale as special as the one that closed Tuesday. Kolflat, the listing agent for the historic Victorian mansion at 1802 Harvard St., said it sold to a Heights family for $1.75 million. The five-bedroom, four-story home built in 1892 was owned by the estate of Bart Truxillo, the trailblazing preservationist who lived there from the 1970s until his death nearly two years ago. “It’s so iconic, and iconic is a word that’s overused,” Kolflat said. “But it’s appropriately used when referring to this house.” Kolflat, a close friend of Truxillo’s who has handled all the properties in his estate, said his former home was on the market for 146 days. She declined to name the buyer but said it is a family with children that plans to renovate the property and use it as a residence. The house is a City of Houston landmark and listed on the National Register of Historic Places. “I have full faith in the new owners See Historic P. 6A
Photo by Adam Zuvanich Authorities survey the scene at the intersection of Heights Boulevard and 8th Street on March 7, when cyclist David Loya died in a collision with a Houston ISD school bus.
the presentation along with Houston Public Works, the idea was met with opposition by many of the Heights residents in attendance. She said citizens expressed concerns about increased congestion on a street that would be reduced from four lanes to two and were particularly against the addition of bike lanes. Two days later, and a few blocks south of 11th Street, a cyclist was killed in a collision with a Houston ISD See Bike P. 3A
Contributed photo The Victorian mansion at 1802 Harvard St., owned by late Houston preservationist Bart Truxillo, was sold Tuesday.
Installation provides new ‘worldview’ in Heights By Betsy Denson betsy@theleadernews.com
End of an era. The Temple Oaks Baptist Church building is being demolished.
Page 7A
THE INDEX. Church/Calendar............................... 5A Classifieds.............................................. 4B Coupons................................................... 6A Food/Drink/Art................................... 1B Obituaries............................................... 6A Opinion..................................................... 4A Public Information......................... 2A Puzzles...................................................... 4A
Contributed photo Art created by, from left to right, Charlie Jean Sartwelle, Tristan Hadley and John Runnels.
Artist John Runnels said he’s not a hoarder. He simply suffers from “AAD” -- archival attachment disorder. And for quite some time, the objects of his obsession have been hubcaps. His partner in the collection of the discarded car parts is his grandson, Oak Forest Elementary fourth grader Tristan Hadley, who remembers going on hubcap hunts when he was 5 years old. “He’s always seen me getting those shiny bright things,” Runnels said. “It’s like bird watching. ‘There’s one! There’s one!’ ... I was seduced by this object.”
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Because Runnels and his wife, Charlie Jean Sartwelle, are both artists – they founded Mother Dog Studios in 1984 to provide studio space to their fellow creatives – the collection was not going to go to waste. It’s now being used for a worldly pursuit. Runnels and Sartwelle submitted plans for a globe that would wrap around a tree along Heights Boulevard to the curators of TRUE NORTH, an outdoor public art exhibition in its sixth year that is named for the compass bearing of Heights Boulevard. Funded by private donations from individuals and businesses, the exhibition aims to highlight regional works of contemporary art by recognized Texas artists. Co-curators Linda
Eyles, Simon Eyles, Chris Silkwood and Kelly Simmons, along with project consultant Gus Kopriva, partner with the Houston Heights Association (HHA) to make TRUE NORTH a reality. The idea of wrapping the globe around a tree was nixed, but the globe itself got the green light. So Runnels, Sartwelle and Hadley set out to put their plan into motion. Their 12 foot-high sculpture, named “What goes around, Comes around…,” is in the 400 block of Heights Boulevard. It is covered with more than 300 hubcaps, which were welded together by the ASTRO Fence Company. Runnels said the workers there dubbed the See Globe P. 6A
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THE PUBLIC. The Leader • Saturday, March 16, 2019 • Page 2A
Police investigating weekend shooting By Adam Zuvanich azuvanich@theleadernews.com Two men were shot at an area apartment complex March 9 as wreckers attempted to tow a vehicle at 6000 West Sunforest Dr., the Houston Police Department said in a Monday news release. HPD said the victims, 19-year-old Alex Ramos and Leocadio Aleman-Dubon, 44, were transported to a hospital in stable condition.
According to HPD, Ramos and Aleman-Dubon were among a group of people surrounding a tow truck as it was in the process of towing a vehicle. The vehicle’s owner attempted to get in the vehicle, and then an unknown suspect armed with a long rifle approached and fired shots into the ground under and around the tow truck. The gunfire struck Ramos and AlemanDubon in the legs. HPD said the tow truck
driver and his passenger then lowered and dropped the vehicle, began to drive away and noticed the suspect running behind them with the rifle raised. The passenger leaned out of his window and fired several shots at the suspect with a pistol, but did not strike the suspect, according to HPD. No charges have been filed in the incident as the investigation is ongoing.
Area homes catch fire; no injuries From Staff Reports Residences in Forest West and Independence Heights recently fell victim to fires that caused nearly $200,000 worth of damage but did not cause any reported injuries. According to releases from the Houston Fire Department,
a duplex in the 4000 block of Rutland Street went up in flames shortly after 9 p.m. March 5, causing an estimated $75,000 in damage. Early March 7, a home in the 5900 block of Greenmont Drive sustained about $120,000 in damages after a fire broke out around 3 a.m.
HFD has deemed the Rutland duplex fire in Independence Heights accidental as the result of an electrical mishap in the one-story building. Arson investigators ruled the Greenmont fire intentional, according to HFD.
Police Reports • March 1 - March 8 MARCH 1
Burglary 7 AM 3100-3199 CORNELL Theft 8 PM 3200-3299 WHITE OAK Theft 1 PM 1800-1899 15TH Burglary 8 PM 2500-2599 ELLA Theft 10:21 AM 5200-5299 BLOSSOM Theft 4:36 AM 2800-2899 N MAIN
MARCH 2
Theft 4 PM 200-299 W 20TH Robbery 10 PM 300-399 NEYLAND Theft 5:02 AM 2400-2499 NORTH Robbery 12:20 AM 2600-2699 HOUSTON
MARCH 3
Theft 1 PM 900-999 N DURHAM Theft 2 PM 600-699 PEDDIE Burglary 1 PM 900-999 N DURHAM Theft 3:35 PM 300-399 NEYLAND Theft 3:40 PM 500-599 YALE
MARCH 4
Burglary 8:56 AM 300-399 E
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Theft 12 PM 100-199 AURORA Theft 7:01 PM 100-199 AURORA Theft 3 PM 500-599 W 19TH Theft 10:30 PM 2200-2299 GOSTICK Theft 12:30 PM 800-899 E 25TH Theft 7:30 PM 800-899 W 26TH Burglary 11:30 AM 2700-2799 AIRLINE
MARCH 7
Theft 5 PM 1400-1499 ARLINGTON Burglary 3:30 PM 1400-1499 N SHEPHERD Theft 5 PM 900-999 W 23RD Theft 8 AM 1100-1199 W 18TH
MARCH 8
Theft 6:37 AM 2700-2799 CORTLANDT Burglary 12:03 AM 700-799 W 27TH Theft 7 AM 3400-3499 NORTH SHEPHERD Reports are provided by SpotCrime.com based on data from the Houston Police Department.
The Leader • Saturday, March 16, 2019 • Page 3A
Prop B from P. 1A out Turner for his “hatred of firefighters� and said his “defiance of Prop B voters will have terrible consequences for us and for the public.� Turner, in an open letter to the city early this month, said, “We love and respect our firefighters and want them to be appropriately compensated.
“Having said that,� he continued, “I don’t believe the voters intended to place our city in financial turmoil, cause our credit rating to tumble and increase the costs of city debt.� Right or wrong, Houston voters had their say in November. They’ll have another opportunity to voice their opinions this
upcoming November, when Turner will seek re-election. The firefighters who successfully rallied support for Prop B could campaign against the mayor. “They deserve equal pay for the dangerous job they do,� reader Jim White said. “Time for Turner to go.�
Nicholson, based in part on input by transportation advocacy groups such as BikeHouston. They subsequently discovered safety issues all along the aforementioned stretch of 11th Street. Between 2010 and 2019, it had a higher crash rate than Texas’ average for undivided four-lane roads. On the same stretch during the same time span, there were 516 crashes reported to the Houston Police Department. The stretch also prompted 94 traffic safety requests to 311 between February 2018 and February 2019. “People asked for a solution,� Ostlind said. “There’s very few people who ever imagined that we would come back and say, ‘Well, we need to take away two lanes of traffic on 11th.’ � Ostlind said a road safety audit, conducted in conjunction with the Federal Highway Administration and Texas Department of Transportation, revealed a traffic reconfiguration would be ideal. She said changing a fourlane setup to two lanes – one lane going in each direction with a center left-turn lane – is proven to reduce speeding, abrupt lane changes and, ultimately, collisions. The latter configuration also coincides with a safety feature proposed for the intersection of 11th and Nicholson, one of 12 dangerous intersections identified by
the city. Another is Washington Avenue and Patterson Street south of the Heights. The plan for 11th and Nicholson is to install a median refuge island at the trail crossing. It would provide protection for cyclists and pedestrians, who could stop in the middle of 11th Street during heavy traffic. “It just seemed that people weren’t listening to what the city had to say,� Wiggins said. “This was frustrating for me, because the benefits of this were so plain.� Ostlind said some naysayers came around by the end of the meeting and the responses she’s gotten since have mostly been supportive. She remains hopeful the Heights community will ultimately back the project, which mostly would be a restriping of the road. Wiggins is optimistic as well, saying she realizes a sample of residents doesn’t necessarily represent the Heights’ overall opinion. She hopes the community is committed to reducing the risk of crashes like the one that claimed Loya’s life. Even if this particular proposal falls through, Ostlind said city officials will keep searching for ways to make 11th Street safer. “I think we’ve got a long way to go to educate both drivers and bikers on how to share the road safely,� she said.
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Bike from P. 1A school bus that was traveling east on 8th Street. Police said David Loya, 23, a former youth swimming instructor in Garden Oaks, appeared to have the right of way while riding north in the bike lane on Heights Boulevard. “It’s hard. It’s tough. It’s unfortunate. It’s tragically timely,� said Heights resident and meeting attendee Jessica Wiggins, the advocacy director for the nonprofit BikeHouston. “It reminds us all of why we’re doing this and why we’re trying to make our streets more safe.� No charges have been filed against the bus driver, a 61-year-old female, involved in the fatal crash. And it wouldn’t necessarily have been prevented by changes to the traffic dynamics such as the ones proposed for 11th Street between Shepherd Drive and Michaux Street. But in light of Loya’s death, Wiggins hopes Heights residents opposed to the plan are reconsidering for the sake of their neighborhood’s safety. Pushback at the next community meeting, which Ostlind said would be held within the next month or two, could jeopardize the project. Ostlind said the plan for a road diet, which is a new concept for the city and would utilize the $1 million per year allocated through the Houston Bike Plan adopted in 2017, has a “50-50� chance of coming to fruition. “We’re committed to doing something now,� she said. “If everybody hates it, maybe we don’t. Maybe it’s not the right time and we need to try it somewhere else first.� Ostlind said the planning department and public works initially targeted the intersection of 11th and
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THE TOPICS. The Leader • Saturday, March 16, 2019 • Page 4A
Turner’s political future depends on firefighters
I
f you didn’t sleep through your government classes in high school, you likely remember hearing something about the “power of incumbency.” People who hold political office – especially on the local level – have a built-in advantage to win re-election as long as term limits don’t get in the way. There’s no better example of this power than the vaunted U.S. Representative Sheila Jackson Lee, who has been elected to Congress a miraculous 13 times. Actually, it’s not miraculous at all. Jackson Lee defines this power of incumbency better than any politician I’ve observed. Because she has held office for so long, she has steered funds and grants and goodwill to so many people across her district that she’s virtually a shoe-in to win re-election again next year. No candidate, regardless of political acumen, has a snowball’s chance of defeating her because no one has had access to the sort of government loot she’s had to pass around her constituency. In most cases, this power of incumbency makes local politicians, namely mayors, nearly impossible to defeat. If you go back to the five mayors who preceded Sylvester Turner, you’ll see the same thing. Kathy Whitmire (who did lose in her attempt for a sixth term), served as mayor for five terms from 19821992. Interestingly, she lost to Bob Lanier, in large part, because she wanted to build a monorail system in Houston – oh if only.
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Lanier won the election in 1992 and he was the first mayor to fall under the city’s newly passed amendment that allowed three 2-year terms for elected city officials. Lee Brown served his limited three terms from 1998-2004, Bill White served three terms from 2004-2010, and Annise Parker reached her limit, thankfully, in 2016. In other words, it’s a fairly safe bet that once you’re elected mayor of Houston, your chances of serving the full allotment of terms is about 100 percent over the past half century. Unless you’re the aforementioned Sylvester Turner. We’ve got a long way to go to November, but if you have any interest in city politics, Turner is at real risk of being the first oneterm mayor since “The Judge” Roy Hofeinz, who only served one term from 1953-1955, probably because he had too much money to make. On the November ballot, Turner’s toughest opponents will be Bill King (slogan: Clean Up City Hall) and Tony Buzbee (slogan: It’s Time for Real Change). In reality, I don’t
think King or Buzbee are actually Turner’s real challengers. Instead, I think he’s running against Bill White and Annise Parker, two former mayors who let some real city problems trickle down our dilapidated infrastructure. Parker, specifically, didn’t address the mounting pension problems, and she left a mess for whichever poor soul took her place. In the mayoral campaign of 2015, about a billion people ran for mayor, with Turner and King forced into a run-off. The key issue for the entire campaign was how the city of Houston would address the pension issues crippling our municipal finances. The pensions at play included municipal workers, the police department and the firefighters. Of course, the city had other big issues – rotting infrastructure, potholes galore, and a general sense that not a whole lot had been done for the past six years to improve city government. It didn’t matter who we elected mayor in 2015, because either Turner or King would have walked into a tempest of angry employees and anxious constituents. Unfortunately for Turner, he won and began dutifully attacking each of the issues one-by-one. You can say anything you want about Turner, and much of the criticism is fair. He’s had some bad seeds in his administration, and they’ve cost him credibility with voters. He’s also tried to pass some
Surveying the surveys MY COMPUTER – “Thank you for dining at our Choke & Puke at 555 Pothole Parkway from 7:14 to 8:20 last night. We hope you enjoyed your muskrat salad with elk gravy. Your waiter, Lance, said your tip was insufficient, but that’s just Lance. In order to serve you better, would you please take just half an hour to fill out this survey?” Gad, another survey from this restaurant which seems to know all about me. Are you getting surveyed to death? No matter where I go or what I buy, within days if not hours I am getting surveyed via email. “Did your food taste relatively good? Was the silverware generally clean? Did the valet bring your car around within the hour?” Here’s another one: “At Intermittent Energy, we’d like you to participate in a quick survey regarding our Gas Standby Generator Program (when the energy is intermittent).” Regardless of whether you purchased a generator or not, we’d still like to hear your thoughts. Your responses will remain confidential and anonymous.” Huh? They want to know what I think about something I don’t want and didn’t buy, and they won’t tell anybody. Here’s another: “This is a second request to help us. We thank you for using All Thumbs Surgical Center for your recent medical care. We would like your feedback regarding your visit. We thank you in advance for participating in this important study.” A second request? I didn’t answer their first survey, and they won’t give up. At that surgical center, I had two arrows and a spear removed because I kept referring to “Indians” instead “noble Native Americans.” The federal agency which handles, uh, those people is called the Bureau of Indian Affairs, and was headed by Bryan Rice, who is a citizen of the Cherokee Nation. He just resigned, maybe because he got crosswise with Sen. Elizabeth “Pocahontas” Warren. The clinic was fine, although I almost swallowed the bullet they gave me to bite. Most people probably like the idea that stores, cable companies, cafés and rat catchers want to know what we think about our recent dealings with them, but this survey biz is getting out of hand. And does anyone actually read our responses, or is it just a feelgood program? Some firms offer bait: “Dear Reader, Your feedback is important. Please take a few moments to share your comments about your subscriber experience with the Daily Bias. By completing the survey, you will be entered in a drawing for a chance to win a $100 Amazing Express gift card.” Even my grocery store’s receipt wants my opinion, and gives me a chance to win either paper or plastic. I take my car in for its 250,000-mile checkup and stand by for a deluge of email surveys. My doc-
Lynn Ashby Columnist
tor, dentist and dry cleaners want to know how I feel about my recent transaction. The hotel I just stayed at asks about my visit. I reply: “The towels were so fluffy I could hardly close my suitcase. I really enjoyed the room service champagne, and the honeymooning couple it was destined for in next room didn’t even notice.” What’s the difference in a survey and a poll? Not much but terminology. Companies don’t poll their customers, and politicians don’t survey voters, maybe it’s because polls are so unreliable. In the 2016 Presidential election, every poll showed that Hillary Clinton would beat Donald Trump. Actually, the polls were right. Hillary beat Trump by 2.8 million votes – a fact Trump avoids noting – but that didn’t make any difference in the outcome because no one polled the Electoral Collage. Nevertheless, political parties continue to poll. First, they soften you up with praise: “As a leader in your community, we value your input in our government and country, so please answer a few question so we may clearly reflect your wisdom. Is President Donald Trump a great President or our greatest President?” “Do you approve of millions of diseased immigrants flooding our borders to rape, pillage and vote Democratic?” At the bottom; “To continue our fight for liberty, justice and against equal pay and health choices for women, please enclose a check for $1,000, $10,000 or more.” Then we get from the other side: “Fellow American! You have been selected, because of your brilliance and general gullibility, to share your penetrating views on that clown in the White House. Please rate your opinion of the current administration with 1 being the worst and 2 being the next worst.” “Does Bernie Sanders remind you of (a) Santa Clause (b) Moses or (c) your favorite grandfather?” At the bottom: “To further combat the rightwing menace of a booming stock market and low unemployment, please send checks, cash or food stamps.” We must suspect that the results of such polls are rather lopsided. Do you ever get a survey from your member of Congress? My ex-Congressman sent out the most biased, self-serving surveys, at taxpayers’ expense, that were laughable. Maybe that’s why he’s an ex. Besides polls and surveys arriving in my computer daily, we get phone calls. They are
usually recordings. “Do you feel that being a police officer is dangerous work? Press 1 for yes or 2 for yes.” The phone rings and your first clue is hearing in the background 20 other voices from a warehouse, all mumbling the same questions: “Hello, this is (mumble mumble) and I just want to ask you a few questions.” The dog is barking at the burglar who is kicking in your front door, smoke is bellowing from the kitchen making the fire alarm scream and you just slipped on a Lago block in the hallway. “No, I don’t think global warming is a hoax.” Click. That, apparently is not the correct answer. Oops. Another email. “In regard to our recent survey, was it complete? Ask all the right questions? Please take the next day to fill out this form. Rating 1 for excellent….” Ashby is surveyed at ashby2@ comcast.net
contracts under the table to businesses that likely weren’t properly vetted. I’m a pragmatist on things like this: All politicians try to support the people and businesses who support them. Regardless, Turner (like most elected officials) has plenty of areas where he’s fallen short in his responsibility. However, I don’t think those things are going to matter when the November election rolls around. Turner’s risk of serving only one term comes from the entire mess with the firefighters. Voters passed a measure, Proposition B, to pay firefighters on an equal basis, based on rank, with our police force. Turner, under the umbrella of fiscal responsibility, warned the city could go broke, supported a lawsuit reversing the voters’ decision, and his public battle with the beloved firefighters hangs around his neck like a bad letter. Last week, he said he may have to lay off 400 firefighters, and other municipal workers may lose their jobs to fund pay raises for firefighters. Instead of giving you more reasons, I’ll share what one of our city’s most astute political observers, Dr. Robert Stein of Rice University, said about Turner’s dilemma: “My sense is that Proposition B has the potential to undermine the mayor’s reelection on several fronts. First, he is upside down with his base. Among supporters of the Mayor nearly 70 percent voted in favor of Proposition B,” Stein told
me in an email. “If we assume pay parity for firefighters is still a salient issue to his base, the mayor’s electoral fortunes might be in trouble. This possibility remains a problem for the mayor’s reelection if he and the firefighters cannot find a way to compromise on a 3- versus 5-year phase in of Prop B. “Second, firefighters remain a major player in the November’s election for mayor and city council,” Stein continued. “They proved how effective they can be last November, and I suspect their field operations can make a significant difference in this November’s election.” Next, Stein said that if Turner is forced to lay off workers and cut library and park budgets, he may not be able to avoid the “public’s wrath by claiming the ‘firefighters made me do it.’” The last point Stein made is fascinating: “Firefighters remain respected, especially during the hurricane season that immediately precedes this November’s election. Another hurricane or severe weather episode would only enhance the public’s regard and support for firefighters and their endorsed candidates.” Turner has had his share of wins and losses during his administration. If he doesn’t find a better solution to the firefighter pay issue, the power of incumbency won’t matter a bit. Email jonathan@theleadernews.com
THE READER.
Email us your letters: news@theleadernews.com
Crossing the line
Dear Editor: As to Col. Travis’ Line in the Sand: Mrs. Dickinson said it happened, pretty much as described, although she described it as having been on March 5, as opposed to the date of March 3 or 4, as most historians have reported. I think her description is probably as definitive as can be had. She probably told it first to Deaf Smith, who then escorted her to Gen. Houston at Gonzales. Col. Travis’ Line in the Sand is just as real, as historically important, as Leonidas’ “Come and Take Them!” Or the similar sentiments expressed at Gonzales. As to Moses Rose, there is and always has been some question, and Mrs. Dickinson apparently did not mention him in her report after the battle. Others left to deliver messages and request support. Juan Seguin , as fine a Texian as ever lived, returned, but only got there after the battle was over. John Barton
a quality program. Not because of funding but because of the ridiculous amount of paper work you give teachers to do and the amount of testing you have them get ready for - yes even the music teachers. I then had my child attend the school near our house and OMG. My child spends more time helping her teacher than learning because she is too far ahead of the rest of the class and sadly because she will lose her GT standing, I cannot home school her and she must ride it out this year. Now I am to hear that the school she might attend next year will lose the ability to let her in and her transportation. I have noticed that the parents here lack an interest in their kids education and the ability to help them. So giving them funding will not help this because most of these problems start and end at home. Get your stuff together HISD, get a new superintendent ASAP - this person would rather give her friends money than make this district better. Maria Rodriguez
New proposal would overhaul HISD’s magnet program
Heights affordable housing development ‘on hold’
Dear Editor: Just another reason to take my kid out of HISD. You have become the laughingstock of this city your GT and magnet programs were the only things keeping you from getting taken by the state. This idea is (stupid) and the reason why other schools are lacking is because of the lack of interest by the parent in their kids education. I had my child attend a fine arts magnet school that program lacked
Dear Editor: A Democrat refusing to vote for ‘affordable housing developments’ in highly diversified Houston? Makes no sense. Could it be that there are still some Democrats with a tad bit of prejudice towards minorities? Hmmm .... something to contemplate in that mostly white area. Just saying. Missy’s Mom
the leader Puzzlers. Answers found in this week’s Classified section
SUDOKU
aCrOss 1. Soybean paste 5. Unit of time 8. Watering holes 12. Joint 14. Certified public accountant 15 __ Mater, oneÕs school 16. Resells tickets 18. Batter’s objective 19. Past participle of lie 20. State of Islands 21. Fed 22. Cause cell destruction 23. Daily Show host 26. Diagrammed 30. Cat sounds 31. Most sorry 32. Do wrong 33. Coral reef and lagoon island 34. That (Middle English) 39. Electrically charged atom 42. Nassau is the capital 44. Frogs, toads, tree toads 46. Marjoram 47. Where the Donald lives in NYC 49. Whale ship captain 50. A way to emit sound
51. Comparable 56. Isodor __, American Nobel physicist 57. Businesswoman 58. A way to split up 59. Solo Operatic piece 60. No (Scottish) 61. In a way, tears 62. Bridge breadth 63. Single Lens Reflex 64. Thou __ protest too much 63. Single Lens Reflex 64. Thou __ protest too much
dOwn 1. Korean War TV show 2. South American Indian 3. Cape at tip of Denmark 4. A podrida cooking pot 5. Russian sourgrass soup 6. Perfect example 7. Supplier 8. Unhealthy looking 9. Spanish beaches 10. Am. follower of the Mennonite Bishop Amman 11. Well-balanced
13. Outer surface cells 17. Fathers 24. Sun up in New York 25. Dweller above the Mason-Dixon 26. Young women’s association 27. Tell on 28. Bustle 29. Poundal 35. An ugly, old woman 36. Doctors’ group 37. __ Ling, Chinese mountain range 38. Volcanic mountain in Japan 40. Leaves parentless 41. Existing in or produced by nature 42. Inclination 43. Extents 44. Peninsula between the Red Sea and the Persian Gulf 45. Language of Nile 47. Twyla __, US dancer 48. Card game 49. River in E. Turkey to the Caspian Sea 52. Scored 100% 53. Tonight’s former host 54. __ and ends 55. Notable exploit
WORD SCRAMBLE
The Leader • Saturday, March 16, 2019 • Page 5A
THINGS TO DO. The Arts Mountain Man Saturday, Mar. 16 7 – 11 p.m. The Heights Theater – 339 W. 19th St. Mountain Man is performing at The Heights Theater. A Bowie Celebration Wednesday, Mar. 20 7 – 11 p.m. The Heights Theater – 339 W. 19th St. The David Bowie Alumni Tour features an evening of Bowie songs. Join key alumni musicians of David Bowie’s bands from across the decades, anchored by his longest standing member Mike Garson. Tunes in the Tap Room Tuesday, Mar. 19 6:30 – 9:30 p.m. Harold’s Restaurant & Tap Room – 350 W. 19th St. Enjoy live music in Harold’s Tap Room every Tuesday night. Prateek Kuhad Sunday, Mar. 17 8 p.m. White Oak Music Hall – 2915 N. Main St. Prateek Kuhad is performing at White Oak Music Hall.
The Markets Little White Oak Night Market Saturday, Mar. 16 4 – 8 p.m. Sideout Volleybar – 2623 Keene St. The Little White Oak Night Market brings together local farmers, craft merchandisers, and artists. Eleanora’s Market Saturday, Mar. 16 8 a.m. – 12 p.m. Cavatore – 2120 Ella Blvd. There will be local growers, makers, designers, artisans and food producers. Heights Morning Market Sunday, Mar. 17 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. 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.
denominational Bible study. Email scripturesharing@earthlink. net for information. Men’s Scripture Sharing Group Thursday, Mar. 21 7 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. Bibleway Baptist Garage Sale Saturday, Mar. 16 8 a.m. Bibleway Baptist Church – 4544 Brinkman St. Bible Baptist Church is hosting a garage sale. During the event there will be face painting, lemonade stand, and cookie stand. All proceeds will go toward paying for youth church camp fees. St. Stephen’s Bible Study Tuesday, Mar. 19 9:30 a.m. St. Stephen’s UMC – 2003 W. 43rd St. A new women’s weekly Bible study will begin at St. Stephen’s in Room 201. Sign up at www. stsumc.org/events or contact Rev. Lindsay Smith. The Bible study and sermon conversation at Great Heights Brewing Co., 938 Wakefield Drive, is now being held twice a month, on the first and third Sunday, from 5:15 – 6:45pm. All are welcome. For more information, call the office at 713-686-8241, or visit www.stsumc.org and the church’s Facebook page. St. Rose Lenten Fish Fry Friday, Mar. 22 4:30 – 7:30 p.m. St. Rose of Lima – 3600 Brinkman St. Rose will host a fish fry on Friday, Mar. 22. The entire neighborhood is invited for an evening of delicious food and visiting with your neighbors. Plates are available for dine-in or take-out. Tickets: adult-$10, child-$5, may be purchased from the parish office or on the night of the event. Lent Fish Fry Friday, Mar. 22 5 – 8 p.m. 10th Street at Cortlandt The All Saints Knights of Colum-
campfire! Dinner and breakfast will be provided. Cost: $15 per person, $45 max per family. Each family must bring their own tent. Children must be accompanied by parent or legal guardian. To sign up, please visit www.lazybrookbaptistchurch.org to register online. For more information call John Norwood at 713-826-6317 or email lazybrook@sbcglobal.net
bus council is hosting four Lenten Fish Fries at the Parish Hall on 10th Street at Cortlandt. Dinners are served on Mar. 22, April 5, and April 19. Plates include fish, hushpuppies, fries, slaw, green beans, sauces, and tea/lemonade. Adult plates are $10 and children under 10 are $5. Village Heights Crawfish Boil Saturday, Mar. 23 1 – 4 p.m. Scout Hall – 1711 Rutland Village Heights Church is holding its annual crawfish boil in the Heights. Those attending should pre-order crawfish. Five pounds for $35. The church will also be raffling off a motorcycle. For more information, go to villageheights. church/crawfish.
St. Ambrose Crawfish Boil Friday, Mar. 29 4 – 8 p.m. St. Ambrose Catholic Church – 4213 Mangum Rd. St. Ambrose Catholic Church is hosting a crawfish boil. There will be a silent auction, a DJ, kids’ activities, and bounce houses. Bring a tent and lawn chairs. Tickets are available online for $25 pre-sale, at the door tickets are $30. Email crawfish@stambrosehouston.org
St. Matthew’s Free Lenten Meals Wednesday, Mar. 20 8:30 – 10 a.m. St. Matthews United Methodist Church – 4300 N. Shepherd Dr. The church is serving free Lenten meals beginning March 13, and Wednesdays thereafter. A light meal will be served from 6 – 6:30 p.m., followed by a short Prayer and Praise service leading up to Easter. For more information, check the Facebook page or web site at www.stmatthewsmethodist.org.
Struggling with
ADULT AUTISM?
Fun & Games Edith Parks Book Signing Saturday, Mar. 16 1 – 3 p.m. The Book Scene – 1820 W. 43rd Author Edith Parks will sign and discuss her book, “Rainy Day Poems� at The Book Scene. Stop by for Refreshments and prizes. For information call, 713-869-6117 Heights Kids’ Day of Music Saturday, Mar. 23 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Love Park – 1000 W. 12th St. Heights Kids’ Day of Music’s 5th anniversary is on Mar. 23 at Love Park in The Heights. This festival showcases almost a hundred different non-profits and arts organizations, over 20 local Houston bands, and interactive activities such as an instrument petting zoo, singing station, and arts-focused Creative Zone.
Garden Oaks Event Wednesday, Mar. 20 Garden Oaks Baptist Church – 3206 N. Shepherd Dr. Garden Oaks Baptist Church is pleased to present Dave Ramsey’s Financial Peace University on Wednesday Nights starting March 20. This course has helped many families gain financial freedom by paying down debt, saving money and re-prioritizing expenses. Garden Oaks Baptist Church is providing scholarships for all participants so your cost will be $50 per family. You may call (713) 8644447 for more information or to register. There are limited spaces for this event.
You have options. Consider joining Adult Autism research studies. Qualify and you may receive*: • Payment up to $800. Varies by study. • No-cost study-related care for length of the study • No-cost study medication
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Michelle Thompson @ 713-686-3497
Lazybrook Campout Friday, Mar. 22 5:30 p.m. Sinclair Elementary – 6410 Grovewood Ln. Join Lazybrook Baptist Church as they campout under the stars on the lawn at Sinclair elementary. They will have games, an outdoor movie, and s’mores by the
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Heights Epicurean Market Saturday, Mar. 16 8:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. 1245 Heights Blvd. This once-monthly market invites Texas farmers who are dedicated to organic and chemical-free farming, artisans, bakers, and all sorts of local food producers, bringing them together in a fun block party style atmosphere complete with crafts for the children.
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By Pastor Will Cover Arise Baptist Church t goes without saying,St. butHouston I’ll say itTX anyway: 803 Curtin 77018“we have all 713-659-9697 www.arisebaptistchurch.org made mistakes.â€? As•Alexander Pope so aptly put it: “To err is human, to forgive, divine.â€? We should remember Praya without In every thisRejoice the nextevermore. time we make mistake.ceasing. Most certainly, we thinglearn give from thanks. These three found in 1 must our mistakes, andstatements hopefully not continue chapter five give things we are While to be toThessalonians repeat them, but we should also us forgive ourselves. and all to of forgive the time. Yet,for these thingsit itdoing can bealways hard enough others theirthree mistakes, seem impossible do all impossible of the time.to How can you recan sometimes feeltoalmost forgive ourselves. joice evermore? How can you pray without ceasing? We sometimes cannot bring ourselves to forgive something How can give in everything? The ability to we’ve done,you and wethanks may punish and harangue ourselves always rejoice, to continually be in prayer, and to give for years, or even decades, over youthful indiscretions. In thanks in everything can only come out of a correct unaddition, some of us may not be able to forget the sins of derstanding of God and His plans for your life. Many our past. And although that may prevent us from repeating people struggle with their relationship with God because them, we must be charitable and forgive ourselves, just as the demands that God places on a person’s life can somewe should others. So, we should make a real effort in times see forgive unreasonable or unnecessary. the To coming days and weeks to the offenses of others better understand theseforgive commands, it is important as well as our own. Sometimes, it helps to just forget to read the phrase that comes immediately after. about The them; to this try to put will them mind and constop Bible that says,is,“for is the of out Godofinour Christ Jesus repeatedly mulling over them. One of that the reasons we use cerning you.â€? When you understand God is perfect, the “forgive is because that hasphrase all power, andand Hisforgetâ€? ways are best yousometimes can rejoice ev-is the only way to forgive, i.e., by forgetting. Butlistens far better, ermore. When you understand that God and and anmore to bethat ableHe to truly forgive evenwhat whileisremembering swersdivine, prayerisand wants best for you it is offense. possible So, and we desirable praygowithout ceasing. When the shouldtolet of those unforgiving, you understand thatfeelings God is about in control of every vindictive, shameful the past, and situation get over He isten bringing together incarceration for good to those it!and Corrie Boom,things who survived in a who Nazi love Him obey Him, youiscan give thanks in every prison campand said, “Forgiveness to set a prisoner free, and knowing God has tosituation realize that the prisoner wasallowed you.â€? it and will help you through it for your good and His glory. Always rejoicing, always praying, giving every situation are Judge not, andand you will thanks not beinjudged; condemn impossible to donot if we have a personal relanot, andthings you will be don’t condemned; forgive, tionship with and God you and choose walk closely with Him. will beto forgiven... I hope you will consider what you should be always doing and how you can have these things in your life! R.S.V. Luke 6:37
I
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Women’s Bible Study Group Monday, Mar. 18 5:30 p.m. YMCA –1234 W. 34th St. The Women’s Bible Study meets every Monday at the Harriet and Joe Foster YMCA. The study is called The Faithful, which explores crucial moments in the lives of five Old Testament figures--Queen Esther, Gideon, Hosea, Malachi, and Nehemiah. Guests and new members are welcome to attend this non-
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Page 6A • Saturday, March 16, 2019 • The Leader
Are your backyard mushrooms dangerous to your doggies?
Dear Tabby, With our recent rains, we have had mushrooms popping up all over our yard. What would happen if our dogs ingested any? Are they toxic? Not So Mellow about Mushrooms in The Heights Dear Not So Mellow, You’re absolutely correct to be concerned about your dogs eating mushrooms. While many of the mushrooms that grow in our yards would be relatively harmless if consumed, 1% of mushrooms that have been known to grow in yards are extremely toxic and deadly. Among the most deadly are the Amanita phalloides “Death Cap Mushroom”, Amanita ocreata “Angel of Death”, Lepiota “False Parasol”, Galerina amanita, Muscaria “Fly Agaric,” and Amanita gemmata “Jeweled Death Cap”. The problem with many of these toxic mushrooms
is that they give off a fishy odor, which entices a dog to eat it. Symptoms of mushroom poisoning Symptoms of mushroom toxicity include vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, lethargy, excessive drooling, jaundice, and seizures. If you feel as though your pet has mushroom poisoning, get him to a vet immediately and try to take one of the mushrooms with you, so that the vet can determine if it’s a toxic mushroom. Just to be safe, it’s a good idea to remove all mushrooms from your pet’s yard. Even in this rainy and wet weather pattern, make it a habit to go “mushroom hunting” regularly, removing any and all mushrooms that might entice Fido to have a nibble. Are grocery store mushrooms safe? And, a bit of good news: you CAN serve your dog mushrooms from the grocery store. The only issue would be that dogs shouldn’t have garlic or onions (both of which are toxic to dogs and both of which are commonly used to saute with mushrooms), so make sure that you give them the mushroom plain and raw, if you must. Or, better yet: avoid
Local Boy Scouts leader recognized From Staff Reports Dawn Diamond, a longtime volunteer with the Boys Scouts of America’s Skyline District, recently received the 2018 District Award of Merit at a volunteer recognition dinner held at St. Stephen’s United Methodist Church. The award is the highest honor the Sam Houston Area Council Scout District can present to an adult for volunteerings as a Cub Scout or Boy Scout leader. Diamond, a 2016 Wood Badge recipient, has volunteered with Pack 30 at St. Mark’s United Methodist Church as committee chair, den leader and Webelos leader. She also has served the Skyline District as program director for Summer Twilight
giving your dogs mushrooms all together. Mushrooms really pose no nutritional benefit to your pooch. A much safer, healthier, and yummier alternative would be carrots or apples. Trust me-your dog will thank you! Luck of the Irish Looking for something fun to do to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day on Sunday, March 17? Head to Holler
Globe, from P. 1A sculpture “El Mundo.” It and the other seven installations that are part of the TRUE NORTH will be up from March until December. “The goal with public art is the reciprocity of place and space,” Runnels said. “It’s a global ball instead of a global wall.” The sculpture touches on a range of issues, like littering, recycling, climate control and globalism. “I think (litter) is terrible for the world and causes so many bad things,” Hadley said. Runnels appreciates that the hubcaps have come from all over and represent many dozens of car models. He is also enamored of the fact that the globe is flanked by architecture while at the same time sitting in a river of traffic. People see the sculpture from their car and on foot. Time of day matters, too. “At night it looks like flickering fireflies,” Runnels said. Hadley said he was “super excited” to see the globe installed last week. “We thought it was fun to work on,” he said. “It was family time.” Runnels echoes that sentiment, describing the collaboration with his grandson “quite the bliss.” He said it helped him see his world through a different lens. Before settling on the globe sculture, the ideas for hubcap igloos, a hubcap Art Car and a hubcap Viking boat came and went. The image of a boat continues to interest Runnels. In 2014, he finished the last of 12 dream boat sculptures located at various points along Buffalo Bayou. The 22-foot stainless steel canoe sculpture supported by two steel trees at Buffalo Bayou Park’s Crosby Outfall was called, “A portrait of Houston, it wasn’t a dream, it was a flood.” Next up for Runnels and his wife and grandson? They still have some hubcaps and their minds are still spinning. “I still like the Viking boat (idea),” Runnels said.
Brewing Company (2206 Edwards St. Suite A, 77007) for “St. Pawtrick’s Day.” Friends For Life will be on hand with adoptable pets and a portion of proceeds raised that day will go to the shelter. For more information, go to www.friends4life.org. Do you have a question for Tabby? If so, email her at deartabbyquestions@gmail.com.
Pet of the Week Meet Oscar This big, ol lug of a boy is about 2 years old and was dumped at an apartment complex, where he found himself hanging out with a rough crowd (the ferals). Luckily, someone noticed that Oscar wasn’t feral, scooped him up, and put him in a foster home, where he is awaiting his new beginning. Oscar can be a little shy at first but then soaks up all of the attention. To learn more, go to www. saveacatrescue.org.
Historic from P. 1A
Harvard Elementary classmates hold reunion From Staff Reports The sixth-grade class of 1961 from Harvard Elementary School in the Heights held a
making it a beautiful showplace and bringing the house to life to continue it on for another 100 years,” Kolflat said. “They are the perfect buyers for the property. ... Everybody’s going to love them.” Kolflat said the sale included the 3,719 square foot mansion as well as a carriage house and guest house, the latter of which was built by Truxillo. The corner lot also includes the plat at 1806 Harvard St. and measures a total of 21,120 square feet.
reunion Feb. 21 at Tia Maria’s restaurant. Pictured are members of the class and their spouses or friends.
Volunteers Needed
Dawn Diamond
Camp and as a mentor and counselor for the Boys Scouts’ STEM/Nova Program. Special guests at the reception were the Eagle Scouts class of 2018. People interested in the Skyline District Scouting should contact Lauren Young at 713-689-9703.
Although the property had been on the market since August, Kolflat said its sale was nearly two years in the making. Truxillo, a founding member of what is now Preservation Houston, died in April 2017 at age 74. “It’s no longer the property of the estate, which is a big deal,” Kolflat said. “It’s been a long time, and it’s so bittersweet. It’s wonderful. I’m very happy for that house and happy for the new buyers.”
West Janisch Healthcare is looking for volunteers over the age of 18 to lead group/ individual activites. Activities include bingo, trivia, reading daily news events, room to room visits and group chat. There is no limit to engagement with our Seniors!
Front row (left to right): Evans Rutledge, Jackie Parham Rutledge, Barbara Jones Kohlman, Virgil Blackwell, Lois Wallen Blackwell, Joyce Menville Hebert, Patrick Hebert, Beth Bobbit Kleinschmidt and Amy Gladden. Second row (left to right): Tommy Guilbeau, Sandra Kauldron Guilbeau, Larkin Williamson, Susan Eckles, Tim Hattenbach, Darla Wolcott Gould and Linda Walden Taylor. Back row (left to right): David Eckles, Steven Parker, Becky Pickens, Susie Merritt Martin, Mona Barrier Williamson, Ron Gruener, Sharon Wren Hattenbach, John Peter Strybos, Jim Wetherald, David Cardwell and Jerry Maze.
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The Leader • Saturday, March 16, 2019 • Page 7A
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Photo by Landan Kuhlmann The former Temple Oaks Baptist Church is being demolished to make way for a shopping center.
Temple Oaks site under transformation By Adam Zuvanich azuvanich@theleadernews.com
By the end of the year, what used to be Temple Oaks Baptist Church will likely be a shopping center called Oak Forest Place. Demolition of the church building, in operation from the 1950s until 2018 at the southwest corner of West 34th Street and Oak Forest Drive, began in late February. The
commercial realtor representing Houston-based developer Ersa Grae Corporation, which purchased the property, said last week that construction of a retail complex is expected to begin in the third or fourth quarter of this year. “It’ll be a lifestyle shopping center,” said Radkey Jolink, vice president of commercial real estate company CBRE. The plan for the 4-acre property is for the construc-
tion of between 20,000 and 30,000 square feet of retail space that likely will include restaurants and other serviceoriented business. It is billed as Oak Forest Place on the CBRE website. Jolink said CBRE is in the process of securing tenants for the development. “We’re in conversations with a few,” he said, “but nothing is signed.”
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Published by The Leader on March 16, 2019
TEXAS COMMISSION ON ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY
EXAMPLE A NOTICE OF RECEIPT OF APPLICATION AND INTENT TO OBTAIN AIR PERMIT RENEWAL PERMIT NUMBER 38654 APPLICATION Pet Afterlife Services I PALS LLC has applied to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) for renewal of Air Quality Permit Number 38654, which would authorize continued operation of the Bit of Heaven Pet Cemetery and Crematorium located at 7019 Breen Drive, Houston, Harris County, Texas 77086. This link to an electronic map of the site or facility’s general location is provided as a public courtesy and not part of the application or notice. For exact location, refer to application. http://www.tceq.texas.gov/assets/public/hb610/index.html?lat=29. The existing facility is authorized to emit the following air contaminants: carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, organic compounds, particulate matter including particulate matter with diameters of 10 microns or less and 2.5 microns or less, and sulfur dioxide. This application was submitted to the TCEQ on February 11, 2019. The application will be available for viewing and copying at the TCEQ central office, and the TCEQ Houston regional office, 5425 Polk Street, Suite H, Houston, Harris County, Texas beginning the first day of publication of this notice. The facility’s compliance file, if any exists, is available for public review in the Houston regional office of the TCEQ. The executive director has determined the application is administratively complete and will conduct a technical review of the application. Information in the application indicates that this permit renewal would not result in an increase in allowable emissions and would not result in the emission of an air contaminant not previously emitted. The TCEQ may act on this application without seeking further public comment or providing an opportunity for a contested case hearing if certain criteria are met. PUBLIC COMMENT You may submit public comments, or a request for a contested case hearing to the Office of the Chief Clerk at the address below. The TCEQ will consider all public comments in developing a final decision on the application. The deadline to submit public comments is 15 days after newspaper notice is published. After the deadline for public comments, the executive director will prepare a response to all relevant and material, or significant public comments. Issues such as property values, noise, traffic safety, and zoning are outside of the TCEQ’s jurisdiction to address in the permit process. After the technical review is complete the executive director will consider the comments and prepare a response to all relevant and material, or significant public comments. If only comments are received, the response to comments, along with the executive director’s decision on the application, will then be mailed to everyone who submitted public comments or who is on the mailing list for this application, unless the application is directly referred to a contested case hearing. OPPORTUNITY FOR A CONTESTED CASE HEARING You may request a contested case hearing. The applicant or the executive director may also request that the application be directly referred to a contested case hearing after technical review of the application. A contested case hearing is a legal proceeding similar to a civil trial in state district court. Unless a written request for a contested case hearing is filed within 15 days from this notice, the executive director may act on the application. According to the Texas Clean Air Act § 382.056 (o) a contested case hearing may only be granted if the applicant’s compliance history is in the lowest classification under applicable compliance history requirements and if the hearing request is based on disputed issues of fact that are relevant and material to the Commission’s Decision on the application. A person who may be affected by emissions of air contaminants from the facility is entitled to request a hearing. If requesting a contested case hearing, you must submit the following: (1) your name (or for a group or association, an official representative), mailing address, daytime phone number; (2) applicant’s name and permit number; (3) the statement “[I/we] request a contested case hearing;” (4) a specific description of how you would be adversely affected by the application and air emissions from the facility in a way not common to the general public; (5) the location and distance of your property relative to the facility; (6) a description of how you use the property which may be impacted by the facility; and (7) a list of all disputed issues of fact that you submit during the comment period. If the request is made by a group or association, one or more members who have standing to request a hearing must be identified by name and physical address. The interests the group or association seeks to protect must also be identified. You may also submit your proposed adjustments to the application/permit which would satisfy your concerns. Requests for a contested case hearing must be submitted in writing within 15 days following this notice to the Office of the Chief Clerk at the address below. If any requests for a contested case hearing are timely filed, the Executive Director will forward the application and any requests for a contested case hearing to the Commissioners for their consideration at a scheduled Commission meeting. Unless the application is directly referred to a contested case hearing, the executive director will mail the response to comments along with notification of Commission meeting to everyone who submitted comments or is on the mailing list for this application. The Commission may only grant a request for a contested case hearing on issues the requestor submitted in their timely comments that were not subsequently withdrawn. If a hearing is granted, the subject of a hearing will be limited to disputed issues of fact or mixed questions of fact and law relating to relevant and material air quality concerns submitted during the comment period. Issues such as property values, noise, traffic safety, and zoning are outside of the Commission’s jurisdiction to address in this proceeding. MAILING LIST In addition to submitting public comments, you may ask to be placed on a mailing list for this application by sending a request to the Office of the Chief Clerk at the address below. Those on the mailing list will receive copies of future public notices (if any) mailed by the Office of the Chief Clerk for this application. AGENCY CONTACTS AND INFORMATION Public comments and requests must be submitted either electronically at www14.tceq.texas.gov/epic/eComment/ or in writing to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, Office of the Chief Clerk, MC-105, P.O. Box 13087, Austin, Texas 78711-3087. Please be aware that any contact information you provide, including your name, phone number, email address and physical address will become part of the agency’s public record. For more information about this permit application or the permitting process, please call the Public Education Program toll free at 1-800-687-4040. Si desea información en Español, puede llamar al 1-800-687-4040. Further information may also be obtained from Pet Afterlife Services I PALS LLC, 7019 Breen Drive, Houston, Texas 77086-3723 or by calling Mr. Christopher Coignet, Source Environmental Sciences, Inc. at (713) 621-4474. Notice Issuance Date: February 18, 2019
Page 8A • Saturday, March 16, 2019 • The Leader