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Neighbors at odds over street parking By Adam Zuvanich azuvanich@theleadernews.com
Oak Forest residents Greg and Emily Lambert have a spacious front yard, but they do not let their two young children play in it. They said their stretch of Fisher Street is often occupied by vehicles parked along the curb, which they see as a safety hazard. One day earlier this year, the Lamberts said the kids who live across the street were playing basketball in their driveway, when the ball bounced away from them and into the road.
The ball was promptly run over by a motorist who had just turned onto Fisher from Golf Drive, which is roughly 50 feet to the east. “Luckily the kids didn’t run after it,” Emily Lambert said. “That ball was run over by another car because they didn’t see it coming through, because of the other cars that are parked there.” Parking on their street has become a growing concern for the Lamberts and several of their neighbors on the 1000 block of Fisher. Twelve of them signed
an application for the City of Houston’s Residential Permit Parking Program, which was submitted July 15 and seeks to restrict non-resident parking on the eastern end of the block during a 12-hour period each day. Residents of four different houses on Fisher said most of the vehicles they’ve seen parked in front of their homes appear to belong to Jonathan Campbell, who lives on Golf near its intersection with Fisher. Those residents said they also are conSee Parking P. 5A
Contributed photo A Fisher Street resident recently photographed a group of vehicles parked along the curb on the Oak Forest street.
Planting Roots
By Adam Zuvanich azuvanich@theleadernews.com
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INSIDE.
Timber! An oak tree recently fell in Shepherd Park, where more trees will be removed.
Page 4A
Photo by Adam Zuvanich A landscaper works on a rain garden in the ditch south of 1802 Harvard St., a historic and iconic Heights home. Owners John and Jan Rynda Greer have sought to improve the property since buying it in 2019.
New owners growing into Heights home By Adam Zuvanich azuvanich@theleadernews.com
New kid on the block. Cherry Block got some last-minute support to fund an area location.
Page 7A
Sinking feeling. A sinkhole has reemerged in a Shepherd Park Plaza front yard.
Page 4B
Heights product Gonzalez grilled by U.S. senators
Living in the most recognizable home in the Heights could be considered an honor and a privilege. Jan Rynda Greer has come to find out it’s also a lot of work and comes with a lot of responsibility. And because of its visibility in the neighborhood, the Victorian mansion at 1802 Harvard St. is a target of scrutiny. Since purchasing the historic house in March 2019 from the estate of prominent Houston preservationist Bart Truxillo, who lived there for nearly 30 years until his death in 2017, Greer said she and her husband, John, have worked to restore and upgrade the property that includes a guest house, basement, swimming pool and spacious lawn and gardens. The effort was temporarily derailed by Tropical Storm Imelda in September 2019, when Greer said the home flooded. Partly in response to that event, the couple is in the process of creating a rain garden on the south side of the property, in the ditch between the sidewalk and East 18th Street. Its aim is to beautify the ditch along with capturing stormwater runoff and slowing its flow to a gutter immediately to the west, thereby reducing flooding risks. “Everything on this property has been built with the idea of longevity,” Greer said. “Our eyes are open to the fact it’s going to be hotter and colder, more lightning, crazier storms, more hurricanes and how we have to adjust the landscape and the house itself to survive for another 100 years – without bankrupting us.” Even though the ditch along 18th was filled with vegetation when Truxillo owned the property, the City of Houston received complaints about the rain garden as it began to be constructed. Houston Public Works spokesperson Erin
Photo by Adam Zuvanich The Victorian mansion at 1802 Harvard St., the longtime home of late Houston preservationist Bart Truxillo, is now owned by John and Jan Rynda Greer.
Jones said a trio of 311 requests have been submitted since June, alleging that the rain garden impeded drainage and was a street hazard. Jones said property owners are required by city code to maintain roadside ditches and ensure they are clear of anything that could block or impede drainage as they are in the city’s right-of-way. Any modifications to them, including plants and soil, must be submitted to the Office of the City Engineer for review, Jones said. The Greers did not submit their plans to the City Engineer prior to beginning construction on the rain garden – Jan said she wasn’t aware she needed to – but a public works employee inspected the site Tuesday. According to See Garden P. 5A
The nation’s eyes were on Heights native Ed Gonzalez on July 15, when he faced questions from United States senators during a confirmation hearing to become to next director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Gonzalez, who has served as Harris County Sheriff since he first was elected to that role in 2016, was nominated to lead ICE in April by President Joe Biden. The U.S. Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs peppered Gonzalez with questions during last week’s two-hour confirmation hearing in Washington, asking him about his law enforcement philosophy, his Gonzalez visions for ICE and his past criticisms of the organization, among other topics. ICE has not had a senate-confirmed director in more than four years. “If confirmed, I would welcome the opportunity and consider it the opportunity of a lifetime to work with the men and women of ICE,” Gonzalez said during the hearing. “I would like to see us become a preeminent law enforcement agency that works effectively.” Gonzalez touted his leadership skills, collaborative mentality and experience in law enforcement and public service, including his time as a homicide detective for the Houston Police Department, his stint on the Houston City Council and his role as sheriff, in which he manages an operating budget of more than $570 million and oversees one of the country’s largest jails. He was questioned about his decision a few years ago to end Harris County’s partnership with ICE under the 287(g) program, in which the ICE cooperates with state and local authorities to enforce immigration laws. Gonzalez cited budget concerns and resource allocation among his reasons, saying the Houston area has a diverse immigrant community and he wanted the sheriff ’s office “to remain focused to have the avenues necessary to arrest serious offenders in our community.” When asked if he would end the program altogether as director of ICE, Gonzalez said, “That would not be my intent.” Gonzalez said he would seek to strike a balance between upholding U.S. imSee Gonzalez P. 3A
Local swimmers help refugee kids learn to swim Creepy crawlers. Hammerhead flatworms are here and pose a threat to residences.
By Betsy Denson betsy@theleadernews.com
Page 4B
Recent Lutheran High North graduate Justice Wenz said he learned the power of community when he was asked by a family friend to give swimming lessons to some Houston kids. The children were not his typical students, but refugees from Kenya, Iraq, Rwanda and Sudan. The family friend who reached out to Wenz was Memorial resident Stacy Holden, who met the Sudanese Abdulaziz family through the nonprofit Houston Welcomes Refugees a number of years ago. In the time she has known them, she has also grown close to a few other families in the Southwest Houston apartment
THE INDEX. Church....................................................... 4A Classifieds.............................................. 5A Coupons. ................................................. 3B Food/Drink/Art................................... 7A Obituaries.............................................. 4A Opinion. ................................................... 3A Public Information......................... 8A Puzzles...................................................... 3A Sports. ....................................................... 3B
Contributed photo Members of the Blue Marlins Swim Team recently provided swimming lessons to refugees from Kenya, Iraq, Rwanda and Sudan.
complex where the family lives. It was on a camping trip to Inks Lake State Park that Holden and her family took with some of these kids when she realized that a number of them could not swim. She called around about getting the kids lessons but found that swimming lessons didn’t come cheap. Then she had a revelation. “I know a lot of swimmers,” Holden said. She reached out to Wenz, who will swim on his college team in the fall at Wabash College, and to Mary Beth Witt, who heads up the Blue Marlins Swim Team at the White Oak Conference Center pool. It turned out there were a number of teens who needed volunteer service hours and wanted to
help. One of those was Candlelight Plaza’s Flinn Burrell, who taught two of the youngest girls. “My favorite part was getting to know the kids,” Burrell said. “I looked forward to volunteering because I knew I would get to see the girls that I taught, and I was excited whenever they would show up. It was nice to bond with them through swim lessons.” The group swam at the Candlelight Oaks neighborhood pool and a pool in the Fountainview area. Lessons were on Tuesdays and Thursdays in June and July and Holden would transport the students for their lessons. “We kept the parents informed about what we were doing and I See Swim P. 3A
Page 2A • Saturday, July 24, 2021 • The Leader
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When it comes to fencing - touche H
ello, New Neighbor, and thanks for signing up for Good Fences. It is the neighborhood hub for trusted connections and the exchange of helpful information and services. Your emails have been carefully filtered to include only news etc. for your neighborhood, Golden Years Glen, interspersed with a few helpful commercials. -Good Fences Murry in the Heights -- My little doggie, Cuddle Bear, is missing. He is gentle and snuggly for a pit bull. I tried to get the vet to put a chip in Cuddle Bear’s ear, but the vet no longer will treat him after an unfortunate misunderstanding that required 16 stitches – on the vet, not on Cuddle Bear. My pet is easily identifiable by his 4-pound spiked collar, snarl and an occasional foam around the mouth. J.J. in Westwood -- Does anyone have a used toothbrush? Mine broke. Walt in Toxic Park -- A warning! Last night someone broke into my garage and stole four new tires, a leaf blower and the video cameras I installed to prevent burglaries. W.W.W. in the Galleria -- For rent: One parking spot in the Galleria. Sissy in Conroe -- Need an accountant to prepare your IRS taxes? I am currently between jobs as a bookkeeper at Enron and the Trump Organization, and am wearing an an-
Lynn Ashby Columnist
kle monitor, but just until next week, so that should pose no problem. G. Abbott in Austin – I am currently looking for 51 Democratic legislators who have disappeared just before a vote to issue an AK-47 plus two crates of ammo to all Texans 12 and older. This came after their cowardly vote against my bill to prevent voter fraud, which is rampant, limiting voting from 3 a.m. to 3:30 a.m. in the basement of the Governor’s Mansion. Advertisement: We do AstroLawns. If you have a lawn made of AstroTurf, we can clip that sucker in no time flat so that you won’t need it trimmed for a year or so. We also clean out gutters. Not those across your roof, that’s too dangerous. Just those along your curb. Hedges, yes. Bushes? They died and their house is for sale. For our services, just call 1-WEED-THE-PEOPLE and in no time a truck will pull up in front
of your house with a trailer full of equipment, plastic bags and 13 Guatemalans unless ICE gets there first. Mark in Place – For Sale: A nice set of alligator boots. Alligators get wet, too. ERCOT in Despair – This is a warning! Due to an unexpected heat wave in Texas that may push temperatures into the 80s through October, some if not all lines and gas and coal generators may be out of action. Solar, hydro and windmillpowered plants may keep in operation so long as there is water, wind and sun. But who can count on that? So there could be a rolling blackout in much of Texas. We suggest you: Buy ice. Turn off your a/c, fans and lights. Buy more ice. Move to Canada. Dan P. in Austin – I want to object to all those rumors that I plan a coup and take over the governor’s office. To those of you who still believe this silly rumor, meet me at midnight on Tuesday at the Capitol. Bring your January 6th gear. Jack “The American!” Wingnut in South Side – What this neighborhood needs is more patriotics who put America first! To show your patriotism, put a 20-foot-tall Statue of Liberty in your front yard so that everyone can see it! If your homeowners association objects, I also sell tanks, F-16 fighters and grenade
Local family launches THE READER. new BBQ sauce brand
Reader gives feral dog a new home
By Zarah Parker zarah@theleadernews.com
The Shepherd Park Plaza family of Gary, Josh and Bryan Talley are not novices at the barbecue pit. Gary and his sons have been a professional barbecue cooking team, Primetime Cookers, since 1994. And one thing people always wanted to know about was their barbecue sauce. The sauce was so popular that when Gary, the creator of the sauce, passed down the recipe to his sons, they decided to see if they could make a business out of it. “We started in January and made about 100 of 4-ounce samples,” Josh said. “People loved it so much they started placing orders and we realized it might actually work.” Seven months later, Come and Take It BBQ Sauce is a thriving company that is consistently outputting more and more sauce. The sauce is available online and ships across the United States, and they sale at different markets, cook-offs and tournaments. Josh said they are also in the process of getting it into retail space. “We wanted to make something that was different that you can’t find at the grocery store,” Josh said. “We pride ourselves on being a true barbecue sauce.” Josh explained that what makes the sauce unique is its versatility and flavor palate. The sauce isn’t too tangy, too sweet, too vinegary, too thick, too watery or too bland. Josh
described it as a happy medium that will satisfy anyone’s sauce preference. “The sauce has a touch of sweetness on the front end and as the flavor sets in has a little bit of kick,” Josh said. “We glaze our ribs with it and our kids use it as a sauce to dip their chicken nuggets in. You can really use it either way.” The business grew day by day over the last several months. At shows people would taste the sauce and end up ordering a jar or two, then end up coming back to buy three or four jars to send off to their families. “We’ve had customers send us a picture of their self on the couch with just a spoon saying they wished they’d bought more than one,” Josh said. “One of the things we jokingly say to people is, ‘Would you like a straw with that?’” With a name connected to Texas history, Josh said they’ve even had people buy a jar strictly because of the name. In the future, the Talleys hope that Come and Take It BBQ Sauce is a whole line of sauces, but for now they’re working on getting a spicier version of their sauce on the market. “We’ve been doing this for a long time,” Josh said. “It’s been passed down generation to generation. We didn’t just decide to make a barbecue sauce one day.” Find the sauce, which is $8 for a 12-ounce jar, online at https://www.comeandtakeitbbqsauce.com/.
Dear Editor: Your editorial on “Bob” was a hoot. We got a feral dog from our ranch in Grimes County. He had roamed the area for a long time and he got caught eating hog food that he had stolen. He was living, chained, in a hog cage. He was starving and was going to be shot. My wife Genie saw him and wanted him so .... we got him. He was pitiful. Skin and bones, covered in hog (manure), heart worms. Now he is a beautiful dog, a member of the family who sleeps in the bed. But he digs holes and get in them. Why? He is also scared of storms and sharp noises and fireworks. He’s also scred of elevators; he’s big and that has led to some funny experiences in hotels. He will eat bugs, acorns, and pecans. I just can’t believe it! Keep up the good work. I never got the request for a donation. Please send one. Actually feral dogs and cats are the best! All the best, Jimmy D. Schmidt M.D.
launchers. Sleepless in Seattle – Need air conditioner now! It’s 118 degrees here and Seattle never gets this hot. If only we had a power grid and leaders like Texas. Team in Trouble – Can you throw a football? Maybe in college, even high school? Looking for a quarterback with no pending felony sexual assault charges. Attention customers of Occasional Cable (former Disable Cable, but the FCC, those wussies, yanked our license after that unfortunate blackout during December and most of January): Many of you have complained that you are only getting the test pattern on your TV, and your WiFi, iPhones and iPads aren’t working. If that is the case, simply turn on your computer and go to www. whiny.troublemaker.com. Lonely in Mar-a-Lago – I need 20,000 votes in Florida and 12,000 patriotic vote counters in Arizona. Mexico will pay for it. Wanted: A Caddillac converter. I need to convert my Cadillac. Note to Good Fences customers: Some of you have noted that many of these messages are not specifically aimed at your neighborhood. Actually the messages cover most of southeast Texas and beyond. We are working on that. Advertisement: How many times
have you said to yourself, “My neighbor keeps playing loud music all night.”? Well, we at Bend Me Your Ears, Inc. have just the solution. Call for an appointment. Martha in Accounting: My husband, Coldcut, has disappeared. He is 6 foot 11, has dyed red hair and a tattoo on his left arm reading “Trixie.” If you see Coldcut, tell him I’ve moved. Attention customers of Occasional Cable: There has been a rash of complaints that, if your cable is down and you can’t get online, how can you get online to complain that you can’t get online? That’s what we call a Catch-22. Some of you have suggested a really obscene act. Others have hired Vito the Enforcer while a majority have just changed cable service. We know who you are. Going Crazy in Bellaire -- Need a babysitter to take care of your 4-year-old? Lucky you. My 5-yearold needs a summer job. Gasping at Methodist – Needed: One mask. Hurry. Unnamed in Channelview -- For sale. Four new tires, a leaf blower and a slightly damaged set of video cameras. Meet me at the Walmart parking lot on Sunday at 3 p.m. Alone. Remember, good neighbors make good fences. Ashby is neighborly at ashby2@comcast.net Email us your letters: news@theleadernews.com
‘Employee’ is singular. Shouldn’t it read they WAS met? Dear Editor: Regarding (Leader July 24): “When an employee of Mico’s Hot Chicken came into work last Saturday, they were met with a busted window.” Formality around the word “bust” rotted during the 1960s, pot heads getting “busted” in police raids and such, then quickly came accounts of “busted” pipes et cetera -- “burst” or “broken” no longer sufficiently vivid -- so we’ll let “busted” go its sloppy way. A more recent English mutation, courtesy of identity politics combined with political-correctness totalitarianism, has been the forced abandonment of long established precedents for pronoun/antecedent agreement. That’s because, you gotta know, someone’s feelings may be hurt if they be called a he. Though completely stylebook compliant now, everyone who possesses the slightest degree of literacy must admit that “...an employee...they were met...” simply sounds dumber than a red brick. Last century one Saturday, my high school English teacher, Miss Amos, attended a local college seminar on “Evolving Language.” Opening the session, the instructor pointed
to Miss Amos and said, “If I told you I ain’t got no money, you would know exactly what I meant, would you not?” In her Georgia drawl, Miss Amos replied, “Yes, and I also would know WHY you don’t have any money.” Rendering this account in class Monday, Miss Amos concluded, “That was it, he didn’t call on me the entire rest of the day.” J. Reynolds
Sinkhole causes closure of trail section
Dear Editor: As reported by The Leader, the Houston Parks Board has stated “it is too early to say when repairs will begin or how long they are expected to take” for the closed section of the White Oak Bayou Greenway trail beneath West T.C. Jester. I advise trail users to be patient. The MKT Bridge across White Oak Bayou on the Heights Hike and Bike Trail has been closed since last August and repairs still have not begun. It’s a shame that it takes the Houston Parks Board so long to repair a vital link on the Hike and Bike trail system. If these were automobile roadways, I bet they would be repaired immediately. Roger Barnaby
the leader Puzzlers. Answers found in this week’s Classified section
SUDOKU
Swim, from P. 1A would send photos,” Holden said. “I was grateful for their trust.” She said some of the kids got to show off their skills at a high school graduation party for one of the Sudanese teens. “The older kids could dive,” she said. “I could tell the parents were so tickled.” Wenz said about half of the 5- to 15-year-olds could dog paddle when they started, but the other half were non-swimmers. “It was great to see them overcome their fears,” he said. “By the end some of them could swim up and down the pool. It was so cool to see (a)
true community who came together for the greater good. I learned that nothing is too big or impossible for God.” Added Burrell: “Through the swim lessons, I learned that I really like working with and helping kids.” The students wrote letters at the end of the lessons, which Wenz has saved. “Thank you for teaching me how to swim, dive and so much more,” wrote a refugee named Rachel. “You guys helped me become a better swim(mer) and I am so thankful.” Said Wenz: “They were always having such a good time. They had so much joy.”
Gonzalez, from P. 1A migration laws and operating with compassion toward immigrants. He also said he would rely on data to help ICE operate as efficiently as possible. When asked how he would define success as ICE director, Gonzalez said his “North star is always public safety.” He said he would aim to keep communities safe while also improving ICE’s engagement within communities, so those who encounter the organization are not fearful of it.
“I’m a proven and effective leader, battle tested and know how to get things done,” Gonzalez said. “We can be firm on crime, we can be firm in enforcement, but we don’t have to lose our humanity and compassion as well.” If Gonzalez is confirmed as ICE director, the Harris County Commissioners Court will appoint a replacement for him as county sheriff.
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51. Type of tie 53. Indicates silence 55. Asian people 56. Pearl Jam bassist Jeff 58. Western U.S. time zone 59. ‘Signs’ rockers 60. Confidential informant 61. Lawyer 64. Overdose 65. Football equipment 67. Governments 69. Branch of physics 70. Makes happy
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1. Animal disease 2. Typographical space 3. Sportscaster Chick 4. Italian Island 5. Cooked in a specific style 6. Smelling or tasting unpleasant 7. Name 8. Adult male humans 9. Pitcher Hershiser 10. Pat Conroy novel ‘The Prince of __’ 11. __ route 12. Protects the goal 13. Furnishings
15. Scraped 18. Apply with quick strokes 21. Blood cell 24. Nose 26. Doleful 27. __ Angeles 30. Fruit tree 32. Smooth brown oval nut 35. Works produced by skill and imagination 37. Satisfaction 38. Reversal 39. Tan-colored horse 42. Tell on 43. Pitcher Latos 46. Fast-flowing part of river 47. Hang ‘em up 49. Rings 50. Lead from one place to another 52. Beginning 54. Reciprocal of a sine 55. Worth 57. Indian hat 59. Cloak 62. Resinous secretion of insects 63. __ Aviv, Israel 66. European Parliament 68. Of I
WORD SCRAMBLE
Page 4A • Saturday, July 24, 2021 • The Leader
Trees marked for removal at Shepherd Park By Zarah Parker zarah@theleadernews.com
A white oak tree fell over and crushed two slides at Shepherd Park, 4722 Brinkman St., during a rainstorm last week. According to Jeremy Burkes with the Houston Parks and Recreation Department, a resident reported the incident through the city’s 311 call center the evening of July 13 and the city’s Urban Forestry team inspected the park the following morning. “By our observation, the tree encountered a high wind force and uprooted,” Burkes said. “The surrounding soil has been saturated from consistent rainfall, which only exacerbated the matter.” Bruce Coy, a nearby resident, said the fallen tree had been alive, but when he looked at its roots, they were rotted, which he assumed was from the outpouring of rain that has hit the city over the last couple
of weeks. By the end of last week, the tree was removed from the playground and Urban Forestry has also evaluated a number of other trees in the park and identified two other oak trees that warrant removal due to structural defects. Burkes said the two trees are marked with an orange “X” — one is located in the northwest section of the park, and the other is located in the southeast section. “Both trees are pending service from our contractor within the next 90 days,” Burkes said, “or tentatively by Oct. 15.” Coy, who also tried to report the fallen tree through the city’s new 311 app, said he faced technical difficulties within the app that wouldn’t let the request be submitted. He said he’s had a long history with reporting things about the park to the city, and this tree removal happened a lot quicker in comparison.
Photo by Bruce Coy A white oak tree fell on playground equipment during a rainstorm on July 13. After the city’s Urban Forestry team removed the tree, it marked two more for removal.
For example, he said before Hurricane Harvey hit in 2017, he reported a fallen limb that was still attached to the tree that had fallen over the walk-
ing path. After Harvey the city told Coy it was too busy with the aftermath of the hurricane. Coy said that branch wasn’t removed until last winter. An-
other issue Coy brings to the city’s attention about the park is the lights, which Coy said go out all the time. “The park is one of the reasons I bought my house,” Coy said. “I walk my dogs in the morning. I’m out there between 6:15 and 7 a.m. and it just seems strange when there’s an issue in the park it doesn’t get that much attention.” Burkes said the two trees marked for removal should cause no concern for park goers because they are not in danger of falling. Instead they were marked for removal due to observable structural defects. He said that both trees have cavities at their base which indicate some loss of strength and that the trees cannot compensate for this loss of strength, so that weak point will only become weaker over time as decay in the area progresses. “It’s important to note, however, that even trees with ideal
structural makeup are susceptible to falling during a significant weather event where there’s saturated soil from consistent heavy rainfall and high wind forces,” Burkes said. For Coy, it’s sad to see trees go, but he mentioned that Shepherd Park has a person who has been planting numerous trees, so the idea of two being removed in less concerning for him. As for the playground equipment that was damaged by the fallen tree, Burkes said the city has reached out to its vendor but the timeline for repair is undetermined at this time. “It’s amazing how many people come to the park every day,” Coy said. “Some people I walk with in the morning live at the other side of the neighborhood and drive over to walk it. I ask why they don’t walk at the park near them and they say they like this one better.”
Houston ISD outlines plans to Heights Lemonade Day a success spend $1.16 billion in funds By Landan Kuhlmann landan@theleadernews.com
By Betsy Denson betsy@theleadernews.com
The needs are great in Houston ISD and now the budget is, too. The Houston Chronicle obtained and shared a 54-slide powerpoint last week that new HISD Superintendent Millard House II sent in an email addressed to “Team HISD.” The document outlined how HISD plans to spend the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Funding (ESSER) it was granted in December 2020 and March 2021 and applied to receive this month. The amount of the ESSER II and ESSER III funds is about $1.2 billion. There are 11 commitment categories that HISD has listed as priorities in coming years: Reading, Math, plus College, Career, and Military Readiness (CCMR) Supports; Tutoring and Interventions; Wraparound and SEL Supports; Special Education Supports; Out of School Programming; English Learner Supports; Engagement, Enrollment, Attendance; Technology and Digital Resources; COVID Safety and Cleaning; Increased Fine Arts Supports; and Human Capital and Compensation. Eighty percent of the total funds are intended to address learning loss. For recruitment and retention, HISD is allocating the largest portion of its funds, $135.91 million, for a yearly $2,500 recruitment/retention stipend for teachers and other staff on the teacher pay table which would be paid out in two installments at the end of each semester as well as a $500 retention stipend paid annually in September to all returning employees. HISD intends to spend $127.84 million on curriculum resources, online and tactile materials, as well as professional development for teachers in reading, mathematics, science and social studies. According to the HISD powerpoint, the 2020-21 school year ended with 50 percent of HISD students learning remotely and that gaps in teach-
ing and learning emerged as the year progressed. These gaps were reflected in students’ grades as well as their performance on the STAAR tests. Student intervention help is the next highest spend at $113.33 million. The powerpoint notes that students have experienced significant learning loss due to limited opportunities for face-to-face instruction. For instance, a third-grade student in 202122 might have last been on a campus when they were in first grade. HISD estimates more than 41,000 students need support for interventions in reading, math and behavior. A $49.76 million spend is planned for special education. HISD said it supports more than 16,000 students with special needs and the effects of COVID-19 compounded the learning loss for these students. More teachers, professional development and acquisition of an online behavior support platform to be used by all staff that support students with special behavior needs are part of the plan. Plans to help English language learners will cost $29.62 million. The powerpoint said 33 percent of the district’s total student population are English language learners, and 53 percent of those are longterm learners. Early in the spring semester of 2021, 46 percent of these learners were learning remotely. With the money, all elementary campuses will have access and professional development for a Spanish language intervention program for students with dyslexia in grades PK-2. There will also be additional third-party, English language tutors for priority campuses with English language learners as well as a $1,500 recruitment and retention stipend for ESL teachers. Fine arts is to get $42.18 million in funding. This will be spent on fine arts enrichment programs and in-house residencies at high-need elementary and middle school campuses. Funding for mate-
rials, equipment and supplies as well as funding to clean, replace and repair music instruments for existing HISD music programs are also included. A fine arts teacher will be hired at the 16 identified elementary campuses that don’t currently have one. After-school programs will get $75.85 million in funds and $19.95 million is allocated to additional academic supports. Support services in order to navigate College, Career, & Military Readiness will receive $53.20 million in funds. Social & Emotional Learning, Counseling and Student Assistance will get $59.93 million to increase the number of counselors and mental health professionals at campuses and expand student support services. Wraparound services for underserved communities will get $61.62 million. A plan to boost academic supports at home, and increased engagement between campuses and families will cost $13.38 million, and $16.16 million is being allocated to student engagement. About $80 million will be spent on technology initiatives and facilities upgrades will cost $34 million. The powerpoint closes with a $250.22 million designation for other district monies, including ADA Hold Harmless, which is when a district’s state allocation remains the same even if there is a drop in student enrollment. The powerpoint noted that during the planning process, the Texas Education Agency required HISD to set aside funds for ADA Hold Harmless, but that funds could be reinstated pending TEA’s final decision. A portion of the funds are also meant to recover HISD’s organization-wide administrative costs of managing federal grants, such as costs related to accounting, budgeting, purchasing, auditing and payroll processing. The deadline for school districts to submit plans to the TEA for spending the federal funding is July 27.
SUMMER HEIGHTS SPORTS ACADEMY BASEBALL CAMP BY: RON SMITH (Former Oaks Batter Up Cages) • Dates: Week 1: August 2-6 Week 2: August 9-13 • Time: 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. (check in is from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m.) • Location: Lutheran North Baseball Field, 1130 W. 34th St., Houston, TX 77018 • Cost: $150 per week * $6 per day for lunch * Send all payments to Ron Smith, 4904 Milwee, Houston, TX 77092, or ZELLE payment to 281-639-4475* • Ages: 5 to 14 • Contact: RON SMITH Phone: 281-639-4475 * Email: Coachron1118@gmail.com • Camp Goals: For all campers to concentrate on basic fundamentals of hitting, throwing, fielding, running, etc. through organized drilled and games.
FACE MASKS ARE REQUIRED This camp will consist of instructions from high school coaches, college and high school players. Also, we will have snacks and drinks for sale daily. Water will be provided each day of the camp.
Members of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Houston’s John and Cissy Havard Club in the Heights recently took part in United Way’s Lemonade Day 2021 activities, and came away with hundreds of dollars raised. A news release from the
Boys and Girls Clubs said about 25 kids from the Heights club sold lemonade and various snacks to nearly 100 customers to help them gain “valuable financial and entrepreneurial skills through operating their own business.” In total, the kids raised nearly $850 during a twohour selling window, ac-
cording to the release. The Heights event was one of several around the Houston area from July 15-17 in honor of National Lemonade Day. For more information about the Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Houston, visit the organization’s website at bgcgh.org.
Nguyen named as new pastor at St. Rose of Lima church ing as a chemist. “I thought something was missing in my life,” he wrote in his bio. “I did not feel a sense of fulfillment. I realized that God was asking me to do something more to devote myself to serving Him and the Church.” After graduating from Mount Saint Mary’s Seminary with a master’s in Divinity and Biblical Studies, Nguyen was ordained in 2006. After 15 years in Cincinnati, Nguyen came to the Archdiocese of GalvestonHouston and has previously been assigned Parochial Vicar at St. Martha Church in Kingwood from 2008-11, and St. John Newmann Church from 2011-14. St. Rose will host a gathering to meet the new pastor in the coming days. The departing “Father Rafa,” as he is known, said he loved being a part of the St. Rose community. “I would like to express my gratitude and support to all of you during these last six years,” he said. “If God calls me to move on and continue my ministry in another parish, my answer is as Jesus said, ‘I am here to do your will, not my will.’” Follow us on social media @ FromTheLeader
By Betsy Denson betsy@theleadernews.com
Earlier this spring, Father Rafael Becerra told the St. Rose of Lima community that effective Aug. 5, he would become the pastor of St. Jerome Church in Houston. To replace him, Cardinal Daniel DiNardo has announced the appointment of Father Linh Nguyen as the new pastor of St. Rose of Lima Catholic Community. Nguyen comes to St. Rose from St. John of the Cross in New Caney, where he had been since 2014. His biography on the St. John’s website says he was born Feb. 12, 1969 in Dien Khanh county, Khanh Hoa province, Vietnam. According to the bio, when the Viet Cong invaded and took over South Vietnam in 1975, Nguyen’s father, who was a lieutenant colonel with the local government, was imprisoned in a labor camp and later died. Their family home and property was also seized by the Viet Cong. “Our lives were strongly controlled and isolated by the local government,” the younger Nguyen wrote. The government allowed every son and daughter of former officers to continue their education up to high
Fr. Linh N. Nguyen
school, although college was prohibited for children of exArmy officers of the Republic of Vietnam, according to the bio. Nguyen wrote that in 1993, his family immigrated to the U.S. through the Humanitarian Operation (HO) program. “This marked a major turning point in my life and also of my family,” he said. “During (our) first year in Cincinnati, I studied English at the Travelers Aid International in downtown Cincinnati, (which was) a school that teaches English as a second language.” Nguyen attended the University of Cincinnati and graduated with a chemistry major in 1998 before work-
CHURCH D I R E CTO RY
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The Leader • Saturday, July 24, 2021 • Page 5A
Garden, from P. 1A Jones, there appeared to be no problems with the rain garden beyond the presence of a rock at its western end, which could be removed. Jones said the City Engineer’s office will make a final determination. “I don’t think it’s going to be much of an issue,” Jones said. “If anything, it’s just making adjustments to the garden, not getting rid of it, just to make sure it all works.” Ongoing effort Greer said she was “thrilled” to find out her rain garden was approved by the city, adding that she was prepared to push back if it had not been. She said the ditch previously was filled
with invasive plant species such as canna and crinum, which had grown into the storm drain and had to be removed. The rain garden was designed with the input of longtime Heights gardener John Gardner, and Greer said the center of it includes drought-tolerant water plants such as woolly rose mallows and white-topped sedges, which grow deep roots and have colorful white flowers that shine in the twilight. Gardner said the early returns have been good, with the nascent garden withstanding the test of some recent heavy rains. “It is at least as good as it was,
and I think it’s improved,” he said. “If problems develop, we move a plant or dig a deeper ditch.” After the complaints were lodged through 311, Greer said she reached out to Houston City Council member Sally Alcorn for assistance. In a statement provided to The Leader, Alcorn said residents should seek approval from the City Engineer’s office before making changes to roadside ditches, but she also supports the rain garden at 1802 Harvard. “I applaud Ms. Greer’s initiative in planting a rain garden,” Alcorn said. “I’m a big proponent of green stormwater infrastructure like rain gardens and bioswales and encourage resi-
dents to build their own.” Greer said she hopes her rain garden will inspire others to undertake similar projects and that her experience with the city serves as somewhat of a guide on how to navigate the process. There already are rain gardens in other Heights ditches, according to Gardner. The rain garden on the Greers’ property is merely part of their overall effort to make sure their iconic home, which is on the National Register of Historic Places, remains a treasure within the Heights and Houston as a whole. In the interest of visual appeal, ecological considerations and environmental friendliness, they also
have worked on the gardens in the front and side portions of the property, which are frequented by bees and butterflies. The Greers, who because of the flooding caused by Imelda had to live in the guest house during their first six months as residents, also have resurfaced the driveway in the back of the property and the area surrounding the pool. “We’re like adventurers, and to live in a house that’s its own adventure is what makes sense for us,” Jan said. “There are definitely times where we get overwhelmed, but the constant process is what fulfills us and excites us.”
than Golf and is therefore less prone to flooding. It is unclear how many vehicles Campbell owns or has in his possession. Giraldo said she did not know, adding that Campbell’s vehicles are personal vehicles and not used as part of a business. “Since they have not lost a vehicle due to a flash flood, it is Mr. Campbell’s opinion that (Fisher Street residents) do not see this from the same perspective,” Giraldo wrote in an email. “Mr. Campbell will comply with all laws to include but not limited to parking on city streets.”
their Fisher Street neighbors – Yaqing Fan and Derryck Noser – said they have observed Campbell parking vehicles on Fisher both east and west of Golf and moving them on a daily basis to ensure they are not parked in the same spot for more than 24 hours at a time. Greg Lambert said he confronted Campbell about the parking issue earlier this year and was told by Campbell that he was aware of the parking laws and was not violating them. “They’re always here, and they always move around,” Wheeler said. Jay Desai, whose family owns a rental home that has been vacant at the southwest corner of Fisher and Golf, said she recently discovered that Campbell had two Corvettes parked underneath the carport on the property, inside of a gate that had been locked, along with another vehicle in the driveway outside of the gate. Desai said Campbell was asked to remove the vehicles, and they were no longer there as of late last week. If any vehicles are on parked on the property in the future, Desai said she would have them towed. “It’s our personal property. It’s a private property,” Desai said. “Nobody has a right to park anything
there.”
Permits would be required to park on the street during the specified time frame – in this case from 8 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday through Thursday and from 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Friday through Sunday – with the permits available only to residents. Public parking would be allowed outside of those time windows. “I want residential permit parking so I can get them towed off my street,” Wheeler said. The Leader observed one vehicle parked on that stretch of Fisher on the afternoon of June 29, and three vehicles parked there on the afternoon of July 12. Emily Lambert estimated there is an average of four vehicles parked along the curb per day. For the sake of her children, ages 7 and 4, Lambert said she would prefer to see no vehicles parked on the street. “I love the fact we moved here, because we wanted our kids to be able to feel safe and be able to run around,” she said. “I don’t necessarily have a problem with one or two cars, but right now, especially when there’s a lot of cars, we just don’t let our kids go play in the front yard anymore. And I think that’s kind of unfortunate, since we purposely picked this area to have that available.”
Parking, from P. 1A cerned about overflow parking from nearby businesses and multi-family developments on Fisher Street east of its intersection with Golf as well as on Wakefield Drive one block to the south, where several restaurants and bars have sprouted up in recent years. Jeremiah Wheeler, who lives on the 1000 block of Fisher and submitted the application for permit parking, previously brought the issue to the attention of the Oak Forest Homeowners Association. His block of Fisher is part of Oak Forest, whereas the stretch of Golf immediately to the east is part of Oak Grove. “The OFHA’s concern was that the parking situation over there probably isn’t going to be limited to this dispute between homeowners,” OFHA president Geoff McKeel said. “It’s probably going to be something bigger.” Campbell did not respond to a voicemail seeking comment and did not directly respond to emailed questions. Maira Giraldo, who said she works for Campbell and could speak on his behalf, said in emails and in a phone interview that Campbell parks on Fisher because he previously had a vehicle flood in front of his home and that Fisher has higher elevation
Rules of the road According to ParkHouston Assistant Director Maria Irshad, whose organization is processing the application for permit parking on Fisher, Texas law stipulates that vehicles are not allowed to be parked on a public street for longer than 24 continuous hours. She said two parking tickets were issued in the 1000 block on Fisher on Monday, but she said she did not know who the owners of the ticketed vehicles were and could not provide license plate numbers or descriptive information about the vehicles. Wheeler, the Lamberts and two of
Permit parking process It remains to be seen whether Wheeler’s application for permit parking on Fisher will be approved by the city. Irshad said ParkHouston will conduct traffic and parking studies to determine whether there is a problem with overflow commuter parking. To meet the city’s threshold for the program, Irshad said at least 60 percent of the on-street parking spots must be occupied during the requested time frame in the specified area – the first five houses on both sides of that end of the block – and at least 25 percent of those parked vehicles must be registered to people who do not live on Fisher. If that threshold is met, Irshad said a public hearing will be held, and then ParkHouston could recommend the approval of the application to the Houston City Council, which would accept or deny the application. If the application is approved by city council, the permit parking regulations would take effect 60 days later. Signage would be installed in the interim and residents of that stretch of Fisher would be able to purchase permits for themselves and visitors.
THE CLASSIFIEDS. Wanting to run a classified ad? CALL 713-686-8494 Monday - Friday. We accept credit cards.
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Page 6A • Saturday, July 24, 2021 • The Leader
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The Leader • Saturday, July 24, 2021 • Page 7A
Art Valet: Connections with artists lasting, far-reaching Mitch Cohen Art Columnist
Almost immediately after First Saturday Arts Market had its first show in 2004, the phone calls and emails started pouring in. No, not just from artists, but the public looking for artists. They were looking for graphic designers, pet portrait artists, muralists or any of a dozen things. I was suddenly the go-to guy to find artists. I started a mailing list for artists that has grown to about 1,000 subscribers and spans the globe. Not what I was expecting, ever. It’s been fun having “pen pals” all over the world and I occasionally take advantage of this mail-
ing list and send out my own “call for artists” email. I am always surprised by who answers. Emerging artist Rebekah Molander, who I introduced to you last week, answered an email I sent to the Artists AT LARGE mailing list requesting a good story about their art. Suzanne Banning also answered that email, but because she lives in Wassenaar, The Netherlands, her reply arrived a day behind Molander’s. Banning was a familiar name and face in the Houston art scene about the same time I was getting my market going. Banning describes her work as experimental photography. In an email reply, Banning caught me up on her whereabouts and art career. “What crazy times we live in,” Banning wrote. “I moved back to The Netherlands five years ago after 16
Contributed photo by Suzanne Banning From left are Peter Weeda, Eva Mennes, Kees van Twist and Suzanne Banning.
years abroad, of which 11 years were in Houston. That certainly has an impression, Houston and the Houston art scene is forever part of me! “I just very recently had
the opening of a big survey solo exhibition of 28 selfportraits,” Banning continued. “It was held a whopping 15 months after I installed it, because of, well you know,
that virus. I hung it on Friday the 13th of March 2020 (but who is superstitious?), then couldn’t host the opening as everything had just been shut down. “Then it was planned for Sept. 30, 2020, but it had to be canceled since the corona situation was getting worse and worse. (And I was in quarantine myself as I had got a cold … just a cold, no corona it turned out). Then I waited for nine months, as long as a pregnancy, which you know takes like forever. Finally it was time! The location is a dream, The Wittenburg Castle in Wassenaar, The Netherlands.” Banning’s opening finally happened June 23, a full 15 months from the original date with plenty of fanfare including three camera crews. Banning sent me copies of the local papers that ran stories on the opening, too. I couldn’t read them.
They’re in Dutch. Sigh. “My guest speaker was Kees van Twist, who was the director of the Groningen Art Museum for a long time,” Banning said. “He also used to produce television programs about art and culture, was the chair of a big cultural festival on the island of Terschelling (called Oerol) and he was the Cultural Attaché for Dutch Cultural Affairs in New York. I was very honored he was there to address my guests and me.” Visit Banning’s website at http://suzannebanning.wixsite.com. Details about my call-for-artist mailing list can be found at https://groups. google.com/g/artists-atlarge/about. Cohen is an artist and founder of the First Saturday Arts Market and the Market at Sawyer Yards. Find him at ArtValet.com for additional highlights and artist’s stories.
Review: The Barking Pig changes game for neighborhood bars By Stefan Modrich smodrich@mcelvypartners.com
The Barking Pig is capable of changing one’s expectations for a neighborhood bar in several ways. The name of this cozy bar and restaurant alone is sure to start a conversation, if your eye wasn’t already drawn to the statue of a pig that, depending on when you visit, may be painted differently than it was a year ago. Whether you’re stopping in for a nightcap after a round of golf or just taking a walk home from nearby Little Thicket Park in Shady Acres, The Barking Pig’s intimate bar and plentiful outdoor patio space makes for an inviting spot to enjoy your favorite comfort food. I was impressed with the knowledge and friendliness of the bartender during my
visit last week, though I have to admit my first impression of the daily special, Chicken Fried Chicken ($10), was that there was a typo on the menu. After all, how could you possibly improve upon something as simple and classic as fried chicken? The Chicken Fried Chicken is a twist on the traditional chicken fried steak, and it is vastly superior to any version of the original dish I’ve ever had. The crisp texture of the breading was nearly perfect, the hearty gravy was generously dolloped all over the plate, and the chicken was cooked evenly and maintained the same level of juicy flavor down to the last bite. The chicken is served alongside mashed potatoes that are a bit softer and mushier than I would prefer, but what they
lacked in thickness, they made up for in terms of taste — the gravy helped as well. I suppose expecting anyone else to live up to your mother’s homemade mashed potatoes is a rather high bar to clear. I took another recommendation from the bartender when I tried Great Heights Brewing Company’s Lager-ish ($5), which is brewed with ale yeast, but goes down smooth like a lager, with a hint of bitterness. The bartender told me it stands up well to most fried foods, and Great Heights’ description of the beer on its website is that it is “perfect for a hot Texas day.” The Barking Pig has a $10 Turkey Leg Plate special on Monday and a $10 Build Your Own Burger with fries and unlimited free toppings on Tuesday. Thursday is Steak Night:
Each plate comes with a side salad, mashed potatoes and an extra of the chef’s choosing. Six-ounce, center-cut filets are $24.99, a 14-ounce ribeye is $20.99 and a BBQ Butterflied Chicken Breast is $15.99. On Friday, you can get al pastor tacos for $2.50 each. The Barking Pig Address: 2307 Ella Blvd. Dining Options: Dine-in, takeout, delivery via DoorDash Hours: 4 p.m.-midnight Monday-Friday, noon-midnight Saturday and Sunday Entrée prices: $9-$15 Kid-friendly: Yes Senior discount: No Alcohol: Yes Healthy options: Tree Hugger Bowl ($10) Star of the show: Chicken Fried Chicken
Photo by Stefan Modrich The Barking Pig’s chicken fried chicken ($10) is served with mashed potatoes and gravy.
Cherry Block gets last-minute windfall for area location By Stefan Modrich smodrich@mcelvypartners.com
Felix Florez knew he needed to expand his Cherry Block concept outside of downtown when the COVID-19 pandemic wreaked havoc on what had been a thriving upscale food scene anchored by places like Bravery Chef Hall. The chef and restaurateur made his final push to open in Garden Oaks at Stomping Grounds, 1223 W. 34th St., by offering a free burger for life for anyone who invests $1,000 or more. Investors who do so will receive one burger per week as long as the restaurant is open. Florez said Wednesday he hopes to open the restaurant by November. He only had until Thursday at midnight to reach his minimum goal of $275,000 on NextSeed, a Houston-based investment platform. As of Wednesday, Cherry Block had exceeded its goal, with $285,300 raised. Its maximum target, to cover additional expenses, is $400,000. Florez said a deadline to reach the next funding goal has not
been set yet. “We’re very excited that we reached our NextSeed minimum,” Florez said. “We have a few more things to do to secure the full amount we need to do to open. We’re going to get to work on that right away and keep moving forward.” Monica Danna, the director of marketing and leasing of Revive Development, which operates Stomping Grounds, said that due to FDIC regulations, all of the money would have been returned to investors if the initial goal had not been met. Florez was clear-eyed about the possibility that the restaurant might not have happened at all without the capital from the NextSeed campaign. But Danna made what turned out to be a prescient observation about the ability of the Cherry Block team to secure the funding it needed. NextSeed alerted the Cherry Block team about the potential for a last-minute spike in funding from people who wouldn’t want to miss out on the perks awarded to investors, or the op-
portunity to have a meaningful stake in something rooted to their community. She said Common Bond, another NextSeed client, reached its max of $225,000 in just 47 minutes last year for its drivethrough location at 3210 N. Shepherd Drive, and that Cherry Block had the same potential to get the breakthrough it needed to reach its goal. Cherry Block ended up raising $36,700 in less than 24 hours to clear the $275,000 threshold. As of Wednesday, 315 people had invested in Cherry Block through NextSeed. Danna said she and Marie Elgamal, a spokesperson for Cherry Block, came up with the burger giveaway in an effort to foster a connection between the restaurant and the community. Danna said places like Cherry Block could have a greater economic impact on the other Stomping Grounds tenants and the small business community in the area as a whole. Danna said the Cherry Block burger, which has been regard-
Photo by Emily Jaschke Felix Florez has been butchering meat since childhood. Every piece of the animal is used in Cherry Block’s menu creations.
ed by some critics as the best in Houston, is what Florez is best known for. Florez agreed. “We think with the quality and reputation of that burger, that it’s going to be a great incentive,” Florez said. Florez said his restaurants are known for using locallyraised, hormone-free meats, and “meals (that) taste like they belong in a high-end steak house, but without the highend price tag.” He also said Cherry Block
Food briefs: Commune coming to Heights House Hotel By Stefan Modrich smodrich@mcelvypartners.com
A gathering of chefs from around the globe will be serving up themed specialty dishes during a two-week festival called Commune that will be held Aug. 21-Sept. 5 at Heights House Hotel, 100 W. Cavalcade St., according to spokespersons for the hotel and the group organizing the event. Commune is a project of IndieChefs, run by founder Grover Smith, a Heights resident. According to the IndieChefs website, the event is an “antifood festival” that is “equitatable, gives back to the community, champions social justice, and is committed to addressing systemic issues facing the hospitality industry.” Among the pop-up events taking place throughout Commune’s two-week long exhibition are the Commune Street Market, which opens Aug. 22
and runs from Aug. 25-29 and Sept. 1-5. Each night of the Commune Street Market will feature a new group of chefs and new menus, including different thematic elements such as lighting design. Tickets range from $50$500. Tickets for the street market start at $125 and early entry tickets are $150. VIP tickets for Week 1 or Week 2 of Commune are sold separately and start at $2,500. Tickets are available for purchase at https://www.indiechefs.com/products/commune-houston-texas.
serves Texas barbecue, seafood and Tex-Mex dishes, will open a new location at the site that was previously home to Down House. “Goode Co. is always looking for great spaces and new neighborhoods to become a part of, and we are excited to be opening one of our concepts in the Heights area,” said Levi Goode, president of Goode Company Restaurants. “While we don’t have details on the specific concept and opening date, we look forward to doing something Goode in this historic Houston neighborhood.”
Goode Company bringing restaurant to Heights Houston-based Goode Company has signed a lease for a property at 1801 Yale St., according to a Wednesday news release from the company. The restaurant chain, which
More local restaurants participating in Houston Restaurant Weeks Several area restaurants will be participating in this year’s Houston Restaurant Weeks. They are: • Alice Blue, 250 W. 19th St.,
serves American comfort food. • Common Bond Bistro & Bakery, 449 W. 19th St., Ste. B-100, offers gourmet takes on brunch and breakfast classics. • Harold’s Restaurant, Bar & Rooftop Terrace, 350 W. 19th St., Ste. C provides guests a taste of Southern fried chicken and seafood. • Kin Dee Thai Cuisine, 1533 N. Shepherd Drive, Ste. 160 serves Thai curries, noodles and dumplings. • Maison Pucha Bistro, 1001 Studewood St., Ste. A, is an upscale brunch spot with global tastes. • Rainbow Lodge, 2011 Ella Blvd., serves guests wild game and seafood in a rustic log cabin setting. • Mastrantos, 927 Studewood St., Ste. 100, is a Venezuelan restaurant with an international menu. • Fegens, 1050 Studewood St., offers modern Italian and American favorites.
will feature ready-to-heat meals that will make life easy for people and families on the go. Cherry Block will also have a selection of wines produced with “extreme attention to detail” and on a small scale that Florez said will blow away mass-produced wines. “(People will say), ‘This is my new watering hole, it’s right down the street,’” Danna said.
“People can come for a burger and stay for a drink. We’ve got eight other restaurants that are coming (to Stomping Grounds). They’re not only getting a monetary return, but getting a chance to be part of the Cherry Block family.” Florez said the Stomping Grounds development is an ideal location for his restaurant because of his commitment to sourcing products locally. He plans to sell pantry goods and cookware and other daily staples as well. “It couldn’t fit any better than it does,” Florez said. “That specific area is a great community, and it’s a community that gets behind local (businesses). There is no brand that is more local than our brand. We really feel strongly that Garden Oaks is going to be a neighborhood that is in tune to that and really embrace it.” Investors can contribute to the NextSeed fund at https:// www.nextseed.com/offerings/ cherry-block.
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The Leader • Saturday, July 24, 2021 • Page 8A
Fleeing driver sought in fatal Northside Village hit-and-run By Landan Kuhlmann landan@theleadernews.com
Houston authorities are searching for a person wanted in connection with a hit-and-run crash earlier this month that left a woman dead. The victim, 81-year-old Sandra Kozak, was pronounced dead at the Texas Medical Center last Sunday, according to the Houston Police Department.
HPD said Kozak was driving westbound at 5300 Fulton St. around 10:15 p.m. July 7 when witnesses told investigators she was hit by the driver of a gold-colored Toyota Camry who had run a red light. The Camry’s driver then fled the scene and remains at large, according to police. Anyone with information on the identity of the Camry driver is urged to contact HPD’s Vehicular Crimes division at 713-247-4072 or Crime Stoppers at 713-222-8477.
HPD looking into fatal single-car crash By Landan Kuhlmann landan@theleadernews.com
Houston police say they are investigating the cause of a single-car crash off U.S. 290 last week that left the driver dead. The victim, 38-year-old Christrian Nefta Flores Veliz, was pronounced dead at the scene, according to to police. The Houston Police Department said there were no other motorists or cars involved in the crash.
Police investigating hotel shooting By Landan Kuhlmann landan@theleadernews.com
Police say they are investigating a fatal shooting last week at a hotel near U.S. 290. The victim, 23-year-old Kelley Carlington Abiola Babalola, was pronounced dead
at the scene, according to the Houston Police Department. HPD said officers responded to a shooting call at the Hometown Studios apartment complex at 5959 Guhn Rd. around 1:45 p.m. July 15 to find the victim with a gunshot wound to his face.
There were no known motives or suspects in the incident as of July 16, according to a news release from HPD. Anyone with information in this case is asked to call HPD’s Homicide division at 713-3083600 or Crime Stoppers at 713-222-8477.
Man killed outside Northside food store By Landan Kuhlmann landan@theleadernews.com
The fatal shooting of a man outside a Northside convenience store earlier this week is being referred to a grand jury after Houston police said the suspect is claiming selfdefense. The identity of the victim, a 30-year-old man, according to the Houston Police Depart-
ment, is pending verification by the Harris County’s medical examiner. HPD said officers responded to the parking lot of the N & T Food Store at 5101 Yale St. around 4:40 p.m. Monday in response to a shooting call. Police said the suspect, who an HPD spokesperson declined to name, was arrested at the scene after allegedly getting into an argument with
another man inside. The suspected shooter then left the store with the other man following him, according to police, and then allegedly fired multiple shots in the victim’s direction, striking him. Police said no charges have been filed in the case. Anyone with additional information about the incident is asked to contact HPD’s Homicide division at 713-308-3600.
Police: Man dies in shootout with officers By Landan Kuhlmann landan@theleadernews.com
Houston police say a man died during a shootout with officers at an area hotel last weekend. The man, 35-year-old Irvin Peterson, was pronounced dead at the scene, according to the Houston Police Department. HPD said officers responded to the Palace Inn at 3421 Antoine Dr. just after 11 p.m. July 18 in response to a call from Pe-
terson, who police said was allegedly threatening to kill other people and responding officers. As officers responded, police said Peterson allegedly shot and killed a man and woman while wounding two other men. The identities of the man and woman are pending verification by the county’s medical examiner, while the other two men went to the hospital with what police called non-life-threatening injuries. According to HPD, Peterson
allegedly began shooting at officers from a second-floor balcony of the hotel while three police officers returned fire. A short time later, police said officers found Peterson dead on the balcony. The case is being investigated by HPD’s Special Investigations unit, HPD Internal Affairs division and the Harris County District Attorney’s Office. Anyone with additional information in this case is urged to contact the Special Investigations unit at 713-308-3600.
Police said the victim was driving southbound at 10700 Northwest Fwy. around 12:20 a.m. July 17 when he crashed into a divider between the main lanes of 290 and the exit ramp to the I-10 flyover. HPD said an investigation into the crash is ongoing. Anyone with information in this case is urged to contact HPD’s Vehicular Crimes division at 713-2474072.
Police searching for ‘Big Boy’ after Independence Heights shooting By Landan Kuhlmann landan@theleadernews.com
Local authorities say they are searching for a man suspected of shooting and hospitalizing a woman at a home in Independence Heights last week. The victim, 58-year-old Celia Hunter, was taken to an area hospital in stable condition, according to the Houston Police Department. Police said the victim told investigators a male known as “Big Boy” came by her and her roommates’ home at 4118 Cornell St. around
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11:45 a.m. July 15 because he owed her money. According to HPD, the man started to walk away when Hunter tapped him on the shoulder. He then turned and shot her in the chest and arm, police said, before fleeing the scene in a dark gray or black sedan with a paper license tag. The suspect is described only as a Black male, HPD said. Anyone with information in this case is asked to reach out to HPD’s Major Assaults & Family Violence division at 713-308-8800 or Crime Stoppers at 713-222-8477.
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The Leader • Saturday, July 24, 2021 • Page 1B
1135 E 11TH HOUSTON, TX 7
Wolf Capital Partners acquires Heights building betsy@theleadernews.com
It’s been a rough couple of years for the corner of Studewood Street and East 11th Street. The former site of Dacapo’s Pastry Cafe, the cafe was sold in 2018 to the proprietors of Carmalita’s Cuisine, who operated their family-owned restaurant there until a truck crashed into the building in the summer of 2019. The owners later announced that they would not reopen. Now the corner has new life. The 7,818-square foot property from 11351141 E. 11th St. that includes the corner as well as space adjacent on 11th has been acquired by Wolf Capital Partners. Zach Wolf said they are currently in talks with potential tenants and have signed one. Graze HTX will move in two spots down from the former Decapo’s. Owner Alyssa Case said this will be her first brick-and-mortar location for the business, which she started in 2019. The added bonus is she lives four blocks away in the Heights. Graze HTX creates hand-crafted meat and cheese boards for occasions and events of all sizes. Everything on the boards is local to Houston or to Texas. Right now, Case delivers them but with the new location people can come shop for boards and buy them on-site. “I want this to be an entertainer’s market,” Case said. “People will be able to pick up a board and if they need a bottle of wine, or a candle, they can get that, too. Really anything to greet their guests.” Case does not want to be a replacement for Houston Dairymaids, where she gets her cheese, or Heights Grocer, where she enjoys shopping. The crux of her business is in how she arranges and presents the items on the boards for patrons.
HEIGHTS MIXED-USE REDEVELOPMENT FOR LEASE
“It felt like an approachable loca“I wanted to find something in the middle and do something different,” tion,” she said. Wolf said he is in talks with tenants Case said. 2602 PERSA STREET | SUITE 3 The new location will allow Case to for the other available spaces and estiHOUSTON, TEXAS mates there will be77098 five or six. have the wines and other accessories “We want to create a place that the available as well as offer single-serve WWW.WOLF-CP.COM neighborhood embraces and wants to options and more vegetable options. Case said she is excited about the patronize,” Wolf said. “The Heights is spot because of its prime placement full of fun destinations and we hope to be a part of that.” in the Heights.
Real Estate Roundup
Houston sinks in national ranking of places to live By Betsy Denson and Zarah Parker news@theleadernews.com
US News & World Report released its list of the “2021-22 Best Places to Live in the United States,” and Houston took a tumble. The Bayou City was ranked 39th among the largest metropolitan areas in the country, 12 places lower than last year’s 27th place. The list ranked the 150 most populous metropolitan areas in the U.S. based on factors such as affordability, labor market, quality of life and attractiveness. “This year we’re looking at how the most populous subway areas in the United States have fared (during COVID) and how far they will have to come to recover,” said Devon Thorsby, real estate editor at US News. “It should come as no surprise that many metropolitan areas where unemployment skyrocketed in 2020 fell in the rankings, but those with greater employment stability tended to do well.” Demolition at 1800 Houston Avenue A thread on the Houston Architecture website bemoaned the recent demolition of a structure at 1800 Houston Ave. that dated back to 1926. The Harris County Appraisal District valued the land at $450,000 and the structure at $10,708. Permitting records indicate that a gas station and convenience store will take its place.
Contributed rendering
Wolf Capital Partners recently acquired the property at the northeast corner of East 11th Street and Studewood Street.
The Triangle House is for sale Paper City Magazine noted a unique home listing in the Heights. The triangular-shaped house on a 2,048-square foot triangular lot at 530 Oxford St. backs up to the Heights Hike and Bike Trail and is aptly named The Triangle House. The list price for the home is $675,000. Designed by contemporary architect Allen Bianchi, the 3,067-square foot home is notable because each floor of the three-story house is larger than the one beneath it. Bianchi designed this home for artist Joseph Cohen and his wife, Lindsay Cohen, who works for international auction house Bonhams.
TopSoap Car Wash moves into former Sonic The Houston Chronicle reports that TopSoap Car Wash will move into a previously closed Sonic Drive-In at 8405 N. Houston Rossyln Rd. TopSoap has its flagship location in Conroe but plans to develop at least five locations in Houston. Opening for the Rosslyn location is planned for summer 2022. Hotel Indigo Houston under new ownership BizNow reports that Driftwood Capital purchased the Hotel Indigo Houston at the Galleria, a 131-key hotel in Houston’s Uptown submarket. The hotel, built in 2001 and renovated in 2009, is located at 5160 Hidalgo St.
Wolf said they love being on heavily trafficked streets. “East 11th has steady traffic heading to I-45, while Studewood consistently has traffic flow,” he said. “The site is also nestled in the Norhill District, which is full of families who love to walk.” Details of the purchase were not disclosed. The Harris County Ap-
praisal District values the property at $1.07 million. Wolf also owns center at INFO FORa retail LEASING East 20th Street, which was previously ZACHARY WOLF, profiled in The Leader, and a building at 5013 N.ZACH@WOLF-CP.COM Shepherd Dr. |7 “We have a few other projects we are working on and hope to announce soon,” Wolf said.
For over 80 years, we’ve cared enough to think about the very worst. Through tornadoes, earthquakes, hurricanes, and more, Farmers has been on the scene helping people start rebuilding since 1928. No one wants to think about all the things that can go wrong. But at Farmers, that’s what we’ve been doing for the last 80 years.
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Take your health to Greater Heights Contributed photo TopSoapCar Wash will reportedly open on N. Houston Rosslyn Road.
J. Kevin Giglio MD Michael Giglio MD Both doctors are board certified by the American Board of Family Medicine
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The building at 1800 Houston Ave. was recently demolished.
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2020 N. Loop W., Suite 220 also at: MytiBurger 2211 W. 43rd St. C&D Hardware Merle Norman 314 E. 11th St. 4216 B-Ella Blvd.
Page 2B • Saturday, July 24, 2021 • The Leader
Market Update
Woodland Heights/Northside Village pace June home sales By Landan Kuhlmann landan@theleadernews.com
The home sales boom in local neighborhoods that has been consistent since the start of 2021 continued to endure last month, according to the most recent data from the Houston Association of Realtors. Though every area zip code once again saw year-over-year increase, the 77009 zip code – which includes local neighborhoods such as the Woodland Heights and Northside Village – paced the area as it more than doubled its June 2020 sales numbers. In terms of total sales, the Greater Heights (77008) saw the most homes sold with 699 of them coming off the market. Prices were also on the rise in many neighborhoods with the exception of 77009, according to HAR, which saw both average and median home price drop by at least 3 percent year-over-year. 77018
As was the story in many areas, the zip code encompassing Garden Oaks and Oak Forest along with parts of the Central Northwest and Independence Heights neighborhoods had a strong month. There were 104 homes sold here in June, up 67.7 percent from the 62 sales in June 2020. Year-to-date, this zip code has experienced a 63.8 percent increase in sales compared to the same span, having seen 493 homes come off the market through the end of July. Pricing-wise, the average buyer paid 22 percent more for a home ($592,349) compared to June 2020, while median price rose 21.9 percent up to $486,250. 77092 To the west, the area including Langwood and rest of Central Northwest also saw a slight rise in sales last month. The 25 homes sold in this area was 31.6 percent more than the 19 sold last June. And though the 181 total sales in this zip code so far this year is the second-lowest area mark, it
also represents an 82.8 percent increase in year-to-date sales volume – the largest percentage increase among local neighborhoods. The average buyer paid $361,886 to buy here in June – a 26.4 percent spike compared to last year – while the median price for a home in the area was up 23.5 percent to $349,000. 77091 Just to the north, the zip code including Greater Inwood, Acres Homes and Northside was another big riser. Agents saw 37 sales close on homes here last month, a 54.2 percent increase compared to last year. Through the end of the month, the 147 homes sold in this area is 37.4 percent more compared to the same period in 2020. On a pricing front, average price was up 23 percent year-over-year to $283,937, while the median price ended the month at $285,000 – a 17 percent spike compared to June 2020.
77008 In the Greater Heights, buyers closed on 132 homes last month – a 43.5 percent year-over-year compared to the previous June. Through the end of the month, there have been 699 homes sold in the Heights, which stands as the most total sales of any local neighborhood and is 62.6 percent of last year’s mark of 430 during the same period. Year-over-year, the average buyer paid 13.5 percent more for a home in the Heights last month ($610,011). The median price, meanwhile, rose 8.9 percent up to $519,000 at month’s end. 77009 On the eastern edge of the Heights, the zip code encompassing Woodland Heights and Northside Village was the biggest year-over-year riser among local neighborhoods. The 69 homes sold in the area last month more than
doubled the previous June’s mark of 32 sales. On a year-to-date basis, sales are up 56.7 percent compared to the same period in 2020, with 337 final sales through the end of the month. This was the only local zip code to see prices drop year-over-year. The average buyer paid 3.8 percent less ($517,981) compared to last June, while median price was down 3.1 percent to $440,000. 77007 The southernmost portion of the area saw a 46.2 percent increase in June home sales. There were 106 sales in the area last month, up from 72 sales in June 2020. Yearto-date, the area is 51.8 percent ahead of last year’s pace, having seen 548 total sales through the end of the month. Average price for a home in this zip code, which includes Washington Avenue and Rice Military, was up 14.8 percent to $589,424. The median home price ended the month up 1.8 percent to $467,250.
REALTOR SHOWCASE
Dynamic mother/daughter duo use deep roots to help clients By Landan Kuhlmann landan@theleadernews.com
Since teaming with her mother Carolyn Bryant at RE/MAX in 2016, Kristi Kolmetz said the duo has just one goal in mind – superior client service. A major part of that goal, she said, is the inherent knowledge both have of the area to help find the best fit for a buyer or seller entrusting them with doing so, and forging relationships that go beyond the client/agent transaction. “We know some of the nuances – there are a lot of different factors that come into play when you’re pricing a home, and if you aren’t an agent from this area, sometimes you can miss some of those key things that you need to look for when listing,” Kristi said. “There are a lot of great agents in this area, but I think it’s important as a buyer or seller in this market to have a seasoned agent who knows the area.” Since becoming a team in early 2016, the two have become quite the dynamic duo in Garden Oaks, Oak Forest, Shepherd Park Plaza and other surrounding neighborhoods. Kristi puts her marketing background in the architecture, engineering and contracting industry to work, and Carolyn brings her years of experience to the table. “It wasn’t a completely new thing for me, it was just applying it in a different manner,” Kristi said. “My mother just wanted someone to team with for as she continued to grow her business. Over the last year and a half has certainly been the most unique for the pair, with the COVID-19 pandemic and its effects to now slowly returning to a sense of normalcy. But instead of discouraging them, Kristi said the mother/daughter team has continued to thrive. As a whole, the Houston region has seen sales spike as more people were in need of a good home, and Kristi said it has been no different for the duo in their inner loop markets.
Kristi Kolmetz and Carolyn Bryant “It’s been a great year for both of us – I think we’re both working harder than we ever have,” she said. Along with being crucial to finding that perfect fit, Kristi said she’s seen the relationships that Carolyn has forged during her time in real estate and strives to do the same with her clients. And a crucial part of that, she said, is her and her mother’s personal ties to the area.
Kristi is a longtime resident of Shepherd Park Plaza, and went to St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church and St. Pius X High School in the Garden Oaks and Oak Forest neighborhoods growing up. It’s her home, and she and Carolyn are dedicated to helping their clients find the same type of perfect fit. “I love getting to know my clients. This is obviously a big transaction for them – possibly the largest one they will make. I love getting to know them on a personal level, explaining that there are going to be some hiccups along the way and trying to prepare them for that on the front end as much as I can,” she said. “I pride myself on trying to set and manage their expectations so there aren’t a lot of surprises. And at the end of the day, I keep in touch with most – if not all – of my clients on a regular basis.” The efforts appear to have paid off. “Kristi was wonderful to work with on the sale of my home. She thought of every detail and was proactive to any issues that may have come up while it was listed,” one seller said about Kristi. “She was a consummate professional and helped to get my home listed and an offer within two days.” Kolmetz previously won 2nd place in The Leader’s Reader’s Choice Awards for best real estate agent, while the Carolyn Bryant Team – RE/MAX Metro was voted the best real estate company. “Kristi had impeccable response-time and was very knowledgeable,” client Jennifer G. said. “She was able to make me feel like her only client and that she truly had my best interests at heart.” Through all the uncertainty, Kristi and Carolyn have come out the other side, and so too have their clients. You’re in good hands with the mother/daughter team, whether you’re looking to buy or sell. Kristi can be reached at 281-723-9801 or kristi@kristikolmetz. com. Carolyn can be reached at 281-723-810 or carolyn@carolynbryant.com.
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The Leader • Saturday, July 24, 2021 • Page 3B
Do you have to dump your boyfriend if he’s allergic to your dog? Dear Tabby, My boyfriend has recently moved in with me and my dog. We’re all ridiculously happy, except for one thing: my boyfriend is having an allergic reaction to my beloved dog! I’m absolutely not getting rid of my dog, and I’m not too keen on getting rid of my boyfriend either. Help! Allergic to Love in Acres Homes
lief, dander from your dog’s skin (rather than fur) is probably what is causing your boyfriend’s allergic reaction. Dander is the dusty stuff that you often see on your dog’s coat. Dander is just discarded skin flakes, but it can cause a whole host of issues for people who are allergic to it. In addition to regular bathing (but not too much bathing--because bathing can dry out your dog’s skin, making dander worse!), simply wiping down your dog with a wet washcloth often can help keep dander at bay.
Dear Allergic to Love, Oh, boy. I’m so sorry to hear that your boyfriend is having trouble assimilating into your home with your dog. You’re a smart person, though, to know that giving up your dog wouldn’t be a good choice for anyone involved, so thank you for your commitment to your sweet dog. The good news is that there are some solutions to your predicament. They (mostly) involve being diligent about home cleaning, but should make a difference in the life of both your boyfriend and your dog.
Clean like your (boyfriend’s) life depends on it You probably don’t want to hear this, but staying on top of vacuuming, dusting and mopping will help keep allergens out of your home and away from your boyfriend. If you currently have carpet, consider replacing it with hard floors. If that’s not an option, adopt a super regular vacuuming regimen. Also, if possible, clean when your boyfriend isn’t in the home because cleaning stirs up all manner of dust and dander and can make his condition worse before it can get better.
Make grooming a priority Contrary to popular be-
Create at least one dog-
free room Maybe it’s the bedroom or maybe it’s an office, but try and keep one room of your house dog-free so that your boyfriend has a safe place to retreat to when his allergies are bothering him. Make a doctor’s appointment and a vet appointment A visit to a doctor might help your boyfriend to treat his allergies. There are many medications available that help immensely with allergies. It might also help to take your dog to the vet to make sure it doesn’t have any conditions that could be causing more dander buildup or skin issues. Your vet might also be able to recommend a special diet that can help control dander. A good pet owner is open and flexible to finding solutions to issues such as this one, so thank you for reaching out and finding a solution instead of dumping your dog (or your boyfriend)! With a little attention to detail and a lot of love, I feel certain that you’ll soon find a solution to your love triangle!
HISD hosting free athletic combine at Delmar field By Landan Kuhlmann landan@theleadernews.com
Local high school athletes will have the chance to showcase and test their skills at an athletic combine hosted by Houston ISD next week. Next Monday and Tuesday, HISD will partner with Local Sports Network and Zybek Sports to host a free athletic combine at Delmar Stadium, 2020 Mangum Rd., that is open to HISD athletes in sixth to 12th grade who play any sport. There will be two time slots for each day, according to an event flyer – one session from 8-10 a.m. and another from 6-8 p.m. During the event, athletes will have their physical mea-
Andre Walker
surements taken as well as be tested in the 40-yard dash, broad jump, vertical jump and shuttle runs. Results will be available within 48 hours after the event’s completion
via the Local Sports Network app, according to the combine website. “For our kids, these combines put them on an even playing field,” reads a statement from HISD athletic director Andre Walker on the combine’s website. “Thanks to Local Sports Network and Two Percent Combines, our kids know exactly where they are right now, where they need to be in the future, and specific ways they can improve.” The event is free for all athletes. For more information about the event or to register, athletes can go to twopercentcombines.com/product/houston-isd-athletics-combine.
HITS Theatre welcomes live audiences By Zarah Parker zarah@theleadernews.com
It’s a safe assumption to say many people haven’t seen a live musical in over a year. With theaters closed or at limited capacity, there haven’t been that many options in the area.
HITS Theatre, 311 W. 18th St., welcomed audiences back into its theater at full capacity last weekend when elementary students performed Disney’s Moana Jr. On Saturday and Sunday, audiences will have another chance to experience live theater as well, as students in
grades 7-12 perform the same play. And at the beginning of August, third through sixth graders will perform it. The theater’s last summer play will be the high school edition of Chicago, performed by grades 7-12, and showcasing Aug. 7-8.
Do you have a question for Tabby? Email her at deartabby questions@gmail.com.
Pet of the Week Meet Nellie Nellie (short for Canela) is a 3 year old bully-mix who loves people. Nellie’s superpowers include looking cute, lounging and enjoying treats. Nellie is not terribly concerned about YOUR schedule. When you’re with Nellie, you’re on “Nellie Time,” and honestly--it’s a wonderful place to be! Nellie is housetrained, crate trained and will be spayed as soon as she’s done with heartworm treatment. To learn more, go to www. animaljusticeleague.org. Photo Picture from Instagram Grades 3-6 will perform Disney’s Moana Jr. on July 31 and Aug. 1 at HITS Theatre.
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Page 4B • Saturday, July 24, 2021 • The Leader
Recurring sinkhole leaves Shepherd Park Plaza residents on edge By Adam Zuvanich azuvanich@theleadernews.com
A sinkhole formed in James Coligan’s front yard during each of the last two years. Both times, the Shepherd Park Plaza homeowner said Houston Public Works worked on the problem and told him it was fixed. The front-right corner of his yard started sinking again earlier this year, and the city is again addressing the issue. But Coligan is not sure the third time will be any more charmed. “It’s kind of hard to have confidence when it’s taken three years and happened three separate times,” he said. “This is the worst it’s ever been.” Coligan said the latest hole in the ground is about 2 feet deep and roughly 8 feet away from the foundation of his home, which has him espe-
cially concerned. The sinkhole also has caused problems for his neighbors on Martin Street, because it’s underneath the left side of their driveway. Jennifer Kolb, who lives in the neighboring house, said the problem first presented itself in the spring of 2019, when a large truck pulled into the driveway and cracked the concrete. She said she and her husband then spent thousands of dollars to redo the driveway, because it did not have rebar underneath and could not be patched. The city repaved part of the new driveway a year ago, after the sinkhole reemerged, she said, and Kolb hopes there will not be a need for further work. She also hopes there will not be any accidents caused by the sinkhole, because heavy rains create a pool of water above the sinkhole, hiding it from view. As of last week, the area
was bordered by yellow caution tape attached to two orange barricades around the sinkhole, with a piece of plywood placed atop part of the hole. “We live on a walkway to the park. The neighborhood is full of small kids,” Kolb said. “What if someone’s walking to the park and a kid falls off into the hole. I have a 4- and 6-year-old.” Houston Public Works spokesperson Erin Jones said last week the sinkhole is the result of a damaged wastewater line on Coligan’s property and the department would soon begin repairs and fill in the hole, weather permitting. She also said the site would be secured until the work begins. When asked why the issue wasn’t fixed in 2019 or 2020, Jones said the sinkhole “ended up a bigger problem” than the public works department initially thought.
“(The previous sinkholes) were a symptom of a bigger problem that did not show when they did those repairs,” she said. Coligan and Kolb said the city previously filled the sinkhole with sand, which gradually washed away with rains. They also said they were told by city employees that the bottom of a manhole at the site had fallen away. Coligan disputed that the damaged pipe underneath his front yard is a wastewater line, saying that is located in his backyard. He said a stormwater drainage line is underneath the sinkhole. “Every time we have a rain, it sends more water rushing through and it eats more soil away,” he said. With the sinkhole gradually approaching his home, Coligan said he hopes it can be permanently fixed before it causes damage to his founda-
Photo by Adam Zuvanich Houston Public Works says it is in the process of repairing a sinkhole in the front yard of a home on Martin Street in Shepherd Park Plaza. It initially formed in 2019 and reemerged last year and again this year.
tion. Kolb also is hoping for a resolution and said she understands that the sinkhole impacting her and her neighbor has not been a priority in a city as large a Houston. After two years and two previous tries, though, she hopes
they can be moved toward the front of the line. “I don’t want to knock on them,” Kolb said. “But come on, guys, let’s get it fixed. It’s been an ongoing issue for years now. We’re ready to have a resolution.”
Travel safely this summer New species of hammerhead flatworm invades area By Zarah Parker
From Staff Reports A summer vacation often is the highlight of the year. But going away can become a low point if your home is victimized during your absence. Harris County Precinct 1 Constable Alan Rosen reminds community members to be safe and smart when they travel, both in protecting their homes along with themselves and their families. The constable’s office provides vacation watches to all residents in neighborhoods it patrols. To sign up online for the Harris County Precinct 1 Vacation Watch Program, visit pct1constable.net/sign-up/ vacation-watch. Rosen offers the following travel tips to safeguard yourself and your home: Avoid carrying large amounts of cash Carrying large amounts makes you a target. If you have to carry cash, try these simple steps: - Buy a travel wallet - Divide money among individuals - Keep small bills accessible
zarah@theleadernews.com
Rosen
Stop/pause mail at home Mail buildup is a clear indicator to criminals that you are not home. USPS Hold Mail Service can hold your mail safely at your local post office for up to 30 days. If you are away for longer than 30 days, you can have your mail forwarded to a safe location. Limit posting on social media Posting on social media gives criminals an idea of your location and how long you will be away. Try limiting your posts on social media, avoid using the “check-in” or location tagging feature and save all photos to be posted upon your return home.
Recently, the Texas Invasive Species Institute announced a new invasive species of hammerhead flatworms being found in the Houston area. When many Oak Forest and Garden Oaks residents saw a picture of the worm, they claimed this worm has been around for decades. And they’re half right. Ashley Morgan-Olvera is the director of research and education/outreach for the Texas Invasive Species Institute at Sam Houston State University. She said one species of invasive hammerhead flatworms, Bipalium kewense, has been found in the Houston area since the 1990s, and it’s possibly been around even longer. “Our institute started receiving reports in 2020 about a new species of invasive hammerhead flatworm, Bipalium vagum, appearing in Harris and Galveston counties,” Morgan-Olvera said. “All Bipalium flatworms pose the same threats.” Morgan-Olvera explained that what makes a species
classified as invasive is its ability to cause harm in an environment where it is not native. That harm can be done to natural habitats, crops, economies or even animal and human health. “The hammerhead flatworm causes harm primarily by being a predator of earthworms, which are necessary to enrich our soils for the survival of our gardens, crops, rangelands, prairies and forests,” Morgan-Olvera said. In addition to feasting on earthworms, hammerhead flatworms also secrete noxious chemicals as a defense mechanism. If an animal were to eat one, it would make the animal nauseous and sick. The chemicals can also cause irritation on some humans. The hammerhead flatworm has been spotted in local neighborhoods, including the Heights, Oak Forest and Garden Oaks. If a resident sees one, Morgan-Olvera said it’s important for them to know how to properly dispose of it. “Flatworms are known to reproduce by splitting, so it’s important to remove the whole creature from your property and do not cut it into pieces—they will regrow into
new flatworms within a week,” Morgan-Olvera said. “To properly dispose please use gloved hands, paper towel or even a stick to pick up the flatworm and place it in a Ziploc baggie or container with some salt and throw it away. If you notice several flatworms in your yard, please place as many in that bag as possible before throwing it away. As long as the bag is kept sealed, it can be used until full.” Morgan-Olvera also said that if there are a lot of snails, slugs or flatworms consistently on your property, you can use Diatomaceous Earth, an organic compound, in the yard, flower or garden beds because it dries out the surface level, making it inhospitable for slugs or flatworms to crawl across, but causes no harm to plants or pollinators. “My daughter spotted the flatworm crawling on the wall by our back door, about 5 feet off the ground the night of July 8,” Oak Forest resident Jesus Alcorta said. “We brushed it into a cup to see what it was with our Seek app. When we identified it as a worm hunter, we tossed it back into the yard in the rain.” Alcorta also found a dried
flatworm behind a toilet in his house. Before finding these, Alcorta wasn’t familiar with the hammerhead flatworm. The app he used was National Geographic’s Seep app, which had officially identified the live worm as a “Shovel-headed Garden Worm.” After hearing from a friend about the hammerhead flatworm being on the news, he revisited the app and realized the species article for the shovel-headed garden worm was also sometimes referred to as a hammerhead flatworm. “I would’ve salted the worm instead of putting it back in the yard had I known this first,” Alcorta said. If you see one, the Texas Invasive Species Institute asks you to report its location along with a photo to invasives@ shsu.edu. “Traditionally these flatworms have spread through the greenhouse industry, but they are now naturalizing in rural and urban areas across the Southeastern U.S.,” Morgan-Olvera said. “Sometimes you might spot this creature for the first time after you, or a neighbor, bring home a new plant or mulch.”