In December, The Leader reported on Council Member Julian Ramirez’s push to establish and pass long-overdue short-term rental (STR) regulations and ordinances for the City of Houston. At that time, Houston was one of only a handful of cities of its size without regulations in place. As the number of STRs in Houston grew exponentially, so did the need for regulation. Council members such as Sally Acorn, Abbie Kamin and others had been working diligently on the process, long before Ramirez
was elected at the end of 2023. After Ramirez joined City Council, the initiative became an integral focus of the Quality Of Life Committee he presides over. After many months of research, legal due diligence and community feedback, STR regulations for Houston businesses have become a reality.
The regulations as proposed were initially tabled, allowing for time to add necessary amendments. On April 16, the amended regulations finally passed unanimously.
“The ordinance passing is a good first step to regulate short-term rentals in the City of Houston,” Ramirez said.
“This is in an attempt to respond to complaints about bad actors within the short-term rental industry.” He and other council members emphasized that it is not the majority of STRs that are causing the problems, but that there has to be regulations in effect for those who are committing violations and endangering the community. “Unfortunately there are some out there that need to be reined in. And, I will say that enforcement will be a key component of this.”
The police department, health and human services, solid waste and other city departments will play an important role in this effort, Ramirez said.
Council Member Kamin Highlights Public Safety and Training Requirements
Council Member Abbie Kamin also weighed in on the approved regulations.
“This started several years ago when we heard of very concerning incidents, especially in District C, of party houses, but even more so with these multi-family complexes that are being turned into short-term rental party homes,” she said. “With some properties we’ve been seeing criminal activity, sex trafficking, prostitution, vandalism. Very, very con-
By STEPHANIE SHIRLEY The Leader News Contributor
On April 14, The Houston Heights Association (HHA), in honor of its 50th anniversary, dedicated a monthly general meeting to hosting a very special event. They partnered with business owner, an authority and archivist on all things related to Heights history, Laura Virgadamo and the former owner and publisher of The Leader, a longstanding Heights community ally, Terry Burge. Together with four special guest panelists, Virgedamo and Burge used their historical resources and experiences to paint a picture of iconic families, roles and benefactions that contributed to creating Heights history. Although Heights residents may be familiar with some of the protagonists and dates, the evening at the Historic Heights Fire Station was brimming with intriguing anecdotes,
By STEFANIE THOMAS editor@theleadernews.com
Houston’s Memorial Park Conservancy has unveiled “Memorial Groves,” a 100-acre transformation along West Memorial Loop Drive that will honor the park’s World War I history while adding new recreational amenities for everyday visitors. Backed by $10 million from the Kinder Foundation, $7.5 million from philanthropist John L. Nau III, and $7.5 million from the Brown Foundation, the $42 million project is the latest piece of the Memorial Park
many of which were publicly told for the first time.
Hannah White, President of HHA introduced Terry Burge as the evening’s emcee.
“Those of us who have lived in
Master Plan and its accelerated Ten-Year Plan.
“We feel truly privileged to be at the forefront of this remarkable project,” said Chris Ballard, president and CEO of Memorial Park Conservancy. “Many of our daily park visitors may not be aware of Memorial Park’s rich history. We hope that’s exactly what Memorial Groves will accomplish: to tell the story of Memorial Park, how it came to be, and why it’s crucial to preserve and protect into its second century.” Memorial Groves will sit on land once used as Camp Logan,
Houston a long time understand that historic structures are often erased,” Burge said. “You can go down the street and six months later, that place that you treasure is no longer there. And certainly in the Heights, we’ve suffered our share of that, as increasingly historic structures are paved over and strip centers are added. And that is the reason we are here tonight. It is to not only talk about historic structures, but to touch that feeling of community, that heritage that we inherited, so that we can pass it along and keep the memories alive.”
First up, Martin Kaplan
“I am a second generation Houstonian. I was third generation in my family’s business, Kaplan’s Department Store, founded in 1914, and later residing at the southwest corner of Yale and 22nd Street,” Kaplan
a World War I training camp that hosted some 70,000 soldiers between 1917 and 1919.
Designed by Nelson Byrd Woltz Landscape Architects, the centerpiece will be a living memorial of more than 2,000 bald cypress trees planted in formation to evoke soldiers on parade. The plan also calls for a contemplative earthwork modeled on wartime trenches, as well as restored savanna and prairie habitats that frame unearthed Camp Logan foundations.
“Memorial Groves will be
By LISA MORALES The Leader News Contributor
April is recognized nationwide as Child Abuse Prevention Month, a crucial time to raise awareness about the challenges faced by children in our community and the efforts to protect them. According to the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services, in Houston, over 11,000 children received assistance in 2024 with 3,763 of those children placed in substitute care. Over 61,000 children were assisted across the state in the same year.
Child abuse refers to any act of harm, or threat of harm, to a child under the age of 18 by a parent, caregiver, or another trusted adult in a position of authority—such as a coach, teacher, or religious leader. This can take the form of physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional abuse, or neglect. The impact of abuse can be both immediate and long-lasting, affecting a child’s physical health, emotional well-being, and mental development.
BEAR (Be A Resource), an Oak Forest non-profit, stands at the forefront of addressing these challenges in Harris County. As the only nonprofit in the area working directly with children in Child Protective Services (CPS) custody, BEAR provides essential support through
said. “It started as a feed and dry goods store, but grew into a department store that sold children’s, women’s, and men’s clothing, shoes, housewares, stationery, and was renowned throughout the city for its gift wrapping services. The footprint of the building and parking lot is where the 2125 Yale Apartments are today, southwest corner of Yale and 22nd.”
Kaplan reminisced how the original Kaplan’s space was adjacent to an empty lot. After the war, his father and uncle opened Ben Hur, a five-anddime, right next door to offer a different price point and selection.
Kaplan shared anecdotes about family and neighborhood history, dropping many notable customer names, including Marcella Perry, AJ Foyt, Clayton and Libby Lee, and Tommy Vaughn, among others.
“There were lots of marriages and many new families formed in the late 40s and early 1950s,” he recalled. “Retail sales just exploded during that period. Fast forward 60 years, to the early 2000s, and things changed.”
Business declined, he said, but Kaplan’s stores were able to survive until 2006, before the family decided to permanently close its stores.
Michael Wiesenthal
Michael Wiesenthal shared a host of revealing and colorful memories of his father and his family’s business, Harolds in the Heights.
“For over six decades, Michael’s family built one of the nation’s most iconic men’s clothiers,” Burge introduced.
“It was located at 19th and Ashland. Presidents, sports idols, celebrities of all kinds and even Fortune 500 executives journeyed from all over the country to shop there during the 50s, and particularly the 60s.
“My grandfather originally opened the store for his two sons, Harold and Milton, my father and uncle,” Wiesenthal said. “He said he wanted a better life for his two boys.”
Having previously owned a store downtown, Wiesenthal said his grandfather was often asked how the new store ended up in Heights.
“The truth of it was, this was the only place he could af-
ford and it was close to downtown,” he said.
“Shortly after the store opened, my dad was drafted and went to Korea,” Wiesenthal recalled. “And, my Uncle Milton actually ran the store for the first couple of years.”
Over time the store grew from 1,000 to 10,000 square feet and accommodated local Heights shoppers, along with the rich and famous.
“I can still remember at one time, we had a warehouse full of blue Oilers hats. We filled what’s now Jenny’s Ice Cream, which was our warehouse at the time, with blue Oilers football fan hats. Needless to say, when Bum Phillips got fired from the Oilers, we got stuck with an awful lot of them!”
Along with many other famous customers, his father had clothed the likes of comedian Flip Wilson (who got his dad Harold booked on the Merv Griffin show follow-
ing a golf course bet), actor
Larry Hagman of Dallas fame (an outfitting experience that apparently involved substantial inebriation on Hagman’s part), a store fitting for actor and performer Patrick Swayze (an occasion that caused all kinds of turmoil when more than a hundred screaming women congregated at the Heights Hospital across the street), and a complete outfitting of George W. Bush for his inaugural at the governor’s mansion in Austin (a fitting in which two top-coats were requested; one for the inaugural in Texas, and second, oversized coat to be uniquely fortified with Kevlar, allowing him to walk down Pennsylvania Avenue with the First Lady, Laura Bush, when he returned to Washington, D.C.).
Jane Jester Marmion
Jane Jester Marmion is the granddaughter of the late T.C. Jester, the famous preacher for Baptist Temple, and the wife of Stephen Marmion, grandson to Heights treasure J.B. Marmion, the community activist and former mayor of City of The Heights before it was annexed by Houston. Marmion shared memories of the home her family lived in on W 19th, across the street and near the Baptist Temple, for years before it was sold, then sold again, and the house was eventually razed by a developer just last year. During
the many ownership changes over the years, the families inhabiting the T.C. Jester house had never applied for any type of protected status, believing the home would endure forever. She recounted hearing about its demolition from Heights historian Anne Sloan. She first saw the vacant lot where the famous T.C. Jester house once stood while being interviewed by The Leader
While visiting the site, Marmion and the reporter spotted an identifying address paver that had been inlaid on the sidewalk in front of the home and not destroyed during demolition. The Leader worked with the developer to excavate and return it to Marmion. It was the only remaining physical evidence of the home that provided so many fond memories over the years. Although Marmion and her husband no longer reside in The Heights, she has been very proactive in trying to archive a cache of historically relevant documents about the Heights community that were found stored at Baptist Temple after a big flood.
“A group of former Baptist Temple members, girls I grew up with, got together and worked on the archiving process, which is far more than preserving and documenting
valuable records,” Marmion said. “It is a way to preserve and record history in such a way that it can be shared by the community for years to come. I am still working with Heights Church (former Baptist Temple) to identify the most appropriate home for them.”
Paul Carr
The last speaker of the night was Paul Carr.
“Carr is a legend,” Burke told the audience by way of introduction. “He’s a one-man greatest hits album from the Heights. For over 50 years, virtually no improvement or civic project went on in the Heights that he wasn’t a part of. His list of accomplishments is endless.”
“I’m not going spend time talking about the Heights Festival or the Home Tours, the fun run, the basketball rally, the croquet tournaments, the building of Donovan Park, the mosquito ratification program we did, the Lombard Lamp, the grocery park gardens we worked on, the Halloween movies, the cakewalks, the snow in Santa Claus and the Gazebo, the World War II memorial, the Clayton Lee Plaza, and the gazebos,” Carr joked. All those accomplishments do, however, serve as an abbreviated history of the blood and
sweat Carr has put into the Heights community over the years. Carr did elaborate on some of his prouder contributions, like spear-heading the laborious effort to get the Heights designated as a Historic Multi-Resource Area in the 1980s. He also led the charge to build and design the walking/jogging trail that runs the length of Heights Blvd., as well as having the street curbs installed. Vehicles were previously cutting across the esplanade, Carr, explained, rendering it a rutted mess, rather than utilizing the available cross streets!).
“Of all the different projects I’ve worked on in the Heights, there is one I’m proudest of,” he said, “and that’s the live oak trees that line each side of Heights Boulevard. We planted 312 large 60-gallon trees.” The trees are a thing of beauty and will likely outlive most of the residents. The Houston Heights Association wrapped up this captivating stroll through historic Heights history with door prizes to be given away to multiple lucky recipients. The giveaway bags were designed by Laura Virgadamo and each of the ‘swag’ offerings was presented in a nostalgic Kaplan’s gift bag, now a collector’s item.
Photo courtesy of Paul Carr This was just one of Paul Carr’s many, many event contributions. He is pictured here, chairing the Heights Festival on roller skates.
Photo courtesy of the Martin Kaplan Family
Long-time Heights residents are very familiar with this memorable downtown department store’s famous marquee.
Photo courtesy of the Martin Kaplan Family Kaplan’s first opened as a feed and dry goods store just blocks away. They leased and then purchased this building for the legendary department store.
Photo courtesy of the Wiesenthal Family
To this day, proud owners of Harolds garments will open their lapels to proudly display the quintessential brand logo.
Photo courtesy of the Wiesenthal Family
Hundreds of famous customers, including entertainers and former presidents, made their way to the Heights for the renowned Harolds brand of fine, quality clothing. This photo marked the visit of the late Patrick Swayze.
Photo courtesy of the Marmion Family Stephen and Jane Marmion in front of the T.C. Jester House, home to many Heights legends over the years.
Photo by Stephanie Shirley There are few Heights projects that weren’t touched or inspired by Paul Carr, including the beloved jogging trail on Heights Boulevard, named in his honor.
Our Houston Methodist primary care doctors provide personalized care for you and your family, including physicals, immunizations and preventive health services.
Many of our practices:
• Provide in-person and virtual visits with online scheduling
• Offer same-day sick visits
• Are conveniently located close to work or home
• Accept most major insurance plans
THE TOPICS.
Post mortem for Toasted Posties
THE KIRBY ICEHOUSE
– This is a wonderful spring afternoon and the place is packed with 20-somethings (two guys at the front door are checking for teen-some things) except for a crowd at one side who seem to be 50 or 60-or-older somethings. They, and me, are Post Toasties, or Toasted Posties, marking the 30th anniversary of the sud den demise of our beloved Houston Post. Yes, it was on April 18, 1995, that, after cov ering everything from the fall of the Alamo to men on the moon, its own obituary came to be. The end began for me at 8:50 on that April morning when my wife woke me (I sleep late) with a message: I was to be at an executive meeting in 10 minutes. I arrived after the meeting was over and found a letter from the publisher on the conference table saying The Post was out of business. Armed guards watched over the staff as we vacated the building with our belongings. We were warned that guards were also at the Houston Chronicle, so don’t go there looking for jobs. A few days later, I asked for my mail,
Lynn Ashby Columnist
But it didn’t have to be this way. The Post was making money, or so the budget printouts showed. Every Tuesday at 3 p.m. I would attend an executives’ meeting when we would go over everything. Unless someone was cooking the books, the previous year’s budget showed the paper had made $10 million. After the sale, the rumors had it, the publisher, Dean Singleton, received $160 million for the Post. Who would pay that much? Hearst and Co., owners of the Chronicle, of course, which would give them a monopoly, and they could raise ad rates – which they did.
But the dealmakers were careful. Hearst did not actually buy the Post. That would have alerted the Justice Department that a monopoly was taking place in Houston. No, Hearst only bought the “assets” of its competitor. We were supposed to believe that one morning Singleton said, “I think I’ll close my largest paper.” And Hearst, who happened to be in the neighborhood, said, “Hey, Deano, can I buy that building and those trucks and Ashby’s desk? Here’s a check for $160 million.”
Michael Landauer, in his excellent history of the Post, noted that the paper was much older than most people gave it credit for. In fact, the earliest publishers of what became the Post in 1836 outran the advancing army of Santa Anna. That paper’s name was one of many forerunners to the Post that came and went. Regardless, the paper adopts its history, and it is not hard to figure out why. Gail and Thomas Borden started the Telegraph and Texas Register in San Felipe de Austin while Texas was still a part of Mexico. The paper
carried news, ads and legal notices sprinkled with names like James Bonham, Stephen F. Austin and William Barrett Travis, who wrote a letter to the editor ending in “... God and Texas - Victory or Death!!”
The paper even included the Texas Declaration of Independence signed at Washington on the Brazos. But the paper’s most famous issue included the news of the fall of the Alamo. That same issue included news about Col. James Fannin and his men being ready to face Santa Anna at Goliad. As Sam Houston’s army passed through San Felipe, the Bordens loaded their presses up on ox carts and joined the escape. In Harrisburg, they dumped their presses into Buffalo Bayou and fled to Galveston. The April 14 issue of the paper was still inside the presses when it was dumped, and the move caused the Bordens to miss what could have been the paper’s biggest story - the Battle of San Jacinto one week later.
Incidentally, Gail Borden laid out the City of Houston and dabbled in milk.
Over the years the paper changed owners including
GUEST COLUMN What Houstonians
Late spring and early summer are traditionally the busiest and most competitive times for homebuying in Houston. Better weather, the end of the school year, and increased inventory all contribute to this surge. Houstonians shopping for a new home should keep a few key energy-saving tips in mind to decrease potential electricity bill costs after they move in.
Initial Research Sites like HAR, Zillow, and Redfin can provide an estimate of a home’s monthly electricity bill based on the home’s address and energy costs in that area. However, it is important to note that these estimates should be considered as a starting point. Your actual electricity bills will vary depending on multiple factors, including individual usage patterns, appliance efficiency, and seasonal changes.
Invest in Energy Efficiency
From windows and insulation to appliances, energy efficiency is important to consider when buying a
new home. The right windows can have a significant impact on the cost of your energy bill. Heat gain and heat loss through windows are responsible for 25–30% of residential heating and cooling energy use. When touring a new house, ask whether the windows have been replaced recently or if they are ENERGY STAR certified. If they aren’t, you may want to invest in updating the home’s existing windows to improve efficiency or replace them entirely. If windows are in good
condition, it could be more costeffective to improve their efficiency by simply weatherstripping, adding window coverings, or installing solar control film.
Don’t forget to also look for ENERGY STAR labels on refrigerators, dishwashers, washers, dryers, ovens, and stoves if they are staying with the home. These certified appliances use significantly less energy without sacrificing performance.
Explore Electricity Plan Options
By law, Texans are allowed to switch electricity plans without penalty when moving, which allows you to choose the plan that’s best for your new home. Depending on the terms of your current plan, switching plans may or may not be a cost-effective solution for securing affordable electricity bills.
Minimize Weather-Related Impacts
Living on the Gulf Coast, Houstonians are all too familiar with hurricanes and other extreme
Julius Watson, who died at the age of 38 of tuberculosis, but he left the paper to his son, Roy, who was 6 years old. It went bankrupt on occasion, once was sold at a public auction (16 Houston papers had already been financial failures) and changed names several times -- the Houston Daily Post and (honest) the Chronicle. It merged with the Houston Journal and was called the Houston Daily Post again, and finally just The Houston Post. Walter Cronkite got his start as The Post’s correspondent at UT. For 10 years The Post had a paperboy in Alvin who could plop the paper right on the doorstep or maybe clean through the front door -- Nolan Ryan. One columnist was W.S. Porter, who later went to prison for embezzlement from previous employment at a bank in Austin and changed his name to O. Henry.
Another was William Cowper Brann, who later wrote, “In the year of our Lord, 1891, I became pregnant with an idea. Being at the time chief editorial writer on The Houston Post, I felt dreadfully mortified, as nothing of the kind had ever before occurred
weather, which is why homebuyers need to think about the best ways to minimize weather-related impacts that can drive up energy costs.
Taking actions like investing in storm-resistant windows and doors may be beneficial. In addition, it may also be wise to consider elevating your home if the area has previously experienced significant flooding. Water damage weakens insulation and structural integrity, making homes even less energyefficient in the long run.
Other Tips to Lower Energy Bill Costs
Once you settle into your new home, there are additional steps you can take to help reduce your electricity bill, such as:
• Unplugging appliances and devices that aren’t in use
• Scheduling energy-intensive tasks like laundry, dishwashing, and cooking during off-peak hours, typically in the late evening or early morning
Turning the lights off when you
in that eminently moral establishment.” He fled to Austin, then to Waco where an irate reader fatally shot him on the street. Gives a new meaning to the journalists’ term “deadline.” William Pettus Hobby started as a clerk at the Post for $1 a day while he was still in high school. He later worked up to be managing editor and, after leaving The Post and eventually becoming governor of Texas, ended up owning the paper. So we raise a toast to the Post Toasties. Oh, as for the paper’s seller and closer, Dean Singleton, he was notorious for such dealings, which is why he is known as “the newspaper killer.” His company later went bankrupt. Hehehe.
Ashby posts at ashby2@ comcast.net
Editor’s note: This column and its contents do not necessarily reflect the views of The Leader News, its staff, or its publisher. The Leader News welcomes opinion articles on matters of interest to Greater Heights residents at editor@theleadernews. com. Publication is at the discretion of the editor.
leave a room
Closing interior blinds, drapes, or shades to block the sun and heat during warm weather
Switching to LED bulbs, which use up to 85% less energy and last much longer
The homebuying process can be intimidating, and there is so much that goes into making a house a home. Remember to consider energy efficiency optimization—it’s a great first step to saving money in your new home.
Sam Luna is a third generation Houstonian with a deep-rooted connection to The Leader area. His grandparents lived in the Heights where they facilitated educational workshops for seniors at All Saints Catholic Church. He continues his family’s commitment to serving the greater good as Director of Product Marketing for BKV Energy - a Texas retail energy provider that strives to educate consumers by operating transparently and without gimmicks. Learn more about Sam Luna at bkvenergy.com/team/samuel-luna.
Law firm wins appeal for family of man killed in 2021
COMMUNITY REPORTS
The United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit issued an opinion on April 3, 2025, allowing the family of Charles Payne Sr. to proceed with a civil lawsuit against the City of Houston after Payne was killed by a speeding Houston Police Department Officer, Christopher Cabrera, on December 26, 2021. According to a media release by McCathern, Shokouhi, Evans Law Firm, the Court of Appeals rejected the City’s attempt to dismiss the case on the basis of sovereign im-
a very special place for Houstonians, offering the unique WWI history of the park combined with recreational amenities and educational opportunities,” said Kinder Foundation president and CEO Nancy Kinder.
munity and found that Officer Cabrera acted recklessly by driving 70 miles per hour in a 35 mile per hour zone at the time of the accident. The accident occurred on a Sunday afternoon in the 4600 Block of North Shepherd Dr. Officer Cabrera, who was on duty, was reportedly returning to his precinct to complete some paperwork after booking a drunk driving suspect in the joint processing center in downtown Houston. Although there was no existing emergency situation justifying excessive speed, according to McCathern Law Firm, Officer Cabrera reached a speed of
70 mph in a 35 mph zone as he raced to his precinct to complete his report. Charles Payne, a 75-year-old man who had just left church, was attempting to make a left turn and did not notice the speeding cruiser, which had no emergency lights or sirens activated, coming toward him. Tragically, Officer Cabrera struck Mr. Payne’s vehicle at high speed, and Mr. Payne succumbed to his injuries within hours. Had Officer Cabrera been traveling at the posted speed limit or had he activated his emergency lights, this tragic incident could have been avoided, and Mr. Payne
would still be alive today, the family’s attorneys said.
Attorney Ben Crump represents the Payne family in the District Court and successfully defended against Houston’s motion to dismiss their negligence claims. The City filed an appeal, arguing that Officer Cabrera was “reacting” to an emergency situation when, in fact, he was rushing to complete some paperwork, according to McCathern Law Firm. The Court of Appeals rejected that argument, and further held that even if Officer Cabrera had been responding to an emergency or 9-1-1 call when the collision occurred,
his actions were reckless and violated relevant statutes, ultimately causing the death of Mr. Payne, the media release stated.
James E. Sherry, an attorney with McCathern, Shokouhi, Evans, who represents the Payne family in the appeal, believes the court’s decision is a significant victory for the family.
“The Payne family has endured tremendous pain since December of 2021 with the loss of Charles. He was a husband, a father of seven, and a grandfather to 13. Police officers are not allowed to speed recklessly for no good reason.
This decision by the Court of Appeals vindicates that principle and protects everyone who shares the road. A badge does not shield someone from accountability when their actions result in preventable death,” said Sherry. “This ruling marks a significant step in ensuring responsibility for those in positions of power, particularly when their actions result in the loss of innocent lives,” the law firm stated in its release. “The Payne family continues to seek justice for their loved one, and this decision brings them closer to achieving the recognition and closure they deserve.”
Beyond its historical mission, the project will provide a playground, adult workout areas, cycling and hiking trails, open lawns, a covered pavilion and restrooms, plus a new visitors’ center designed by Moody Nolan that will house Conservancy offices. Linear lawns will trace Camp Logan’s former streets, and new parking will be added at both ends of the site.
Thomas Woltz, principal of Nelson Byrd Woltz, said the landscape-scale me-
Nau, a leading advocate for historic preservation, added: “Memorial Groves will highlight a piece of Houston’s WWI-era history that has been under-told and is at risk of being forgotten. I am proud to support Memorial Park Conservancy and their commitment to tell the story of the significance of the park’s name by paying tribute to Camp Logan.”
from P.
programs like BEAR Necessities, BEAR Back to School, and BEARing Gifts. These initiatives supply children with clothing, hygiene items, school supplies, and holiday gifts, aiming to restore a sense of normalcy and dignity.
Rebecca Moran, BEAR’s Community Outreach Coordinator, emphasizes the importance of these efforts.
“BEAR has been supporting children in CPS custody since 1997,” she said. “Many of these children enter the system with little to nothing, often without basic necessities like clothing, hygiene items, or shoes.”
BEAR steps in with programs to meet their immediate needs and restore a sense of dignity. In addition, their Heart Gallery of Greater Houston helps connect children legally available for adoption with forever families.
“During this important month, we’re reminded how vital it is to show these children they are not forgotten,” Morton said.
morial “utilizes thousands of newly planted trees and savanna restoration to evoke the immensity of transformation, sacrifice, and bravery of the individuals who arrived here as civilians and Guardsmen.”
Preliminary site work and ecological restoration begin in April 2025, with construction slated for 2026 and completion targeted for 2027. During early phases, the western portion of the Outer Loop Trail and some parking along West Memorial Loop Drive will close temporarily. The Conservancy notes that Memorial Groves con-
tinues the momentum of other Ten-Year Plan projects—such as the Kinder Land Bridge, Clay Family Eastern Glades and the Sports Complex—each aimed at restoring damaged ecology, improving storm-water management, and telling the park’s layered history. As Ballard put it, “The generosity of the Kinder Foundation, the Brown Foundation, and Mr. Nau provide foundational support for this project, and serve as a call to others to support the telling of this important part of Memorial Park’s and Houston’s history.”
Recognizing the signs of child abuse is crucial for prevention. Indicators may include unexplained injuries, fearfulness, sudden changes in behavior, or signs of neglect such as poor hygiene or malnutrition. Children experiencing abuse may also exhibit withdrawal from friends or usual activities, changes in school performance, excessive compliance or aggression, or a reluctance to go home. In cases of sexual abuse, children might display knowledge or behavior that is inappropriate for their age. Neglected children may ap-
pear consistently dirty, lack appropriate clothing for the weather, or show signs of untreated medical issues. Abuse isn’t always visible, but consistent patterns or combinations of these signs should never be ignored.
How can you help? Community involvement is vital in supporting BEAR’s mission. Moran outlines several ways individuals can contribute.
“There are so many impactful ways the community can support BEAR and the children we serve,” she said. “Whether it’s donating essentials, shop-
ping via our Amazon Wishlist, volunteering their time, or exploring the path to fostering or adoption through our monthly info sessions, every action makes a difference. BEAR hosts two signature annual events - Clays for Kids and the Stetson & Stilettos Gala - that help raise essential funds to support our programs. These opportunities connect our community to BEAR’s mission in meaningful ways.”
If you suspect a child is being abused or neglected, it’s imperative to report it to the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services at 1-800-252-5400 or online at txabusehotline.org.
BEAR offers informational meetings for those interested in fostering or adopting children. These sessions provide valuable insights into the process and the support available for prospective caregivers. To learn more or get involved, visit their website at bearesourcehouston.org or follow them on social media @bearhouston on Instagram and BEAResourceforCPSKids on Facebook.
from P. 1
cerning activity, and no way to address those concerns. So, what came from this is twofold. First and foremost, it addresses the concerns of our residents, as they deserve a safe and enjoyable environment in their neighborhoods. Secondly, it provides a much-needed regulatory framework for a city of our size.” Kamin discussed several of the regulation amendments that she worked on. One that she is especially proud of involves requiring owners/operators of STRs to take training.
“It is similar to the requirement we passed for Houston hotels during my first year on the council,” she said. “What we’re hoping to accomplish is raising awareness about the signs and indications of human and sex trafficking. For example, the trafficking taking place along the I-10 corridor makes it one of the worst corridors in the nation. Houston is the first major U.S. city to require human trafficking training certification of hotels and motels. And, that came after
four years of negotiations with the hotel industry. So, it was a partnership.”
When both Ramirez and Kamin were asked whether the training would cause undue expense or burden to owners and/or operators, both clarified that it was online and available free of charge.
Key Provisions: Registration, Fees, and Prohibited Uses
An STR, as defined by the ordinance, is a dwelling unit or any portion of a dwelling unit that is rented out or offered to be rented out for a period of less than 30 consecutive days, with a few exceptions, according to City of Houston Administration & Regulatory Affairs (ARA), which provides administration and oversight to 18 different city services, including regulatory permitting (where this regulation falls), BARC, 3-1-1, ParkHouston and many others. As passed, the ordinance requires registration of STRs (at a fee of $275 annually) and provides the City with the framework to enforce the regulations as they pertain to the violation of noise and sound regulations, the payment of hotel occupancy tax-
es, adherence to building and fire codes, and a host of other criminal offenses. The ordinance also requires registrants to display a 24-hour emergency contact number, prohibits STRs from advertising as event spaces, and requires applicants to submit proof of completion for human trafficking awareness training, according to a City of Houston press release.
Timeline for Compliance and New Online Dashboard
Billy Rudolph, ARA’s chief of staff and public information officer, confirmed that the 8,500+ STR businesses operating in the city as of November will need to begin filing applications for registration on Aug. 1, 2025. Furthermore, the ARA stated that by then there would be a new STR website developed to facilitate the process. Per ARA, “The city’s STR webpage will be under development until registration begins. Once complete, the webpage will offer a suite of STR modules including a registration portal, interactive map, a list of approved STRs to allow the public to report complaints or concerns about a specific STR, or an STR
property operating without a City of Houston Certificate of Registration.” STRs will be afforded a 6-month grace period to apply and register with the city to avoid penalties.
Real-Time Reporting and Interagency Enforcement
“The website will be set up as a dashboard with a front-facing landing page, where the community can not only see a list of all registrations, but also view them all on a map,” Rudolph said. “We will really be encouraging folks to use the hotline, because the ARA will be immediately aware that the complaint has been lodged, as well as the department it is subsequently routed to for enforcement.”
Since enforcement will depend on coordinating with so many city departments, depending on the type of violation, the ability to report in real time will be invaluable. The final regulations reflecting any changes and/or amendments will be available to the public shortly on the City of Houston ARA
RENTAL,
BEAR,
1
from P. 1
Submitted photo
The Heart Gallery is a traveling exhibit designed to connect foster and adoptive parents with children in CPS care.
from National Archives
Camp Logan street during tent inspection
Mark Your Calendar: 25th Annual Chefs’
Dinner benefiting Houston Food Bank
COMMUNITY REPORTS
Like the finest Grand Cru vintages, Houston Food Bank’s 25th Annual Chefs’ Dinner will once again bring together Houston’s culinary best to create an exceptional dinner to help provide food for better lives in our community. The dinner will be held on Tuesday, May 6, 2025 at the Hotel ZaZa – Museum District. Guests will enjoy a seated, five-course gourmet wine dinner prepared by five of the finest Houston chefs. Mix and mingle with other members of the Houston Food Bank family while raising much-needed funds to provide nutritious food and wraparound services to the approximately 1 million people who are considered food-insecure in the 18 counties in southeast
Texas served by the Houston Food Bank.
Featured Chefs
Hugo Ortega, H Town Restaurant Group
• Marcos Juarez, Hidden Omakase with Austin Simmons
• Brandon Wilhelm, Hotel ZaZa - Museum District
Evelyn Garcia, Jūn & Kin HTX
Marie Riddle with Aaron Bludorn, Bludorn Restauran
WHEN: Tuesday, May 6, 2025 ~ 6:30 pm
WHERE: Hotel ZaZa –Museum District, 5701 Main Street (77005) TICKETS AND INFORMATION: www. houstonfoodbank.org/chefsdinner-25 or contact Adrien Turner at ATurner@houstonfoodbank.org
Barbara Falik
Humanitarian Award Announcement
Houston Food Bank is proud to announce the return of the Barbara Falik Humanitarian Award at the 25th Annual Chefs’ Dinner. This prestigious award recognizes individuals and organizations that have made significant contributions to providing food for better lives in our community, embodying the spirit and dedication of Barbara Falik.
We are honored to announce The Keegan Family as the recipients of this year’s Barbara Falik Humanitarian Award. Through their unwavering dedication to nourishing neighbors in our community, the Keegans embody the spirit of service and innovation that defined Barbara Falik’s legacy. Barbara Falik was a tireless advocate for food security in Houston for more than 18 years. Her grassroots determination and innovative thinking led to the creation of the Red Barrel Program, which has be-
Thornwood Gallery presents Sabine Campana’s Solo Exhibition: Portals of the World
COMMUNITY REPORTS
Thornwood Gallery is hosting an Opening Reception for Sabine Campana’s Solo Exhibition, Portals of the World, on Friday, May 2, from 5-7 p.m. This meet and greet is a unique opportunity to learn about Campana’s inspirations, techniques, and styles directly from the source! Drinks and light bites will be provided.
Campana was born and raised in Berlin, Germany. In her midthirties she moved with her family to Houston, Texas due to their affiliation with NASA. Her artwork has been exhibited in numerous art gal-
leries and can be seen in both private and public collections within the United States, Germany, Belgium, Switzerland and Italy. Campana’s multimedia work is inspired by her expansive travels, architectural designs, natural wonders, and finding beauty within the mundane. Entrances, doorways, and gates of majestic buildings - churches, temples, forts, monasteries, castles, towers, and mosques - have always fascinated Campana. To visit them is to bear witness to their craftmanship and experience their otherworldly aura. These spatial transitions, from the profane to the sacred, unregulated to regulated, and public to private, act not only to define a bound-
ary, but also as physical, mental and spiritual “portals”. Campana’s new work documents her physical discovery, mystic impressions, and intense reflection on these architectural masterpieces that visually define our history. This exhibition will be available for viewing from May 2 through May 31. For more information about Thornwood’s represented artists, gallery hours, and event dates for monthly exhibition openings, please visit their website at https://thornwoodgallery.com or stop by their location in the Houston Design Center at 7026 Old Katy Road, Suite 231, Houston, Texas 77024.
Harris County Public Health releases 2024 Annual Report
COMMUNITY REPORTS
Harris County Public Health
(HCPH) has published its 2024 Annual Report, highlighting the department’s impact over the past year.
“This annual report describes the breadth and the impact of our service to the people of Harris County,” said Leah Barton, Interim Executive Director of Harris County Public Health.
“Through innovative programs, dedicated teams, and strong partnerships, we are making a real difference in the lives of our residents. We look forward to continuing and expanding this work to create an even healthier community in the years to come.”
Key Highlights from HCPH’s 2024 Annual Report
Public Health
Preparedness and Response: Responded to 22 emergencies, including major weather events such as spring floods, the May 16 derecho, and Hurricane
Beryl, as well as 19 chemical industry incidents.
Office of Planning and Innovation: Submitted HCPH’s application for reaccreditation by the Public Health Accreditation Board to maintain high public health standards.
Community Health and Wellness: Reached 62,961 community members through health education workshops on nutrition, diabetes prevention, reproductive health, maternal and child health, asthma control, tobacco cessation, and more.
Veterinary Public Health:Focused on pet health and prevention, performing 5,680 spay/neuter procedures to help control pet overpopulation.
• Community Health and Violence Prevention: Celebrated the second anniversary of the Holistic Assistance Response Teams (HART), while hospitalbased violence intervention teams provided support to 190 survivors of gun vio-
lence.
Environmental Public Health:Completed 19,713 food inspections to ensure food safety and addressed lead hazards in 233 homes, protecting families from exposure.
Mosquito and Vector Control: Improved insectborne disease detection with the introduction of qPCR testing, a more sensitive method for identifying threats like West Nile virus and Zika.
Office of Epidemiology, Surveillance, and Emerging Diseases (OESED): Expanded wastewater disease surveillance by adding 17 new testing sites, enhancing early detection of public health threats.
Community Health Reports: Published eight reports on health challenges and solutions to guide future public health efforts. For more details, read the full 2024 Annual Report at www.hcphtx.org/reports.
Community CALENDAR
25 APR WEBINAR: What’s Your Gut Telling You? (Online Only) FREE Digestive Health Webinar | Call to Register: 713-222-2273 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
25 APR
Official Astros Watch Party with Michael Bourn (77092) Autographs | Mascot Orbit | Shooting Stars cheer team | Astros Shuttle Crew Karbach Brewing Co. 6:30 PM - 10:00 PM
25-27 APR
Texas Mineral & Fossil Conroe Show (77303) Fossils, crystals, minerals and gemstones on display | FREE event | Check hours Lone Star Convention & Expo Center Apr 25th 10:00 PM - 27th Apr 4:00 PM
Motherhood Unfiltered: Real Talk, Navigating Chaos & Flourishing (77010) Buffet brunch | Panel discussion | Vendors | Raffle & prizes | $85 and up Four Seasons Hotel Houston 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM
26 APR Rose Art Contest & Show by Houston Rose Society (77024) Elementary students, enter by 4/24 by emailing maggiezamora1@comcast.net Memorial City Mall (inside Dillard’s) | 9:30 AM - 3:30 PM
26 APR Fourth Annual Houston Art Bike Parade & Festival (77023) FREE event | No tickets requ. | Pre-register at artbikehouston. com Fonde Park (Free parking at 5330 Gulf Freeway, Houston 77021) 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
26 APR 11th Street Community Listening Session (77009) Council members Kamin & Castillo have joint event Vineyard Church 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
26 APR Keeping Your Chickens
Art Valet: Houston’s Lauren Luna shines in City Hall solo showcase
The walls of Houston City Hall have come alive with the vivid, textured works of renowned local artist Lauren Luna, whose solo exhibition opened Friday, April 18, 2025. Titled “Feels Like Home,” the mixed-media showcase explores urban landscapes and the emotional terrain of belonging through bold colors, architectural layers and reflective resin finishes.
Hosted in partnership with the City of Houston and the Houston Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs, the exhibit will run through Aug. 1, 2025, and is open to the public Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Luna, often referred to as “Your City Painter,” has been a fixture in the Houston arts scene for more than a decade. Her new body of work marks a departure from traditional oil painting, embracing mixed media to capture the vibrancy and complexity of life in Houston and beyond.
“It’s an honor to have my work inside City Hall,” Luna said at the opening reception. “This series reflects not only my artistic evolution but also my deep connection to the city and the feeling of finding your place within it.” I introduced Luna to The Leader readers many years ago. Luna, one of the most prolific artists I’ve met, treats her career in the arts as a business, not a hobby, which is clearly paying off with exhibits like this one.
“There was a moment during the evening when I stood near one of the pieces and overheard someone say, ‘This feels like Houston,’” Luna re-
Mitch cohen
Art Columnist artvalet@gmail.com
called in an email. “That simple sentence stopped me in my tracks. It reminded me exactly why I create—to reflect the beauty, grit and spirit of the places and people that shape our lives.”
“It reminded me that you, my audience, are not just viewers of the work—you’re part of the story,” she continued.
“This series is deeply personal—a love letter to the textures, skyline and stories of Houston. After all, it is the city that made a 9-year-old girl’s dream to be a professional artist come true,” Luna said.
The exhibit is at City Hall, 901 Bagby St., Houston, TX 77002. Admission is free and open to all. Learn more about Luna at www.artistaluna. com and follow her on Instagram @ LaurenLunaLTD. Find Luna at the final First Saturday Arts Market of the 2024-25 season, May 3.
Cohen is an artist and founder of the First Saturday Arts Market. Visit his website at ArtValet.com.
Lifelong Dream Takes Flight: Artist Rita Whipple debuts “As I See It” at Houston Vineyard
COMMUNITY REPORTS
Rita Whipple spent decades nurturing an untapped passion for art. Raised in East Texas with no access to formal art instruction—even her 1960s high school offered no art classes—she later pursued life-drawing and painting workshops while juggling family obligations and bouts of self-doubt. Over the years she silenced her inner critic with reminders such as “There is room in the world for all kinds of art” and “It’s never too late.” Now in her seventies, Whipple brings that perseverance to her first solo exhibition, “As I See It,” featuring florals, trees, landscapes, cityscapes and an abstract. The show opens with a reception on May 3 from 6-8 p.m. and remains on view through May in the café at Houston Vineyard, 1035 East 11th St.
Submitted photos
TOP: Woody Blues by Rita Whipple is part of a series, an experiment with color and texture. INSET: Artist Rita Whipple whose show, As I See It, opens at the Houston Vineyard, 1035 E. 11th St., on May 3, 6-8 p.m.
COMMUNITY REPORTS
The Heritage Society invites history and architecture enthusiasts to embark on a remarkable journey through time during its exclusive Painted Churches Tour in Schulenburg, Texas, on Saturday, Aug. 26, 2025.
Known for their stunning interiors and rich history, the Painted Churches of Schulenburg are treasured landmarks, adorned with intricate murals, stenciling, and gold-leaf details that reflect the devotion and craftsmanship of 19th-century German and Czech immigrants.
“The Painted Churches are a testament to the resilience and artistic vision of early settlers,” said Alison Bell, executive director of The Heritage Society. “This tour offers a rare opportunity to step inside these breathtaking spaces and experience their beauty firsthand.”
The immersive day trip includes a guided tour of five historic churches, a buffet lunch at the popular Oakridge Smokehouse Restaurant, snacks and drinks, happy hour, and free parking. Guests will travel comfortably via a chartered bus
starting at 7 a.m. and returning at approximately 5:30 p.m.
“Thanks to the generosity of our board members, we have offered annual historical day trips via bus to Galveston, Palacios by the Sea, and to Huntsville led by subject matter experts,” said Bell. Tickets for the event are priced at $110 per person, with limited availability. Advance registration is required. To secure a spot or learn more, visit www. heritagesociety.org or contact The Heritage Society at info@ heritagesociety.org.
Photo by Jeffery Cook
Lauren Luna with “Blueprints of Aspiration” at City Hall opening.
Submitted photo Lauren Luna’s “Landmark,” bold red HEIGHTS sign on textured canvas.
Submitted photo
“Golden Skyline” by Lauren Luna, Ferris wheel and Houston skyline.
Photo by Carol M. Highsmith, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons Sanctuary of the Nativity of Mary, Blessed Virgin Catholic Church, also known as the St. Mary Catholic Church, in High Hill, a little community near Schulenburg in Fayette County, Texas.
