A man with a decades-long criminal record — once sentenced to a cumulative 99 years in prison — is wanted again in connection with a string of burglaries and bicycle thefts in the Heights, according to the Office of Harris County Constable Precinct 1 Alan Rosen.
Prect. 1 investigators say Jesse Angelo Perez Jr., 56, is suspected of stealing two Townie
Electra bicycles from the garage of a townhome on West 23rd Street on Sept. 8. He was last seen by law enforcement riding away on a white Trek mountain bike, which authorities also believe to be stolen.
“As long as he keeps breaking the law, we will never stop arresting him,” Constable Rosen said. “How he should be punished is up to the court system.”
Detectives believe Perez targets homes and schools and resells the bikes. He is also suspected in an Aug. 26
theft at Heights High School, where a chain was cut from a Specialized Dolce while a student was in class.
Court records cited by investigators indicate Perez has lived in the Heights area for years and has been in and out of jail since the 1980s. His first Harris County burglary conviction came in 1988 with a 15-year sentence. In 2020, he received a five-year sentence for burglarizing a home on 10th 1/2 Street in the Heights. A motion filed by the Harris
County District Attorney’s Office in November 2022 stated that, at that time, Perez had 10 prior felony convictions and had been sentenced in total to 99 years in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice.
“If you know where he is, let us know,” Rosen said. “Somebody has seen him.”
Anyone with information about Perez’s recent activities or whereabouts is asked to contact Detective Joseph Bowden at joseph.bowden@cn1.hctx.net.
By STEFANIE THOMAS editor@theleadernews.com
The crack of the bat, the cheer of the crowd, and the pure joy of kids taking the field will once again light up Timbergrove Sports Park as the Timbergrove Sports Association (TSA) hosts its second annual Ball for All on Saturday, Oct. 18.
Billed as “a special game for special kids,” the inclusive event pairs special needs athletes with TSA softball and baseball players serving as “buddies.”
Together, the athletes and buddies will play side by side in a spirited baseball game designed to celebrate teamwork, community, and fun.
This year’s Ball for All expands on its 2024 debut, which drew an overwhelming response from families, volunteers, and players. Instead of two teams, this year’s schedule includes four teams playing across two fields, doubling the action and creating more opportunities for participation. The game is set for
8-10 a.m., with festivities expected to begin around 7:45.
While the athletes are competing, volunteers will be running a bake sale, a hat bar, and coffee-and-donut stations. All proceeds benefit Steel Magnolia Moms, a local nonprofit supporting mothers of special needs children.
“This event was so well attended last year that we knew we had to grow it,” said TSA coach and organizer Courtnie Hays. “We’re excited to welcome even more kids and families to the ballpark for a morning that truly feels like the World Series.”
Ball for All exemplifies TSA’s broader mission to create safe, competitive, and community-focused sports opportunities for youth across the area. With nearly 1,000 players in its year-round baseball, softball, soccer, and flag football programs, TSA has become a hub for sportsmanship, respect, and volunteerism.
By STEFANIE THOMAS editor@theleadernews.com
Heights residents Cristina and Josh Bedwell are once again turning their home into a live music venue this fall. On Tuesday, Oct. 8, the couple will host acclaimed singersongwriter Eric Bachmann for an intimate house concert presented through Undertow Music. Bachmann, best known as the frontman of Archers of Loaf and Crooked Fingers, has also built a celebrated solo career blending indie rock, folk, and stripped-down acoustic sounds. The Houston show is part of his fall tour and offers fans
the rare opportunity to experience his music in a living room setting.
Details and Tickets
Doors open at 7 p.m., with music beginning promptly at 8 p.m. Tickets are $25 and must be purchased in advance at undertowshows.com/ products/houston-tx-october-8. Only 24 tickets remain available as of press time, with a four-ticket limit per person. The exact address of the Bedwell’s home is shared with ticket holders after purchase. Guests are encouraged to bring their own beverages, and seating is typically floor-style, though each show may vary. Concert-goers are
reminded that no tickets are sold at the door, and the Bedwells, as hosts, do not handle any funds.
About Undertow Shows
Founded in Champaign, Illinois, Undertow Music organizes private concerts across the country, partnering with fans to host musicians in unconventional venues such as living rooms, lofts, bike shops, and art studios. The shows are designed to strip away the noise and distraction of large venues, offering fans a direct and personal connection with artists.
By BETSY DENSON The Leader News Contributor
If you’ve ever taken your kids to volunteer at Kids’ Meals’ old location in Garden Oaks, you’ll be amazed at what has replaced it. The new Kids’ Meals is a spacious 54,000-square-foot campus in Spring Branch at 8790 Hammerly Boulevard that looks less like a nonprofit headquarters and more like a facility built to match the scale of the problem.
The Kids’ Meals ExxonMobil Campus, which officially opened its doors on Sept. 24, represents the culmination of a nearly 5-year fundraising campaign that raised almost $38 million. The result is a facility that triples the size of the old Crosstimbers location and positions the organization to dramatically expand its reach across Greater Houston.
“This building is a testament to how far we’ve come—from a small team with a big mission to a purpose-built campus designed to serve thousands more children,” said Beth Harp, CEO of Kids’ Meals. “It’s a moment of pride and deep gratitude for the partners who helped make this possible. But we know the work isn’t done. Poverty and food insecurity remain urgent challenges in Greater Houston. This building is not the finish line; it’s a launchpad.”
A Strategic Move Years in the Making
The transition from Garden Oaks to Spring Branch wasn’t simply about needing more space. The old location was a leased facility that had reached its limits. Kids’ Meals conducted a strategic volunteer hotspot analysis that identified the I-10 corridor as the most accessible area for its volunteer base. The organization secured the five-acre parcel in 2021 and spent the following years bringing the vision to life under the “Building Hope Campaign.”
Walking through the giant brown bag installation at the entrance, both a photo op and a larger-than-life symbol of the meals delivered daily to children across Houston, volunteers enter a facility designed by Kirksey Architecture with intention at every turn. Four color-coded bays can accommodate up to 100 volunteers per shift, a significant upgrade from the previous space. The design includes thoughtful touches throughout: photographs of preschoolers lining the walls, apple-shaped
CYCLE's symbolic 200,000th bicycle fetches $10,000 at annual Bicycle Ball
By STEFANIE THOMAS editor@theleadernews.com
A milestone moment for one of Houston’s most impactful nonprofits was met with cheers, applause, and gold bicycles. On September 20, CYCLE (Changing Young Children’s Lives through Education) celebrated its 200,000th Bicycle Giveaway at the organization’s annual Bicycle Ball.
The event not only honored two decades of the Earn-ABike program but also exceeded fundraising goals, ensuring an additional 3,500 secondgrade students will participate in CYCLE’s “Read-to-Ride” program in 2026.
“The joy in the room was palpable as the crowd cheered and applauded the organization’s dedication to
Last year, Hays reflected on the impact of moments when special needs athletes joined in. “Through the years, I’ve witnessed a player’s first hit from a live pitch, first time crossing home plate, and even winning an 8U championship,” she said. “The joy that comes along with these moments is completely unmatched.”
This year’s Ball for All promises even more smiles, memo-
posts across the property, a retro VW bus, a welcoming events lawn, and expanded logistics hubs that streamline operations. The Brown Bag Cafe, operated by Belong Kitchen, employs adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities and serves grab-and-go meals to volunteers and visitors. A built-in generator ensures resilience against Houston’s unpredictable weather, keeping meal production running no matter what nature throws at the city.
The ExxonMobil Partnership
The campus bears ExxonMobil’s name thanks to the company’s transformative $3 million gift, which is the largest corporate donation in Kids’ Meals’ history. ExxonMobil has partnered with the nonprofit since 2016 and joins a roster of major sponsors, including Group1, Pappas Restaurants, Reliant, Satterfield & Pontikes Construction, Sysco, and
improving student literacy,” the nonprofit shared in a press release. Rebecca Roberts, Executive Director of CYCLE, reflected on the milestone: “CYCLE is an organization that believes in the power of literacy and hard work. Through our Earn-ABike program, we have impacted the lives of more than 200,000 students and their families. Our organization focuses on addressing systemic barriers to education and employment through improving second-grade literacy. We are very grateful for our partners, donors and volunteers who enable us to do the work we do.”
The Bicycle Ball, chaired by Maria Quinones alongside CYCLE Board Members, honored founder David Moore
ries, and community spirit.
Event Details:
When: Saturday, Oct. 18, 8-10 a.m. (arrive by 7:45)
Where: Timbergrove
Sports Park, 1600 Bevis St., at East T.C. Jester Blvd.
Beneficiary: Steel
Magnolia Moms Contact: Courtnie Hays at courtnie.hays@yahoo.com
For more information about TSA and its programs, visit timbergrovesports.com.
with a special tribute while offering guests a night of heartwarming stories, dancing, and an exciting silent auction. The symbolic gold 200,000th bicycle—designed in partnership with Kent Bikes—became one of the evening’s most notable items, ultimately selling for $10,000.
CYCLE will officially award its 200,000th bicycle in December to a local secondgrade student who shows significant improvement in literacy skills. Since its founding, the nonprofit has worked to improve literacy among students in Title 1 schools by rewarding progress with a bicycle, linking academic success to healthy, active lifestyles.
For more about CYCLE’s programs and mission, visit www.cyclehouston.org.
Valero, along with numerous private individuals and foundations.
“Our work with Kids’ Meals reflects a shared commitment to improving the education, health, and well-being of children across Houston,” said Alvin Abraham, global manager of corporate giving at ExxonMobil.
Naming opportunities throughout the headquarters honor donors at different levels, with various rooms sponsored by different companies.
Scaling Up to Meet the Need
The new facility will enable Kids’ Meals to increase its
weekday meal delivery from 10,000 to 26,000 by 2031, reaching over 14,000 families and delivering more than 7 million meals annually across 56 Houston-area zip codes.
This year alone, the organization will deliver more than 3.4 million free, healthy meals.
Kids’ Meals remains focused on its unique mission to serve preschool-aged children who aren’t yet eligible for school lunch programs.
During summer months and school holidays, the organization extends its reach to older siblings in the same households. This past summer, that meant feeding over 16,000
children each weekday.
Beyond delivering meals, Kids’ Meals connects families to vital wraparound resources designed to help break the cycle of poverty, addressing the deeper challenges that contribute to food insecurity.
“This facility is more than bricks and mortar. It’s a strategic investment in the future of Houston’s children,” said Earl Hesterberg, Kids’ Meals Building Hope Campaign CoChair. “Corporate partners supporting Kids’ Meals have a unique opportunity to drive meaningful, lasting change for a more stable community for generations to come.”
Undertow shows are allages unless otherwise noted. Children 11 and under may attend for free with a parent; those 12 and older require a ticket. Masks are encouraged but not required.
A Neighborhood Tradition
Since relocating to Houston, the Bedwells have hosted more than a dozen concerts in their Heights home. Previous guests have
included Walter Martin of The Walkmen, Lady Lamb, Anders Parker, and John Vanderslice. The concerts typically draw 30–50 guests, creating a sense of community while supporting independent musicians.
“It’s always a great time, and we’ve met many neighbors and friends through these events,” Cristina Bedwell shared in a previous interview with The Leader. For more information about hosting or attending an Undertow show, visit undertowshows.com
A Community Celebration
The grand opening drew an estimated 175 attendees, including city, county, and state officials, along with corporate sponsors, donors, board members, and community supporters. The public response has been positive, with widespread media coverage highlighting the organization’s commitment to ending childhood hunger in Houston. For families who made volunteering at the Garden Oaks facility part of their routine, the new Spring Branch location offers the same meaningful opportunities in a vastly improved setting. The organization is now able to welcome more volunteers for meal packing and hosts lunch bag decorating events. They still encourage in-kind donations, too.
Since its founding in 2006, Kids’ Meals has delivered more than 18 million meals and remains the only program of its kind in the nation. To learn more about volunteering or supporting Kids’ Meals, visit www.kidsmealsinc.org or follow them on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
KIDS, from P. 1
BALL, from P. 1
Photos courtesy of Timbergrove Sports Association
Photo courtesy of Kids’ Meals
The new Kids’ Meals ExxonMobil Campus celebrated its grand opening Sept. 24.
Photo courtesy of Kids’ Meals Volunteers pack and deliver thousands of meals to pre-school children daily.
CONCERT, from P. 1
Guests fill the dance floor during the annual CYCLE Bicycle Ball on September 20, celebrating the nonprofit’s 200,000th Bicycle Giveaway.
Photos courtesy of CYCLE
Executive Director Rebecca Roberts, Kent Bike President Scott Kamler, and Ball Chair/Board Member Maria Quinones pose with the symbolic gold 200,000th bicycle, which sold for $10,000 at auction.
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How long is a term for a member of the House of Representatives? One year. Two years. Three years. Four years. How many senators does each state have? Two. Four. Six. Eight. Who do we appreciate? The president of the United States can serve only two terms. Why? To keep the president from be ing too old. Because George Washington required it in the Constitution. To keep the president from becoming too powerful. Because the Declaration of Independence says so. Who was the United States’ main rival during the Cold War? Germany. Soviet Union. Japan. Vietnam.
THE TOPICS.
Citizenship-ship, hooray!
Lynn Ashby Columnist
If you want to become a U.S. citizen, these are some of the questions you may be asked. They are only samples since, obviously, the feds aren’t going to give out the real questions ahead of time. Cheating is not allowed except for members of Congress, White House press secretaries and the former head of the Texas Lotto. Here’s another one: The nation’s first motto was “E Pluribus Unum.” What does that mean? In God we trust. Out of many, one. Justice for all. Live free or die. But there are big changes ahead. Beginning Oct. 20
from 100 to 128 possible questions and will require fewer simple, one-word answers. Applicants will need to correctly answer twice as many as before. But there is still an oral test given by an immigration officer, but once a person answers enough questions to either pass or fail, the officer can stop asking questions.
Our Green Card holders who want to join us aren’t finished jumping through the hoops. More weight is put on whether an immigrant applying for citizenship is of “good moral character.” This might exclude most of the U.S. cabinet not to mention the current Texas state leadership. The Trump administration also reinstated neighborhood
checks, where USCIS officers interview an applicant’s neighbors and co-workers in search of red flags. This is necessary since some applicants look swarthy or even dark. They may speak with an accent or watch “Jimmy Kimmel Live!.” Why the changes? The Trump administration argues that the current test is too easy, citing a pass rate of 91 percent. The current test could, indeed, be too easy. Example: When was the War of 1812 fought? So the new test asks deeper and more detailed questions. Many Americans were killed in the War of 1812. Name them. The current test: Abraham Lincoln was...a U.S. president; manufactured cars; the capital of Nebraska. New test: What was Abraham Lincoln’s middle name? (Trick question. He didn’t have one.)
I strongly suspect a lot of Americans couldn’t pass either the old or the new tests. Who appoints federal judges? The Senate. The attorney general. The vice president. The president. Name one power that is only for the federal government: Hold elections. Establish local schools. Declare war. Issue driver’s licenses. The tired, the poor, the huddled masses yearn-
ing to breathe fumes from the neighboring Shell refinery are trying desperately to know the correct answers so they, too, can shop at their Home Depot without ending up in South Sudan.
How many legal newcomers? During the 2024 fiscal year, the federal government naturalized almost 819,000 new citizens, according to USCIS statistics. That’s a drop of 7 percent from the previous year. The Houston and Dallas field offices of USCIS lead the nation, with each field office naturalizing 3.3 percent of the country’s new citizens. These field offices quite probably cover not only those cities but the surrounding areas, as well. For example, Fort Bend County is statistically one of the most ethnically diversified places in the nation, which no doubt means they have a lot of immigrants. Many of them must know who appoints federal judges.
One of my most patriotic moments is seeing those TV shots of a courtroom or hangar or wherever, with a U.N. General Assembly of folks from everywhere, being sworn in as new Americans, smiling and waving little U.S. flags. It’s enough to make me almost proud to pay Newt Gingrich’s
Commissioners Court redirects guaranteed income program funds toward poverty relief services
COMMUNITY REPORTS
Harris County Commissioners Court recently voted to reallocate $18.8 million in American Rescue Plan funding, formerly designated for the county’s guaranteed income pilot program, toward housing, homelessness prevention and food assistance services.
According to recent data from the Kinder Institute, housing is becoming more and more unaffordable for Harris County residents. Harris County is also experiencing poverty at rates higher than other large counties in Texas state and the nation: Roughly 1 in 5
people in Harris County live in poverty, more than the national average and more than all other large counties in Texas, according to U.S. census data.
“I’m proud of today’s investment in housing, homelessness and food assistance. The state might have stopped guaranteed income, but they can’t stop us from fighting to lift families out of poverty,” said Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo. In January 2025, Harris County invested $20.5 million in American Rescue Plan funding to create a guaranteed income pilot program, joining more than 80 cities and counties across the nation and other countries around the world that
have seen success through similar programs. The program would have provided $500 monthly cash payments to more than 1,900 Harris county families living in poverty for a period of 18 months. Attorney General Ken Paxton sued to stop the program minutes before selected families were set to receive their first payments. In June after the State of Texas blocked the program, a majority of Commissioners Court passed a motion to reallocate the remaining funds. $1.7 million out of the initial $20.5 million had already been spent on staff and case management staff in processing tens of thousands of applications, and so Commissioners Court
reallocated the remaining, unspent $18.8 million. Out of the $18.8 million, $8 million will go toward rental assistance and eviction defense. That money is expected to help more than 1,000 households experiencing a housing emergency over the next two years. $8 million will go toward homelessness outreach and rapid re-housing services including assessing homeless individuals, supporting quick exits from homelessness, and assisting households for up to 12 months to regain stability through rental support and case management. The remaining $2.8 million will go toward food and nutrition assistance programs.
federal pension. Almost. I have a few questions about this new test. It will require fewer simple, oneword answers. A questions is: Why do U.S. representatives serve shorter terms than U.S. senators? OK, Juan or Olaf or Chang, you got one word. Duh. Dunno. Beatsme. Does “being of good moral character” exempt immigrants like Elon Musk and Ted Cruz? Here’s another: What amendment says all persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are U.S. citizens? I have no idea but the answer might change as soon as the U.S. Supreme Court gets its marching orders from the White House. So far we have only dealt with those wishing to become U.S. citizens, but if the regional offices of Big D and H Town handle more applicants than any others, then these folks also want to become Texans. So I have a few additional questions. This person died at the Alamo: Betty Crocker. Jiminy Cricket. Davy Crockett. So did this person: David Bowie. Bowie Knife. Jim Bowie. Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick is: Dan Geob Patrick. A bankrupt sports bar owner. The Official State Demagogue. All of the
above. Ken Paxton is: running for...the U.S. Senate; State attorney general; The state line; Number 777058. The state song is: “Texas, Our Texas.” “The Eyes of Texas.” “The Yellow Rose of Texas.” (If you picked “The Eyes of Texas” you get extra points.) The first words from the moon were: “I think Southwest has been diverted again.” “Houston, the Eagle has landed.” “Huh? -No Whataburger?” The Dallas Cowboys are: America’s Team. Arlington’s Team. A backdrop for sexy cheerleaders. Mediocre. In any event, welcome, new citizens, to Texas and the United States. Now you can vote for our lawmakers. I recommend ‘None of the above’. Ashby is sworn in 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.
Market Square’s revival story to be told at Heritage Society event
By STEFANIE THOMAS editor@theleadernews.com
Once the bustling heart of 19th-century Houston, Market Square will take center stage again on Tuesday, Oct. 7, when preservation leader Minnette Boesel shares the story of its revival. The event, hosted by The Heritage Society at 1100 Bagby Street, begins at 6 p.m.
“I remember walking these streets when much of it looked abandoned,” Boesel said. “We didn’t set out to romanticize the past. We set out to make the past useful again so the city could grow around it.”
Her program will feature rare photographs, first-hand recollections, and the tactical decisions that led to the district’s recognition on the National Register of Historic Places and its eventual reinvention as one of downtown Houston’s liveliest pockets of lofts, restaurants, hotels, and urban park space.
From Decline to Renewal
Market Square was Houston’s city hall and market in the 1840s and remained a civic and commercial hub for nearly 100 years. By the mid-20th century, however, the area had slipped into decline, dotted with derelict buildings and vacant lots.
That trajectory shifted in the 1980s and 1990s as advocates pushed for preservation, reinvestment, and reuse. “We’re proud that Market Square is now a place where people choose to live, work and gather,” said Alison Bell, Executive Director of The Heritage Society. “That transformation didn’t hap-
pen by chance. It happened because people believed history could be an asset, not an obstacle.”
Lessons in Preservation Boesel, founding director of the Market Square Historic District Project and former president of both Preservation Houston and The Heritage Society, will share how incremental steps—documentation, designation, and targeted investment—created momentum for larger redevelopment.
She will also discuss the challenges of convincing property owners and city leaders to see value in historic buildings, as well as the coalition-building that made preservation efforts succeed.
Why It Matters
The rebirth of Market Square demonstrates how civic will, public recognition, and private investment can reverse neglect while preserving character. Bell emphasized that the lesson applies broadly: “When you protect what’s worthy and make smart, incremental investments, you create economic opportunity and preserve identity at the same time.”
Boesel, who later directed Houston’s Office of Cultural Affairs and has spent decades shaping the city’s preservation landscape, will close the evening by linking Market Square’s past to current debates about neighborhood revitalization.
The program is part of The Heritage Society’s Evening Speaker and Wine Reception Series. Guests may also view the museum’s current exhibition, Coastal Cowboys, during the reception. Tickets are available at heritagesociety.org.
Geophilia Studio announces launch of Lucida Collection
COMMUNITY REPORTS
Geophilia Studio, a jewelry brand founded by artist Lindsey Johnson, is proud to introduce the Lucida Collection, a new line of handcrafted sterling silver jewelry inspired by light, movement, and cosmic energy.
The Lucida Collection draws inspiration from solar wind, ra dio waves, and sunbursts, trans forming these celestial phenom ena into radiant textures and sculptural forms. Each piece is designed to be three-dimen sional, sitting away from the body for presence and comfort in everyday wear.
“I wanted this collection to feel luminous and alive, re minding us that, as Carl Sagan said, we are all ‘made of star-stuff.’ We are connected to each other, the universe, and the planet,” said Lindsey Johnson, founder and design er of Geophilia Studio. “My goal was to merge modernism with the radiating Lucida tex ture, creating jewelry that is both sculptural and wearable.”
Like all Geophilia Studio
pieces, the Lucida Collection is crafted one at a time us ing recycled sterling silver
and set with semi-precious stones. The collection reflects the studio’s ethos: modern, uncomplicated design that is comfortable and built to last for generations.
Johnson, a veteran of Houston’s First Saturday Arts Market in the Heights since 2017, has honed her designs there, engaging with the local art community. The Leader arts columnist Mitch Cohen featured her journey from corporate life to artistry in
the August 17, 2024, edition, titled “Jumping Ship from the Corporate World to Art.” Founded by jeweler Lindsey Johnson, Geophilia Studio creates contemporary sterling silver jewelry inspired by geol ogy, sculpture, and the natural world. Each piece is hand crafted with attention to de tail, balancing form, comfort, and modern aesthetics. The Lucida Collection is available at GeophiliaStudio.com.
Photos courtesy of Geophilia Studio
Lindsey Johnson solders jewelry at Geophilia Studio in Houston
Lindsey Johnson at Geophilia Studio in Houston
Lindsey Johnson showcases Lucida bracelets, a ring, and earrings by Geophilia Studio
STAFF REPORTS
Pan de Muerto Returns at URBE
In honor of Día de los Muertos, URBE (1101 Uptown Park, Suite 12) will be selling handmade pan de muerto from Oct. 1 through Nov. 2. The traditional sweet bread is baked from scratch in-house and available for $4.50 each, or $7 for cream-filled. Large orders may be placed through the restaurant’s catering page, with options starting at $25 for a half-dozen.
STAFF REPORTS
OCTOBER 3, 2025
HOUSTON HUMANE SOCIETY – SHOWGIRL LISTENING PARTY
WHAT: Celebrate Taylor Swift’s new album The Life of a Showgirl with an unofficial listening party, adoptable pets, free fine-line tattoos for cat adopters, discounted tattoos with cat food donations, and on-site pet tag engraving.
WHAT: Neighborhoods across Texas will host block parties, porch-light gatherings, and cookouts to build community and connect with law enforcement. Harris County Precinct 1 deputies will visit registered events, and Council members Abbie Kamin and Mario Castillo will also join District C and District H gatherings.
WHERE: Multiple neighborhoods across the area, including West Houston Heights, Independence Heights, East Sunset Heights, Woodland Heights, Oak Forest, Candlelight Oaks Village, Oak Estates,
Visit on Saturdays for in-restaurant purchases or order ahead online. c urbehouston.com
Backstreet 42nd Anniversary “PopUp” Wine Dinner Featuring Kosta Browne Backstreet is celebrating its 42nd anniversary with a special pop-up wine dinner hosted at sister restaurant Hugo’s (1600 Westheimer) while renovations continue. The evening begins with a passed-bites reception followed by a four-course dinner created by Chefs Hugo and Ruben Ortega, paired with acclaimed Pinot Noirs and Chardonnays from Kosta Browne. Kristin Ellis, Texas State Market Manager for the Duckhorn Portfolio, will guide guests through each pairing. Tickets are $140 per person, available online. c Wednesday, Oct. 8, 6 p.m. reception, 6:30 p.m. dinner a hugosrestaurant.net
and Timber Grove Manor.
WHEN: Tuesday, Oct. 7, typically 6–8 p.m. (some events vary)
COST: Free INFO: pct1constable.net/nnoregform
LITTLE WOODROW’S SUGAR LAND –DANCING WITH THE STARS WATCH PARTY
WHAT: Weekly DWTS watch party with drinks, food, and friends. Runs every Tuesday through Nov. 25.
HERITAGE SOCIETY – SEE INTERESTING PLACES: TRONE-HOWE HOUSE TOUR
WHAT: Champagne and caviar reception, guided tour, and book signing by architectural historian Stephen Fox at Birdsall P. Briscoe’s final residential commission. Event chaired by Bill Stubbs and Kurt Grether.
WHERE: Trone-Howe House, River Oaks (address provided to ticket holders) WHEN: Wednesday, Oct. 8 COST: Ticketed INFO: heritagesociety.org/seeinteresting-places-sip-2025
BACKSTREET CAFÉ –42ND ANNIVERSARY WINE DINNER (POP-UP AT HUGO’S)
WHAT: Four-course dinner by Chefs Hugo and Ruben Ortega paired with Kosta Browne wines. Hosted at Hugo’s while Backstreet renovates. WHERE: Hugo’s, 1600 Westheimer Rd., Houston, 77006
WHAT: Reception, dinner and keynote by author Alex Epstein. Proceeds support programs cultivating future energy professionals. WHERE: Lakeside Country Club, 100 Wilcrest Dr., Houston, 77042
WHEN: Thursday, Oct. 9, 6–9 p.m.
COST: Individual tickets from $1,000; tables from $10,000
CHRISTUS FOUNDATION FOR HEALTHCARE –21ST ANNUAL NUN RUN
WHAT: Blue Knights–escorted 40-mile motorcycle ride benefiting CHRISTUS School Clinics; finish-line party at Topwater Grill.
WHERE: Start: Villa de Matel, 6510
Lawndale; Finish: Topwater Grill, 815
Victory Restaurant & Lounge Rolls Out New Fall Menu
Downtown’s Victory Restaurant & Lounge (711 Main St., Suite 100) has debuted a new fall menu featuring inventive takes on Southern classics and shareable plates. Highlights include Gumbo Wontons, Buffalo Chicken Eggrolls, Jerk Chicken Quesadillas, Oxtail Marsala, and Catfish Étouffée. Guests can also enjoy new salads, elevated mac & cheese, and sides like jalapeño butter broccolini. Victory pairs its upscale dining with two full bars, a patio, and live DJs, offering both dinner and brunch service. a victoryhoustontx.com
Torchy’s Tacos Launches “Hooky Hour”
Torchy’s Tacos has introduced Hooky Hour, running weekdays from 2–6 p.m. at select locations. Guests can enjoy half-priced beers, cocktails, and new $6 appetizers like Diablo Chicken Bites, Street Tacos Trio, and Green Chile Pork
Avenue O, San Leon
WHEN: Saturday, Oct. 11; start 8 a.m.
COST: $40 per rider (public welcome)
INFO: christusfoundation.org
TEX-INDIE AUTHOR BOOK FAIR
WHAT: Texas’ largest indie-author festival with writers, poets, presses and comic creators; family-friendly, indoors.
WHERE: British International School of Houston (Gym), 2203 N. Westgreen Blvd., Katy, 77449
WHEN: Saturday, Oct. 11
COST: Free
HOUSTON PETS ALIVE! – BARKTOBERFEST (PRESENTED BY PACIFICO)
WHAT: Fall fest with live music, vendors, contests, silent auction, adoptable dogs and more.
WHERE: The Powder Keg, 1300 Brittmoore Rd., Houston, 77043
WHEN: Saturday, Oct. 11, 2–6 p.m.
COST: Free to attend; activity tickets available INFO: houstonpetsalive.org/barktoberfest
BUZZ INTO BEEKEEPING WITH ALLY & SOFIE
WHAT: Intro to beekeeping with two of Texas’ youngest Advanced Master Beekeepers.
WHERE: The Classroom at Wabash Feed, 4545 N. Shepherd, Houston WHEN: Saturday, Oct. 11, 10:30 a.m.–noon
Taquitos. A new lineup of refreshing mocktails is also on the menu. The Austin-born taco chain encourages Houstonians to “play hooky” and enjoy bold flavors in the afternoon. a torchystacos.com/hooky-hour
Drink Pink for Breast Cancer Awareness Month
This October, Tago, Azumi, and Kazzan Ramen & Bar are supporting The Rose with specialty drinks. Kazzan Ramen & Bar (191 Heights Blvd.): $1 from every “By Any Other Name” cocktail will benefit The Rose. a kazzanramenhtx.com
Azumi (4444 Westheimer Rd., Suite G-130): $1 from every glass of Rosé or Rosé Sake sold in October will be donated. a azumirestaurant.com/houston • Tago (1120 Dennis St.): 25% of proceeds from its
Smoochie Pooch
Art Valet:
New, reinvented, emerging artists debut at First Saturday Arts Market Oct. 4
Houstonians, mark your calendars! The First Saturday Arts Market returns this Saturday, Oct. 4, from 11 a.m.
to 6 p.m. at 540 W. 19th St.
This month, we’ve got two fresh faces, one artist who deserves a reintroduction, and a familiar name returning after a 13-year break with a bold new medium.
Sarah Webster Smith of Conroe is a watercolor artist and children’s book illustrator.
“I’m so excited to be part of the First Saturday Arts Market!
This amazing art community is full of talent, and I can’t wait to share my first watercolor collection, with originals and limited-edition prints included. See you Oct 4th!” she wrote, previewing works like “Soulful Sentinel,” a vibrant watercolor of a vigilant grizzly bear mounted on an 8-by-10inch wood panel.
“By day, I’m a graphic and digital media designer with a BFA in industrial design; by evening, I unwind with my watercolors,” Smith added, noting her lifelong passion captures nature’s essence— soulful animal portraits, golden skies, and tranquil landscapes that invite you to pause and breathe. Her work, an escape from her busy design career, aims to spark joy, wonder, and peace, bringing natural beauty into your everyday life.
Sarah’s watercolors set a vibrant tone for the market, and next up, we’ve got another newcomer with a totally different vibe. New to the market, League City’s Robin Bigham brings her Ellis Cole Jewelry, handcrafting sterling silver with gemstones like turquoise and rubies.
“My work’s boho, Southwestern vibe comes from nature and the outdoors,” Bigham says. “As a former high school English teacher, I draw
Ghouls
Just
Mitch cohen Art Columnist artvalet@gmail.com
inspiration from my Authors and Poets collection, plus touches of Impressionism and minimalist Scandinavian designs.” Working from a home studio, she solders and occasionally welds, crafting unique pieces with Delft clay molds.
Joining the market for the first time as a painter, Heights artist Karla Cisneros returns after about a 13-year break. Cisneros joined the market when it was just a few years old, with her ocean-inspired jewelry. I’m fairly certain she attended the third White Linen Night in the Heights with us, sporting an original beehive hairdo from Venus Hair! Now, she’s back with a fresh focus, and her new work is just as unforgettable.
Cisneros writes that her art explores deep connections between nature and humanity, shaped by her background in marine ecology, architecture, teaching, and public service. From Houston’s Hardy & Nance Studios, she creates plein air watercolor paintings, digital art, and silk paintings, regularly showing her natureinspired work at Texas art markets and galleries.
Gerardo Saenz, a San Antonian mixed-media fine art-leaning artist, crafts brightly painted mixed media from recycled cassette tapes. His nostalgic abstracts, cityscapes, and “pop art popsicles” blend bold colors and ’80s vibes, evoking environmental consciousness and emotional
Wanna Have
COMMUNITY REPORTS
Color Factory, the immersive art experience that invites visitors to journey through the joy of color, is excited to announce that this fall, it will transform once again with a spirited spin on its immersive experience. As of Sept. 5, their popular Haunted Hues attraction has returned, bolder and brighter. No frights, just delight! Celebrate all the colors
depth. Saenz was a guest artist at the market in August for the Off the Street event and was officially accepted by the jury of artists with a 100 percent positive vote.
Saenz attended the defunct Market at Sawyer Yards, and I always had him set up next to me because he’s just fun to hang out with. I watched folks flock to his booth, hooked by those bright colors. I knew he
Fun:
and creatures of the season with this exclusive Halloween experience, featuring fallflavored treats, frightfully fun photo opportunities, and an all-new scavenger hunt perfect for all ages. Every ticket to the exhibit (starting at $29) includes seasonal treats (no tricks!) and a Halloween experience that will stir up the senses.
Guests can expect the return of the crowd-pleasing Color Factory pumpkin, RGB ghosts galore, a Haunted
attended art school, and he always asked about attending First Saturday Arts Market. It took a few years for his friend Sylvia and me to convince Saenz to lean into his fine art background a little more to apply.
Saenz, to me, represents the artistic drive that makes First Saturday Arts Market resonate with both artists and patrons. I’m thrilled he’s joined us. On
our market website, learn how his wild art career took off after a 2017 viral social media post by his daughter, following a quiet first-time exhibit, skyrocketed his fame. All the artists’ profiles are featured monthly.
Since 2004, First Saturday Arts Market has been Houston’s go-to monthly outdoor fine art market, running September through May. With
30 to 50 artists handpicked by a jury of their peers, it’s a curated mix of bold paintings, unique crafts, and pure creative energy. Come meet the artists, snag one-of-a-kind pieces, and soak up Houston’s artsy spirit this Saturday, Oct. 4, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at 540 W. 19th St. Check out the full artist lineup at www.firstsaturdayartsmarket.com.
Color Factory’s Haunted Hues returns this Halloween season
Hues-inspired confetti room, and a gaggle of spine-tingling but playful spiders in the signature ball pit. It’s time to round up your favorite ghouls and goblins and get ready for the most colorful celebration of the season.
Guests will also have the option to add on a scavenger hunt. The Hunted Hues have a sweet tooth and are seeking their favorite shades of sugar! Seek, find, and uncover which indulgent candies delight these suspicious shades
- discover them all and win a prize. The beloved Color Factory destination - voted America’s #1 immersive art experience this year - brings Houstonians color experiences that engage all the senses, including installations throughout its 14 rooms and local artist partnerships across over 20,000 square feet. Color Factory wants all its visitors to experience artful wonder and to engage their senses in unexpected ways. Above all,
Color Factory seeks to make the joy of art and color accessible.
Partnering with artists and creatives both near and far, Color Factory Houston takes guests on a unique, dynamic, and colorful journey designed for the Space City. Local artist Carra Sykes worked with Color Factory to develop the Hall of Fame exhibit; International artist Carnovsky has created an expansive scene inspired by Houston's hidden gems,
while San Francisco local Michelle Rial plays with the little dilemmas that loom large in our minds. Additionally, Color Factory partners with local institutions like the Moody Center For The Arts, nonprofits like The Montrose Center and Project Color Corps, as well as small businesses like Burger Bodega and Mochi Kids throughout the year. For more information and tickets, visit www.colorfactory.co/locations/houston.
Photos courtesy of Color Factory
Photo by Natalie Shipula
Gerardo ‘Jerry’ Saenz sets up his vibrant mixed-media booth at his first official First Saturday Arts Market in September, with more at 540 W. 19th St. on
Submitted photos
Submitted photo Sarah Webster Smith channels her evening unwind with watercolors, sketching a new piece for her First Saturday Arts Market debut Oct. 4, 2025, in Houston.
Submitted photo Sarah Webster Smith’s ‘Soulful Sentinel’ features a vigilant grizzly bear in vibrant watercolor, mounted on an 8-by-10-inch wood panel, debuting at First Saturday Arts Market on Oct. 4, 2025, in Houston.
