Mark your calendars for Saturday, Feb. 1, as Cedar Creek Bar & Grill prepares to host its highly anticipated 6th Annual Gumbo Cook-Off. The venue at 1034 W 20th St. will transform into a lively gathering filled with food, fun, and community spirit from 1-6 p.m.
This family-friendly event promises something for everyone, with live music by A Pack of Strays, a
special performance by The New Orleans Hustlers Brass Band, and DJ MLE spinning tunes. For thrillseekers, there’s a mechanical bull, while attendees of all ages can enjoy games and prizes.
Javier Montemayor of The Creek Group shared the heart behind the event:
“Our gumbo cook-off has grown into so much more than a competition—it’s become a tradition that brings the community together.,” he said. “Every year, we see new flavors, fresh creativity, and the
same incredible energy that keeps everyone coming back. Some of our teams have been with us year after year, with a few participating in four out of the six years we’ve held this event. It’s not just about the gumbo. It’s about the camaraderie, the music, and the memories we make together. This event is proof that great food and good company can bring out the best in everyone.”
Aspiring gumbo chefs can
By LISA MORALES
The Leader News Contributor
After over two decades of preserving Houston’s architectural history, Historic Houston’s Salvage Warehouse announced on Jan. 1, 2025, that it will be officially closing its doors. The beloved 40,000-square-foot facility, located at 1200 National St. just south of Heights proper, has served as a regional resource for reclaimed historic building materials across an 11-county region of southeast Texas.
The closure marks the end of an era for Houston’s preservation community, but Lynn Edmundson, executive director and one of the founding members, insists the decision isn’t a sad one.
“It’s a natural conclusion after 21 years,” she said. “The Salvage Warehouse has had an incredible run, but the market and environment have changed.”
By STEFANIE THOMAS editor@theleadernews.com
The much-anticipated Eat Drink HTX is back for its fourth year, inviting Houstonians to enjoy fantastic meals while supporting meaningful causes. From Feb. 15-28, 2025, diners will have the opportunity to experience special prix fixe menus at participating restaurants, all while supporting local businesses and contributing to the charities Kids’ Meals and the Houston Food Bank. This year, the event introduces the Garden Oaks nonprofit Kids’ Meals as a new beneficiary. The organization is dedicated to ending childhood hunger by delivering free, nutritious meals directly to
The Origins of Salvage Warehouse
The building that now houses thousands of architectural treasures had its origins as a V-shaped building that pressed cotton seed. One side of the
the doorsteps of Houston’s most vulnerable preschool-aged children.
“Being part of Eat Drink HTX 2025 is an amazing opportunity to turn the joy of dining out into hope for hungry children,” said Beth Braniff Harp, CEO of Kids’ Meals. “Kids’ Meals is deeply thankful for the support from participating restaurants and diners, whose generosity will help us continue to feed preschoolers in Houston and build brighter futures.”
The Heights, Garden Oaks, and Oak Forest neighborhoods, known for their vibrant food scene, are one again wellrepresented in this year’s lineup of participating restaurants. Among the early participants are The Barking Pig, Hughie’s on 18th, Postino’s, Da Gama,
building pressed the cotton seed, and the cotton oil went out on rails to the other side. A fire in the 1890s destroyed the back of the building while the front section was saved.
Enter Historic Houston, founded in 1999 by three preservation enthusiasts who aimed to preserve the city’s architectural heritage through education and consultation. Edmundson, who holds a degree in architecture, was often called by neighborhoods like Montrose and the Heights to consult on historic home preservation.
“We thought we would simply publish some information about preserving historic homes, says Edmundson, but then the phone started ringing,” she said. Historic Houston was becoming the go-to resource for all things historic home.
“Our first project was moving houses to save them from demoli-
By STEFANIE THOMAS editor@theleadernews.com
True North has unveiled the eight talented Texas artists whose sculptures will grace Heights Boulevard’s esplanade as part of its 2025 exhibition. The muchanticipated annual showcase will be open to the public from March through December, offering Houstonians and visitors alike a chance to experience the best in contemporary outdoor sculpture.
Featured Artists
The 2025 True North exhibition will feature works by the following Texasbased artists:
• Elizabeth Akamatsu (Nacogdoches) Olaniyi R. Akindiya (AKIRASH) (Pflugerville) Amanda Barry Jones (Houston) Susan Budge (Pattison)
• Dave Clark (Tomball) Tim Glover (Houston)
• Felicia Schneider (Houston)
• Ben Woitena (Houston, Heights)
These artists were selected for their diverse approaches to sculpture, with works that promise to captivate and inspire through their unique use of media, themes, color, and visibility.
A Legacy of Art and Community
Since its inception in 2014, True North has become a staple of Houston’s public art scene, transforming Heights Boulevard into an open-air gallery. Named for the compass bearing of the boulevard, the exhibition has showcased 96 unique sculptures by established and emerging Texas artists over its 12-year history.
True North’s mission is to advance the accessibility, understanding, and enjoyment of contemporary art by showcasing temporary public sculptures created by Texas artists. The project fosters engagement between art and the community, making fine art an integral part of Houston’s cultural landscape.
True North is made possible through the efforts of an all-volunteer team, including Donna Bennett, Gus Kopriva, Dean Ruck, Chris Silkwood, and Kelly Simmons, who are dedicated to advanc-
Harold’s Bistro & Bar, Millie’s Kitchen, and many more.
Dining with a Purpose
Eat Drink HTX was founded as a sister event to the renowned Houston Restaurant Weeks, with a focus on casual dining. The lower price point for prix fixe menus allows more eateries, including fast-casual establishments, to participate. Prices are set at $15 for lunch or brunch and $25 for dinner, with participating restaurants donating $1 or $3 per meal sold to the benefiting charities.
Over the years, Eat Drink HTX has become a cornerstone of the dining calendar, boosting restaurant sales during the typically slow February
season while raising funds to fight hunger.
How to Join Menus will be available online starting Feb. 1, 2025, at EatDrinkHTX. com. Interested restaurants can still register to participate by contacting Katie Stone at katie@cleverley.com. Follow the event for updates and featured restaurants on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter at @ EatDrinkHTX.
Eat Drink HTX invites you to turn your meal into a meaningful contribution to the community. Don’t miss this opportunity to enjoy great food while making a difference in the lives of Houston’s children.
ing the accessibility and enjoyment of contemporary art. The project is organized in partnership with the Houston Heights Association and supported by private donations from individuals and businesses passionate about public art.
An Iconic Location Heights Boulevard’s esplanade, a stretch of greenery running through the heart of the Houston Heights, serves as the perfect backdrop for the exhibition. Originally the site of Houston’s first electrified streetcar system, the esplanade has evolved into a
and one of the city’s most popular foot trails.
Large-scale
and
THE PEOPLE.
WAREHOUSE, from P. 1
tion,” Edmundson recalled.
“But soon I had 63 houses and nowhere to put them. That’s when we pivoted to deconstruction.” Builders began calling Historic Houston to deconstruct homes rather than demolish them, allowing the organization to reclaim valuable materials while offering the builders tax writeoffs. At first, there was no formal plan for what to do with the salvaged materials.
“Heights’ preservationist, Bart Truxillo, donated an 800-square-foot warehouse to the non-profit, and we thought it would be a freecycle exchange program,” Edmundson explained. You could take something if you brought something in exchange. That was the plan.”
That idea quickly evolved when, on their first day open, a customer found a window for his historic home and asked for a price.
“You want to BUY the window? The staff conferenced and thought $25 might be fair, but before I could give him a price, he offered $250,” Edmundson said. By the end of that day, Historic Houston had made $6,000.
A Changing Landscape
The Salvage Warehouse has played a pivotal role in preserving Houston’s historic homes, offering everything from reclaimed flooring, doors, and windows to vintage hardware, lighting, and cabinetry. But times have changed.
“There’s been a shift,” Edmundson said. “Construction crews today don’t always know how to
work with older materials. Some pieces require extensive repair before installation, and the demand isn’t what it used to be.”
Additionally, the real estate landscape around the warehouse is evolving.
“There are over 1,600 new housing units being built near the warehouse,” Edmundson explained. “We are being gentrified out, and there are fewer older homes left to restore.”
Another factor contributing to the closure is declining sales.
“When I crunched the numbers for the board’s yearend review, sales were down 40% from previous years,” Edmundson said.
Looking Forward
Despite the closure, Edmundson remains optimistic about the warehouse’s legacy.
“We’ve had a good run,” she said. “And we’re proud of what we’ve accomplished.”
Over the next few months, the Salvage Warehouse will operate on a limited schedule as inventory is liquidated. Current members will receive preferential discounts as a thankyou for their support. An auction for racks, equipment, and a vehicle will be held later this year and any unsold materials will be sent to five different auction houses.
GUMBO, from P. 1
Gumbo Cook-Off promises to be an unforgettable experience. Don’t miss out on what’s sure to be the best gumbo throwdown of the year. Let’s get roux’d! For tickets and more information, visit https://tinyurl. com/3xajr2n3.
As part of the closing, Historic Houston is working out logistics and is hopeful they can find a way to send an 18-wheeler of materials to Asheville, N.C., to aid in the city’s reconstruction efforts following last year’s devastating storms.
For those seeking materials to maintain historic homes, the future is uncertain.
“That’s the part that concerns me, that’s the part that is sad,” Edmundson said. “I don’t know where people are going to go for the materials they need.”
To learn more about the Salvage Warehouse’s remaining inventory, operating hours, and appointments, visit historichouston.org or follow them on social media at HHSalvageWarehouse.
New flavors and fresh creativity will be on display on Feb. 1 at Cedar Creek Bar & Grill’s 6th Annual Gumbo Cook-Off.
Submitted photos Four cash prizes will be awarded with the first place gumbo
Photo by Lisa Morales
Bathtubs, sinks and vanities are now available for non-members. All materials will be sold, auctioned, or donated.
Drawpulls and hinges are among the items for sale as Salvage Warehouse liquidates its inventory over the next months. TRUE
Mutiny Wine Room hosts 5th Anniversary & Release Party
COMMUNITY REPORTS
Enjoy Gourmet Bites, an Exclusive Release, and other Special Surprises Mutiny Wine Room is thrilled to celebrate its 5th Anniversary with a special evening hosted by owners Mark Ellenberger and Emily Trout. This special event will showcase the exclusive release of Kagan Cellars' 2019 Vintages. Kagan Cellars, founded by Ellenberger and Trout, has received national and local acclaim, earning multiple prestigious awards for its exceptional wines. Guests will enjoy a bountiful grazing table, passed bites from Chef Eduardo, and exciting surprises as they toast to five incredible years of wine and community. Additionally, Mutiny will offer special pricing on Kagan Cellars wines, with select bottles available at 30-50% off retail. This is the perfect opportunity to learn about the refreshed Kagan Cellars wine club, enter giveaways, and celebrate with the Houston wine community.
WHEN: Mutiny Wine Room 5th Anniversary & Release Party –Thursday, January 23 | 6 PM – 9 PM | $75.00 Per Person | Reserve your spot at https://tinyurl.com/mrx699n4.
Surge in home sales and robust inventory capped off December 2024
After two consecutive years of declining sales, the Houston housing market experienced modest growth in 2024. Homebuyers kept the resale and rental markets active despite fluctuating mortgage rates and higher home prices. As 2025 gets underway, steady demand and expanding inventory have set the stage for continued growth. According to HAR’s December/Full-Year 2024 Housing Market Update, total property sales were statistically flat compared to 2023. Single-family home sales rose 1.3 percent to 85,163. Total dollar volume for full-year 2024 climbed 3.1 percent to $41.1 billion versus $39.8 billion the prior year.
For December, single-family home sales saw double digit growth of 16.3 percent yearover-year. Most of the housing segments experienced increases, with the luxury segment - consisting of homes priced $1M and above – seeing the strongest increase in activity. Sales in this segment climbed 64.6 percent when compared to last December.
“Following two years of declining sales, 2024 brought a welcomed balance to the Houston housing market,” said HAR Chair Shae Cottar with LPT Realty. “While higher mortgage rates presented financial challenges for some consumers, the Houston market weathered these rate fluctuations better than many other regions across the country. I believe that the strong sales activity and expansive inventory we experienced in 2024 bodes well for home buyers and sellers in 2025.”
Houston’s rental market had
COMMUNITY REPORTS
Texans who are age 65 or older or who are disabled as defined by law may postpone paying current and delinquent property taxes on their homes by signing a tax deferral affidavit at the Harris Central Appraisal District office. Once the affidavit is on file, taxes are deferred – but not cancelled – as long as the owner continues to qualify for the exemption. Taxes accumulate with 5 percent interest per year. The law extends the tax deferral to the surviving spouse of the person who deferred taxes on the homestead if the surviving spouse was at least 55 years old when the deceased spouse died.
“Homeowners who are 65 or older or disabled also should be sure they have applied for and received the appropriate homestead exemp-
a robust performance in 2024 as many prospective homebuyers waited to see if mortgage rates would stabilize.
2024 Annual Market Comparison
Volatile mortgage interest rates created a complex landscape for the Houston housing market during the first half of 2024. The year started on solid footing with steady sales, but there was a shift when the spring homebuying season got off to a sluggish start. Home sales were up and down through the spring and summer months. When the Federal Reserve implemented its first of three rate cuts in September to combat inflation, it provided a boost in confidence to prospective homebuyers, even though mortgage rates were not greatly impacted. However, rates did ease from the 20year high of eight percent that was seen in 2023 to the highsix and seven percent range. Home sales topped 2023 levels from September through December.
Expanding inventory also helped fuel the increase in market activity, offering opportunities for buyers and sellers. At the outset of 2024, inventory was at a 3.2-months supply. In August through November, it grew to a 4.4-months sup-
ply, the highest level since September 2012 when the market had a 4.7-months supply. In December, inventory stood at a 4.0-months supply.
A 4.0- to 6.0-months supply has traditionally been considered a “balanced market” in which neither buyer nor seller has an advantage.
May registered the year’s greatest sales volume with 8,482 single-family units sold during the month. By the time the year wrapped, 85,163 single-family homes had sold across the Greater Houston area. That is up 1.3 percent from the 84,038 homes sold in 2023.
Home prices reached record highs in 2024. In July, the average home price hit a record $443,362, topping the previous record just two months earlier when the price was $441,162. Home prices have eased since then to $425,150 in December. On a year-todate basis, the average singlefamily home price increased 2.5 percent to $422,590 while the median price rose 1.5 percent to $335,000.
December Monthly
Market Comparison
The Houston housing market finished the year strong with all indicators in positive territory in December. Total property sales increased for
the third consecutive month. Sales were up 13.6 percent year-over-year while total dollar volume rose 20.5 percent to $3.5 billion. Active listings, or the total number of available properties, were 21.6 percent ahead of the 2023 volume with 45,714 units. Days on Market, or the actual time it took to sell a home, increased from 57 to 59. Months of inventory expanded from a 3.3-months supply last December to 4.0 months. The current national supply stands at 3.8 months, as reported by the National Association of Realtors (NAR).
Broken out by housing segment, December sales performed as follows:
$1 - $99,999: unchanged
• $100,000 - $149,999: increased 27.3%
$150,000 - $249,999: increased 17.5%
• $250,000 - $499,999: increased 14.8%
• $500,000 - $999,999: increased 18.2%
$1M and above: increased 64.6%
HAR also breaks out the sales figures for existing single-family homes. Existing home sales totaled 4,525 in December. That is up 17.6 percent versus the same month last year. The average sales price increased 8.6 percent
to $431,899 while the median sales price rose 4.2 percent to $325,000.
Single-Family Homes Update, Citywide Single-family home sales totaled 7,162, up 16.3 percent from December 2023. This marked the fourth month in a row where sales were in positive territory. The median price edged up by 1.3 percent to $334,290. The average price increased 5.0 percent to $425,150.
Days on Market, or the actual time it took to sell a home, increased from 57 to 59. Months of inventory expanded from a 3.3-months supply last December to 4.0 months. The current national supply stands at 3.8 months, as reported by the National Association of Realtors (NAR). Broken out by housing segment, December sales performed as follows:
$1 - $99,999: unchanged
$100,000 - $149,999: increased 27.3%
$150,000 - $249,999: increased 17.5%
• $250,000 - $499,999: increased 14.8%
• $500,000 - $999,999: increased 18.2%
$1M and above: increased 64.6%
HAR also breaks out the sales figures for existing sin-
gle-family homes. Existing home sales totaled 4,525 in December. That is up 17.6 percent versus the same month last year. The average sales price increased 8.6 percent to $431,899 while the median sales price rose 4.2 percent to $325,000.
Houston Real Estate Highlights in December Following two consecutive years of declines, singlefamily home sales rebounded in 2024 with 85,163 single-family homes sold compared to 84,038 in 2023 – an increase of 1.3 percent; Total property sales for fullyear 2024 were statistically flat at 101,864 units while the total dollar volume increased 3.1 percent to $41 billion; December single-family home sales climbed 16.3 percent year-over-year with 7,162 units sold; Total December property sales increased 13.6 percent to 8,478 units; Total dollar volume for December rose 20.5 percent to $3.5 billion; The single-family home median price edged up by 1.3 percent to $334,290 while the average price increased 5.0 percent to $425,150; Single-family homes months of inventory expanded to a 4.0-months supply; The townhome/condominium market experienced declining sales throughout 2024, and in December, volume declined 5.8 percent, with the average price up 2.5 percent to $268,152 and the median price statistically flat at $234,250; Townhome/condominium inventory improved from a 3.5-months supply to 5.4 months.
tions. These exemptions will reduce future tax burdens, and the tax savings from homestead exemptions are theirs to keep,” said Roland Altinger, chief appraiser. “In December, the appraisal district mailed postcards listing the homestead exemptions the property owner has and encouraging them to contact us if they are eligible for one additional exemption because of a 65th birthday or becoming disabled.” A filed tax deferral affidavit keeps homeowners from losing their homesteads because of delinquent property taxes. A pending sale to foreclose on the homestead’s tax lien will also cease as a result of filing a tax deferral affidavit. In addition, no taxing unit can start or continue a lawsuit to collect delinquent taxes once an affidavit is filed. There are no penalties on delinquent taxes during
the deferral period; however, a tax deferral does not cancel penalties that were already due.
“Homeowners with a mortgage on their home should first check with their mortgage company to make certain the deferral does not violate the terms of the deed of trust securing the mortgage on the property. Most deeds of trust require that taxes be paid currently,” Altinger said.
All deferred taxes and interest become due when the homeowner or surviving spouse no longer qualifies for the exemption. If the tax debt remains unpaid at that time, penalties may be imposed and taxing units may take legal action to collect the past due amount. The tax deferral affidavit can be found at www.hcad. org under the FORMS tab on the top tool bar. Select
ALL FORMS > Affidavits > Form 33.06 > Tax Deferral Affidavit for Over-65 or Disabled Homeowner. Exemption applications can be found on the appraisal district’s website, www.hcad. org, under the Forms tab on the top tool bar. For further details about property tax deferral, contact the Harris Central Appraisal District’s information center at 713-957-7800 or submit the
COMMUNITY REPORTS
Community leaders and
Source: Houston Association of Realtors' Multiple Listing Service (MLS)
Photos courtesy of Mutiny Wine Room
NORTH OF HUNTSVILLE
– We are chugging along to Dallas, my brother, Kit, his wife, Amy, and me. Wait. We are not chugging. We are qui etly sneaking up I-45 because we are in Amy’s Tesla. It makes no noise, has no com bustion engine, no oil filter to be changed and no need to find a gas station. But it does need re-charging, a problem for long-distance driving. Teslas get between 200 and 300 miles per charging, but going to Dallas is uphill and 250 miles, which means stop ping for a recharge. What we do is time our trip so that we take a lunch break halfway to our destination, which brings us to Centerville. There is a charging station at the side of the gas pumps, across the parking lot from a restaurant. It takes about 30 to 45 minutes to charge. (At home, Amy just recharges overnight.)
Lynn Ashby Columnist
THE TOPICS.
and electrifying
Taking a Tesla on a trip (sounds like a C&W song) goes like this: At the beginning you punch in where you will start and your destination. A screen on the dash tells you where the nearest power plugins are, how much power is
COMMUNITY REPORTS
that only works when you’re not moving. And, of course, it tells you your speed. But since the engine is silent it is easy to not notice that. We pass a lot of cars, including those with blinking red lights and sirens. Also a warning: Kodiak Robotics is rolling out the world’s first driverless semitruck. They are being run –one guess – on I-45 between Houston and Dallas. Wait. We are being passed. No wonder. It’s another Tesla. Actually, there are a lot of Teslas around, and a lot more other EVs (Electronic Vehicles or maybe Eveready Voyagers). Last year Tesla sold 493,513
The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo™ has released its star entertainer lineup for the 2025 Rodeo season, scheduled for March 4 – March 23. It showcases a diverse lineup that includes a variety of country music, pop, rock, regional Mexican, as well as Christian, R&B and hip-hop.
“Each season, the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo aims to bring a strong lineup of artists that reflect our Western roots while still offering an array of music that embraces Houston’s culture,” said Chris Boleman, president and CEO of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo.
“Nine entertainers will make their debut on the star stage, alongside some
vehicles in the U.S. And more are coming. Automakers sold 1.3 million EVs in the U.S. in 2024, up from 1.2 million in 2023. Tesla was the top seller. GM’s EV sales in the last quarter of 2024 more than doubled to nearly 44,000. Ford’s EV sales climbed 16 percent, to more than 30,000 vehicles. Still, those sales are only 8 percent of all new vehicle purchases. (Almost half of cars sold in China are EVs.) Car experts say one reason for the strong sales of EVs is, oddly enough, Donald Trump. No, he does not want to annex all Tesla plants. But he has hinted he will eliminate the $7,500 federal tax credit on electric vehicles priced under $80,000 and take several other measures to hamstring EV sales. This presents a problem for our First Felon. Trump has long been a friend of the oil biz (“Drill baby drill”) and rakes in big bux from its billionaires. This makes him anti-EV, but who makes more electric cars than anyone? Trump’s new best friend and best donor, Elon Musk, who donated more than $250 million to Trump’s presidential campaign. Trump faces a tricky decision.
Rodeo fan-favorites and hall-of-fame artists, some of which are returning for the first time in nearly 20 years.”
The artists that will light up the star stage for the first time in 2025 include Riley Green, Bailey Zimmerman, Carin León, AJR, Warren Zeiders, Grupo Frontera, Charley Crockett, Zach Top and Post Malone. Among long-time returning Rodeo artists are Brad Paisley and Luke Bryan. The 2025 Rodeo will be Paisley’s 17th performance and Bryan’s 12th.
Reba McEntire holds one of the organization’s highest honors as the first woman inducted to RODEOHOUSTON’s Star Trail of Fame in 2007. Her 2025 appearance will mark her 20th performance at the Rodeo and her first time back in 18 years.
Ah, yes, Musk. Perhaps no one person has been more associated with one product since Ronald Regan pushed Chesterfields. This is great if you are a Trumpster, bad if you prefer a president who doesn’t foment riots and has 34 felony convictions. Oh, I forgot to mention Stormy. You buy a Tesla, you pay Trump. This predicament has led to Tesla buyer’s remorse bumper stickers such as: “I Bought This Before We Knew Elon Was Crazy” and “Anti Elon Tesla Club.” This is countered with: “I bought this after I knew Elon was awesome.” Who or what was a Tesla?
I thought it was a city in Oklahoma. Maybe Elon named his car for one of his 12 children by three women, or maybe it is an acronym: Texan Elon Sells Lots of Automobiles. No, the vehicles are named for Nikola Tesla, a Serbian- American engineer who designed the alternating current electricity supply system. Musk could have stayed on path and named the cars X. Incidentally, Musk, the richest person in the world, may be a tax cheat. For the third year in a row, the Musk Foundation
In a highly requested appearance, Grupo Frontera will make their debut on Go Tejano Day, presented by Fiesta Mart, on Sunday, March 16. For the second year, the 2025 lineup features two Latin artists with Carin León also making his debut performance on Sunday, March 9. The Rodeo is also thrilled to bring back fan favorite artists, including Brooks & Dunn, Cody Jinks, Lauren Daigle, Jon Pardi, Old Dominion and the Greater Houston area’s very own, Parker McCollum and Bun B. Bun B will bring another group of popular R&B and hip-hop artists to the stage with him again this year for his Birthday Bonanza. Stay tuned for details about who will join his performance on Black Heritage Day, presented by Kroger, as March 7 inches closer.
SUDOKU
fell $421 million short of what it was required to give away in 2023. Musk had until the end of 2024 to distribute that money, or he has to pay a large penalty to the IRS. Amy recharges her Tesla by simply plugging in a cord to her socket at the rear fender just like you would refill your Gas Guzzler Ford Annihilator and the cost is put on her credit card. This brings us to Clark County, Nevada (Las Vegas) Sheriff Kevin McMahill who said: “I have to thank Elon Musk, specifically. He gave us quite a bit of additional information.” It was in Las Vegas on New Year’s Day that Matthew Livelsberger blew up his Tesla Cybertruck and was burned beyond recognition. Within hours, Tesla used data collected from charging stations and from onboard software to identify the driver and track Livelsberger’s movements from Denver, where he had rented the vehicle, to Las Vegas. Attention Tesla owners: Through his best friend, Trump now knows who you are, where you have been and where you are going – and which bumper sticker you sport.
You want to buy a Tesla? You want to wander through the lot and pick out your model and haggle with the salesperson over the price? Don’t give him your money. Instead of dealerships or franchises, Tesla operates showrooms in states that don’t allow directto-consumer sales. That includes Texas. The company operates direct car sales through its website and app. You buy a car directly from the maker without middlemen who usually add a markup to the price. Now we are back in Houston from our round trip to Dallas. The 500-mile trip, plus going around Big D, cost $31 in electricity.
Ashby charges 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
opinion articles on matters of interest to Greater
residents at editor@theleadernews. com. Publication is at the discretion of the editor.
Sunday, March 16 Grupo Frontera Go Tejano Day, presented by Fiesta Mart
Monday, March 17 Charley Crockett
Tuesday, March 18 Post Malone
Wednesday, March 19 Old Dominion
Thursday, March 20 Cody Jinks
Friday, March 21 Parker McCollum
Saturday, March 22 Brooks & Dunn
Sunday, March 23 Luke Bryan
INDIVIDUAL RODEO TICKETS
Tickets will go on sale at rodeohouston.com/tickets Thursday, Jan. 16, 2025, in two waves, 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Wave 1 tickets go on sale at 10 a.m. for March 4 – March 13 performances. Wave 2 tickets go on sale at 2 p.m. for March 14 – 23 performances.
(The Online Waiting Rooms will open at 9:30 a.m. for Wave 1 and 1:30 p.m. for Wave 2. Customers in the Waiting Room will be randomly selected to enter the store to purchase tickets at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.)
A place in the Waiting Room does not guarantee tickets.
Ticket prices start at $25, plus a $4 convenience fee.
Individual Rodeo tickets can be purchased online here. All tickets will be delivered electronically via AXS Mobile ID Delivery; please allow 48 hours for delivery.
To access your purchased tickets, download the RODEOHOUSTON app and login with the email used to purchase tickets.
North American Numbering Plan Administrator to Guide Implementation of New 621 Area Code
The Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT) has approved the adoption of an additional area code for the greater Houston area to accommodate continued population growth. The area is expected to run out of new phone numbers starting with the current 281/346/713/832 area codes in 2025. Once telecommunications carriers have exhausted all telephone numbers with the current 281/346/713/832 area codes, new numbers will be assigned the new area code 621. This new code is expected to meet numbering needs
for an additional nine years. PUCT Commissioners voted to approve the new area code in October 2024 and directed the North American Numbering Plan Administrator (NANPA) to oversee the implementation over a nine-month timeframe. The addition of the 621 area code will not affect existing phone numbers. Additionally, since the Houston area is currently served by multiple area codes, residents are already required to dial ten digits (area code included) to place local calls, so the addition of a fifth area code will be a seamless transition for residents.
The Houston area’s first area code, 713, was created in 1947 as one of the original four numbering plan areas (NPA) assigned to Texas. In 1996, the 713 NPA was split into two, switching most Houston
suburbs to the 281 area code.
Rapid growth in the following two years required the PUCT to approve the elimination of the boundary between the 713 and 281 area codes and add the 832 area code, creating a three area code overlay for the combined Houston area. As a result of eliminating the boundary and creating a third overlay, Houston residents were required to start ten-digit dialing for local calls. In 2013, the PUCT approved the addition of the 346 area code. About the Public Utility Commission Our mission is to serve Texans by regulating the state’s electric, telecommunication, and water and sewer utilities, implementing respective legislation, and offering customer assistance in resolving consumer complaints. To learn more, please visit www.puc.texas.gov.
(refills not included).
Star Cinema Grill In honor of National Popcorn Day, Houstonians can enjoy the latest box office hits with one complimentary small popcorn at the following locations:
• CityCentre: 822 Town and Country Boulevard, Houston, TX 77024
• Springwoods: 1495 Lake Plaza Drive, Spring, TX 77389
• Vintage Park: 114 Vintage Park Boulevard, Houston, TX 77070 https://www.starcinemagrill.net River Oaks Theatre On Jan. 19, guests can en-
theatre.com
Reel Luxury Cinemas Guests are invited to enjoy one complimentary popcorn while seeing today’s top awards-worthy blockbusters. 9595 Six Pines Dr, Suite 8200, The Woodlands, TX 77380 https://www.reelluxurycinemas.com
Photo courtesy of Reel Luxury Cinemas - The Vivant Agency
Plume launches new wellness program with GLOW Sip Soirée
and more.
Unique, in-house mocktails crafted without sugary additives and featuring healthboosting ingredients like Lion’s Mane for focus and turmeric and ginger for their antiinflammatory benefits.
The new Wellness Menu and savor four new healthy dishes: Shrimp and Pineapple Chili Lime Satay, Blueberry and Goat Cheese Bluzookie, Crispy Chickpeas with Turmeric Curry and Cilantro,
Local Wellness Vendors like Green Earth Juicery, Drip Bar, O Athletik, Treadwell, Tulum Medspa and more.
Vibrant atmosphere filled with free yoga sessions and energizing wellness shots
A chance to win a free gym membership
This event is free and open to the public. For more details, check out plumehtx.com.
WHEN: Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025, 1-3 p.m.
WHERE: Plume, 1100 W 23rd St Suite 150
Harris County Summer Legal Academy now accepting applications from high school students
COMMUNITY REPORTS
The Summer Legal Academy (SLA) is a paid two-week educational readiness program for high school students aspiring to become attorneys. Participating students receive $15 per attendance hour.
Students will learn the process of applying to law school, what to expect as a law student, the different areas of law, and hear directly from various attorneys. This program will provide students who are interested in a future career in the legal field with pivotal resources and tools for their journey.
The SLA is open to Harris County students in high school who are enter-
ing grades 10 through 12.
Priority will be given to firstgeneration college students, students from a low-income background, and/or members of groups underrepresented in the legal profession.
Students will be expected to submit:
A recommendation letter
High school transcript- the transcript is used primarily to determine eligibility. There is no minimum GPA requirement.
• A writing sample, which may be a class assignment in which a grade of B or better was received
• A personal statement on their most meaningful achievement and how it relates to future goals
• A short essay response
on one of the following (1) What is your favorite Supreme Court case and why (2) If the legal field was not an option, what career would you pursue instead (3) Which is your favorite legal/law related show, movie, or podcast and why?
The priority deadline is March 1 and the deadline to apply is March 23. The Summer Legal Academy runs from July 14 to July 25. Hear directly from students in this video or check out our 2024 SLA photo album. More information and the application to apply for the Summer Legal Academy are available at cao.harriscountytx.gov/students.
Photo courtesy of Plumea
Art Valet: The colorful glow-in-the-dark world of Angela Rose Walling
Angela Rose Walling joined First Saturday Arts Market in 2016 as an emerging artist. What struck me at the time was her positive, upbeat attitude. Her paintings are bright, colorful acrylic abstracts and landscapes. She uses neon paint in some and they glow under a black light.
What really stood out about her personality to me was her perseverance and willingness to learn, pivot and keep going. Never give up comes to mind. Not mentioned in the interview is Walling's clothing line. She turns her bright paintings into wearable art. Meet Angela Walling.
Art Valet: What can you share about your personal life outside of your art?
“Born and raised in Houston, I was married for 30 years until my husband, Dan, passed away in 2019,” Walling said. “I started dating a good friend, Ruben, and we ended up in a committed relationship. I never dreamed I would find someone else so soon. He has two kids, so I became a stepmom at 50. Never having kids, it was an adjustment, but an absolute blessing. They are amazing kids, and I am so blessed to be part of their lives.”
AV: What are you doing with your art right now?
“Creating bigger pieces,” Walling said. “I love painting on large canvases; my largest is 46”x70.” I want to try even larger sizes. I have lots of room in my new studio to do so. I've incorporated my art into fashion. My goal is to set up a local commercial boutique and gallery.”
AV: How did your art journey begin?
“I grew up in a very creative environment,” Walling said. “My mom and sister both
COMMUNITY REPORTS
Beat The Bomb, the World’s Craziest Team Game, will open on Friday, Jan. 24, in Houston’s historic 5th Ward in the former Moncrief Lenoir Manufacturing Co. at 2103 Lyons #300, joining popular immersive experience Meow Wolf. The Houston venue will join Beat The Bomb’s five other U.S. locations in Atlanta, Brooklyn, Charlotte, Philadelphia and Washington, D.C. Tickets are on sale now at beatthebomb.com/houston with prices starting at $34.95. In Beat The Bomb’s signature 60-minute Paint Bomb, Slime Bomb, and Foam Bomb Missions, groups of four to six players suit up in hazmat gear and advance through four high-tech immersive video game rooms featuring lasers, projection-walls, RFID readers, touch screens, and motion sensors. As each room is a different cooperative game, with titles like “Hack Attack,” “Floor Grid,” “Echo Chamber,” and “Crypto Laser,” teams work together to earn time on their “Bomb Clock.”
Entering a fifth and final glass-walled “Bomb Room,” players encounter a final game to disarm the "Bomb" before their time runs out. Losing means getting blasted with paint, foam or slime, while winning unlocks rewards through
Mitch cohen
Art Columnist
artvalet@gmail.com
have art degrees. My mom took us to the Museum of Fine Arts and the Contemporary Arts Museum when we were very young. In my late twenties, I started playing with oils but didn't paint for nearly 10 years. I started painting again in 2015 after a good friend, Holli, and I started a ladies' art group. We would get together to paint and sometimes go to art shows. That's when I found out about JoMar Visions opening their art gallery. Joanna convinced me to show at their grand opening, and it's been a non-stop ride since, loving every second of it.”
AV: Has anything unexpected happened from being an artist and what might surprise your friends?
“I’ve been on TV, in the paper, and in magazines many times with my art,” Walling said. “It's nice to have a little local celebrity vibe. I have met a few famous people in my time. Most people are not aware that I am also a published poet and writer. I tend to concentrate on my art more but would like to get back into doing some more writing soon.”
Angela Rose Walling has a studio at 2101 Winter St Studio B135, open most Saturdays. Visit her website for details http://www.angelarosewallingart.com
Cohen is an artist and founder of the First Saturday Arts Market. Visit his website at ArtValet.com.
the Bomb Loyalty Program. Repeat players can keep coming back to "Have a Blast,” with new games added regularly to the game library.
“Houston was an obvious choice for Beat The Bomb. It’s the energy capital of the world and the fourth largest city in the U.S. It has a vibrant arts scene, boasts the headquarters of 24 Fortune 500 companies and is home to the Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center. Beat The Bomb will fit right in with our high-energy games and paint, foam and slime blast endings,” said Alex
Patterson, CEO and founder.
“Beat The Bomb’s mission is to use technology to engineer human connection, encouraging camaraderie amongst friends, family, and coworkers. We are thrilled to land in Houston and begin blending the 5th Ward’s industrial past with our modern technology and cutting-edge special effects.”
The 10,000 square feet Beat The Bomb Houston “eatertainment” space was built by ARCO/Murray and features its signature Bomb Bar—a full-service bar with a food menu—overlooking a 1,500
square-foot beer garden where customers can enjoy colorful slushies, themed cocktails, local craft beers and delicious bites, like chicken wings, fried chicken sandwiches and pizzas. Surrounding the dining area are four semi-private “Arcade Game Bays” where guests can eat, drink and play a 90-minute competitive socializing experience where they split into small teams and compete in a gauntlet of interactive mini-games.
Beat The Bomb Houston also offers a 450-square-foot private events space, perfect
for corporate outings, birthday celebrations, and other special occasions, along with customizable catering and bar service packages.
The company's current locations host hundreds of team-building events annually for corporations such as Home Depot, Delta, Google, Amazon and PWC; universities, like New York University and Georgetown and even professional sports teams. Beat The Bomb also welcomes tens of thousands of students annually from middle schools, high schools, and nonprofit after
school programs. Through a STEM school partner program and ticket donation initiative, Beat The Bomb's goal is to inspire the next generation of creative technologists and teach students that any challenge no matter how big can be “beaten” by using teamwork. Since launching as a bootstrapped start-up in Brooklyn in 2017, Beat The Bomb has hosted over 750,000 customers, earned 30,000 five-star Google Reviews and welcomed celebrities such as Usher, Venus Williams and Tony Hawk to take on the missions before being paint bombed with their families. The national expansion follows a recent $15M Series B investment by Otium Capital and Conversion Venture Capital, which will support additional Beat The Bomb openings throughout 2025. Tickets for Beat The Bomb Houston begin at $34.95. Guests will receive 20% off tickets through Jan. 27 with the code HOUSTON20. Beat The Bomb Houston is open Wednesday through Sunday. For seasonal and holiday hours, more information about the Beat The Bomb and to purchase tickets, visit www. beatthebomb.com or follow @ beatthebomb on social media for updates.
