03-04-23 Edition of The Heights Leader

Mayor: TEA takeover of HISD could happen soon

By Landan Kuhlmann landan@theleadernews.com

Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner announced during Wednesday morning’s city council meeting that legislators have told him the Texas Education Agency could be poised to take over Houston ISD as soon as this week.

Citing sources in the legislature, Turner said the takeover could happen soon. If it happens, he said the TEA could replace the entire HISD board of trustees as well as Superintendent Millard House II

and replace them with state-appointed members.

“We cannot be silent on this one.

The state is overreaching,” Turner said during the city council meeting Wednesday morning.

Wednesday morning email requests to both the TEA and HISD for comment in response to the revelation were not returned prior to publication.

TEA commissioner Mike Morath first pushed for a takeover of the school board in 2019 with efforts to replace them amidst allegations of board misconduct as well as nearly

Opening of T.C. Jester playground pushed to late March

By Landan Kuhlmann landan@theleadernews.com

Residents, children, and families wanting to use the new playground at T.C. Jester Park will have to wait just a little bit longer in order to have a new spot for their recreational use at the popular local park.

According to Lisa Johnson, the general manager for the city of Houston’s General Services department, completed construction and the opening of the new state-of-theart playground at the park has been pushed back to the end of this month.

When it was first introduced in early 2022, officials had said the hope was to have it ready by that fall, but that was pushed back earlier this year to late February prior to Wednesday’s confirmation that it is now slated for the end of March.

“Weather and supply chain issues have caused delays,” Johnson said in an email Wednesday morning.

When construction is finished, officials have said the new and improved playground will include play units for all different age groups such as swing sets, climbers, freestanding play components and a boulder water play element. It will also include sidewalk upgrades, decorative fencing and new picnic tables, benches, trash receptacles and a drinking fountain for parents and their children to utilize when all construction is finished. The project, officials have said, will redevelop and enlarge the popular local park’s playground with “state-of-the-

art” equipment selected in hopes of promoting cognitive, emotional, physical and social development, according to city officials last February. Completions currently done as of publication include underground utilities; concrete sidewalks, plaza, and playground border; and playground equipment installation.

Funding for the T.C. Jester playground began with District C councilmember Abbie Kamin’s predecessor – former Mayor Pro Tem Ellen Cohen – who Kamin said was a major driver in helping to secure funding for the $1.02 million project. Construction efforts had been in the works prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, according to Kamin, which delayed the start of construction until several years after its initial planning.

a decade of low academic performance at Wheatley High School. HISD sued the TEA in 2020, and was granted an injunction by a Travis County judge – which was later upheld by an appeals court.

However, this past January, the Texas Supreme Court ruled in favor of the agency and threw out the injunction – clearing the way for a potential takeover. House II issued a few comments in January following the ruling.

“My team will continue to be

City funding approved for Inwood flood control project

By Landan Kuhlmann landan@theleadernews.com

In Houston, local streets and roadways can flood almost in the blink of an eye, within hours or minutes depending on the severity of the downpour. But a local flood mitigation project has recently gotten city-related funding approval, and is continuing to move forward with its construction.

On Feb. 22, the Houston City Council approved its funding of $15.2 million that will go towards funding the Greater Inwood Detention Basin project in Greater Inwood, which is aimed at lessening the risk for flooding during major events such as hurricanes.

Construction is expected to begin in 2025, according to city, and will cost roughly $80 million. The projects is the first of four Hazard Mitigation Grant Projects approved by FEMA following Hurricane Harvey in 2017. It is a joint project with FEMA, the Harris County Flood Control District, and the city of Houston.

The flood mitigation project plans to construct a series of 12 interconnected basins at the 226-acre site of a former golf course on Antoine Drive north of West Little York Road, which is expected to reduce structural flooding risks in Inwood Forest as well as downstream neighborhoods such as Oak Forest, Garden Oaks and the Heights.

“This is a great example of multiple public and private partnerships to benefit the community,” Houston Mayor Sylvester

Booker T. Washington student earns community service recognition

By Landan Kuhlmann landan@theleadernews.com

A local high school student has received a community service award and college scholarship from a Greater Houston nonprofit organization.

On Feb. 17, the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Houston announced that Booker T. Washington High School senior Ky’Saan Piatti has been

named as the organization’s 2023 Julius Young Youth of the Year during its dinner at the Junior League of Houston. He is a member of BGCGH’s Texans Teen Club.

A news release from the Boys and Girls Club said the award “celebrates the remarkable accomplishments of BGCGH Club members who have distinguished themselves through academic success, leadership, hard work

and determination.”

According to the organization, the Houston YOY award was renamed Julius Young Youth of the Year in memory and in honor of Julius Young, Jr., who was elected Board Chairman of Boy & Girls Clubs of Greater Houston for 2020-2021 and passed away in September 2021. Young was the organization’s first Black board chair and “Club

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By ensuring consistent access, quick answers and tailored solutions, we don’t just get to know your business, we get to know you. iscover how our taking your success personally can make all the difference.

Contributed photo

The new T.C. Jester Park playground is shown still enclosed by fencing. Initially hoped to open last year, o cials say weather and supply chain issues have caused its delay, with completion now scheduled for later this month.

Photo from HCFCD website

The city of Houston has approved its funding for the Inwood Basin Detention project, which will aim to mitigate flooding concerns in extreme weather events.

Contributed photo

Local student Ky’Saan Piatti, left, was the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Houston’s 2023 Youth of the Year winner. Heights High School sophomore Jadyn Perez, right, was the runner-up.

“Weather and supply chain issues have caused delays”

-Lisa

Johnson

General

Manager

City of Houston Services Department

HISD receives grant for new recycling program

From Sta Reports

The Houston ISD Foundation announced Feb. 21 that it has received funding from community business leaders to expand access to recycling within the district. ExxonMobil, LyondellBasellandTricon Energy have donated a totalof$300,000 to supportdevelopmentofthe program as part of theHoustonRecycling Collaboration

The program was formedinJanuary 2022 between theCityofHouston, ExxonMobil, LyondellBasell, Cyclyx Internationaland FCC Environmental Services. It is scheduled to begininApril and be available at20 HISD school campuses, including local schools Booker T. Washington and Heights high

schools as well as the Hattie Mae White Educational Support Center at 4400 W. 18th St.

According to the district, participating HISD schools and facilities will collect cardboard, paperand a variety ofplastics including difficult-torecycle plastics. They will collect everything from chip bags to takeout containers, the district said, with the plastics collection coordinated by Cyclyx’s all-plastic 10 to 90 program.

“Introducing this new initiativein HISD schools has become more important than ever as we look to engage our students around innovative solutions to achieving sustainability,” HISD Superintendent Millard House II said. “We are confident that the involvementof our stu-

dentsin this program will continue to build ingenuity that supports Houston’s local economy and job creation for our future leaders.”

The district says the program will also support recycling training, education,and awareness for HISD staff andstudents.

“Our children will inherit the world we build for them, so it is key that they understand the valueofrecyclingandthe circular economy as early as possible,” Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner said. “I commend HISDand its partners for embarking on such an ambitious program, driven by the need to address wasteand landfill use today to enable a more sustainable future.”

A living trust allows you to transfer assets to beneficiaries while maintaining privacy in those transfers and avoiding the probate process. A living trust is often used as a substitute for a Will. By contrast, a special needs trust is designed to provide resources for a loved one with a disability. Most often special needs trusts are created while a parent is alive, but not funded until the parent passes away. Upon the parent’s death, the assets that the child would have inherited instead go to the trust. The funds in this trust can then be used to supplement therapy and medical treatments for the child that are not covered through government programs.

WHY WOULD I NEED ONE?

One major benefit of a special needs trust is that it won’t interfere with the beneficiary’s receipt of or eligibility for government benefits. These programs often have strict regulations, and receipt of an inheritance might cause your loved one to lose or become disqualified from benefits.Instead, a special needs trust allows the individual’s inheritance to continue to benefit them by augmenting any medical treatments and/or living expenses that are already covered through government programs.

Every special needs trust should be personalized and custom-designed to the individual family.To learn more about how a special needs trust may help your family, pleasecontact Jennifer Solak with Solak Legal at 713-5885744 or jennifer@solaklegal.com so that we can discuss your particular needs.

The information in this column, which was sponsored by Solak Legal as part of The Leader Expert Series, is intended to provide a general understanding of the law and not legal advice. Readers with legal questions should consult attorneys for advice on their particular circumstances. Jennifer Solak provides legal advice for families and businesses and may be contacted at jennifer@solaklegal.com or 713-588-5744

Law

There’s a Generational gap

“For Sale – On an expansive 30,619 sq. ft. lot, a home designed for entertaining, kitchen central island, bar, pool, and generator. $3,200,000.” Sounds like a nice place for a hedge fund tycoon, NBA star or MAGA cap salesman. Nice lot, probably with land mines, bar, pool – and generator? That’s certainly a new wrinkle in promoting houses. We live in the fourth largest city in America. Energy Capital of the World. Space City. And we sell a house for such luxuries as a generator? What’s next”? “This mansion sports a fully equipped watch tower, moat and indoor plumbing.” “A steal! Bunker with anti-balloon missiles, a well which usually has safe water and – get this – a generator which can power up to a 60watt bulb!”

Growing up in Texas, we had the usual power outages caused by floods, droughts and the occasional ice storm.

Of the latter you know the drill: ice would cover the tree branches which would cause the branches to break and fall across the power lines which would leave customers in the dark. Then the power would come on. That was way back in MCML. In these modern days of high-tech engineering, we lose power if it rains, snows, the temperature gets above 90 or below 60. Sometimes my power goes off for no reason at all.

We mostly depend on ERCOT to handle our power grids. This may explain why Texas ranked Number 1 in total electric disturbance events in 2021 with 66. Most common cause: severe weather. The year before in 2020, we had 47 total electric disturbance events. Most common cause: severe weather. Apparently ERCOT does not know that Texas can get freezing temperatures in the winter when we need lots of electricity for heating, and turn scalding hot in the summer when we need a/c by the billions of megawatts. Maybe someone needs to get ERCOT a calendar.

In the Big Freeze of 2021 the power plants went dead, pipes split and gas turbines stopped turbining. To solve this problem, we need more windmills. No, wait. Tucker Carlson said on Fox News that “a reckless reliance on windmills is the cause of this disaster,” claiming that “the windmills froze, so the power grid failed.” Gov. Greg Abbott said in an interview that the crisis in

LYNN ASHBY Columnist

we live in peril. The Houston utility CenterPoint told state regulators that, on average, customers in 2019 lost power for a total of nearly four hours, including 2 and a half hours from unexpected outages, 45 minutes for scheduled repair and nearly 27 minutes from catastrophic storms. CenterPoint officials said the company doesn’t count interruptions of under a minute.

So it’s do-it-yourself time. Bring on the home generators. You can buy a portable one for $165. This will keep your night light on. But there is a drawback to using portable generators. Between 2005 and 2017, more than 900 people in the U.S. died from carbon monoxide poisoning from portable generators, with another 15,400 needing emergency room treatment. Most were a result of generators being set up incorrectly indoors. In some storms,more people have died from carbon monoxide poisoning from their generator than directly from the storm itself.

But when our power goes off, the main problem is the temperature. I don’t care about small power generators, if a hurricane or heavy dew puts out my a/c in August, I need cool. Likewise, if the Son of Ice Storm Uri comes to Houston, I need heat. This brings us to the Super-Duper Power Plant. That will run you about $22,000. Plus extras. You can’t just plop down a 10-ton hunk of machinery, you need a place for it to plop -- someone to pour a big slab of concrete in your back yard. (This may be a problem if you live on the 10th floor of a condo.)

Then you need an electrician to wire up the sockets and a plumber to install a gas line.

Don’t forget the monthly service fee. A simple solution is to run an extension cord to a neighbor’s house who has a generator. If, on the other hand, you have a generator and your neighbor doesn’t,

be prepared for angry shouts at 3 a.m. because those big generators make a terrible

My interest in a home generator is not unique. But only about 5 percent of the nation’s homes have installed generators, according to a recent study by Generac, a major home generator company. It reported it sold nearly $1.1 billion worth of residential generators to U.S. customers in 2019, a 36 percent increase from two years earlier. Who buys them? The elderly who can afford them. Seventy percent of Generac’s customers are 50 years or older, have median home values of $400,000 and have a median household income of $120,000. Sales of generators are projected to grow from $4.89 billion in 2021 to $6.94 billion in 2028.

I tried getting a generator myself. My idea was to be on the cutting-edge of technology, so I bought a gerbil and a treadmill, but I needed something more substantial. I found a spot in my backyard to put in a real generator. I didn’t really need a water meter or a driveway. Then I went on-line and found a model from Used Watts R Us from Matamoras, which explains why all the information was in Chinese. A week later a big box arrived with a stamped sign (in English) reading: “Some assembly may be required.”

Putting my new generator together took some work what with all the Super Glue and paperclips, but I finally got it going, although in my testing at 3 a.m. the neighbors threw stones. My generator soon exploded, so I turned to my back-up plan but the gerbil died.

Ashby is in the dark at ashby2@comcast.net

THE LEADER PUZZLERS.

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WORD SCRAMBLE

Baseball/softball recap: Waltrip has dominating run at Katy ISD tournament

By Landan Kuhlmann landan@theleadernews.com

Waltrip has been one of the Houston-area’s most consistent teams in recent seasons, and the Rams are off to another strong start thanks to a good showing in tournament play last weekend.

The Rams swept through the Katy ISD tournament Feb. 23-25, winning all four games in taking down Morton Ranch (5-4), Fort Bend Clements (6-1), Katy Jordan (11-6), and Fort Bend Dulles (12-1) to move to 5-0 on the season.

Jessie Lara, Ethan Nunez, and Danny Keuhn all drove in two runs apiece for the Rams against Dulles as part of an offensive attack that saw seven different players drive in at least one run.

On the mound, Nathan Park hurled a complete game in the five-inning run rule victory, striking out four batters while allowing just three hits.

Elsewhere in the area, the Heights Bulldogs defeated Dulles 11-2 on Feb. 21 before producing a 2-2 showing in tournament play. RJ Robinson had three hits including a homer in the win over Dulles, while Paul Smith and Owen Gibbs had a pair of RBIs apiece and Jeriko Smith had seven strikeouts in 4.1 innings of work on the mound. Smith homered and drove in three runs as part of a 6-3 victory over Spring on Feb. 24, and Gibbs also drove in two more runs. Brady Pro had two hits in a 16-7 win over Dekaney on Feb. 25.

The St. Pius X Panthers went 4-1 at the Pearland

First Pitch Tournament on

Feb. 23-25. Pitcher Casan Evans, who has given a verbal commitment to LSU, was strong on the mound in the Panthers’ 8-1 victory over Pearland on Feb. 24, picking up nine strikeouts in a complete game effort. With the strong showing, the Panthers moved to 5-1 on the young season.

Softball

In the private school ranks, the St. Pius X Lady Panthers saw the weekend produce a 5-1 showing at the Fort Bend Christian Academy Tournament Feb. 23-25. Sophia Erazo had four hits and five RBIs for the Lady Panthers (10-5) in a 13-1 win over Houston Christian on Feb. 23, while Erazo and University of Texas commit Victoria Hunter each homered on Feb. 24. Brooke Landry went 9 for 13 in the tournament and reached base 11 total times while scoring seven runs.

On the public school side, Heights’ Lady Bulldogs swept through the FBCA Tournament themselves, taking home wins in all seven games they played.

Laila Robins was one of the tournament’s stars for Heights with 11 hits including a homer and 10 RBIs in the tournament, while Helen Maddux (eight RBIs) and Flora Moreno (nine RBIs)

Eagles’ boys hoops advances to regional semifinal

By Landan Kuhlmann landan@theleadernews.com

The Booker T. Washington Eagles have been one of the state’s best teams for nearly two seasons running, and they kept their dreams of a state championship alive on Tuesday thanks to a hard-fought win over a familiar foe.

On Tuesday night, the Eagles defeated District 21-4A rival Yates by a score of 96-84, advancing to the Region III-4A semifinals for a second consecutive season. The Eagles (26-7) are slated to face off with Center (29-4), District 17-4A’s secondplace finisher, in the regional semifinals at 8 p.m. Friday at Bryan High School.

Yates jumped out to a surprising 29-25 lead at the end of the first quarter on Tuesday, and jumping out to a 10-point lead by early in the second quarter. However, the Eagles quickly took control again with a 31-point outburst in the second quarter, including a 17-2 run at one point to turn that deficit into a five point lead.

Booker T. Washington took a nine-point lead into the break, and went on a 10-0 run early in the third quarter to effectively

put the Lions at arm’s length, and the margin never again reached single digits the rest of the way.

Odis Carter was the star of the night for Booker T. Washington with a phenomenal allaround game, pouring in 25 points and grabbing eight rebounds to go along with six assists. He was also strong on the defensive end, snagging a team and season-high nine steals.

Chris McDermott also had a double-double with 20 points and 14 rebounds for the Eagles in the contest, adding two steals and two blocked shots on the defensive end.

Senior forward and Prairie View A&M commit Kenneth Lewis also had 25 points in the contest for Booker T. Washington, while point guard Andre Walker II scored 10 points to go along with five rebounds, seven assists, and three steals.

The Eagles have now won at least 26 games for a second consecutive season, and have their sights set on a second consecutive regional final. The winner of Friday’s game would then play the winner of Silsbee and Furr on Saturday afternoon for a chance at the state tournament.

also shined at the plate.

Haylie Jaime carried the load in the circle for the Lady Bulldogs (10-3), striking out 42 hitters in 21 in-

nings over the course of the tournament while allowing just three earned runs. She also drove in eight runs at the plate over the course of

the tournament. Waltrip’s Lady Rams also continued a strong early season start, taking down Northside 13-5 on Feb. 21

before defeating Wisdom 15-0 on Feb. 25 to improve to 4-0 and 2-0 in District 195A competition.

Photo by Landan Kuhlmann

Beto Ramirez and the Waltrip Rams swept through the Katy ISD Tournament last weekend, winning all four of their games, to continue a strong start to the 2023 season.

Photo by Mattthew Blue

Chris McDermott, pictured, had a double double Tuesday night to help Booker T. Washington advance to the Region III-4A semifinals.

August 6, 1944 – February 24, 2023

Surrounded by his family, Pete walked into Paradise on February 24, 2023. Soft voices whispered words of love to this great man and encouraged him to find victory and comfort in the arms of his Savior.

Pete was born in Corpus Christi, Texas, on August 6, 1944, to his parents Jimmy and Clara Santikos. He was the youngest of six children. His family moved to Houston, Texas, when he was ten years old. Raised in the Houston Heights area, he graduated from Reagan High School. After graduation, Pete worked as a draftsman and assisted in the redesign of the Glomar Challenger. Little did he know that one day he would become one of the most recognized business owners in the Oak Forest community.

Pete was many things. He was a successful, wise business man. He was an independent thinker with innovative ideas. He was an example of a hardworking man with a strong work ethic. However, his greatest testimony to life was his family .... His wife, his children and grandchildren.

When he was 15 years old and in junior high school, Pete worked at a go cart track to make money. With his earnings, he bought his mother, Clara, a brand new Singer sewing machine to further her career as a seamstress. He boldly walked into a bank and requested a loan. Being too young for a loan, he needed a co-signer. He got a co-signer and he got the loan. His mother got her sewing machine. He was creative and always looking for a more efficient way to do things. To help him get to his job at the go cart track, he added a motor to his bicycle to make it run on gasoline.

Pete married his wife, Sharon, on November 21, 1975. Together they raised four wonderful children. Years later, they were further blessed with grandsons and granddaughters. Pete owned Santikos & Sons Texaco & Auto Repair for 43 years. He retired in 2012 and made plans to spend more time with Sharon and his family.

Pete contributed many hours to his community. He served in multiple board positions on the Oak Forest Lions Club. He also served on several committees for the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo (Auctions & Receptions, Grand Entry).

Pete was actively involved with the Boy Scouts of America for many years. He was a member of St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church where he served a term on the Pastoral Council.

When he wasn't working or serving his community, Pete enjoyed the outdoors. In recent years, Pete and his wife bought a lake house in Lake Jacksonville, Texas. He could fish and ride boats to his hearts content. Sometimes he would look out at the water and just relax. He loved to see the sun set in the west or watch a full moon rise over the water. He wanted everyone to visit and enjoy the lake house. Pete also loved watching old westerns. He took great delight in his grandchildren, who lovingly called him "Pappou."

Above all, Pete loved his family. He was a wonderful son, husband, father, grandfather, uncle, brother, mentor and a father figure for many. Unaware of his importance to people, Pete recently commented that he didn't know so many people loved him.

In November of 2021, Pete was diagnosed with cancer. Pete approached this diagnosis the same way he approached life. He met this challenge without fear. Determined to win, Pete fought a ferocious battle not only for himself, but for his family. He did not fight alone. Sharon, his devoted wife, was at his side through it all. Pete's battle ended on a warm, beautiful day in February.

Pete is preceded in death by his infant son "P J", his parents, and five siblings. His memories will be lovingly cherished by his Wife, Sharon, of 47 years; Daughter, Regina Harris and husband Brian; Daughter, Holly Diedrich and husband Donavon; Son, Tim Santikos and wife Stacey; Son, Seth Santikos; Grandchildren Joseph Marshall, Austin Gentry, Dillon Harris, Connor Smith, Rylee Santikos, Olivia Santikos, Blake Santikos, and Harrison Santikos; sisters-in-law & brothers-in-law; nieces and nephews, cousins, and friends.

A special thanks to his team of caregivers, Crossroads Hospice, neighbors on Cheshire Lane and many friends, especially Kathy Green. Loving acknowledgement is extended to his sisters-in-law Barbara Dugan and Shirley Birch for the countless hours of support and care.

Visitation starts at 6:00pm Thursday at Brookside Funeral Home & Memorial Park

13747 Eastex Fwy, Houston, TX 77039

Funeral is Friday at 10am at Saint Rose of Lima. 3600 Brinkman St, Houston, TX 77018

Contralto with ANDREEA MUŢ Pianist in

an evening of song featuring music by Saint-Saëns, Viardot, Mahler, Lori Laitman, Enrique Granados, & Antonio Sanz Escallón

Thursday,

Business Briefs: Tech-based workout studio opens doors on North Shepherd

By Landan Kuhlmann landan@theleadernews.com

A new tech-based workout concept has made its way to the Heights.

Body20, which a new release said utilizes an FDA-cleared suit to give each person a condensed full-body workout, opened a new studio in the Heights on Feb. 20. The studio is located at 600 N. Shepherd Dr., Suite 451.

The release said Body20 offers a20-minute one-onone workout with a certified BODY20 Coach that guides attendees through customized strength and cardio programs, claiming that the Electro-Muscle Stimulation (EMS) suit gives their body over 150 times more muscle contractions than a conven-

tional workout without any use of traditional gym equipment.

BODY20Houston Heights is owned and operated by veteran entrepreneurs, Bhavika and Shawn Patel, who have been in the franchising industry for more than 14 years and have plans to bring three additional Body20 locations to Houston in the coming years.

“BODY20 is the future of fitness,” Bhavika Patel said. “You’re in an awesome suit, modern space and it feels like you’re ready to take on the world! This high-intensity and lowimpact workout is truly for everyone, and we cannot wait to welcome our local community.”

The Heights location is open 7 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday

through Friday, and 9 a.m.5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. For more information about BODY20Houston Heights and to sign up

for a complimentary demo session, visit https:// body20.com or call them at 832-476-7492.

Support

Hymns and Hers.

Indoor cycling spot coming to Heights

If you’re a cycling enthusiast, there’s a new option making its way to set down roots in the Heights next month.

RYDE, a Houston-based indoor cycling company, will open in the Heights at 402 W. 11th St. this coming April, according to the company. Inside the nearly 4,600-square-foot studio, a news release said riders will have access to a 45-minute, full-body indoor cycling experience that includesnearly 50 Stages SC2 indoor cycling bikes.

The Heights location, RYDE co-founder Andrew Pappas said, has been in the works for about three years.

“Opening our new flag-

ship studio in the Heights marks a significant milestone for RYDE and our team. After three years of hard work, passion, and meticulous attention to detail, we are proud to share RYDE with the vibrant Houston Heights neighborhood,” said Pappas, who co-founded RYDE with Ashely Gooch in 2015. “… We are excited to welcome the Heights community to our new home and elevate their fitness journey.” Classes start at $32, and one-week passes can be purchased for $40.

For more information on RYDE and what the Heights studio will have to offer, visit the company’s website at letsryde.com/ ryde-heights-opening/.

We are a church for the Heights.

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Bible Study @10am | Worship @11am 230 W. 20th St. 77008 Heights Church @heightschurchhouston Heights Church, Houston, Texas HeightsChurchHouston.org

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Jennifer M. Solak

Attorney & Counselor at Law

713.588.5744

jennifer@solaklegal.com

2950 N. Loop West, Suite 500, Houston, TX 77092

laser focused on doing the work to support our schools and ensure continued academic achievement for all of our HISD students,” he said in a Jan. 13 video posted to the district’s Twitter account. “We look forward to the years ahead, and the amazing work we will do together.”

HISD consists of 173 schools, and nearly 190,000 students in total. And Turner questioned how a takeover would work.

“I find that totally alarming,” he said. “… How do you come in and take over the largest school district in

Our section Support Local will provide local businesses each week to you, our readers. There is no time like the present to strengthen and invest in our community! Call The Leader at 713-686-8494 or email jblack@ theleadernews.com to advertise in this section.

of the district.

the state of Texas? How do you do that, and do it successfully?”

One of the tenants of the TEA’s initial attempts to take over the district was low academic performance, particularly at Wheatley. But over the last three years, Turner said 40 of HISD’s 50 schools that received a D or F in the education agency’s academic ratings prior to the pandemic, are no longer there and have received passing grades.

In the most recent ratings released last year, Wheatley earned a passing

grade of a C for the first time in nearly a decade according to TEA data, and HISD as a whole had an 88 rating – a B+ rating. So, Turner questioned why the takeover needs to happen.

“Under this superintendent and board, (those schools) have made academic significant academic progress in HISD,” he said.

And ultimately, Turner said he believes that a state takeover of the district and its board of trustees would bring a cloud over the district that would have a negative impact on the students, parents, and rest

“Who will (the state) be accountable to? What about the parents and students? Who has taken into account what they want, and the impact it would have on these 190,000 kids?” he asked. “It’s not good for the students, for the parents, the teachers, or the faculty. And neither is it good for the city of Houston. It creates a great deal of uncertainty and will generate a lot of worry by a lot of parents.”

from

kid” and made a “tremendous impact” on the lives of Houston-area youth in the time he served, according to the organization.

Piatti plans to attend Wichita State University, and will receive a $10,000 scholarship from the Julius Young Youth of the Year Scholarship Fund and a $5,000 college scholarship from Chevron. With the honor, he said he plans to raise awareness of the importance of mental health in teens.

He will also now compete in the state Youth of the Year competition in March. He said his philosophy in life is “be kind to others, never judge a book by its cover, and the most important of them all, always be true to yourself.”

“Ky’Saan stood out in a competitive field of deserving candidates,” Boys and Girls Club president and CEO Kevin Hattery said. “We know great things are in store as he begins the journey of higher education as a young adult.”

Heights High School sophomore Jadyn Perez was the runner-up for the award and will receive a $2,500 scholarship from the foundation along with Jonathan Salazar from the Richmond-Rosenberg Boys and Girls Club and a junior at B.F. Terry High School in Rosenberg.

“This group has upheld the highest standards in academics, extracurricular activities and in their personal lives,” BGCGH board chairman Will Leven said. “Their integrity and perseverance will enable them to have great success in their lives, and I look forward to watching their development over the coming years.”

To learn more about Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Houston, visit www.bgcgh.org.

Turner said. “It will serve a dual purpose with detention while providing a major enhancement for people living there. I’m excited to see this happen.”

According to the city, once constructed, the project will be able to protect more than 4,400 homes, businesses, and other structures in the White Oak Bayou and Vogel Creek watersheds. The city and county will collaborate on the project, which will be able to hold about 1,200 acre-feet of water – roughly 592 Olympic swimming pools and enough to fill the entire Astrodome with water.

One acre-foot is equal to about 43,560 cubic feet (325,850 gallons), according to the Flood Control District.

The Houston Parks Board also is developing an amenities package to enhance the project with funding from private donations, according to the city. The first phase of the recreation plan includes a 1-mile greenway along Vogel Creek with a 10-foot-wide shared use path, tree plantings and a pedestrian crossing at Victory Drive, in addition to three parklets along the Vogel Creek Greenway with plantings and a dedicated picnic area, among other amenities.

Harris County’s Flood Control District said that it will continue to seek public input for the project construction, and the district’s survey about the project can be accessed and completed online at hcfcd.org/ Activity/Active-Projects/White-Oak-Bayou/C-59-Inwood-Forest-Stormwater-Detention-Basin-Project.

Contributed photo

Body20, a tech-based workout space, has opened its doors on North Shepherd Drive.

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Last week, my tenth year of writing this arts column in The Leader slipped by without notice. As a solo activity, done at my laptop, most often as the deadline hovers just over my head, I can see why I wouldn’t notice. Next year on the week of February 23, let’s celebrate!

While I’m on the anniversary train, the very reason I came to write this column, First Saturday Arts Market, turns 19 on Saturday.

Nineteen is not a number that is celebrated by marketing companies and by any tradition, really. Personally, I like numbers that can be turned into short phrases. Metals come to mind, silver or golden anniversary.

At ten I coined “ten years of awesome,” and everyone said awesome all that year. To this day I catch myself overusing that adjective/ adverb. Then “Sweet Sixteen” came along in March 2020, and that turned out to be a not so sweet year. Looking ahead, I’m thinking about 20 years and all the clichés that can be used ad nauseam. Yes, 2024 is going to be fun, please check back.

For this anniversary all I came up with is 19 on 19th. Get it? We’re 19 years old, on 19th Street? I think I can

see eyes rolling as people read this, and I’m not even a little bit clairvoyant.

Just like that first market 19 years ago, Saturday will have food, libation, live music and nearly fifty artists will showcase their artwork.

Music for the 19th anniversary celebration will be Americana style acoustic with a mix of country, rock, and blues. Al Shire of Aus -

tin kicks off the music sets with his originals at 1 p.m. then following at 2 p.m. the Wendy Elizabeth Jones Band steps up with David Odea on lead guitar, Alyson Fahl on keys and Kevin Crenshaw on drums.

First Saturday Arts Market is located at 540 W. 19th St., between Adore Dentistry and Penzeys Spices and open 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. Sat -

urday, March 4. A complete artist roster, map and photo galleries is on the website, https://firstsaturdayartsmarket.com.

Cohen is an artist and founder of the First Saturday Arts Market and The Market at Sawyer Yards. Find him at ArtValet.com for additional highlights and artist’s stories.

Nibbles and Sips: Heights Crawfish Festival is Saturday

By Landan Kuhlmann landan@theleadernews.com

A popular annual Heights event is returning this weekend, and brings the finals of a local singing competition with it.

This Saturday, the Greater Heights Chamber of Commerce will host its annual Heights Crawfish Festival on the grounds of the Resurrection Metropolitan Community Church at 2025 W. 11th St. from 11 a.m. - 6 p.m.

The annual festival features food options such as pounds and pounds of crawfish, as well as hot dogs, and sausage on a stick, as well as drink options including beer, spiked lemonade, and more. It will also feature a kids’ play area as well as live music from Step Rideau and The Zydeco Outlaws as well as the 11 finalists in the annual Idol of the Heights competition.

Tickets for the event are free, and can be gotten online at the event page at eventbrite.com/e/heightscrawfish-festival-officialtickets-479185024307.

Reel Seafood HTX opens on TC Jester Boulevard

The area’s newest seafood spot has officially opened up on TC Jester Boulevard.

On Feb. 18, Reel Seafood

HTX opened its doors to the community at 2030 E. T.C. Jester Blvd. in the spot formerly occupied by game shop and café stop Tea + Victory. Originally located in Missouri City, Reel Seafood HTX has closed down its original location for the move. The restaurant is currently hiring for its new location as well, and interested applicants can emailreelseafoodwings@

gmail.com.

For more information on the restaurant, visit its website at reelseafoodhtx. com.

New upscale bar replacing Chivos A Heights Mexican restaurant is no more, but an upscale bar concept is coming to the spot later this year.

Earlier this month, Chivos closed its doors at 222 W. 11th St. in the Heights. And this Spring, new bar Best Regards has plans to open in the spot according to a news release from the bar. The bar was founded by Morgan Hansen as part of the newly-formed Midnight Therapy Hospitality group.

“I’m very excited to bring a new, elevated bar experience to the Heights and deliver premium cocktails in a beautifully designed space,” Hansen

said. “Mixed with a rotating roster of international DJs, live music, and an international tapas menu that transitions from brunch to late night, our social lounge will be a must-visit Houston destination.”

According to the bar, its menu will feature a wide selection of craft cocktails, as well as wine, champagne, and some nonalcoholic drinks. The food menu will consist of options such as bruschetta, charcuterie boards, and other Mediterranean-inspired tapas choices.

“We’re working with a team of top-notch Houston nightlife veterans and will deliver an energetic all-day experience like no other found in Houston,” Hansen said. “We are very excited to showcase the team’s hard work and bring an electric energy to this prolific intersection of the Heights.”

Photo by participating artist Omar Ochoa

A couple shopping art at First Saturday Arts Market.

Contributed photo

Big colorful daisies by new First Saturday artist Summer Lydick.

Photo from Facebook

Attendees enjoy a previous Heights Crawfish Festival. The annual event is set for this Saturday at Resurrection Metropolitan Community Church.

Contributed photo Best Regards, an upscale bar will be opening later this year in the old Chivos spot in the Heights at 222 W. 11th St.

Photo from Facebook

Pictured is some of what will be available at Reel Seafood HTX, which recently opened on East T.C. Jester Boulevard.