The 03-09-24 Edition of The Heights Leader

By Stefanie Thomas editor@theleadernews.com

Houston’s iconic Art Car Museum, a long-standing symbol for contemporary art and a testament to individual expression, is set to close its doors next month following the recent deaths of its owners. The museum, located on Heights Boulevard, has been a cornerstone of Houston’s

cultural landscape since its inception in 1998.

Founded by Ann O’Conner Williams Harithas and James Harithas, both passionate supporters of the Art Car movement, the museum quickly garnered national attention with its audacious profile designed by artist David Best. Featuring works from both local and international artists, the museum has

served as a showcase for the vibrant art car community, participating in events such as Houston’s renowned Art Car Parade and the FotoFest Biennial.

The Leader was unable to reach Noah Edmundson, Director of the Art Car Museum for this article. Museum officials did, however, express sentiments regarding the closure on the Art Museum’s website.

By Stefanie Thomas editor@theleadernews.com

As St. Patrick’s Day approaches March 17, Houston Fire Department Station 13 in Oak Forest is gearing up for its eighth annual Lucky 13 Pub Crawl. The community is invited to join as firefighters from around Houston and beyond parade their way along Wakefield Drive with bagpipes, an antique fire truck, and as many as 200 personnel. Area residents are encouraged to line the roads, bring out the kids to cheer from the sidelines, and ultimately follow the crowd for some adult fun at four nearby watering holes.

“Our pub crawls started as a way to bring our crews and the community together,” said Capt. Paul Bivens of HFD Station 13 in Oak Forest. “Over the years, it evolved into a fundraiser for firefighter charities, all while maintaining its core focus on camaraderie and fellowship.” The tradition began in 2015 when

By Lisa Morales The Leader News Contributor

Annie Wild, a talented actor and storyteller hailing from Houston, is making waves in the world of theatre with her captivating performances and dedication to empowering female narratives both on and off the stage. In an exclusive interview, Wild shared insights into her journey as an actor, shedding light on her inspirations, experiences, and aspirations.

Wild’s passion for storytelling blossomed from her earliest memories, nurtured by a family deeply rooted in the arts. Her mother, Judy Sublett Wild, is a talented painter, her brother, Chandler Wild, is involved in filmmaking, and sister Lizzie Wild also shares a

the station underwent renovations with support from the community. Seeking to give back, the station or-

passion for acting. “I think having parents who instilled the value of the arts, and the validity of careers as artists was a very important catalyst in my career as an actor,” Wild said. “My mom always had realistic conversations with us about the challenges we would potentially face and how hard we would have to work if we chose artistic career paths.” These frank conversations did not deter Wild from pursuing her passion

ganized a pub crawl as a fundraiser for the HFD Pipes and Drums, an allvolunteer group typically called upon to play at very solemn occasions like firefighter memorials and funerals.

“We had about 35 people on that first pub crawl,” Bivens recalled. “It was a fun time, and we raised money for a worthy cause.”

Since then, the pub crawls have grown in size and scope, estimated to attract around 200 firefighter participants this year. The event now serves as a fundraiser for multiple firefighter charities in addition to HFD Pipes and Drums, including the Captain Renaud Foundation and Firefighters Helping Firefighters.

“The Renaud Foundation provides critical support to injured firefighters and their families,” Bivens explains.

“Additionally, we help fund scholarships in memory of Capt. William Gunderson, who passed away in 2021. It’s our way of honoring his legacy and

and building a full life with a growth and learning mindset.

Wild found herself drawn to the stage from a young age when she became involved in the Stratford Playhouse at Stratford High School. Her journey took her from Houston to The Boston Conservatory, where she honed her craft and earned a BFA in Musical Theatre. Reflecting on her time at the conservatory, Wild describes it as four incredible years of rigorous training that prepared her for the professional world.

Upon graduating, Wild ventured into the bustling theater scenes of New York City and Los Angeles before the pandemic brought her back to her roots in Houston. Since returning, Wild met the love of her life: partner

“It’s a bittersweet moment for all of us at the museum. For more than 25 years, we’ve been dedicated to showcasing unique forms of contemporary art, and it’s been an incredible journey,” the statement reads. “But as we look towards the future, we’re excited about the discussions underway with local and regional

By Stefanie Thomas editor@theleadernews.com

The Houston dining scene is in for a flavorful treat with the opening of Salt & Sugar, a new culinary venture led by Levi Rollins, owner of the recently closed Urban Eats. Alongside his new business partner, Houston entrepreneur Armando Velasquez, Rollins is set to redefine casual dining in the heart of Houston with Salt & Sugar, described as “A Houston Nosherie, Delicatessen, and Patisserie.”

So what exactly is a nosherie? Rollins defines it as a place where patrons can stop in for a delightful bite at any time of the day, whether they’re craving something sweet or savory.

Opportunity Knocks

Rollins, reflecting on the whirlwind transition from closing Urban Eats in late January 2024 to opening Salt & Sugar in just over a month, describes it as a rise from the ashes.

“I was so strapped and overwhelmed with all the stress and fallout of closing Urban Eats. To close a $3 million restaurant and open another one in such a short time frame—it’s just craziness that we actually made it happen,” he said.

Rollins elaborated on the unexpected opportunity that paved the way for Salt & Sugar’s inception.

“About three weeks before we closed Urban Eats, a friend of mine, Armando, approached me with an intriguing proposal. He wanted to breathe new life into a struggling bakery,” he said. “Initially, I was hesitant; I was knee deep in the challenges of closing Urban Eats. But Armando persisted,

Jeremy Gee, who is also an actor, and has had the opportunity to work with theatre companies Stages, The Alley Theatre, The Ensemble Theater, Main Street Theater, Catastrophic and Dirt Dogs Theatre Co. She has also started a career as a voice actor with Sentai Filmworks in Houston and Hachette Audio in New York while still being able to audition remotely and film out of state for some projects.

One of her recent endeavors includes her involvement in Stages production of Laughs in Spanish, where she portrays the character of Jenny, the personal assistant of movie star Estella Velez. Wild speaks fondly of her character saying, “My favorite thing

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about her is that she leads with her heart and carries a well of empathy in her. She is such a fun character to play, and I’m so grateful that Stages and TheatreSquared have trusted me with the part!”

Laughs in Spanish holds a special significance for Wild, as it reunites her with playwright Alexis Scheer, a classmate from The Boston Conservatory. She praises Scheer’s ability to craft authentic dialogue and complex yet relatable relationships, hoping that audiences will laugh, empathize, and celebrate Latine culture through the production.

As an actor committed to amplifying female voices, Wild emphasizes the importance of seeking out work by femaleidentifying artists and uplifting their narratives. She considers herself fortunate to have worked with female directors, co-directors, writers, stage managers and crew in her most recent productions.

“Our industry is massively imperfect in the way it still tells and funds female-driven stories,” she said “But I believe when women and non-binary individuals are able to be in the room making big decisions and driving the narrative, we as a society are better for it.”

When asked about the challenges and highlights of working through a production like Laughs in Spanish, Wild gives us a glimpse into her creative process.

“At every point in a production, most actors feel a seed of

doubt in their performance that they try not to water,” she said. “My goal is always to give the best performance I can from the beginning of the process while giving myself the grace to make choices and mistakes as I go through a long rehearsal process and run of a show.”

For anyone longing to be in the spotlight, Wild has some wise advice to share.

“It’s been said so many times by so many actors, but it’s because it’s true––you have to love it. You have to love it and you have to create a life outside of it,” she said. “Find who you are separate from your pursuits and love that person just as much. You will be with that version of yourself more than you will be with the ‘actor’ self. That version of you will be the one who builds a full life that helps you wait out the slow times and doubts, who finds joy and self-worth that isn’t related to career success and who allows you to feel stable through the highs and lows. If you know that version of yourself, it will be much easier to stay true to your artistic values and dreams and the little voice that first said, ‘I think I might be good at telling stories.’”

Laughs in Spanish is on view at Stages March 6–17. To purchase tickets, visit stageshouston.com and follow Stages on socials @stageshouston. Annie Wild resides in Garden Oaks and online at anniewild.com.

patrol officers responded to a suspicious event call at a gas station at the above address. A parked vehicle, a gray Chevrolet Equinox, was struck by another vehicle of unknown make or model seen driving erratically in the area. The suspect vehicle fled the scene immediately after the crash.

Several hours later, patrol officers responded to the same location regarding a man found unresponsive in the driver's seat of the parked Equinox. Houston Fire Department paramedics responded to the scene and pronounced the man deceased. His cause of death is pending autopsy results. A preliminary investigation

indicated the deceased man was reported missing out of Harris County. The investigation is ongoing.

Anyone with information on the driver who fled the scene is urged to contact the HPD Hit and Run Unit at 713-2474072 or speak anonymously to Crime Stoppers at 713-222TIPS.

University of Houston-Downtown Accounting students provide income tax preparation assistance

From Community Reports

It’s tax season again, and the University of HoustonDowntown’s annual Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (UHD VITA) program is underway, providing free income tax preparation with electronic filing to individuals who need assistance in preparing their federal income tax returns, namely:

Individuals with $76,000 or less of annual earnings College students

• International individuals

• Senior citizens (no income limit)

• Visual, hearing, language, disabled, or otherwise impaired individuals UHD VITA also provides tax preparation services for specific charitable organizations to serve eligible students, individuals, and families.

“Now in seventh year, UHD VITA is a win-win for the community and for the university,” said Assistant Professor of Accounting and International Business Cynthia Lloyd, who directs the UHD VITA pro-

gram. “We are providing a much-needed service for those who can’t afford a tax specialist while we are preparing our Accounting Majors for success in their academic pursuits toward professional jobreadiness. We currently have eight active volunteers, serving up to 200 clients to date.” All UHD VITA student volunteers and interns undergo

IRS advance training and certification in order to participate in the UHD VITA program. The program operates weekly on Zoom using a “dropin” system every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on a first-come, first-served basis. UHD VITA also showcases UHD’s Marilyn Davies College of Business, home to one of

the largest MBA programs in the region. TheStockWatcher. com called UHD a “notable institution providing high-quality online MBA programs. … UHD ensures that its graduates are well-prepared to succeed in their chosen career paths.”

For more information, visit the UHD VITA website at uhd. edu/academics/business/ acci/vita.

Tour De Houston registration now open, ride set for April 7

From Community Reports

Registration for the 17th Annual Tour de Houston Presented by Apache Corporation is now open until midnight April 6; participants age 13 and older ride for $45, 12 and under ride for $25 through ride day. Onsite registration will be open the day of the event and will be $50 for riders 13 and older. Funds raised will benefit the City of Houston’s reforestation program, RE-Plant Houston, managed by Houston Parks and Recreation Department through the Houston Parks

By Rubena Gracia

The Leader News Contributor

Parents in Houston will soon have a creative space to meet other new parents and expand their children’s circle of friends. The Bunny Hive Houston, which will open April 20 on Heights Boulevard, will offer classes and events for young children and their parents, with an emphasis on socialization.

Jamie Bynum, owner of The Bunny Hive Houston, explained her new venture in a recent interview.

“The Bunny Hive is an elevated social club designed for children aged two weeks to kindergarten and their grownups,” Bynum said. “Offering a variety of ‘grownup and me’ classes and social events, like Culinary Exploration, Ballet, Music and Art, The Bunny Hive Houston is a place where little ones can learn through play and grownups can bond with their children and new friends alike.”

Bynum and her husband moved to Houston from California in 2020 and their son was born the following year. She had envisioned quickly finding a “village” and a connection with other moms, but soon discovered it was more difficult than she had anticipated.

“No parent should have to struggle to find community –we have enough on our plates trying to raise kind humans,” she said. “The Bunny Hive Houston is a beautiful space for all to feel welcomed.”

After Jamie was introduced to The Bunny Hive franchise, she purchased her own in

Board.

Cyclists of all skill levels –from leisure to competitive - will find fully-stocked rest stops at Houston Botanic Gardens for the 20 mile route, Lone Star Flight Museum for the 40 mile route and Clear Lake Park for the 60 mile route, along with bike repair support, police and medical services.

Avoid the lines the day of Tour de Houston and sign up online at tourdehouston.org and all major credit cards are accepted. Packet pick-up information for registered participants is available:

• Thursday, April 4 and

2023. She believed there was a strong need in Houston for what the studio has to offer – a safe place for activities where her son “could explore his independence” and an environment where she could also feel comfortable.

So far, Houston will be the only location in Texas. Additional studios are currently located in Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia, with three studios planned for Maryland and New York state. The company intends all of its studios to be “defined by comfort, sophistication, and a commitment to inclusivity and kindness.” Classes are a mix of playtime and learning, with Storytime, Baby Massage, and Sensory classes also on the menu. Most classes are 30 minutes long – an optimal time for young children – and are offered six days a week. The schedules and class times change each week in an effort to fit the flexible needs of families.

Seasonal events for holidays and dates such as Halloween and Valentine’s Day will also be on the schedule. The Heights studio will have an event space available for birthday parties, baby showers, gender reveal parties,

Friday, April 5 at City Hall (901 Bagby, ZIP 77002) from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

• Saturday, April 6 at Sun and Ski (6100 Westheimer, ZIP 77057) from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Sunday, April 7 from 6:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. at Discovery Green Title Sponsor-Apache Corporation, City of Houston, Houston First, Michelob Ultra, Sun and Ski Sports, Raising Cane’s, Peak

1 Sports, Tampico, H-E-B, Momma’s Tamales, Salata, Kolache Factory, Electrolit, VALOR PepsiCo, Latin

Specialties Produce, The Pickle Juice Company and multiple City Departments. For more information call 832-393-0868 or visit tourdehouston.org.

Why is it so difficult to know for whom to vote?

By Peter Olsson, MD Guest Columnist

Many times in November, I think I have cast an intelligent vote for which our founding fathers would be proud. Then come the years of disappointments that follow. The attractive, seemingly sensible, practical, and fair-minded person who I voted for suddenly shows an unsavory side. That smiling campaigner who seemed poised to get constructive things done for our country in a bipartisan way now proves I have been duped again. After all these years I finally think I have figured out our problem as a voters.

Peter Olsson, MD

I thought I had been voting for one person. Wrong! I have been voting for multiple personas. Here are at least four of these multiple personalities residing in that seemingly one candidate:

The Campaigner Persona Many candidates for presi-

dent mount wonderful campaigns. They do particularly well when they vigorously attack our current herd of political sheep politicians in Washington. They never mention how our basic human nature makes consensus almost impossible for so many of us narrow-minded Americans. Attractive, photogenic campaigners do not always effective presidents make.

The Political Thinker/ Strategist/Manipulator Lyndon Johnson, Richard Nixon, Bill Clinton and Abraham Lincoln are often touted as brilliant political strategists. The cliché reads,

“To get anything done in Washington, a president must know how to exquisitely and deftly manipulate political colleagues and voters in order to get things accomplished.” What candidate ever discusses the details of such applied chicanery ahead during a campaign?

The Organizer/ Administrator/CEO Persona

Even an MBA doesn’t present a valid credential for a prospective president. Presidential candidates never mention the names of those who they will appoint of the heads of even key federal agencies and de-

partments during election campaigns. They should name their cabinet before the election! The candidate should discuss during the campaign how he or she plans to oversee the head of the IRS, VA, NSA, INS, NLRB, INS, ICE, Energy Dept, Homeland Security, etc.

The Leader/Inspirer/ Role Model Persona

This important domain of a president’s identity is said to be ‘grown- into’ as his time in the White House unfolds. Us voters must use our creative imaginations to predict this crucial domain of our future leader, as we listen to the shallow TV debates conducted

How your environment impacts heart health

We’re accustomed to thinking about heart health in terms of diet, exercise and genetics, which are all important, but there’s another factor that’s less widely discussed that can have a profound impact on our well-being: the environment. The world of environmental cardiology examines outside factors including the air we breathe, the water we drink, and the places we live, and how these factors impact heart health.

Sadeer Al-Kindi, M.D., an environmental cardiologist and associate director of preventative cardiology at Houston Methodist DeBakey Heart and Vascular Center, says there are several factors at play when it comes to cardiovascular disease risk, and where you live and your natural environment can predispose you to heart health challenges.

“Everything from air quality, air pollution, temperature and even the neighborhood you reside, and its walkability can impact heart disease risk,” said Al-Kindi. “By examining these things, we’re taking a more holistic approach to cardiovascular disease. This has been a focus area in a lot of my research, especially since heart disease continues to be the leading cause of death for most people in the U.S., and we’ve seen increasing trends in how environmental factors like this can trigger outcomes in terms of heart disease risk.”

Understanding how environmental influences impact heart health is key. Here are

some triggers that may affect your heart disease risk and proactive steps you can take to lessen the negative effects from these environmental factors and improve overall health.

ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS THAT CAN CONTRIBUTE TO HEART DISEASE

• Poor air quality, especially high levels of particulate matter and pollutants

• Indoor air pollution from smoking

• Noise pollution (chronic exposure to high levels of noise), which can elevate stress levels, leading to hypertension and cardiovascular issues

• Lack of sidewalks or bike

lanes can have a negative impact on heart health. Weather, especially extreme heat

• Exposure to harmful chemicals

STEPS TO PREVENT OR LESSEN NEGATIVE ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS

Avoid exposure to indoor and outdoor pollution, especially smoking.

Embrace a heart healthy lifestyle – regular exercise, managing stress, a balanced diet, healthy weight management, avoiding tobacco and limiting alcohol consumption. Avoid heavy traffic areas. Engage in outdoor activities in green spaces.

Opt for sustainable modes of transportation like walking or biking to reduce exposure to traffic-related environmental pollutants.

Improve the air quality in your home by investing in air purifiers, which can help filter out harmful germs, viruses, dust, smoke mold and more.

“Some of these environmental triggers are more understood than others,” said Al-Kindi. “For example, air pollution has been widely studied for years, so there is a lot of data to show how it negatively impacts heart disease risk. One emerging topic that we as Houstonians have a front row seat to is how extreme heat

impacts heart disease risk. It’s estimated that more than five million deaths annually are associated with non-optimal temperatures. If you’re aware of the triggers and take steps to mitigate the side effects of these environmental factors, you can positively impact your heart health or take preventative action.”

Regular check-ups with your physician are crucial for early detection and management of cardiovascular risk factors. Schedule an appointment with a cardiologist to discuss any concerns and review your risk factors. Visit houstonmethodist.org/heart or call 713.332.2539 to make an appointment.

by media personas who are bought-and-sold by the media network moguls. Good luck, my fellow voters. The diagnosis and resolution of multiple personality disorder is complex but so consequential.

Having retired from active clinical work to write full time in September 2011, Peter Olsson, MD, was formerly an assistant professor of psychiatry at Dartmouth Medical School in New Hampshire and an adjunct professor of clinical psychiatry at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston. Dr. Olsson is a resident of the Lazybrook area in Houston.

Dr. Stephanie Fulton

Friends for Life provides resources to ensure shelter pets and families thrive together, forever

By Diane Teichman

The Leader News Contributor

That moment you bring home a new dog or cat, the joy is the same in every kind of family. The kids are squealing with delight and competing for who gets to sleep with it. Or you proudly show Fido or Fluffy their brand-new bed covered in toys. You found that precious addition to your family and naturally your expectations are high.

Then reality hits. Do these scenarios sound familiar?

• You come home from work excited to see Fluffy, but instead you find your very expensive drapes torn to shreds. You exhaust yourself searching for the cat, finally finding Fluffy hiding behind the dryer. You collapse in a chair, deciding how to quit your job so you can stay home with the cat.

• You go for your first walk, but Fido yanks and pulls at

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Dr. Stephanie Fulton, MD

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the leash leaving you trailing along. At the park other dog owners fawn over Fido as he trots sweetly up to them basking in the love.

Suddenly he lunges at their dogs snarling and barking fiercely. The people back away, frightened and holding their dogs close. You look for a hole to crawl into.

An experienced foster caregiver is excited to introduce the specific breed to a preapproved adopter couple who already adopted two same breed males from this foster. The husband shows up at the door all smiles reaching out to the dog which freezes, then backs away, growling. Is this a deal breaker?

It’s Not Just You

Two thirds of all the adopters experienced some undesirable behaviors from their new dog, according to a study examining the relationship between the attitudes and expectations of adopters and shelter dog returns spearheaded by the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine and the South Carolina Charleston Animal Society. Challenging behaviors in newly adopted cats are equally as common.

And the expectations adopters have about care and behavior influence the likelihood of relinquishment to shelters. So, it makes sense

that those who shelter and care for animals professionally developed solutions to prevent the return or, worse yet, abandonment of adopted pets once the honeymoon period is over. .

Real Solutions Free to Pet Owners and Caregivers

Friends For Life, a longtime Heights animal shelter, established a behavior program based on years of research and studies by animal behavior professionals. Their mission is to identify the symptoms, triggers and solutions so that the adopted animals can stay happily in their forever home. Beyond happier, healthier pets and caregivers, our community benefits from easily accessible courses for pet owners. Professional development is also offered for caretakers and animal welfare professionals such as shelters and rescue operations. These courses are free to the public.

Help is A Click Away

The Behavior Program page on the FFL website lists the challenging behaviors in both cats and dogs. Explained by animal behavior experts in articles and videos, they include researched tips you can follow yourself at home. If you’re not sure what the problem is, Friends For Life offers a free consultation by certified ani-

mal behavior consultants. If you want the help of a professional trainer, they explain criteria for this work and list recommended trainers.

The Humane and Effective Approach

These behavior modification solutions follow humane standards set by the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants ( IAABC). Designed to manage and modify behavioral problems, consultants also work to strengthen the relationship between the pet and their owner/caretaker. Their practice focuses on the use of reinforcers while limiting adverse stimuli and using the least intrusive means considered the most effective and the most humane way to modify behavior. Bound to a Code of Ethics protecting the animal’s welfare, FFL consultants are Certified Professional Dog Trainers.

Sharing the Solution: Rescue and Shelter Assistance

The Friends for Life behavior department teams up with shelters, adoptions, foster providers and volunteers with their STEP program, offering support they need to succeed long term. According to Melissa Taylor, CBCCKA, CSB-C, FFL Behavior & Training Manager, “In 2023,

we provided 148 inter-program consultations, including behavior program development, staff/volunteer training, and consulting sessions regarding specific animals. Over the years, our inter-program assistance has touched most of the animal shelters in the Greater Houston area."

Going the Extra Mile

FFL opened Houston’s first Pet Food Bank, keeping thousands of pets in a healthy home. Their Get Help page includes resources for Financial Assistance for Pet Owners and low cost Spay Neuter Clinic/ Wellness Clinics. The organization frequently goes the extra mile to help families provide a happy forever home to their pets. When contacted by a family forced to give up their dog because he kept getting out, for example, FFL arranged for fencing materials to be donated, and their volunteers answered the call to build the family a fence that would keep “Rover” in his yard. In addition, every year FFL builds and distributes houses designed to keep free roaming cats safe and warm in the winter.

Friends For Life Animal Shelter is located in the Heights at 107 E. 22nd Street. For more information, to donate, volunteer, or view available pets, please visit friends4life.org.

Barkbus mobile dog grooming expands to Houston Heights, Woodland Heights areas

From Community Reports

Barkbus, a tech-enabled, luxury mobile dog grooming company, announced that it will be expanding its services to Houston, Texas, following successful launches in Dallas and Phoenix, Arizona earlier this year. The service area covers Bellaire, Houston Heights, Memorial, Montrose, West University, and more.

Potential customers in the

Greater Heights and GOOF can check out the full expanded service area and reserve appointments directly on the Barkbus website, at barkbus.com/locations/houston-heights-tx, while interested residents of Woodland Heights can get details at barkbus.com/locations/ woodland-heights-tx

According to recent data from Southern Living, over 1.2 million dogs reside in the

Greater Houston area, averaging one dog for every two humans. This makes Houston the region with the world's highest ratio of dogs to people.

Jeff Safenowitz, CEO of Barkbus, shared, "One year ago, we launched in Dallas to a big Texas welcome and now, we couldn't be more excited to start serving pets and pet parents in Houston. At Barkbus, it's our goal to ensure that the dogs in our care feel safe and calm,

while ensuring a seamless and stress-free experience for their parents."

He continued, "Dog grooming is an antiquated industry and we are leveraging technology to uplevel the customer experience. In 2024, we plan to expand to more cities across the U.S., ending traumatic trips to the salon for even more pets. Watch this space."

For additional information, please visit barkbus.com.

THE FREEWAY – “Get outta the way!” I tell a gray ‘61 Oldsmobile going 25 mph on I-45. Gray Oldsmobiles are only driven by little old ladies who should be back in their nursing homes. “Move it!” I tell a pickup with a gun rack. I do this with my windows up and the radio on (“The Best of Bagpipes”). This is for safety. On Houston freeways one does not audibly yell or ges ture at one’s fellow motorists since most of them are armed and dangerous, including little old ladies in gray Oldsmobiles. An 18-wheeler is going the speed limit and lets me pass. I wave at the driver, but soon there will be no driver, because a Texas-based company plans to start putting driverless semi-trucks on the road later this year with its initial route on I-45 between Dallas and Houston.

Kodiak Robotics announced it is ready to roll out the “world’s first driverless-ready semi-truck designed for scaled deployment.” According to The Independent Traveler, a Kodiak executive says, “It has all of the hardware features, all of the redundancies, all the components, everything we

tion: if something goes wrong with, say, the brakes or headlights, and there is no driver, who fixes the problem? In any event, Kodiak says its vehicles have been on the road (apparently with a stand-by driver just in case) for five years and have done routes as far east as Atlanta. More than 18,000 miles of highways have been mapped into their system. The only step needed now is to see if the truck is as safe as a human driver. So the tests are going to be made on I-45. You’ve been warned. I can see there are many advantages to field trucks with no drivers. No sick-outs, no

strikes, no bathroom breaks, no limits on how many hours a driver can drive, no limit of how many six-packs of Bud per shift and don’t use the sleeper bunk while in motion. But no jobs for employees serving coffee and frozen pizzas at the Choke & Puke truck stops because there will be no long-haul drivers. This brings up a sticky point. There were over 902,000 truck drivers employed in the U.S. in 2020, which is less than the industry required at that time so there may be far more drivers today. Trucking is responsible for most of the overland freight movement in the U.S. with the market being worth $732.3 billion in 2020. One way to look at it is to gander at the Houston downtown skyline and remember that virtually every single nut, bolt, brick and slab of concrete was delivered there by truck.

Famed racing driver and Houstonian A.J. Foyt once observed, “I feel safer on a racetrack than I do on Houston’s freeways.” Would you feel safer with driverless cars? They are already around, but with checkered records.

A company called Waymo

One currently operates 24/7 across 225 square miles of Metro Phoenix. Austin has long been a testing ground for driverless cars and their technology, something the city of Austin has encouraged. In 2017, Austin’s then-Mayor Steve Adler said he wanted Austin be to automated vehicles what Detroit has been to traditional automakers. Unfortunately, last September after a UT football game, due to a computer glitch, 20 of Austin’s fleet of driverless taxies all ended up at a major intersection, causing a massive traffic jam. But who gets the traffic tickets? This reminds me of the old joke: “Welcome to United flight 123 on our first pilotless flight. This fully automated plane has been thoroughly tested and is perfectly safe. Nothing can go wrong … go wrong … go wrong.” California has lots of selfdriving cars, but there are now protests demanding an end to them. The cars have been involved in over 2,000 collisions in California since 2014. Government safety regulators warned Tesla’s self-driving tech is unsafe, and the carmaker has recalled every ve-

THE GHOST CLUB: KING WHATEVER TOUR

Who: Adults

music from the band Guster

Cost: $50.50

Info: prekindle.com

H-TOWN HOEDOWN

Who: Adults & families

When: Saturday, March 9, 1-6 p.m.

Where: Eureka Heights – 939 W. 18th St.

What: DJ, petting zoo, games, market, chance to win tickets to the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo

Cost: Free Info: facebook.com

THE BIGGEST PICNIC IN TEXAS – 100TH BIRTHDAY EDITION

Who: All Ages

When: Sunday, March 9, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

Where: 301 North Picnic Ln.

What: Family-friendly event featuring live music, kid’s activities, Free birthday cupcakes (while supplies last)

Cost: Free Info: eventbrite.com

When: Sunday, March 10, 7 p.m.

Where: White Oak Music

Hall What: Live music concert

Cost: $15

Info: ticketmaster.com

HEIGHTS MERCANTILE FARMERS MARKET

Who: All ages

When: Sunday March 10,

hicle equipped with its “Full Self-Driving Capability” software. Even Apple, with deep pockets and an army of engineers, has just announced that it is cancelling its attempt to build electric cars with selfdriving capabilities. Apple had been secretly working on the project for nearly a decade and burned $10 billion on the project.

There is the problem of public acceptance. A 2023 AAA report found 68 percent of people were afraid of selfdriving cars and only 9 percent trusted them. Yet cars with no drivers might be a plus. Get the drunks off the roads. Stop those speeders who like to do 80 in a 50. No more road rage.

Last year there were more than 44,000 lives lost in traffic crashes in the U.S. That’s a 4 percent decline from 2022, but compared to pre-pandemic 2019 it’s a 13.6 percent increase. Forbes Advisor calculated one fatal car accident occurs every 15 minutes in the U.S. Here in Texas , the National Safety Council reports in 2023 there were 3,855 fatal car crashes compared to 3,965 in 2022. That’s a 2.8 percent reduction in fatal car

crashes, even while the Texas population last year increased by 1.6 percent. Those crashes resulted in 4,268 lost lives in 2023 and 4,407 in 2022. That’s a lot of dead Texans.

Getting back to why Kodiak has decided to start its driv-

Support

supporting future firefighters.”

The group is scheduled to depart from the American Legion Post 560 at 3720 Alba Rd. at 3 p.m. on St. Patrick’s Day, Sunday, March 17. Prior to the parade, the community is invited to come out for a fish fry at American Legion Post 560, from noon3 p.m. The pub crawls feature a procession down Wakefield Street, with stops at four local bars and breweries along the way -- namely Great Heights Brewing Company, William Price Distillery, Walking Stick Brewery, and Wakefield Crowbar.

“We encourage everyone to join us for a day of fun and community spirit,” Captain Bivens says. “It’s not just about drinking; it’s about coming together to support our firefighters and celebrate our bond with the community we serve.”

For those interested in participating in the Lucky 13 Pub Crawl, tickets can be purchased through the Humble Whiskey Club website at humblewhiskeyclub.com/firstresponder.

Participants, or anyone wishing to contribute to organizations benefiting local firefighters, can purchase Lucky 13 Pub Crawl gear at thecaptainrenaudfoundation.org/shop-online to support the fundraising efforts, with proceeds going directly to the designated charities -- the HFD Pipes and Drums, the Captain Renaud Foundation, and the Gunderson Memorial Scholarship.

“As firefighters, we’re used to facing challenges head-on,” Bivens said. “But events like the Lucky 13 Pub Crawls remind us of the importance of coming together, both as colleagues and as members of the larger community. It’s a tradition we’re proud to continue.”

With its blend of camaraderie, charity, and celebration, the Lucky 13 Pub Crawl has become a cherished tradition in Houston, embodying the spirit of St. Patrick’s Day and the resilient camaraderie of the firefighting community.

Send your story of interest to: news@theleadernews.com

so I went to take a look at this bakery on my first day off after closing Urban Eats. And what I saw was incredible potential. That visit marked the beginning of a new chapter with Salt & Sugar.”

The bakery in question was World Catering Bakery at 1073 Silber Rd., just west of the Heights off I-10. New signage for Salt & Sugar will be up soon, Rollins said, and the interior is undergoing redecoration while the nosherie is already open for business.

A Fusion of Favorites Salt & Sugar’s menu is a testament to Rollins’ culinary expertise and dedication to quality. It features made-to-order sandwiches, handcrafted entrees, and artisanal baked goods—all prepared using locally sourced, premium ingredients. Fans of Urban Eats will be happy to know that old favorites like truffle mac ‘n cheese, monkey bread, and the Cowboy Burger, among others, still have a place on the menu at Salt & Sugar.

“We’ve merged the best of Urban Eats with the finest offerings from World Catering & Bakery to create a menu that satisfies both savory and sweet cravings – that’s why we named it Salty & Sugar, which was actually a ghost name we used while operating Urban Eats,” Rollins explained. From iconic breakfast plates to mouth-watering

dinners, Salt & Sugar promises a delightful dining experience for every palate.

“Our menu reflects a harmonious blend of bestsellers from Urban Eats and familiar creations inspired by World Catering Bakery’s expertise. We want Salt & Sugar to be a place where patrons can indulge in their favorite comfort foods while also discovering things. Whether you’re in the mood for a hearty sandwich, a fresh salad, or a decadent dessert, Salt & Sugar has something for everyone.”

Familiar Faces Rollins is joined by a team of talented individuals, including pastry chefs Meagan Martinez (originally with World Catering Bakery) and Rubi Ingles (originally with Urban Eats), who bring

arts organizations to continue our mission in new and innovative ways.”

The museum’s closure marks the end of an era for Houston’s art scene, but talks are in progress to ensure the museum’s legacy endures. Plans to evolve and adapt the museum’s mission will be shared as they develop, promising a new chapter for the institution.

With its distinctive scrap metal and chrome exterior, the Art Car Museum, affectionately known as “Garage Mahal,” has been a beloved fixture in the community. Its conceptual origins trace back to the 1984 Collision show curated by Ann Harithas, which ignited the burgeoning art car movement in Houston.

“The art car movement is a celebration of personal expression and a rejection of conventional norms,” explains the museum’s About Us page. “Art cars represent a fusion of fine, folk, and public art traditions, transforming vehicles into personal statements of creativity and individuality.”

Houston, often hailed as the “Art Car Capital,” boasts the largest number of art cars in any city, making the museum’s closure all the more poignant

their expertise in creating custom cakes, pastries, and desserts.

“We’ve inherited some of the most talented individuals, like Meagan, who has been making all the winning cakes and pastries at World Catering Bakery,” Rollins said. “Our amazing staff from Urban Eats has also transitioned to Salt & Sugar, ensuring continuity and excellence in our offerings.”

Rollins said all former employees who hadn’t yet accepted employment elsewhere after the closing of Urban Eats, now have a new home at Salt & Sugar, so many of the faces will indeed be familiar to former fans of both Urban Eats and World Catering Bakery.

“Our staff is the heart and soul of Salt & Sugar. Each member brings unique skills and expertise to the table, contributing to the success of our new venture,” he said. “With our combined experience and shared commitment to excellence, I have no doubt that Salt & Sugar will become a Houston favorite.”

A Feast for the Eyes

Yet another beloved carryover from Urban Eats is the display of local artists’ works on the walls of Salt & Sugar. Rollins continues to allow artists to showcase their creations at no cost to them. Currently, artist Carol Simon’s vibrant alcohol ink paintings adorn the interior, while an elaborate and vibrant mural by local artist Ernesto

for the local art community. In addition, the Art Car Museum’s closure coincides with the annual Orange Show’s Houston Art Car Parade & Festival, scheduled this year for April 11-14.

Despite the challenges ahead, the spirit of innovation and creativity that defines the Art Car Museum will undoubtedly live on. As the final day approaches on April 28, 2024, patrons and supporters are encouraged to visit the museum one last time, bidding farewell

experience.

Guerrero will soon be finished on the façade outside.

“We believe in creating an immersive experience for our visitors, where every visit is not just about the food but also about the ambiance and artistry,” Rollins said. “And we love supporting the local art community by providing a platform to showcase their talents.”

Rollins plans to feature rotating exhibits by local artists, showcasing the rich cultural diversity of Houston.

Despite the challenges, Rollins has not lost sight of his original vision – the brand vision for Urban Eats is now reflected at Salt & Sugar. He aims to build upon the legacy of Urban Eats while incorporating new elements to elevate the dining

“I want Salt & Sugar to be a place where customers feel a sense of familiarity while also discovering something unexpected. It’s about honoring the past while embracing the future,” he said. “For me, it’s about preserving the essence of what made Urban Eats and World Catering Bakery so special, while also creating something entirely new and exciting.”

Counting Blessings

Rollins expresses gratitude for the outpouring of support from the community, reflecting on the overwhelming response from former patrons of Urban Eats and the excitement surrounding Salt & Sugar’s opening. Weeks after closing Urban Eats, he said,

to an institution that has left an indelible mark on Houston’s cultural landscape. In the words of Noah Edmundson, Director of the Art Car Museum, “It’s been an honor to share this journey with our community, and we look forward to the next chapter in our evolution.”

he still received daily emails and phone calls inquiring, “What’s next?” Now, the announcement of the Salt & Sugar opening is once again drawing tremendous interest.

“I am blown away by the kindness and support we’ve received. It’s humbling to see how much Urban Eats meant to people and to know that they are rallying behind us as we embark on this new journey,” Rollins said. Things have worked out for Rollins’ life and former business partner Eric Muñoz as well. Shortly after the closing of Urban Eats, he was offered a role as VP of National Sales with a Houston HVAC distributor company, a field Muñoz worked in in the past. “The restaurant business is tough, but it’s also incredibly rewarding. We’ve faced our fair share of challenges, but we’ve also experienced moments of triumph and joy,” Rollins said. “I’m incredibly excited to see what the future holds. At Salt & Sugar, we’re not just serving food—we’re creating new memories. And that’s something truly special.”

Salt & Sugar is located at 1073 Silber Rd, Houston, TX 77055. For more information or to view the full menu, please visit eatsaltandsugar.com or follow on social media at @saltandsugarhou. Salt & Sugar is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner Monday to Friday, 7 a.m.-9 p.m., Saturday from 8 a.m.-9 p.m., and Sunday from 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

RODEO, from P. 1

The Houston Art Car Museum, shown here with the “Fruitmobile” designed by Jackie Harris, will be closing its doors in April.

Photo courtesy of Salt & Sugar

The Cowboy Burger at Salt & Sugar is a carry-over from the Urban Eats days.

Photo courtesy of Salt & Sugar

A mural by local artist Ernesto Guerrero decorates the outside wall at Salt & Sugar.

SALT & SUGAR from P. 1

Art Valet:

Gliding easily into the world of art

The 20th anniversary of First Saturday Arts Market was a resounding success. Conversations about the early days of the art market came up frequently. Still fresh in my mind, it seems only fitting that I introduce you to someone who was at the very first art market with me: Rikki Mitman.

Mitman will join hundreds of artists this Saturday and open her door to the public for the monthly Second Saturday Open Studios at Winter St. Studios, 2101 Winter St., 77007. Find her in studio number #B105; she’s also there on the third Saturday each month.

Mitman was making and selling glass beads to other jewelers when we met at that first art market—an innovative idea at the time. Today, she creates small, abstract works in kiln-fired enamel on heavy copper. Her pieces vary in size from 2" x 3" to 3" x 4.”

“Many of my practices are techniques I developed myself, through trial and error, or happy little accidents,” Mitman wrote. “Some are things I was told could not be done. I am not aware of any other artist who uses vitreous enamels the way I do—but who knows?

Maybe in some studio halfway

around the world, there's an enamelist on a similar path.”

In April 2021, Mitman started an art series titled "Dance Jam," where she created her signature enameled pieces that resembled or were inspired by friends. Anyone that she created was welcome to come take theirs home, with one caveat -- we had to dance for it! I danced obviously, and the crowned "Dance Jam" figure is on my wall now. I love it! What’s going on in your world outside of art?

“I am a retired professional writer: Journalism, marketing, advertising, publicity, technical documentation, oilfield safety manuals—I did it all at one time or another, and I was damned good at it,” Mitman said. “During those years, I fed my artful self on the side with small projects, experimenting in various media whenever time permitted. I live quietly in an unassuming ranch house on a typical suburban street, but the neighbors watch closely and think I'm a little odd.”

Where did it all begin and where are you now with your art?

“About ten years before I retired, I fell into mixed media work and became obsessed. I continued with this for a number of years while also making custom glass beads for jew-

elry designers,” Mitman said. “I also have a background in glass bead making and fusing, which led me to enameling. Enamel has been my focus for nearly ten years. My work is abstract, with recurring themes around dreams, flight, and a search for peace. I rarely make political statements or the like—while I see and acknowledge the angst that washes over the world, I see no need to display my own. I'm always looking for the harmonious result.”

Do you have any big art plans?

“Not big in the usual sense, but important to me, at least: Somewhere in the next year or so, I would like to take on an apprentice to learn my unusual enameling methods. Someone who is interested in carrying on this type of work, taking it to the next level.”

Any advice for young or new artists?

“Learn your teachers' methods before you try to improvise—their instruction is based on experience. As you learn technique and develop your own voice, you can choose which parts of that early instruction to keep and which to turn in another direction.”

If you didn't work in your medium, what would you choose?

“I’d go back to my first art love: Mixed media collage, with interesting textures and transparent washes. Indeed, if time eventually renders me unable to use a kiln safely, abstract mixed media is what I'll return to.”

Bonus question: What wild and crazy story can you tell us?

“Back in the '70s, I took up

tandem hang gliding, flying with other glider pilots who had enough wingspan and experience to carry a passenger,” Mitman said. “We launched by running straight to the edges and right off of high cliffs over the Pacific Ocean. There's a stomach-plummeting moment when you wonder what the heck you're doing, then the updraft catches you, and magically, off you soar. That lovely feeling of flight, with the wind in my face and no other sound, has stayed with me. It still turns up in my art (and my dreams) every so often.”

For more information about Rikki Mitman and her artwork, visit her website at http:// www.esmitman.com.

Cohen is an artist and founder of the First Saturday Arts Market and The Market at Sawyer Yards. Visit his website at ArtValet.com

Rikki Mitman

Submitted photos

Desert Dream by Rikki Mitman

Rikki Mitman's kiln-fired enamel in progress

Dance Jam (inspired by yours truly!)

Bright Outlook by Rikki Mitman