Leader June 25, 2022

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It’s not just my business, It’s my neighborhood

Heights Boulevard gets bike-friendly makeover

By Charlotte Aguilar caguilar@mcelvypartners.com

Heights Boulevard, between 14th and 20th streets, has received a half-milliondollar “rehab” that has left it looking better, riding smoother — and purposefully more hospitable to bicyclists.

The project, completed in late May, was part of Mayor Sylvester Turner’s 2020 Street Rehabilitation Initiative, which uses a complex formula to identify about 300 lane miles of city streets to improve each year. That’s rehabbing — not quick-fix pothole repair nor complete re-

construction, but customized improvement of mobility factors such as surfaces, curbs, gutters, drainage, accessibility ramps and sidewalks.

The formula involves a strategic street-by-street assessment of condition and needs by Houston Public Works’ Transportation and Drainage Operations, prioritizes projects and allots them by city council district, based on the lane miles of streets in each district.

In what is tantamount to winning a lottery, the Heights project’s numbers came up for District C. Katy-based Grava, LLC, the contractor,

did an asphalt mill and overlay, repairing damages to the base and smoothing the surface, to “provide a better ride quality in that area,” according to a statement supplied

by Houston Public Works spokesperson Erin Jones.

Finally, before striping the street, the bike lane was “enhanced” by adding a 3-foot diagonally striped buffer zone between vehicles and bicycles, with a designated parking lane along the curb on parts of the boulevard.

The cost of the project was $492,185.41, according to Jones.

Photo by Carlos Aguilar The City of Houston’s “rehab” of Heights Boulevard between 14th and 20th streets included surface milling to improve the ride as well as creating a 3-foot buffer between bicyclists and vehicle traffic.

Sandel’s life to be celebrated with car show

By Adam Zuvanich azuvanich@theleadernews.com

INSIDE.

Vaccines for kids. Children as young as 6 months old can receive COVID-19 vaccines.

Page 4A

Photo by Joy Roth Former Woodland Heights resident Heather Szabo rides her bicycle along the White Oak Bayou Trail on the way to her downtown office. She is among the area residents who regularly commute by bike, with many working for Chevron.

Local residents embrace commuting by bike

By Adam Zuvanich

A Sunday car show at American Legion Post 560 in Garden Oaks will serve as a celebration of life for Lloyd Sandel, the Surfhouse owner who died May 28 at age 78.

The Show & Shine Car Show is scheduled for noon-5 p.m. Sunday at the local Legion post, 3720 Alba Rd., according to Sandel’s wife, Carol. She said the free event will include a memorial service for her husband, who liked surfing, skating and cars, especially Volkswagens.

“Just show up with a cool car and show your car off,” Carol Sandel said.

Barbecue plates as well as T-shirts with Lloyd Sandel’s photo on them will be available for purchase, with proceeds benefiting Surfhouse, the longtime Oak Forest shop at 1737 W. 34th St., Suite 400. Drinks, including alcoholic beverages, also will be available for purchase.

“You just show up and enjoy yourself,” Carol Sandel said.

A fundraising auction in Lloyd Sandel’s honor, benefitting his wife and Surfhouse, was held June 18. The shop, which sells surfboards, skateboards and related apparel and equipment, has operated in Oak Forest for 55 years.

azuvanich@theleadernews.com

Art class. You can paint a portrait of Frida Kahlo on Saturday at Casa Ramirez FOLKART.

Page 7A

Duplex dilemma. Local residents and a developer likely won’t get what they both want.

Page 1B

Joy Roth is a self-described cheerleader for commuting by bicycle, having recruited several of her fellow Chevron employees to pedal to work instead of pressing the gas pedal in an automobile. She readily ticks off the benefits of riding to their downtown office building on a bike, such as improving fitness, lowering transportation costs, decreasing stress and reducing one’s carbon footprint.

But Roth admits that it’s not for everyone – not even in her own household.

She and her husband, Ryan Smith, both work for Chevron and make daily 3-mile treks from their home in Woodland Heights to the energy company’s office building at 1400 Smith St. Roth rides her bike while her husband drives, sometimes more slowly.

“Getting out of downtown at the end of the day, from my office I can see traffic backed up two blocks around the corner,” Roth said. “If I’m riding, I don’t even deal with that. I hop on the bayou trail and avoid all the traffic.”

Roth is one of more than 100 Chevron employees who regularly commute by bike, according to her and fellow employee Mayank Malik, a Heights resident. They said roughly 40 of those employees live in the Greater Heights, Rice Military area or along the Washington Avenue corridor.

They are part of a citywide movement in which residents are relying more on walking and riding bikes and

Photo by Matt Bennett Heights-area residents and Chevron employees, from left to right, Matt Bennett, Alex Turner, Joy Roth, Mayank Malik, Heather Szabo and Jonathan Bowman often ride bikes to work.

less on driving cars and trucks – for environmental, economic and personal health reasons – as Houston’s elected officials push for more multimodal transportation options and increased connectivity within the city’s sidewalk and trail networks.

“I think Houston’s bought in,” said Heights resident Matt Rossini, another Chevron employee. “I think people in the Heights like it, and it’s why people move into See Bike P. 4A

Photo from Facebook A celebration of life for Lloyd Sandel, the Surfhouse owner who died May 28 at age 78, will be held in the form of a car show scheduled for Sunday at American Legion Post 560 in Garden Oaks.

Area coaches discuss challenges, opportunities at HISD roundtable

By Landan Kuhlmann landan@theleadernews.com

Olé, olé, olé. World Cup soccer games are coming to Houston in 2026.

Page 3B

THE INDEX. Church....................................................... 4A Classifieds ............................................. 5A Coupons .................................................. 5A Food/Drink ............................................ 7A Opinion .................................................... 3A Public Information......................... 4B Puzzles ..................................................... 3A Sports ........................................................ 3B

Photo by Landan Kuhlmann Waltrip High School football coach and athletic coordinator Jeremy Kirt, left, speaks during the HISD Coaches Roundtable on June 16 at Delmar Fieldhouse. The second annual event brought together current and retired coaches to discuss opportunities and challenges in the profession.

From the perspective of many high school athletics coaches, the play on the field is secondary – and oftentimes, Houston ISD coaches said last week, that play is a product of a foundation that gets built before student-athletes ever hear a whistle.

“The real answer to getting them to buy in is love and relationships,” Scarborough boys soccer coach Brandon Williams said. “If you don’t have those relationships, then they’re not going to do anything for you.”

Williams was one of nearly 20 retired and current HISD coaches – including five current coaches from local high schools – who took part in HISD’s second annual Coach’s Round Table last Thursday at Delmar Fieldhouse. Joining Williams from

local schools were Booker T. Washington football coach Kelvin Chatham as well as Jeremy Kirt (football), Adam Ramirez (girls soccer) and Clifton Morris (boys basketball) from Waltrip.

The event was meant as a means of presenting “common challenges and sharing success stories associated with leading teen boys and girls on the field and in the classroom,” according to HISD. Coaches spent about two hours Thursday discussing their own successes and offering tips to others in the profession.

Among topics broached during the discussion were the challenges of garnering (and keeping) interest in inner-city sports programs as well as building camaraderie with student-athletes and how to treat them on and off the field.

“The times may have changed – but when you really look at

it, the issues are still the same.

It’s just a different time,” HISD athletics director Andre Walker said.

A common theme during the discussion was the matter of getting players to “buy in” to the respective programs.

“I believe in being the standard,” Kirt said, noting the importance of a coach simply being present in the moment during workouts, drills and more. “As coaches in this profession, if you hold kids to be somewhere and do something, coaches have got to be there and be present.”

Several, including Williams and Morris, also spoke about building personal relationships with their players to create a welcoming environment in which student-athletes know they have someone on their side.

At times, coaches said, that’s See Coaches P. 5A

Page 2A • Saturday, June 25, 2022 • The Leader

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THE TOPICS. The Leader • Saturday, June 25, 2022 • Page 3A

Leading this little paper has been hugely rewarding

T

here have been times during the last three-and-a-half years when I’ve described this newspaper as the little ol’ Leader. It operates with a small staff and serves only a small part of Houston, the sliver just northwest of downtown.

But I’ve come to learn that The Leader makes a big impact on the community it serves – and has for decades. It’s been a trusted information source for residents of the Heights, Garden Oaks and Oak Forest areas, along with being an advocate for those who live, work and play here.

It’s also been a source of great pride, chronicling the accomplishments of the community and the people who make it so revered across the city and beyond.

The connection between The Leader and the neighborhoods it serves is both rare and remarkable, perhaps a relic from a bygone era when almost everyone picked up a paper and read its stories from front to back page.

Not everyone in the area reads The Leader, of course, or even picks it up from their curb, yard or driveway, but I’ve talked to enough residents and received enough emails to know it remains well-read and well-liked.

With its mix of feel-good stories, news nuggets from the neighborhood and more in-depth reports that expound on issues facing both the community and Houston at-large, The Leader also could be likened to a small-town weekly in the heart of a

ADAM

ZUVANICH Editor

big city.

Leader Country, as it once was called on these pages, has become a home away from home during the few years I have served as its editorial steward. And it has earned a huge place in my heart.

That heart aches some as I craft this column, because it’s the last one I’m writing in the last edition I’m putting together as editor. I’m leaving The Leader to pursue another opportunity in journalism and passing a baton that’s been around since 1954, when the first edition of the paper was delivered.

I hope to have left The Leader at least as good as I found it, and in my next stop I’ll no doubt draw upon the experiences I’ve had here and the skills I’ve learned. I’m forever grateful to owner Jonathan McElvy for taking a career-long sportswriter and teaching him how to be a newsman, how to take photos, how to plan ahead and how to manage a team of other reporters.

I’m also thankful for those other writers – a mix of full-time staffers, freelancers and in some cases voluntary contributors – who have worked alongside me, taken my direction and feedback, allowed me to be a stickler for detail and helped me put together engaging, entertaining and educational news reports week after week in print and day after day online.

I’m particularly grateful for you, The Leader readers, who might have seen me roaming a neighborhood street with a camera dangling from my neck and a curious look on my face. And special thanks to all the community members and civic leaders who have welcomed me, answered my questions, taught me about neighborhood history and reached out to give me a heads up when there was big news to break, an important event to cover or an issue that warranted some investigating.

I’m immensely proud of the relationships I’ve built and the stories I’ve been able to tell. Neither will soon be forgotten.

Along those lines, I’d like to leave you with some of the most memorable moments and tales – or is it tails?

– from my tenure as editor.

Bob the dog has to be at the top of the list, even though I never personally encountered the little guy. The stories I told about that Lab mix with the lopped-off tail – who went from quirky and beloved stray to neighborhood nuisance to witness protection

What’s in a name?

Both Finland and Sweden have suddenly shed their neutrality and now want to join NATO. Something about their neighbor to the east wanting to expand, but Turkey objects.

No, wait, not Turkey but Turkiye. Your world map is now outdated. The name change came after the United Nations approved the country’s request as part of a rebranding campaign launched by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan last year.

Türkiye – pronounced “tur-keyYAY” – has been the country’s name since 1923 when the new nation was formed following the collapse of the Ottoman Empire. Most Turks have used Türkiye to refer to their country as well as the anglicized form, “Turkey.”

Erdogan pushed for the name change last December, saying the new name would better represent Turkish culture and values. The country’s state official broadcaster had also noted that the rebranding was aimed at separating Turkey’s association with the bird traditionally linked with Christmas and Thanksgiving in the U.S. As part of the rebranding, “Made in Türkiye” will appear on all their exports. Meanwhile, a campaign promoting tourism has used the slogan, “Hello Türkiye” since January.

Still, the change has received a mixed reception: While government officials support it -- under Erdogan you’d better support it -- others called it a distraction since he is fretting about next year’s elections during an economic crisis.

I can see their reasoning.

Who wants the name of their country to be the same as a bird deep fried and cut up twice a year? How would we feel if the Turks said, “Let’s slice up this United States and chomp it down?” Or: “Great. We have Texas giblet stew.”

For the Turks, name changing is not new. In 1930, the name of the Turkish city Constantinople was officially changed to Istanbul by the government. In the music world, some years ago an American singing group called They Might Be Giants had a popular song that went: “Istanbul was Constantinople.

Now it’s Istanbul, not Constantinople. So if you’ve a date in Constantinople, she’ll be waiting in Istanbul.” The song ended with: “Why did Constantinople get the works? That’s nobody’s business but the Turks.”

Around the world we have had to rename our maps. Toronto was formerly York. Ottawa was once Bytown and Oslo used to be called Kristiania. The Russians have had to change a lot of road signs. So long Stalingrad and Leningrad. In 2020, the Netherlands dropped “Holland” as part of a rebranding move.

In Asia, Ho Chi Minh won the war. Saigon lost, along with its name. Bombay is now Mumbai. Did billboards along our highways change to Myanmar Shave? Edo was Edo until it was changed to Tokyo in 1868.

Paris used to be known as Lute-

LYNN ASHBY Columnist

tia, which means a place near a swamp or marsh. “The last time I saw the swamp?” “April near the marsh?”

When it comes to namechanging, America is most adept. New Amsterdam became New York. The city of Albany has previously been dubbed Fort Nassau, Fort Orange, Albany and Willemstad, before going back to Albany. Phoenix was named Swilling’s Mill.

Pittsburgh was known as Fort Duquesne, Fort Pitt, Pittsburgh, Pittsburg, and then Pittsburgh once again. On the other hand, Chicago’s name was derived from a Miami-Illinois word “shikaakwa” or the “smelly onion.”

The movement stemming from Black Lives Matter and a need to obscure if not forget our past has had an effect on names. Some Rhode Islanders no longer appreciated the state’s official name: State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations. It smacked of slavery. In 2010 they held a statewide referendum to drop the “and Providence Plantations” part. The people voted overwhelmingly (78 percent to 22 percent) to retain the entire original name. In 2020, there was another referendum which barely passed by the voters 52.8 percent to 47.2 percent. Here in Texas, Confederate statues have been toppled, school names have been changed, but not any place names – so far. You’re safe Jefferson Davis County, same with the Hill Country village of Stonewall. Robert Lee is the county seat of Coke County, and there’s no plans to change the name, maybe because they left out the E. Our state capital is no longer in Waterloo. It’s not clear just how a tiny muddy village on the banks of the Colorado River got that name, maybe because its first settlers were former British soldiers still celebrating their victory, or probably not. Actually, the new name came about because of a buffalo hunt. After Republic of Texas Vice President Mirabeau B. Lamar visited the area during a buffalo-hunting expedition between 1837 and 1838, he proposed that the republic’s capital, then located in Houston, be relocated there.

In 1839, the site was officially chosen as the seventh and final location for the capital of the Republic of Texas. (Motto: “It’s hard to hit a moving target.”)

The capital was incorporated under the town’s name “Waterloo.” However, shortly thereafter the name was changed to Austin in honor of Stephen F. Austin, the Father of Texas.

“Keep Waterloo Weird” just doesn’t have the same panache.

Texas has several city names

that could be changed, but I like them, like Bug Tussle. A swarm of insects once ruined a church picnic, according to one popular tale. Cut and Shoot was supposedly named after a disagreement among church members back in 1912. During the arguments, a boy yelled, “I’m going to cut around the corner and shoot through the bushes in a minute!” The boy’s words stuck and residents later adopted them as the town’s name. I wonder if Nameless has an unlisted zip code? Dime Box: Residents once paid 10 cents per week for postal service. DISH (all caps), a rural North Texas town formerly known as Clark, agreed in 2005 to become DISH as part of a publicity stunt with Dish Network to get its residents free satellite service.

As to what we think about this latest name change? That’s nobody’s business but the Turkiyes.

Ashby is still ashby2@comcast.net

program to picked up by the pound to rescue dog in a loving, accepting home – were among the most gutwrenching and inspiring I’ve ever written.

Equally emotional were reports about traffic fatalities, particularly the ones at North Shepherd Drive and 10th Street early in 2019 and the one at West 43rd Street and Cheshire Lane in 2020. Wheelchair-bound Jesse Perez and good Samaritan Leesha Adams were struck and killed by the driver of a car while trying to cross Shepherd, and when I visited the collision site a couple days later, I could still see some of the groceries that had been knocked out of Perez’s grasp.

In the aftermath of the crash that killed Oak Forest resident Karen Yager at the intersection of 43rd and Cheshire, I kneeled down in the nearby median to photograph the vehicles that whizzed by to my left and right.

Wilted flowers remained at the spot where Yager died, as did pieces of plastic from a crushed car.

Sobering moments like that make you think about the fragility of life and also make you think twice before speeding down a street or sending a text message from behind the wheel or driving after you’ve been drinking.

There also was the time I stood near and sometimes on the North Loop 610 access road, after midnight, in an attempt to witness illegal auto racing and capture it on camera. I didn’t see anything too fast or too furi-

ous, but realized that Shepherd Forest residents have to deal with a whole lot of highway noise.

Another enlightening experience was reporting on homelessness and approaching a few men who were resting underneath the 610 overpass late on a weekday night. I felt lucky that two of them were friendly and willing to share their story, and I got the sense they felt fortunate that someone took the time to talk to them and understand their plight.

Eating food from Don Jose Mexican Restaurant was somewhat of a surreal experience, after reporting about its plight and then its owners’ decision to reopen after an outpouring of support from the community.

Knowing I had a hand in keeping a beloved neighborhood restaurant alive, while chowing down on its enchiladas verdes, was a pretty cool feeling.

Leading the editorial staff at The Leader has been a cool gig in and of itself. I feel like I’ve grown up here to a certain extent, and I’ve grown to love the Greater Heights and its eclectic mix of people and places.

I’d like to think I’ve played a small part in contributing to the lore and legacy of The Leader, which has long been a beloved commodity in a special part of Houston. You could even call it an institution.

It’s certainly bigger than any one person or any one editor. This editor has seen so firsthand.

Email atxzuvie@yahoo.com

THE READER. 11th Street Proposal

Email us your letters: news@theleadernews.com

Dear Editor: Adam’s article characterizes opposition to the 11th St proposal as having started in May of this year….but, the reality is that the majority of the project feedback provided by ARTS was the same feedback provided at every 11th St. community forum dating back to February 2019 - including the clear community consensus that a HAWK pedestrian light should be installed at 11th & Nicholson. A quick look at city 311 info clearly shows that the feedback for that one intersection dwarves the comments for all of the rest of 11th St combined….yet the project still does not include a HAWK pedestrian light in the design…..I guess this is how City Planners have listened to community feedback and incorporated it into the final design. It’s not too late for the mayor to step up and insure the project delivers what the community needs and has repeated requested from City Planners at 11th & Nicholson……a HAWK pedestrian light…..here’s hoping he does.

Eli Millican

HISD/Property Taxes

Dear Editor: It is with great interest that I have learned that the HISD Board of Trustees recently submitted a new and improved $2.2 Billion budget to go into effect on July 1, 2022. The fact that teachers and others are getting raises are featured prominently on the HISD homepage. And that is a good thing.

They deserve the raise.

In review of the HISD homepage, there are no details as to how this more costly budget will be funded. As we are aware, the voters recently

approved increases in homestead, over-65 and disabled exemptions for school taxes. HISD tax represents about 50% of our total property taxes, and logic concludes that the school tax rate will have to be substantially increased in order to fund this budget.

I have written my HISD Trustee, Elizabeth Santos with my inquiries concerning the future tax rate.

In fact, I have written her 7 times between March 22 and June 7 asking what she will support as far as that tax rate is concerned. I have not heard a word back from her or her staff and I suspect that the reason is that school taxes overall will be increased.

I voted for Ms. Sanchez in the past but it is unlikely that I will vote for her in the future.

J. E. Jorgensen

Bullet train project corporate executives

Dear Editor: I seem to recall that an earlier Leader story about this planned tax-payer funded debacle stated that Mayor Sylvester Turner and County Commissioner Rodney Ellis are both involved in pushing the bullet train plan through, and are both investors in the former Northwest Mall site proposed as the Houston rail station.

Sure smells like a conflict of interest worth a closer look; maybe you guys should ask our local officials just what they stand to gain if this goes forward. Your paper seems to be the only media member doing any real reporting on this, for which I am very grateful.

Anne Maier

THE LEADER PUZZLERS. An s w e r s f o u n d i n t h i s w e e k ’ s C la s s ifie d s e c tio n

SUDOKU

ACROSS

1. Large primate 4. Annualized percentage rate 7. Frictional horsepower 8. Alternate name 10. Incursion 12. Metrical feet 13. Musician Ingram 14. Swiss river 16. Text speak for annoying 17. Squelch 19. Will Ferrell played one 20. Close violently 21. Arrogant 25. Goddess of the dawn 26. Today (Spanish) 27. Ethiopian town 29. Speed 30. Kids take it to school 31. Bowling ball’s adversary 32. 1988 NFL MVP 39. Volcanic crater 41. Curved shape 42. Discover by investigation 43. Up in the air (abbr.)

44. A son who shares his dad’s name 45. Assist in wrongdoing 46. Actress Lathan 48. Nonsense (slang) 49. Sharp and forthright 50. Midway between northeast and east 51. NAACP cofounder Wells 52. Soviet Socialist Republic

DOWN 1. Again 2. Erectile organs 3. Concluding speech 4. Pie _ __ mode 5. With pustules 6. Muslim calendar month 8. Need it to live 9. Thailand 11. Container to serve food 14. Boxing great 15. Woolen blankets 18. Expresses surprise

19. Emergency medical services 20. Inflamed swelling of the eyelid 22. Reporter 23. Arrived extinct 24. Ad __ 27. Academic bill of rights 28. A pair 29. Pumpkin and apple are examples 31. China 32. Made illegal 33. Be mistaken 34. Stephen King’s ‘Pennywise’ 35. Semite 36. Martens with short tails 37. Large bodies of water 38. Lower in position 39. Dough used in Latin American cuisine 40. Calculating tools 44. Boxers do this 47. Macaw

WORD SCRAMBLE

Page 4A • Saturday, June 25, 2022 • The Leader

Healthcare providers, pharmacies roll out COVID vaccines for young children

By Charlotte Aguilar cagular@mcelvypartners.com

Area medical providers and pharmacies shifted into high gear Tuesday to provide appointments and COVID-19 vaccines for children as young as 6 months old after emergency authorization last week from the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Now youngsters 6 months to 17 years old are eligible to receive either the Moderna or Pfizer-BioNTech vaccines at participating pharmacies, doctor’s offices and clinics and at the four vaccination sites operated by the Houston Health Department.

The Pfizer vaccine for ages 6 months to 4 years is administered in three doses, with the first two given three weeks apart and the final dose eight weeks after the second shot. It is one-tenth as strong as the adult Pfizer vaccine, and the CDC emphasized the necessity for all three doses for full protection.

The Moderna version for young children is a quarter of the strength of the adult version and is administered in two

Bike

doses, one month apart.

CVS confirmed it is offering immediate appointments online at cvs.com through its MinuteClinics, and Walgreens was scheduling youngsters in its pharmacies containing Healthcare Clinics at walgreens.com.

Neither insurance nor proof of residency is required to receive free vaccines at the four Houston Health Department sites, including La Nueva Casa de Amigos Health Center, 1809 N. Main St. The department said it also will offer vaccines at multi-service centers on a rotating schedule. For more information on locations and schedules, call 832-393-4220 or visit www. houstonhealth.org.

Children’s Memorial Hermann Pediatrics clinics began administering the Pfizer vaccine Tuesday to children 6 months to 4 years old who are already established patients, according to spokesperson George Kovacik.

Appointments are available through the offices of Children’s Memorial Hermann pediatricians. Find more information at https://memorialhermann.org/ services/specialties/childrens.

The clinics also offer Pfizer booster shots to children and

young adults ages 5-17 who received their second dose of the Pfizer vaccine at least five months ago.

Pediatric patients of Texas Children’s Hospital and its clinics may receive either the Moderna or Pfizer vaccines, with scheduling available online at https:// www.texaschildrens.org/covid19-information/covid-19-vaccination.

The hospital vaccinated youngsters from two families with health issues before TV cameras Tuesday morning. Both sets of parents told reporters that having an immuno-compromised child ineligible for a vaccine until now had continued to restrict their children’s and family’s lives, even as restrictions were lifted for others.

Anna Farrow, whose 10-month-old daughter, Hope, and 3-year-old son, George, were vaccinated, told KPRC-TV the family had felt “left behind” with George born prematurely and considered at higher risk.

She called the vaccinations “sort of the beginning of a regular childhood.”

With the FDA approval last week, followed by the CDC review and approval June 18 and

such as scouting routes, arranging meals and packing extra clothes, along with access to a shower at or near the office. But it also comes with benefits, he said, such as feeling more connected to his community as well as significant cost savings.

Snead said he tracked his transportation costs on a spreadsheet while making the transition from driving his hybrid electric car to his bike. Factoring in expenses such as a car payment, insurance and gas, along with money he spent on occasional car and bus rides after switching primarily to his bike, he said he saved about $6,500 during the first year and estimates he’s saved up to $40,000 overall.

There also was a noticeable change in his at-work demeanor, Snead said. One day a few years ago, when he drove his wife’s mid-size SUV to the office, a co-worker expressed concern about him.

“I had dropped off my kid and after driving for 45 minutes, I finally got to the office,” Snead said. “I showed up, got off the elevator and somebody said, ‘Brad, what’s wrong? Usually you show up happy and full of energy, and today you’re doom and gloom.’ ” Malik, who began biking to work last summer after his car broke down, said his 35-minute ride and subsequent shower gets him feeling energized, refreshed and ready for the work day. Roth described her ride home at the end of the day as a destressor, saying it “feels like recess.”

Rossini said he’s intrigued by the idea of regularly riding to work, both because he wants to be more active and also for environmentally conscious reasons, and has set a goal of doing so once per week. The biggest obstacle is logistical challenges, he said, and ensuring he’ll have enough time for his family and other activities, such as coaching youth basketball.

Another Heights resident who works for Chevron, Oscar Yepes, said he’s been cycling to work for about six weeks and is in the midst of a “summer test” to see

if he can keep it up during the year’s hottest months.

He rides his own bike for recreation but commutes by using Houston BCycle – a ride-sharing program in which bikes can be rented for single uses and dropped off at different stations – because those bikes have cargo space and there are multiple stations near his home.

Yepes said it’s been a good experience so far, but added that Houston’s bike infrastructure is not as developed or connected as he would like.

“It’s a little bit of a safety issue if you decide not to go on the bike paths,” he said.

“Not all the bike paths are dedicated bike lanes. There’s some that are shared (lanes with automobiles). So it’s still a little bit of a risk in some of the streets. You have to be careful.”

Multiple routes can get a cyclist to downtown and back from the Greater Heights, with Malik saying he prefers to ride along the city’s bayou trails whereas Roth likes to ride into the Sawyer Yards area before weaving her way downtown.

Snead, while traveling to the Galleria area, takes advantage of the MKT and Memorial Park trails along with the Cohn Street Bridge that crosses Interstate 10 from the Cottage Grove area.

Roth said she likens commuting by bike to a secret she’s discovered and wants to share with others, similar to a hole-in-the-wall restaurant with great food or an enthralling movie that hardly anyone has seen. That’s why she tries to recruit others to bike to work, both at Chevron and elsewhere.

Roth said she does it because it’s enjoyable and relaxing and her primary form of exercise. But she understands that other Houston residents, such as her husband, might prefer to drive to work and have their own reasons for doing so.

“My husband goes to the same place and he drives every day,” she said. “So I completely understand. It is not for everybody. But for me, personally, it is something that I wanted to make a priority for myself.”

Photo from Texas Children’s Hospital Twitter account A young boy receives a COVID-19 vaccine on Tuesday at Texas Children’s Hospital, which is among the Houston-area medical facilities administering vaccine doses to children as young as 6 months old.

a recommendation that day from the American Academy of Pediatrics, providers still had to wait past the Juneteenth federal holiday Monday. But the federal government prom-

ised to deliver 10 million of the child-strength doses quickly to meet the demand, with 20 million youngsters in the age group nationwide.

According to CDC figures,

more than 2 million children ages 6 months to 4 years have been infected with COVID-19, with about 20,000 youngsters hospitalized and about 200 deaths.

from P. 1A

the Heights. It’s easy access and a closer location to get to, so you don’t have to drive everywhere. The more safe and convenient things that are in place, the more people will take advantage of it.”

Rossini is not a bike commuter – at least not yet – having tried it for the first time on May 26, when Chevron held a “Bike to Work Day” as part of a month-long series of bike-related events.

Roth said there were logistics Q&A sessions, facility tours, a bike buddy and caravan program and a bike fair that highlighted resources such as Houston BCycle stations, city bike trail maps and a demonstration by METRO on how to use the bike racks on its buses.

Multiple Chevron employees said the company supports and encourages commuting by bike, such as by offering free bike storage for employees and providing shower, fitness center and locker access for a total cost of less than $20 per month.

Chevron received a Bicycle Friendly Business award in 2020 from The League of American Bicyclists.

Chevron said in a statement that it “places the highest priority on the health and safety of its workforce and protection of our assets and the environment,” adding that cycling is “one of the many alternative green benefits to the environment.”

“We asked around, and there’s really no other company that has such a nice structured (cycling) community that we have at Chevron,” Malik said. “People often bike to downtown, but really don’t have the support system.”

Pros and cons Chevron employees are not the only local residents riding their bikes to work, and not all the local bike commuters are riding downtown. Woodland Heights resident Brad Snead said he’s been riding to and from his law firm in the Galleria area for the last six years, also utilizing public transit and taxi services such as Uber and Lyft.

Snead said commuting by bike requires additional planning and preparation,

City, county report first monkeypox cases

By Landan Kuhlmann landan@theleadernews.com

The Houston Health Department and Harris County Public Health (HCPH) have each confirmed their first monkeypox cases, according to news releases the organizations provided last weekend.

The city announced its first confirmed case last Saturday afternoon in a resident with a recent history of international travel.

Shortly thereafter, HCPH announced its first confirmed infection in an outof-state resident who had since left the county and returned to his or her home state.

Both local health authorities said the general public remains at a low risk for monkeypox, citing the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS).

The city said monkeypox typically begins as a flu-like illness such as fever, head-

bedding and other contaminated materials.

“While the current risk of monkeypox infection in our community is low, we urge residents to be vigilant and seek medical attention if symptoms consistent with monkeypox do occur,” HCPH director Erika Brown said.

More information about monkeypox can be found at dshs.texas.gov/IDCU/disease/Monkeypox.aspx and cdc.gov/poxvir us/monkeypox/response/2022/ index.html.

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Photo by Matt Bennett Joy Roth, left, and Keith Christianson, who both live in the Heights area and work for Chevron, ride bikes together while commuting from downtown along the White Oak Bayou Trail.

ache, muscle aches, backache, chills and exhaustion, along with swollen lymph nodes, before developing into a rash that starts on the person’s face and spreads to other parts of the body.

It can last anywhere from 2-4 weeks, according to the city.

According to HCPH, monkeypox is transmitted through close contact with an infected person or animal. It can also be transmitted from person to person by inhaling large respiratory droplets or through close contact with body fluids and lesions as well as

love our neighborhood.

Everywhere I go I meet people who are proud of their neighborhood and are willing to work hard to make it a better place. I want to encourage each of you today to be a good neighbor! In Luke 10:25-37 we read the story of the Good Samaritan.

Jesus used this story as an example to explain what a neighbor is and what makes a person a good neighbor. A lawyer asked Jesus a question. He said, “Who is my neighbor?” Jesus answered by telling a story about a man who had been robbed, beaten, and left on the side of the road, and three other men who saw this man in his need. One man was a priest, another a Levite, and the third man was a Samaritan. Even though each man saw the need of the individual on the side of the road, only one man stopped to help. The Samaritan stopped, tended to the man’s wounds,

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77092 loaded him upHouston, on hisTXdonkey, and took him to an inn where he paid for the man’s care and lodging. This man was clearly the neighbor to the man in need. From this story there are several principles that can be learned.

First of all, being a good neighbor may cost you time and money. Being a good neighbor requires action and intentionality. If you truly care about others it will motivate you to do something for them. Secondly, being a good neighbor may mean caring for someone you don’t know, someone who can’t repay you, or someone who doesn’t look like you or share your same values. Ultimately, being a good neighbor is hard work and yet without good neighbors many people would be without help. I am thankful for a good neighbor who calls me if he notices anything unusual around our property and has volunteered to help me with projects that I am working on outside. I am thankful that Jesus was the greatest example of a good neighbor in that He came to this earth to die for each and every person. He gave of Himself. What are you willing to do to be a good neighbor to others?

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t goes made m err is h this the n must lear to repeat it can be h can some We somet we’ve don for years, addition, our past. A them, we we should the comin as well as them; tha repeatedly the phrase the only w more divin the offen vindictive it! Corrie prison cam to realize

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The Leader • Saturday, June 25, 2022 • Page 5A

Coaches, from P. 1A all it takes to buy in. The rest, they said, will often take care of itself in the wake of creating those personal relationships.

“A lot of times if teachers have concerns and they text me or send me an email, I’ll walk down and stick my head in or pick up the phone,” said Morris, who is also an English teacher at Waltrip. “Just so the kids know that I care. … And because of those relationships, they’re willing to do all the things that we ask of them.”

But that doesn’t mean there isn’t a standard on the field, which some said they have used to motivate their teams. And Williams spoke at length about such a subject as the head coach of arguably one of Scarborough’s most successful teams in recent years.

His Spartans are coming off a 192-2 campaign in which they won a second straight District 23-4A crown and reached the Region IV-4A quarterfinals.

“When they come in, I tell them they’ve got to be ready to step up and carry the flag for Scarborough,” he said. “When they put on our jersey and wear our crest, we carry that torch for Scarborough and for all of HISD. … Having those standards is pretty big, too.”

The same could be said for Ramirez, a 10th-year head coach at Waltrip. His Lady Rams are coming off a 20-4-2 campaign and their fourth District 23-5A championship

Photo by Landan Kuhlmann Scarborough High School boys soccer coach Brandon Williams speaks during the HISD Coaches Roundtable on June 16 at Delmar Fieldhouse. The second annual event provided the opportunity for current and retired coaches to discuss issues related to their profession.

Photo by Landan Kuhlmann Waltrip High School boys basketball coach Clifton Morris, left, speaks during the HISD Coaches Roundtable on June 16 at Delmar Fieldhouse. The second annual event included current and retired coaches who shared their experiences, goals and challenges.

in the last five seasons. But one thing he and several others stressed to other coaches in attendance was simply showing love for their athletes.

It’s something that may seem small in the short term, they said, but reassures their athletes that they have a friend, coach and confidante who can help foster a confidence that translates to their play on the field. “(Coach Kirt) tells his boys every

day, ‘I love y’all,’ right before he ends practice,” Ramirez said. “I showed (my girls) love, and I always assumed that they know I love them – but actually saying it and reassuring them is something I try (to do) every day.”

Ramirez said he also believes in recognizing his student-athletes’ accomplishments as often as possible.

Whether it’s an on-field accolade, academic achievement or something

else, he said tries taking to social media to recognize them. Williams said he has also tried to make Scarborough’s social media accounts more active to give their kids the attention they’ve earned.

It’s just another way of building relationships, they said.

“We celebrate them as much as we can,” Ramirez said.

Ultimately, only time will tell what

current young athletes will accomplish. But, as Walker put it, the job of a coach isn’t just to win or make big money – it’s ministering to young athletes on several fronts.

“Coaching is (about) taking the time that you put in to make sure these young people have the chance and the opportunity to move forward,” he said. “You all help make that happen.”

How to help a rescued dog acclimate to family life

Dear Tabby, We adopted an older dog about three months ago. While he’s made lots of progress with us, he still has some issues that we’re working on. When can we expect him to be fully acclimated to life with us (and us with him)?

New Doggo in Garden Oaks Dear New Doggo, While I don’t often share much about my private life here, I wanted to share with you that my family recently adopted an older dog, too. It’s

and your dog to bond, which will strengthen the relationship with your new dog and also help to build the confidence of your new dog. Many rescued dogs’ issues stem from a lack of confidence and even basic dog training can help them to feel happier and given a sense of belonging and accomplishment. Dog training also helps you to address some of your dog’s issues and work on socializing him properly.

Exercise important Exercise is important for any animal, but especially so for a rescued dog. Exercise burns off excess energy that can exacerbate anxiety in a dog. Plus, going for a walk or a run is fun for your dog and a good way to form a bond with him.

Routine If you haven’t already, establish a clear and solid rou-

been more challenging than any of us expected, but he is slowly but surely coming around. Here are some things to consider when helping your new dog to adjust: Acclimation takes time As tough as it seems, it can take a rescued dog at least three months and sometimes up to a year to adjust to life in a new home. Puppies (generally) are more malleable and able to go with the flow, but any dog older than a puppy has an increased risk of past traumas – even just the trauma of living in a shelter for any length of time. These traumas take lots of patience, love and understanding to work through. Don’t expect your dog to fit right into your home immediately – it will take time and love to make that happen.

Seek help from trainer A dog trainer can help you

To place an ad on the most popular page in the Leader, give us a call at (713) 686-8494 and ask for one of our professional sales executives

tine with your new dog. Feed him and walk him at the same time every day. Knowing what to expect will help your dog to feel at ease and part of your family. Dogs are creatures of habit, so a structured day is best for your pooch.

Rescuing a dog can often be more difficult than one imagines. We all expect our new dog to immediately fall into place in our home, our family and in our lives. But the fact of the matter is your dog probably still isn’t quite sure what’s going on and if this is, indeed, his forever home or if he’ll be shuttled off somewhere else next. By spending time with him and seeking the help of a trainer, you and your dog will grow closer and closer and feel more like family every day.

Do you have a question for Tabby? Email her at deartabbyquestions@gmail.com.

Pet of the Week

Meet Akira Akira is a gorgeous Siberian Husky/Cattle Dog mix who is 6 months old. Akira is a social butterfly with energy to spare!

She would do best in a home with older kids as she gets very excited and tends to jump a bit (but with some training, that is easily fixed). Akira would love a home with humans who are willing to work with her to be her best self and never to give up on her…could that be you? To learn more, go to www.cap4pets.

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Page 6A • Saturday, June 25, 2022 • The Leader

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The Leader • Saturday, June 25, 2022 • Page 7A

Art Valet: Paint Frida Kahlo in class at Casa Ramirez MITCH COHEN Art Columnist

With both of my monthly art markets on hiatus until Aug. 13, I haven’t exactly kept up with art events in Houston the way I normally do. The Houston art world does not rest, however, so this week I present to you art classes and art news.

Let’s get some classroom work done first. Early in May I brought to your attention that Casa Ramirez FOLKART, 241 W 19th St., was holding in-person art classes again with award-winning Houston artist Lizbeth Ortiz. Summers are great for taking up new hobbies and especially art lessons.

From 1-3 p.m. this Saturday, Ortiz will work with students in using oil pastels to paint their own Frida Kahlo portrait in celebration of the infamous artist’s 115th birthday. To make it easier on the novices, each participant

will receive a canvas with an outlined portrait of Frida Kahlo.

“The class in May was quite fun and I expect this one to engage everyone, too,” Casa Ramirez owner Chrissie Dickerson Ramirez wrote. “Lizbeth is a very popular artist and brings her commitment to and love of art into the classroom.”

In the May article I wrote that Ortiz “was one of the original organizers of the first Houston Frida Festival in 2005. She was honored as the official artist for the Latin Grammy, celebrated in Houston in 2008. Ortiz also received second place in the national Bohemia Beer contest, ‘The Kahlo Challenge,’ in 2011.”

The class fee is $45 for one person and $40 per person for groups of two or more.

No painting or drawing experience is necessary, and all supplies are provided.

Call 713-880-2420 for reservations, which are required.

Visit www.casaramirez.com for more information.

Artist illustrates Juneteenth In the news department,

Contributed photo Casa Ramirez FOLKART offers a Saturday art class with a focus on Frida Kahlo’s 115th birthday.

artist and muralist Lauren Luna (also an art professor at Lone Star and San Jacinto Colleges) answered a call for art by the Buffalo Soldiers National Museum (BSNM).

As part of the recent Juneteenth celebration at the museum, Luna painted her mural live in front of attendees.

Postcards made for the occasion gave a little background on Luna’s design.

Here it is in part: “The design created by Luna captures the message of June-

Contributed photo Artist Lauren Luna poses with members of the Buffalo Soldiers National Museum in front of her mural.

teenth, with the inclusion of red, black and green colors of the Pan-African flag; red, blue and white of the Juneteenth Flag; and men and women of African descent.

Officially made into a federal holiday in 2021, Juneteenth has been celebrated as the African-American Independence Day since June 19, 1866.”

The Buffalo Soldiers Na-

tional Museum is located at 3816 Caroline St. and is truly one of Houston’s best. Details, including guided group tours, are www.buffalosoldiermuseum.com/. Follow Luna on Instagram at www. instagram.com/laurenlunaltd/ On the horizon I’ll be trying to catch up with artists on the road and their crazy adventures. Stay tuned and

always visit my website, www.artvalet.com, for those last-minute events that come across my radar. Stay cool out there!

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.

Review: Big Owl pours local brews with big flavors

By Sonia Ramos news@theleadernews.com

IPAs, pilsners and sours, oh my!

These are just a few styles of beer you will find at Big Owl Craft Brew House, 1848 Airline Drive Suite 3. What makes this place unique is that there is a functioning brewery located inside.

With 24 options always on tap, it can be overwhelming to decide what to drink.

There are choices from many local breweries as well as from around the U.S. Thankfully, they will offer you a sample of anything on tap or you can build your own flight of four or five different brews.

I opted for a flight of four and was not disappointed with my selections. I was recently introduced to sour beers and was happy to see a few on the menu. I tried the Prairie Artisan Ale Blueberry Boyfriend and a Peach Cobbler Sour from Destihl Brewery. Both were delicious and definitely made my mouth pucker and instantly smile.

Next was the Turkey Forrest Brown Ale. Dark brown

Photo by Sonia Ramos Flights of four or five beers are available at Big Owl Craft Brew House, 1848 Airline Dr. Suite C.

and medium bodied, this beer packs a punch at 10% alcohol by volume (ABV).

My final choice was Chasing Marranitos, also by Turkey Forrest Brewing, which operates on site. Marranitos is a Mexican pan dulce, or sweet bread, which has been my favorite since I was a kid.

This beer is my childhood treat in beer form. With hints of molasses and cinnamon, this stout is smooth and a perfect end-of-night treat.

If you are like me and have trouble pronouncing marranitos, just ask for Chasing Piggies and they will know what you mean.

In addition to the tapped beers, there are also many

canned beer options as well.

Turkey Forrest is a tiny operation within the walls of Big Owl, but the beers they are making are huge in flavor. Brewers Louie Espinosa and Oscar Gonzalez, partnering with Alfonso Gonzalez, bring their creativity to beer flavors that keep me wanting to come back for more. Recently, I was lucky enough to sample an upcoming beer infused with passionfruit, and as soon as it is released, I will be there.

As far as food options go, you can bring in your own food. Wokker, formerly a food truck turned brick and mortar, is a couple of doors down, if you get hungry.

Photo by Sonia Ramos Ribeye steaks with two sides are served for $25 on Wednesdays at Big Owl Craft Brew House, 1848 Airline Dr. Suite C.

Also, Blank Flag FP does pop-ups there throughout the week, including steak nights on Wednesday, which will be a dinner option for me from time to time. For $25, you get a ribeye and two sides, which rotate from week to week. As with everything these days, following on social media is the best way to know exactly what will be available, so follow Big Owl on Facebook @

bigowlcraftbrewhouse or Instagram @bigowlcbh.

Cheers to Big Owl Craft Brew House for showing the love to our local breweries as well as those nationally.

I am happy to have a new place to enjoy a one-of-akind brew with some of the nicest beer makers in town.

Big Owl Craft Brew House Address: 1848 Airline Dr.

Suite C Dining options: Bring your own food, Blank Flag FP popups on some nights Hours: 2-10 p.m. MondayThursday, noon-11 p.m. Friday-Saturday, noon-8 p.m.

Sunday Tap beer prices: $6-$9 Alcohol: Yes Star of the show: Turkey Forrest Brewing’s Chasing Marranitos Rating: 5 out of 5 sips

Nibbles & Sips: Local eateries participating in Latin Restaurant Weeks

By Landan Kuhlmann

low it on social media @ bluesushisakegrill or visit its website at bluesushisakegrill.com.

landan@theleadernews.com

Several local dining spots in the Heights, Garden Oaks/Oak Forest, Timbergove/Lazybrook and Washington Avenue areas will be part of festivities during Houston’s Latin Restaurant Weeks, which started June 17 and runs through June 30.

Chivos, 222 W. 11th St., will offer a three-course dinner that includes a ceviche tostada, pollo a la leña and a xocolatl tamal for dessert for $35.

Also among participating restaurants are Tatemó (4740 Dacoma St.), Chilosos Taco House (701 E. 20th St.), El Deliete juice shop (East Memorial Loop Drive), La Calle (3321 Ella Blvd.) and Tenfold Coffee Company (101 Aurora St.), according to the event’s website.

Diners can visit any one of the participating restaurants for dine-in, carryout or delivery and ask for the restaurant’s Latin Restaurant Weeks menu when ordering.

For more information and a full list of participating restaurants, visit latinrestaurantweeks.com/houstonlistings/.

New sushi spot open at M-K-T

Photo from Facebook Pictured is a sampling of the food available at Blue Sushi Sake Grill, which recently opened at M-K-T in the Heights.

In the Houston area’s ever-eclectic dining scene, there is a new sushi spot open in the Heights.

Blue Sushi Sake Grill opened at the M-K-T development in the Heights on June 15, according to a post on the company’s Facebook page.

According to the restaurant’s website, Blue Sushi Sake Grill offers both traditional and creative maki, sashimi and nigiri as well as vegan maki. It also has drink offerings such as cold sake, cocktails and martinis, beer and hot teas.

To find more on what the restaurant has to offer, fol-

Contributed photo Space Cowboy, 100 W. Cavalcade St., is hosting multiple Pride Month events beginning this week.

Photo from Facebook Chivos, 222 W. 11th St., is among the local eateries participating in Latin Restaurant Weeks.

Space Cowboy hosting Pride Month events A local hotel bar and eatery is hosting multiple events for Pride Month in the coming weeks. Space Cowboy, 100 W. Cavalcade St., is hosting two events beginning this week, according to a news release from Night Moves Hospitality.

From 7-9 p.m. Thursday, June 23, the tropical bar and lounge within the Heights House Hotel planned to feature a pride-themed burlesque performance titled, “Feelin’ Fruity.” Artists include Ghoulia Child, Dahlia Derringer, Valentina J’Adore, Bambi LaBamba and Roxie Revel.

Then on Sunday, June 26, Space Cowboy will partner with VeganChill for a Pride Pool Party. The event will feature vegan cuisine by chef Adriana Maldonado, cocktails by bar manager Sam Ruiz, local vendors, DJs and other entertainment. Admission is free, and attendees are asked to RSVP at veganchill.com.

Follow us on social media @FromTheLeader

Page 8A • Saturday, June 25, 2022 • The Leader

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Residents, developer spar with city over access for duplexes

By Adam Zuvanich azuvanich@theleadernews.com

The developer of a duplex community planned for the Shepherd Forest area has asked for a variance to the City of Houston’s building code because it does not want to extend Oak Forest Drive – which currently ends at the north end of the property – through to the North Loop 610 frontage road. A representative of the developer said it also does not want to terminate the street with a cul-desac.

Residents of the existing nearby neighborhood see eye-to-eye about that, with a member of the Shepherd Forest Civic Club saying they would prefer to keep Oak Forest Drive closed off so there are no increases in traffic and street parking.

But it appears that neither group will get what it wants in that regard.

The latest plan submitted to Houston’s Planning & Development Department calls for Oak Forest Drive to extend into the 3-acre duplex community and stop with a cul-desac – which would be the only access point for the proposed Marigny Heights development, which is slated to include 60 rental units on 37 lots.

The original plan submitted on behalf of the developer, 1900 N. Loop Development TS, LLC, called for access from the south on an existing driveway that connects to the Loop 610 frontage road.

According to Aracely Rodriguez with the planning department, the developer amended its plan after being told the existing driveway that connects to 610 – which feeds into adjacent office buildings – could not also be used as a private street for the planned duplex community.

“It is not what I want,” a representative of the developer, who asked to remain anonymous, said of a culde-sac. “It is what the city wants. I am losing nine units because of this change.”

The original variance request asked to avoid extending Oak Forest Drive or terminating it with a cul-desac. Even though the developer is now proposing to do the latter, Rodriguez said a variance is still needed to satisfy the part of the building ordinance that aims to ensure adequate

Photo by Adam Zuvanich The latest plan for the Marigny Heights development calls for Oak Forest Drive to be extended into the proposed duplex development and terminated with a cul-de-sac.

access to major thoroughfares.

The city’s intersectional spacing requirements call for there to be no more than 1,400 feet between two collector streets along a local street, or more than 2,600 feet between collector streets along a major thoroughfare, according to Rodriguez. The collector streets in this case are East T.C. Jester Boulevard and Guese Road, with there being about 2,900 feet between them along Ansbury Drive – the Shepherd Forest street immediately to the north of the planned development – and more than 2,600 feet between them along the 610 frontage road to the south.

The Houston Planning Commission was set to consider the variance request at its Thursday meeting, with the option to approve or deny based at least partly on a recommendation

from the planning department. Rodriguez said Tuesday the planning department would recommend that the variance be granted, which would allow the project to move forward with its current configuration.

Planning commissioner Sonny Garza said during the June 9 meeting that Chapter 42 of the municipal code of ordinances, which spells out the requirements for development in the city, calls for streets such as Oak Forest Drive to be extended in the interest of increased connectivity.

If the variance request was denied, the representative of the developer said Oak Forest Drive will be extended through the proposed neighborhood, connecting with the 610 frontage road.

See Duplexes P. 3B

Photo by Adam Zuvanich Shepherd Forest residents and the developer for a planned duplex community near the neighborhood say they would prefer for the community to have access from the North Loop 610 frontage road, which is in the background.

Rising prices, interest rates driving rental surge

By Landan Kuhlmann landan@theleadernews.com

Over the last couple of years, the Houston real estate market has largely experienced increases in residential home sales. But in recent months, the number of sales has begun to dip in local markets and the region as a whole.

However, people still need a roof over their heads. And as a result, according to Houston real estate professionals, the rental property market has begun to heat up amidst rising prices and interest rates.

A news release from the Houston Association of Realtors (HAR) said singlefamily home rentals jumped 24.8 percent year-over-year in May. Local agent Elizabeth Villarreal with Coldwell Banker Realty said that trend has not missed local neighborhoods such as the Heights, Garden Oaks and Oak Forest.

“After meeting and speaking with many people through showings, open houses and phone calls, it is clear many buyers have decided the Houston market is moving too quickly for them and their bank accounts,”

Villarreal

Wauhob

Villarreal said.

That sentiment was echoed by HAR and backed up by its data. A total of

3,407 leases were signed in Houston last month, according to HAR, compared to 2,731 leases in May 2021.

Washington Avenue billiard site up for lease Those interested in leasing can contact Wolf by phone at 713-936-2130 or email at zach@wolf-cp.com. For more information on Wolf Capital Partners and its projects, visit the company’s website at wolfcp.com.

landan@theleadernews.com

A prominent real estate firm with multiple projects in the area has acquired another property it has plans to renovate.

Zach Wolf with Wolf Capital Partners said the firm recently acquired the site of International Billiards, 2311 Washington Ave., which he said is relocating to Katy at the end of the year.

Located on more than 7,500 square feet at the southeast corner of Washington Avenue and Sawyer Street near Sawyer Yards, the spot is within easy driving distance for residents of the Heights and surrounding neighborhoods.

Wolf declined to disclose the acquisition price, but said Wolf Capital Partners is actively leasing the site as a retail space.

The company also plans to work with whoever leases the spot on renovations moving forward, according to Wolf.

“We’ve been pursuing this property for several years,” Wolf said. “Fortunately the timing lined up.”

Wolf Capital Partners has been active with projects in the area in recent years, having acquired the Heights retail center at 742 E. 20th St. and

Photo from Google Images Wolf Capital Partners has acquired the International Billiards building at the corner of Washington Avenue and Sawyer Street.

Graphic from Loe Ortega Architecture PKL Social will be a pickleball-centric sports bar from the owners of FM Kitchen & Bar.

the property housing addresses 1135 through 1141 on 11th Street within the last year in the Heights. The company also acquired the 120,000-square foot Heights Medical Tower on West 20th Street in March, and

its newest acquisition is not far away.

“We love the inner loop,” Wolf said. “We live and patronize in the area and feel that assets in this market are more insulated during a downturn.”

And at least in her markets, she said the volume of buyers and bids on homes combined with extremely low inventory has discouraged a significant portion of consumers from outright ownership.

Of the six zip codes served by The Leader – 77007, 77008, 77009, 77018, 77091 and 77092 – four are currently lagging behind their 2021 home sales pace, according to the most recent HAR data. Five of the six, meanwhile, have seen corresponding average prices See Rental P. 3B

Jennifer M. Solak

REAL ESTATE ROUNDUP

By Landan Kuhlmann

Meanwhile, new listings of single-family rentals spiked by nearly 29 percent.

“We are seeing a surge of activity in Houston’s rental market as prices of homes for sale and interest rates move beyond the reach of some consumers,” said HAR chairperson Jennifer Wauhob with Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Gary Greene.

Villarreal primarily works in the Inner Loop and Central Houston neighborhoods such as the Heights and nearby communities, Rice Military, Camp Logan, Garden Oaks and Oak Forest.

Pickleball concept coming to North Shepherd A fast-growing activity will soon have a home for its local players and enthusiasts in the Washington Avenue area.

PKL Social, a new pickleball sports bar, is coming to 1102 Shepherd Dr. this fall from the owners of FM Kitchen & Bar, according to a report from Eater Houston. The report says PKL Social will have four pickleball courts to play on, along with a covered deck, big-screen TVs and more than 10,000 square feet of dog-friendly patio space.

According to the report, PKL Social’s menu will feature many of FM Kitchen & Bar’s items, such as the spicy chicken sandwich, wings and breakfast tacos, along with cocktails, beers and seltzers.

For more information and to stay up-to-date on a potential opening date, follow PKL Social on Instagram @pklsocialhouston.

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Page 2B • Saturday, June 25, 2022 • The Leader

Local home sales continue steady decline

By Landan Kuhlmann landan@theleadernews.com

After a brief uptick in home sales in several local zip codes last month, area markets saw the continuation of a months-long trend that has seen sales continue to decline both locally and throughout the Houston region, according to the most recent data from the Houston Association of Realtors.

The Acres Homes/ Greater Inwood neighborhood (77091) and Woodland Heights/Northline (77009) were the only local markets to experience year-over-year growth in May home sales as the rest of the local zip codes saw downturns ranging from 9 percent to nearly 60 percent.

Home prices also continued to rise across the region, with each local market seeing at least a 4 percent year-overyear spike in May and all but one (77092) having risen at

least 9 percent year-to-date.

77018 For the fourth time in five months, the Garden Oaks/ Oak Forest neighborhoods and surrounding areas saw a severe year-over-year downturn. There were 64 homes that came off the market here in May, down 19 percent from the 84 sales in the same month last year. Year to date, the 349 sales represent an 8.9 percent downturn from the same period in 2021.

An average buyer paid 4.7 percent more for a home ($619,092) compared to May 2021, while the median price rose 16 percent up to $507,500. So far in 2022, the average price has been 14.4 percent higher than last year ($590,402) while year-to-date median home price is up 13.3 percent to $470,000.

77091 It was a second straight strong month for the zip code including Greater Inwood, Acres Homes and Indepen-

dence Heights, with 24 homes sold in May – a 50 percent spike compared to the 16 sales during the same month last year. As a result, the area’s 130 home sales through May is nearly 21 percent ahead of last year’s pace – one of only two local zip codes to be outpacing last year’s mark.

On the pricing front, the average buyer paid 5.9 percent more ($312,350) than last May, while median home figures were up 10.5 percent to $319,900. Through the end of May, the average price is $306,134 (up 9.8 percent), while median home price has jumped 14 percent to $319,900.

77092 The Central Northwest and Langwood/Kempwood areas had objectively the roughest sales month among local zip codes, seeing just 17 homes come off the market – a 57.5 percent downturn from the 40 sales in May 2021. Sales were down 9 percent to date in

this zip code, with 141 homes sold compared to 155 sales through the same time period last year.

A 16.8 percent year-overyear average price spike here in May, up to $378,887, was the second-biggest jump among local zip codes, though its median price of $352,000 (up 9 percent) was the smallest jump in the area. Yearto-date, the average buyer has paid 1.3 percent more ($335,642), and the median price has seen a similar 1.6 percent uptick to $319,888.

77008 In the Greater Heights, it was the fourth monthly yearover-year sales dip of the year, with last month’s 117 sales representing a 9.3 percent dip from the 129 sold in May 2021. This area is also lagging most behind its 2021 pace relative to the area, with a 10.1 percent dip (501 sales) compared to the same period last year.

Coupled with the dip in

sales was the largest yearover-year average price spike in May, with the average buyer paying 18.6 percent more ($738,033) than last year. Median price also jumped 114 percent up to $615,000. The average price so far this year has been $671,238 (up 12 percent), while the year-to-date median home price is up 10.6 percent to $575,000.

77009 The Woodland Heights/ Northline area wasn’t a huge year-over-year-riser, but was also one of just two zip codes to have any increase, with 62 homes sold last month compared to 61 in May 2021.

It is also slightly ahead of last year’s pace, with 267 homes coming off the market through the end of the month after seeing 264 sold in the same span last year.

Pricing-wise, average buyers saw a 14.7 percent yearover-year uptick to $616,275, while median prices were up 24.6 percent – the larg-

est jump in the area – to $604,500. Year to date, buyers are paying 15.6 percent more for a home here ($559,930) than 2021. Median price to date is up nearly 7 percent to $470,000.

77007 On the southern edge of the area, Washington Avenue and Rice Military experienced a 22.8 percent year-over-year dip after seeing 88 homes sold here last month. As a result, the area is now lagging behind last year’s pace by a margin of 1.4 percent, having seen 428 sales compared to 434 in the same time period in 2021.

On a pricing front, yearover-year average home price was up 7.3 percent to $652,075, and the median home prices saw a 12.9 percent rise to $529,700. Year to date, the average home price in the area rose 8.7 percent to $628,074, while median figures have spiked 13.4 percent up to $516,000.

REALTOR SHOWCASE

McCormick melds data, personal touch to help clients

By Landan Kuhlmann landan@theleadernews.com

Advanced technology and data may be the way of the world in many regards, and Compass Real Estate agent Kasia McCormick said it remains an important piece of the puzzle. But it’s just that, she said – a piece.

That mindset is what drives McCormick in her slice of the inner-loop Houston, and has led to several recognitions as well as her becoming a trusted realtor in the Houston region. She is a recipient of the 20 under 40 HAR award in 2021, and has just been identified as the #195 Agent in Texas, according to Real Trends – which means she is in the top 1.5% of licensed agents nationwide out of 1.6 million.

“Technology is important and something I stay on top of and use consistently, but it can only get you so far,” she said. “It is so important to cultivate good relationships with other realtors and pick up the phone often to assess the tone and get more information. Real estate transactions are often the leading causes of stress in people’s lives and those emotions are very real. Furthermore, it takes a personal touch and rapport to truly be on top of the pulse with any transaction.”

She has become a trusted realtor, she said, by combining the new ways of the world with century-old trusted methods that have never steered her wrong – especially over the last several years amidst the COVID-19 pandemic – to help give buyers a “wide angle lens” into the house when buying or selling a home.

After all, she said, many of them had to make the biggest decision of their life quickly.

From providing 3-D tours, custom floorplans, and detailed amenities sheets for all listings outlining all its special features, to old-school methods of simply making phone calls and building

Kasia McCormick relationships, she said it is crucial to combine the best of both worlds in the current market.

“In a hot market, it is essential to have a good pulse on the market, the other agents, the transaction - as each one is different,” she said.

Whether it was her time volunteering in thes Peace Corps in Senegal, West Africa, or working as a Presidential Management Fellow with the U. S. Department of State/USAID in Washington, D. C. – where she worked as a diplomat/international coop-

eration specialist for seven years – McCormick said she prides herself on being able to find a solution that work for all parties involved.

That aspect of the real estate world, she said, is a natural transition from those previous experiences. And as she represents both buyers and sellers who are her neighbors in the Heights, Garden Oaks, Oak Forest, among other inner loop spots and Memorial, she feels it’s the right way to do things.

“I follow through from start to finish. I always treat each transaction like it’s my own,” she said. “I cannot deliver or sleep if I am not exploring all the different aspects of the transaction, evaluating all sides and finding the data and support to guide our deal. I am always looking for a win-win solution based on research and data, and analyzing the players at stake.”

As a result, McCormick said she has not seen much of a downturn in terms of sales or listings so far in 2022, despite data from the Houston Association of Realtors indicating the region as a whole has seen a decline in recent months.

“Although it seems or feels as though things have slowed down a little this summer, I am still consistently working multiple offers on both listing and buyers side when the right house comes along because we still have huge demand that has not been met, and limited supply,” she said.

She believes her methods can and will stand the test of time, and that cultivating both personal and professional relationships is the bedrock of any transaction. After all, she said, that is her favorite part of the job.

“I absolutely love working with people and providing value to my clients,” she said. “Most of them become good friends.”

Those wishing to buy or list a home with McCormick can email her at kasia.mccormick@compass.com, review her services at www.kasiamccormick.com or give her a call at 773-332-0087.

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The Leader • Saturday, June 25, 2022 • Page 3B

Houston named as one of host cities for World Cup

By Charlotte Aguilar caguilar@mcelvypartners.com

Houston learned June 16 that its four-year campaign to bring the World Cup of soccer to NRG Stadium has succeeded. Arlington in the Dallas area was also selected as a host city for the 2026 World Cup, which is organized by the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA).

They are among 16 North American venues that will be sites for the month-long tournament, arguably the world’s most high-profile sporting event, featuring an expanded field of 48 countries and 60 matches.

Chris Canetti, a former Major League Soccer executive for 18 years — 12 of those with the Houston Dynamo — directed the city’s campaign, emphasizing not only the state-of-theart stadium facilities but the city’s diversity and experience hosting major sporting events.

“The Houston community has truly backed our bid and is ready to welcome players and fans from all over the world for the World Cup,” Canetti said following the announcement, which was live-streamed from New

York. “We are grateful to FIFA for recognizing the modern, sustainable and forward-thinking bid we have built and for allowing us to continue creating a lasting legacy.”

The three North American countries — the U.S., Mexico and Canada — will be hosting the tournament, a first for the World Cup, which usually names a single host nation. The U.S. is expected to host games from the quarterfinals onward.

Here is the entire slate of host cities: Arlington (Dallas)

Atlanta East Rutherford, N.J. (New York) Foxborough, Mass. (Boston) Guadalajara, Mexico Inglewood, Calif. (Los Angeles) Kansas City Mexico City Miami Gardens, Fla. (Miami) Monterrey, Mexico Philadelphia Santa Clara, Calif. (San Francisco Bay Area) Seattle Toronto, Canada Vancouver, B.C., Canada

Duplexes, from P. 1A “We are supposed to put the through street in. We’ve faced these before,” Garza said June 9. “I use the metaphor of alligators and moats.

Every neighborhood would like to build a moat around it and fill it with alligators. But our charge is to follow Chapter 42 and the spirit of the ordinance.”

Shepherd Forest Civic Club president Patricia Williams said during the June 9 meeting that she had not heard from a single neighborhood resident who wants Oak Forest Drive to be extended or terminated with a cul-desac. Fellow civic club member Delinda Holland told The Leader that either scenario would be detrimental to the neighborhood, which already has experienced increases in traffic in recent years.

Holland also said Oak Forest Drive is not an ideal entry and exit point for the planned development, even though it provides access to West 34th Street, because the sidewalk

north of Stonecrest Drive is in disrepair.

Several Shepherd Forest residents spoke about the project and its potential impact on the neighborhood at the June 9 planning commission meeting, and Holland said many were expected to speak at Thursday’s meeting as well.

“It’s something the neighborhood is really, really upset about, because of how detrimental it will be to the neighborhood, especially when they have options,” Holland said. “There are other options. They’re just not pursuing those options.”

Rodriguez said the development also could take access on the existing drive that connects to the 610 frontage road, but only if the existing access agreement with the nearby office buildings was not in effect. That would allow that driveway to be used as a private street, she said.

Rodriguez said the plan for an Oak Forest Drive cul-

de-sac was not a requirement from the planning department, describing it as a choice by the developer once the city determined the existing driveway on the south side of the property could not be used for both residential and commercial purposes.

When asked about the possibility of amending the existing access agreement, the representative of the developer said, “I can’t imagine the owner of the office building would give that up.”

Rodriguez said the planned duplex development cannot legally take access through the office complexes immediately to the west of the Marigny Heights site – one of which houses the office for The Leader.

“If they want to have another access point to the frontage road, they will have to figure out how to modify the agreement,” Rodriguez said. “That’s on them, not us.”

indeed have liquid funds on hand,” Villarreal said. “… Thus, these other buyers have decided instead to take a break and lease for a while.”

However, she is unsure if that strategy will wind up being beneficial in certain cases. Villarreal has worked with multiple buyers over the last two years where the effect has been the opposite as they have seen an increase in average price by at least 10 percent while attempting to wait out the market.

Villarreal said the high

pricing trend will continue for the foreseeable future as a result of high demand plus low inventory and the sheer number of people still moving to the Houston region. During more than two decades in the business, she said she has never seen a significant dip in home prices in inner loop neighborhoods – though she said she thinks they will plateau at a certain point.

“I just don’t see a downward (pricing) trend anywhere in our future,” she said.

Rental, from P. 1A rise by at least 8.5 percent and median price increase by at least 6.5 percent yearover-year through the end of May. So, Villarreal said, the sentiment of those consumers attempting to “wait out” the market has become a common one. She said she has at least one lease property listed at any given time, and that the scenario is happening locally in most every price range.

“Many (consumers) have said they aren’t able to compete with the number of buyers out there who do

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Fetch your Leader Contributed photo David Werner of Beaumont reads a recent edition of The Leader during a visit to Houston. His daughter, Forest West resident Roxanne Werner, said her dad reads the paper from front to back every time he visits.

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THE PUBLIC. The Leader • Saturday, June 25, 2022 • Page 4B

City requests limited watering to cope with drought conditions

By Landan Kuhlmann landan@theleadernews.com

In response to rising temperatures and decreased rain levels, the City of Houston is entering Stage 1 of its Drought Contingency Plan, according to a Tuesday news release from the city.

The plan calls for voluntary water conservation measures, such as limited yard-watering, in the event of drought conditions.

According to the release, the city has had “record-setting” temperatures above 90 degrees in conjunction with lower-than-normal rainfall amounts. As a result, the city said most areas are experiencing either moderate or severe drought conditions.

The city suggested residents limit outdoor watering to twice per week between the hours of 7 p.m.-5 a.m. with the following schedule to help conserve water:

• Sundays and Thursdays for single-family residential customers with even-numbered street addresses • Saturdays and Wednesdays for single-family residential customers with oddnumbered street addresses • Tuesdays and Fridays for all other customers Residents are also encouraged to check and repair any water leaks and make sure sprinkler heads are not spraying into the street.

These aforementioned measures, the city said, can reduce its water use by 5 percent.

For additional conservation tips, visit publicworks. houstontx.gov/waterconservation. To find out more about the city’s Drought Contingency Plan, go to publicworks.houstontx.gov/ water-conservation-plan.

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Man charged in January shooting at local bar

By Landan Kuhlmann landan@theleadernews.com

Police have arrested and charged a man for his alleged role in the shooting death of one man and the wounding of two women at a local bar in January, according to the Houston Police Department.

Dezmond Garcia, 33, has been charged with murder in connection with the death of 42-year-old Jose Lopez

Jr. and the wounding of two women, ages 43 and 19, according to HPD. Garcia remained in jail as of June 17, with bail set at $500,000, according to Harris County court records.

Police responded to The Spot Bar & Grill, 4818 Dacoma St., just after 1 a.m. Jan. 16 to find all three victims with gunshot wounds, according to HPD. Police said eyewitnesses told investiga-

Police looking for leads in hit-andrun crash that hospitalized teen

By Landan Kuhlmann landan@theleadernews.com

Police say they are searching for the people involved in a hit-and-run collision that hospitalized a teenage boy in the Northline area in May, according to the Houston Police Department.

The victim, a 13-year-old boy, according to HPD, was later treated at a nearby hospital and released, according to the department.

HPD said the boy was walking at 602 E. Little York Rd. around 4:15 p.m.

on a May afternoon and attempted to cross the street near Nordling Road when the driver of a car traveling east on Little York struck him and then sped off.

HPD described the car only as a white sedan and said it did not have descriptive information for the driver.

Anyone with information in the incident is asked to reach out to HPD’s Hit-andRun unit at 713-247-4072 or Crime Stoppers at 713-2228477.

Garcia

tors that the victims got into an argument with a man – alleged to be Garcia – near the entrance to the bar, before Garcia allegedly pulled out a gun and shot all three victims.

After the shooting, Garcia allegedly fled the scene in a white four-door car, according to HPD. Police said Garcia was arrested and charged June 15.

Man dies in single-car crash in Memorial Park area

By Landan Kuhlmann landan@theleadernews.com

A man has died after crashing his car near Memorial Park late last week, according to the Houston Police Department.

The identity of the victim, a 59-year-old man, according to HPD, was pending confirmation by the Harris County medical examiner.

HPD said the man was driving a white Mercedes ML350 south at 900 E. Me-

morial Loop Dr. just before 7 a.m. last Thursday, June 16, when he accelerated quickly and drove off the roadway before striking a concrete culvert and multiple trees.

He was pronounced dead at Memorial Hermann Greater Heights Hospital, according to police.

Police said the man might have suffered a medical episode immediately before the crash, according to HPD, which said an investigation remains ongoing.

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