The 12-21-24 Edition of The Leader Heights

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Inside Today: Get in the holiday spirit with festive activities around town Page 3

Santa Shops Here, You Should Too!! 20% OFF STOREWIDE! Flower & Gift Shop

Covering the Heights, Garden Oaks, Oak Forest & the neighborhoods of North Houston

10570 NW Frwy ❖ 713-680-2350

Saturday, December 21, 2024 • Vol. 69 • No. 51

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Oaks Dads’ Club wins ownership dispute over Oak Forest baseball field

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INSIDE.

By STEFANIE THOMAS editor@theleadernews.com After a protracted legal battle, Oaks Dads’ Club (ODC) has emerged victorious in its lawsuit against the Heights Lions Club regarding ownership of the baseball field at 1025 Judiway St. The judgment, finalized in Harris County District Court on Nov. 15, solidifies ODC’s ownership of the property and ensures the field will remain dedicated to youth sports in the Garden Oaks and Oak Forest communities. The dispute, which began in 2021, centered on the Heights Lions Club’s attempt to sell the

2.7-acre field—valued at over $3 million—to commercial developers. ODC, which had leased, maintained, and used the field for more than 50 years, argued that the property should continue serving its charitable purpose for local children. According to ODC attorney Sean Jez, the Heights Lions Club “misrepresented its ownership interest” in the property, prompting ODC to pursue legal action. In a decisive ruling, the court granted ODC ownership through a cy pres order, ensuring the property remains dedicated to youth athletics. The cy pres doctrine, applied

when a charitable purpose must be preserved, was backed by the Texas Attorney General’s Office. Jez explained, “We successfully pursued a cy pres case against the Heights Lions Club to take ownership of the Pony Field so that it can be held in perpetuity for its charitable purpose.” Additionally, the court found the Heights Lions Club liable for fraud, noting that it had misrepresented its control over the field for decades. “Although Oaks Dads’ Club had utilized and maintained the Pony Field for more than 50 years,” Jez stated, “The Heights Lions Club locked

File photo

Pony Field at 1025 Judiway St. was the subject of a legal dispute between the Heights Lions Club and Oak Dads’ Club, which both claimed to be rightful owners of the property. Following legal action, Oaks Dads’ Club was declared owner of the field.

See LAWSUIT P. 2

Heights REGULATING RENTALS toEQclose after 10 years, community reacts

Tips for pet-giving this Christmas

By STEFANIE THOMAS editor@theleadernews.com

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Help loved ones at risk for anxiety, depression get help

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Photo by Stephanie Shirley

There are privately-owned multi-family properties that have not been subject to regulation and are allegedly operating as short-term rentals, right here in The Heights.

Houston Cracks Down on Short-Term Rentals: Regulations aim to restore neighborhood peace Opinion: A look back at 2024

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Housing Market: Local real estate data by zip code

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By STEPHANIE SHIRLEY The Leader News Contributor The City is calling for change in the way the short-term rental (STR) industry is operated and regulated in Houston. An STR is defined as a dwelling unit, or part thereof, that is rented out for less than 30 days. The definition carries exceptions such as boarding houses or lodging regulated by other municipal entities. The greatest catalyst for the change is the exploding number of privately-owned properties in the city being operated as short-term vacation rental capacities and marketed through online platforms such AirBnb or Vrbo. The growth has been fueled by the increasing costs of lodging accommodations to consumers and the need for additional revenue that it generates for property owners. However, STR growth has also come at a markedly high price. It

After serving the Houston Heights community for a decade, EQ Heights will be closing its doors at 1030 Heights Blvd. on Dec. 29, 2024, marking the end of an era for the beloved neighborhood coffee shop. EQ Heights shared the news through a heartfelt social media post that drew a wave of emotions from longtime patrons and supporters. The announcement explained that the building has been transferred to new occupants, making it impossible for the café to remain. Founder Kevin Blasini and his staff have been the backbone of EQ Heights, fostering a space described as a “cornerstone of the Heights community” where creativity, comfort, and connection thrived. Despite extensive efforts to find a solution, Blasini shared, “The finalization of the disposition of the property has made it impossible for us to stay.” For the community, the loss is deeply felt. Rebecca Bass echoed a common sentiment upon learning of the closure on Facebook: “I have loved coming to EQ for ten years! I will support you all wherever you move! I will so miss our little Heights spot.” Many recalled fond memories, such as Stacey Kemper, who shared, “It became my favorite coffee shop. My daughter and I would walk there before school for cocoa, and my dog spent many midmornings lounging on the patio. Sad to see it close.” See EQ HEIGHTS P. 2

Screenshot from booking.com

A negative review of a “stylish” short-term rental in the Heights on booking.com

has caused detriment to some communities by increasing traffic flow, noise volumes and crime. More importantly it has deprived neighboring residents of their basic right to enjoy quality of life in their own home. Of

equal concern, there is an issue of property value. Without zoning, many Houston residents already experience discomfort with respect to the way development often affects property See RENTAL P. 3

File photo, courtesy of EQ Heights

The property that is currently home of EQ Heights and an adjacent law office, was originally listed for sale at $1.9 million.

Celebrate the holidays with Houston’s top restaurants Art Valet: Doodles, boxing, and life’s long run

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THE INDEX. People ���������������������������������������2 Topics ����������������������������������������4 Classifieds ���������������������������������7 Local Culture �����������������������������8

Compiled by STEFANIE THOMAS

to savor this Christmas in Houston.

The area’s top restaurants are rolling out festive menus and special offerings to make your holiday celebrations unforgettable. Whether you’re planning a cozy Christmas Eve dinner, a grand family feast at home, or a unique holiday brunch, there’s something for everyone. From elegant dining experiences with live music to curated to-go meals featuring seasonal favorites like tamales, roasted turkey, and decadent desserts, these local gems ensure you can enjoy the season without the stress of cooking. Here’s a roundup of some of the best options

Bayou Heights Biergarten & BHBG Coffee

We empower people to thrive. S TE LL A R . BA N K NML S # 4 5 1 3 1 2

Both concepts are open on Christmas Day, with BHBG Coffee serving from 10 AM – 10 PM and Bayou Heights Biergarten from noon to midnight. Enjoy coffees, pastries, craft beer, and a full bar menu for a festive, laid-back celebration.

Rainbow Lodge Known for its wild game and seafood, Rainbow Lodge offers its regular à la carte menu for Christmas Eve dinner. Their holiday to-go menu

features options like beef tenderloin, roasted turkey, and seasonal sides. Desserts like chocolate bourbon pecan pie are also available. Orders require 48-hour notice. Rainbow Lodge is closed on Christmas Day. They will reopen on December 26 at 5 pm. www.rainbow-lodge.com

Houston Food Bank

The Houston Food Bank offers holiday meals and a la carte items through its 535 Catering program, supporting its mission to provide food for those in need. Options include a See RESTAURANTS P. 5

Photo courtesy of Houston Food Bank

Houston Food Bank holiday plate

Allegiance Bank and CommunityBank of Texas have come together as Stellar Bank. While our name has changed, our commitment to serving our customers and supporting our local communities will stay the same. We look forward to a bright future together.

2222 North Durham | 281.517.8760 Margaret Vandever, Bank Office President Cecilia Rodriguez, Office Manager


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