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SATURDAY | May 4, 2013 | Vol. 59 | No. 27 | www.theleadernews.com | @heightsleader

THE BRIEF. sponsored by

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Meeting to unravel complex Chapter 42

Give-and-take at town hall meeting

Councilmembers Ed Gonzalez and Ellen Cohen, who represent Leader neighborhoods, are sponsoring a meeting from 6:30-8 p.m. May 9 at Oak Forest Elementary School, 1401 W. 43rd St., that will address the implementation of Chapter 42. The controversial measure – often referred to a “Houston’s development rule book” – received its ﬁrst update in 14 years when it passed council, 14-3, last week after months of discussion and compromise. The revision provides for greater residential density outside the Loop to encourage development of blighted areas and more aﬀordable housing close-in, but preserves deed restricted neighborhoods. For information, go to www.houstonplanning.com and click to the link to Chapter 42, or call 713-837-7701.

by Charlotte Aguilar charlotte@theleadernews.com

Come Join Us!

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The ﬁrst one made us so hungry, we had to do it again. Inside today’s edition of The Leader, we publish a section on some of the best Tex-Mex restaurants around, including a little history about the food we love, and spots to ﬁnd food trucks and breakfast tacos.

M-F 11am-9pm Sat 11am-5pm

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See more in Classiﬁeds

PAGE 4B

THE INDEX.

Public Safety Hipstrict Topics Obituaries Coupons Puzzles Sports Classiﬁeds

2A 3A 4A 5A 6A 4A 7B 4B

Crime

Citizen’s Patrol, Cohen town hall meeting, even a free gun program all taking aim at the bad guys

10570 NW Frwy • 713-680-2350

BUCKET � OF BEER

Beating

“Waltrip will not be an Apollo school and so will also not be called or labeled an Apollo school.” – HISD

No Apollo for Waltrip, but help is on its way by Charlotte Aguilar charlotte@theleadernews.com Houston ISD’s high school chief told the Waltrip High community in a letter Monday what it thought it might have to battle long and hard to achieve: that the district had decided against designating Waltrip as an Apollo 20 turnaround school. But the letter did say HISD would introduce several elements of the Apollo program that offer extra help to ﬂoundering students, as well as increasing programs for collegebound students. According to Orlando Riddick, that includes extensive tutoring focusing on ninth- and 10th-graders, extending the school day by an hour, and adding more options in career and technology and “linked learning” education, dual credit courses that count toward college, and Advanced Placement classes. What won’t happen, Riddick said: The principal selection process won’t be slowed; electives and extracurriculars and the magnet program won’t be altered, administrators and teachers won’t be replaced (outside normal attrition), and teachers won’t be made to work Saturdays. Saying the school is “at a tipping point,” Riddick acknowledged many of the positive points about the school, its history and community involvement that parents and educators had made the previous week in a emotional reaction to the announcement from Supt. Terry Grier that he was adding Waltrip to the next phase of Apollo. “I see the administration, at this point, demonstrating a process responding to the community,” said HISD Board President Anna Eastman, whose trustee district includes Waltrip, on hearing the news Monday. “It’s obvious Waltrip has some pretty big needs, but it’s also obvious after last week that the

HISD to host budget meeting at Reagan High School Houston ISD will host a community meeting at 6 p.m. May 15 at Reagan to discuss the district’s budget and budgeting process. It’s one of a series of nine community meetings covering key aspects of HISD’s budgeting process, such as where the money comes from, how much is designated to each of the 276 campuses, who decides how the money is spent at each campus and who monitors the budget, among other topics. The HISD administration has indicated its budget may require a tax increase between 3-5 cents to make up for a projected revenue shortfall from the state, and an additional penny on the tax rate will be required to fund the $1.9 billion bond election passed by voters in 2011 for a massive school and technology reconstruction program. HISD’s General Manager of Budget and Financial Planning Sharon Eaves will be leading the budget presentations at the community meetings.

There was news: burglaries of motor vehicles in the Heights are up 44 percent in one year, while it’s aggravated assaults that have climbed in that same period along the Washington Avenue corridor, up 40 percent. There were eye-openers: only one officer is available for daytime traffic enforcement in the Heights. (He’s good at it, writing 200 tickets in one week along Yale Street alone.) And there was compassion: Councilmember Ellen Cohen empathized that although Mayor An- Capt. Daryn Edwards, offered some nise Parker had pointed out a de- surprises Monday night at the crime cline in crime overall in Houston town hall in the Heights. just the week before, it didn’t mean much if “your house was broken Ever wonder what into that night or somebody held you up at gunpoint during the day. those police storefronts Then it becomes very personal.” are for? Find out. That was the broad sweep of PAGE 2A Monday night’s Town Hall on crime, hosted by Cohen at the request of the HPD to get their crime prevention messages out and to hear

see Town Hall • Page 8A

Citizen’s Patrol at front line of crime by Michael Sudhalter michael@theleadernews.com It’s an ordinary Monday afternoon in Shepherd Park Plaza, and a Citizen’s Patrol organizer is driving about 10 miles per hour, waving at friendly residents and occasionally stopping to say hello. “It shows our neighborhood that somebody is here,” said the organizer, a retired law enforcement professional who wished to remain anonymous. “We just ride and make people feel a little bit safer. Everybody knows us and knows we’re here to do the right thing.” There are about 20-22 Shepherd Park Plaza residents who volunteer as Citizen’s Patrol members. The program, which is coordinated through the Houston Police Department, serves as the eyes and A Shepherd Park Plaza Citizen’s Patrol member cruises the neighborears for law enforcement. All members must go through hood looking for suspicious activity. a training session with HPD Sgt. Frank Escobedo that are conducted the second Tuesday of every month at the HPD’s North Division station, 9455 W. Montgomery Road. Those

see Patrol • Page 8A

Project selects 77018 for free guns by Michael Sudhalter michael@theleadernews.com

solutions should include an involved community.” Waltrip PTA President Elizabeth Villarreal, who is also on the principal selection committee, was relieved. “I know that we are behind where we should be, yet when Apollo was brought into the equation, I knew I had not seen any data that suggests the Apollo program is performing as it was intended when it was implemented,” she said. “Knowing we are about

A new Houston-based non-proﬁt is taking an active approach to the rising crime problem in Oak Forest, Garden Oaks and Shepherd Park Plaza. Armed Citizen Project started in January in response to a break-in at the nearby home of 93-year-old Elbert Woods, a World War II hero. “People helped renovate it for him,” said Armed Citizen Project president Justin Dupuy. “We decided to put our money where our mouth is on the gun issue, so here we are.” Dupuy, of Katy, met ACP founder Kyle Coplen, of Houston, while both were volunteering for Mitt Romney’s presidential campaign last fall. The Woods incident sparked their interest in starting an organization that would help Houston residents to defend themselves.

see Waltrip • Page 8A

see Armed • Page 6A

Page 2A • The Leader • May 4, 2013 • @heightsleader

HPD storefronts: what they do and don’t do by Michael Sudhalter michael@theleadernews.com Successful policing involves community interaction and input, according to two local Houston Police Department sergeants who supervise the department’s Neighborhood Storefronts on 1127 N. Shepherd and 1335 W. 43rd St. “(Citizens) don’t know we’re a specialized unit. People get to know these officers because we interact with them so much,” said Sgt. Chad Wall, who supervises the seven officers and one Police Service Officer (PSO) civilian at the North Shepherd storefront. The two main functions of the city’s 27 storefronts are community service/outreach and the Differential Response Team (DRT), which handles code enforcement and non-emergency issues. “The officers get to know a lot of citizens,” said Sgt. Frank Escobedo, who supervises the West 43rd Storefront. “Citizens feel comfortable coming to us for information. It is a partnership. We work hand-in-hand.” Citizens can visit the storefront and talk to an officer about a problem, file a complaint or accident report or request service. Sometimes, citizens may call the storefront about an issue like loud music or a barking dog, and the response from an officer will go a long way in showing that the department cares. It’s part of the Positive Interaction Program, according to the sergeants. The storefronts began in the 1980s under the direction of then-HPD chief Lee Brown, who wanted to emphasize community policing. The setup of the storefronts differs throughout the city. “Each captain decides how to run them,” said HPD Sgt. Richard Wilson, who supervises the city’s oldest storefront -- Near Town/ Montrose at 802 Westheimer. Capt. Daryn Edwards supervises Central Patrol, which includes the

Sgt. Chad Wall, left, oversees HPD’s storefront in the Heights, while Sgt. Frank Escobedo, community relations liaison for the department’s North Division, is in charge of the storefront on 43rd Street in Oak Forest. (Photo by Michael Sudhalter) North Shepherd storefront, and Capt. Tom Runyan is in charge of North Patrol, which includes West 43rd. The West 43rd storefront is different than the North Shepherd location because it has four PSOs and no officers. The PSOs contact Escobedo and 12 DRT officers, who are based at North Command, 6719 W. Montgomery Road. Each command has monthly community storefront meetings. Central (North Shepherd) is held the first Tuesday of every month at the Houston Police Officers Union, 1602 State Street. North (West 43rd) is held the third Thursday of the month at 9455 West Montgomery. There are 28 civic organizations in the North Shepherd area, and officers attend their meetings, said Wall. The officers also attend PTO meetings, and school safety programs as requested, especially in North Command. The school programs include student safety, “stranger danger” and reporting abuse. “(The school programs) are mainly by invitation, and the invitations are constant,” Escobedo said.

The storefront ofﬁcers handle DRT situations like checking abandoned buildings or illegal dumping to building code violations. They also do compliance checks for convenience stores, apartment code enforcement and monitor game rooms to make sure that they’re following the city ordinances. All of those entities must be registered with the city, and a lot of crime can come from game rooms, according to the sergeants. Sometimes, a routine visit to an abandoned building or a code violation will lead to a larger problem. Escobedo recalled a situation in Independence Heights a few years ago when a building code violation was the initial problem, and it was discovered through that, the homeowner had “bales and bales of marijuana.” Burglary of Motor Vehicles has become a major problem throughout the city –– and a preventable one, according to the sergeants. Ofﬁcers do inspections and have an HPD “Report Card” that they post on a car window to show how well that person took steps to prevent a BMV. Sixty percent of vehicles fail the

Police Reports, April 17-26 APRIL 17

Theft 05:00 PM 2100-2199 ALTHEA DR

APRIL 18

Burglary 05:00 PM 4000-4099 WATONGA BLVD Theft 12:00 AM 5300-5399 PETTY

APRIL 19

Robbery 06:45 AM 1100-1199 LAWRENCE Robbery 09:00 AM 300-399 CROSSTIMBERS Theft 11:30 PM 1400-1499 BEVIS ST Theft 03:15 AM 800-899 OAK Theft 11:00 PM 700-799 WILKEN Theft 11:45 PM 900-999 COTTAGE ST Burglary 07:00 AM 1400-1499 MARTIN Theft 02:00 PM 2100-2199 WINTER

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Burglary 11:00 PM 2700-2799 YALE Theft 10:00 PM 600-699 20TH ST Theft 11:00 PM 1600-1699 BEALL ST Theft 10:15 PM 4200-4299 WASHINGTON AVE Theft 09:00 PM 2300-2399 WASHINGTON AVE Theft 09:00 PM 2300-2399 TANNEHILL Burglary 05:00 PM 2400-2499 MANGUM Theft 09:45 PM 1500-1599 DIAN ST Robbery 08:30 PM 3700-3799 KATY FWY Theft 10:00 PM 6100-6199 CLYDE Theft 02:00 PM 900-999 SHEPHERD DR Theft 10:00 PM 5300-5399 LARKIN Theft 07:00 AM 2400-2499 ELLA BLVD Theft 06:20 PM 1400-1499 STUDEMONT

APRIL 22

Burglary 02:15 AM 1800-1899 18TH ST Theft 03:35 PM 4400-4499 NORTH FWY Theft 01:32 PM 1300-1399 CROSSTIMBERS Theft 05:30 AM 3200-3299 MANGUM Theft 10:00 PM 6300-6399 CINDY LN Theft 07:00 PM 1200-1299 OMAR Theft 10:30 PM 2700-2799 HAVERHILL Theft 08:30 PM 2700-2799 NORTH LP W Theft 11:00 PM 5500-5599 KIAM Theft 11:00 PM 100-199 24TH ST Theft 01:00 AM 700-799 SUE BARNETT Burglary 07:00 PM 900-999 33RD ST Theft 07:45 PM 1000-1099 STUDE Theft 10:00 AM 200-299 HEIGHTS BLVD Theft 07:00 PM 4400-4499 NORTH FWY Theft 05:00 PM 600-699 DONOVAN

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test, meaning they neglect to hide �� valuable possessions and other �� things that may attract a burglar. �� The storefronts are involved in �� 832-885-4939 community service events such as Ad # 29672 food drives, Channel 13’s Share Your Christmas, Blue Santa, and Shop With A Cop, a partnership InvestInvest in Your Future in Your Future with Target Stores that provides Through America’s Past Through America’s Past holiday toys to underprivileged children. The storefront officers are required to be flexible as well. In the event of a major emergency, all HPD units will be mobilized, and that includes the storefront officers. If the president or another important dignitary visits Houston, storefront officers are called upon to work the visit, so staffing won’t disrupt patrol units. During the NBA All-Star Game Authorized Dealer : PCGS in February, the storefront officers provided crowd control at events Appraisals given for banks, estates, attorneys, insurance and individuals. all weekend. “We’re tasked with pretty much 8435 Katy Freeway, Houston, Texas 77024 anything patrol can’t do,” Wilson PHONE 713-464-6868 FAX 713-464-7548 www.buyuscoins.com said.

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Assault 08:00 PM 1900-1999 ELLA BLVD Theft 09:00 AM 2600-2699 ELLA BLVD Theft 10:00 AM 200-299 19TH ST Robbery 09:50 AM 200-299 20TH ST Theft 11:00 AM 400-499 W. 17TH Theft 06:08 AM 1500-1599 BEVIS ST Theft 10:40 AM 700-799 MERRILL

Theft 07:15 PM 3600-3699 KATY FWY Theft 10:00 PM 2500-2599 NICHOLSON Theft 10:15 PM 500-599 27TH ST Assault 11:24 PM 5600-5699 LARKIN Theft 10:00 AM 400-499 20TH ST Theft 09:50 AM 4300-4399 NORTH FWY Theft 05:43 PM 2500-2599 SHEARN ST Burglary 08:30 AM 2100-2199 TANNEHILL DR Burglary 08:00 AM 2000-2099 VIKING Theft 12:30 AM 1300-1399 STUDER Theft 10:00 AM 2100-2199 MAIN ST

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APRIL 23

Theft 02:00 AM 1500-1599 NORTH LP W Theft 08:00 PM 2300-2399 WILDE ROCK WAY

Robbery 01:20 PM 200-299 CROSSTIMBERS Theft 01:45 PM 1900-1999 BETHLEHEM Theft 12:00 PM 2100-2199 ELLA BLVD Theft 04:00 PM 100-199 YALE Theft 02:36 PM 100-199 YALE Theft 06:00 AM 900-999 MAIN ST

APRIL 25

Theft 12:59 PM 200-299 20TH ST Burglary 08:00 AM 4800-4899 MICHAUX Theft 06:08 PM 4400-4499 NORTH FWY Theft 03:08 PM 4400-4499 NORTH FWY Theft 12:15 PM 1800-1899 SOUTH ST Theft 10:45 AM 2500-2599 SHEPHERD Theft 02:45 PM 900-999 NORTH LP W SER Theft 09:30 PM 0-99 YALE Theft 10:00 PM 4400-4499 ELLA BLVD Theft 11:00 PM 4400-4499 NORTH FWY SER

APRIL 26

Theft 06:00 PM 400-499 HEIGHTS BLVD Theft 05:15 PM 100-199 YALE Burglary 01:20 AM 1300-1399 SALFORD Theft 08:00 AM 1800-1899 CROCKETT ST Theft 08:00 AM 1200-1299 WEST LP N

These reports from Leader neighborhoods are supplied by spotcrime.com based on data from the Houston Police Department.

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Page 3A • The Leader • May 4, 2013 • @heightsleader

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Zelko creates a buzz about sustainability by Michael Sudhalter michael@theleadernews.com

Soma Sushi 4520 Washington Ave. www.somasushi.com Lunch Items: $4-$12 Sushi Plates and Combinations: $10-$27 Sushi Rolls: $5-$17 Kid Friendly: Lunch is probably the best time to introduce chop sticks LE’s Favorite: Taro

Review: Soma doesn’t fail to fill the stomach There’s something about sushi that always dupes me. Before ordering finely-prepared fish, I will peer down the typically lengthy list of sushi rolls and think something like: Oh man, I bet that combination of peppercorn tuna and avocado with spicy aioli and tobiko and whatever other little clever fixings the chef is going to sneak into that roll is going to be awesome! And then Leader Eater gets lured in by the shrewd naming of the rolls (chic Soma Sushi on Washington Avenue features labels such as God Made Man/Man Made Roll and King of Kings for its flamboyant rolls) and the perception that I had better get at least three of these things to fill me up. Before I know it, I’ve rung up a giant bill just on only a handful of rolls and I’ve only finished half of the deceptively-filling fish and rice pipes with no room in my belly to spare. Sometimes, though, a dependable, workman-like go at sushi is the best way to experience its splendor. And if you are looking for a toned down, laid-back version of sleek Japanese and Asian fusion cuisine, Soma probably isn’t your place in the evenings, when its sharp-finished interior and kaleidoscope of menu and drink options attract a crowd. (Happy hour at this Washington location is also a full house affair.) So, Leader Eater landed there for a less hectic lunch and immediately had to fight off the urge for Soma’s fancy rolls. I, instead, went with a standard sushi combination plate called Taro. This is about as vanilla as it gets: four pieces of the customary California roll, another four tiny tubes of spicy tuna roll

and three pieces of nigiri. As part of the city’s Asian cuisine conglomerate, the Azuma Group, Soma has a beautiful assortment of entrees that go well beyond the realm of Japanese food, particularly on their dinner menu. But if you’re going to hang a sign out front touting yourself as a sushi joint, then you had better ace your namesake. And nigiri (and sashimi), the antithesis of mysterious rolls and fusion dishes, is the litmus test. Soma did not underwhelm in this trial run, bringing out three pieces of ample and stunning shrimp, salmon and tuna fastened to a saddle of rice. The tuna, in particular, was an absolute slab of deep sea freshness with stark lines split across its purplish hue. It was so enticing that I couldn’t resist the urge to nab the tuna nigiri from my Co-Pilot, who had an especially vibrant exhibition of nigiri in the combination plate called Toh. Adding to the simplistic allure of its lunch menu, the combination plates come with a pre-sushi double-whammy of miso soup and a house salad, which is highlighted by a smooth yet sassy ginger miso vinaigrette dressing. (The black napkin-wrapped spoon for the soup and label-less wine bottles for your water are nice touches.) If you’re also in the modest mood but aren’t feeling sushi, Soma has introduced ramen into the menu, so as not to miss out on the city’s newest foodie fad. Leader Eater would probably skip the Seafood “Kaisen” Ramen next time. But with all this gastronomic humility, I’m sure I’ll be wild eyed for some of Soma’s exotic offering the next time I’m in.

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A popular childhood reply to a question is “none of your beeswax,” but Zelko’s Bistro co-owner/ Heights resident Dalia Zelko discovered a few years ago that the well-being of bees is crucial to agriculture and food production. Zelko watched a 2009 documentary, “The Vanishing of The Bees,” and decided it was time to take action. “Bees help with worldwide problems,” Zelko said. “How can we have food without bees? Everything in the market is pollinated by bees.” The decreasing of the bee population concerned Zelko and her partner/bistro co-owner and chef, Jamie, so they became involved in setting up 85 different hives for wild bees. Each hive is home to

Zelko’s Bistro co-owner Dalia Zelko started a project on the sustainability of bees and their positive eﬀect on agriculture. (Photo by Michael Sudhalter) about 50,000 bees. One of those hives is located at I-10 and Yale, and they have others

throughout the area. “Our long term goals are to educate people about bees on their

impact and every day lives, speciﬁcally when it comes to food,” Dalia said. “We went to pass (the bee hives) on to farmers, so they can grow their crops.” At the couple’s 11th Street bistro, they sell unique bottles of honey, directly extracted from the honeycomb itself. “Everything is hand extracted, hand bottled,” Dalia said. Dalia is a native of Juarez, Mexico who has a master’s degree in chemistry from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, N.Y. She’s always been committed to socially and economically responsible projects. Since beginning the project, she’s been stung by bees nine times, but it hasn’t deterred her. She said that honey has many little-known beneﬁts for people, including burn victims and those suffering from rheumatory arthritis.

Art a la Carte: Scouring for events near and far Forecast: Partly cloudy with a 100 percent chance of art receptions, openings and markets. I have scoured my inbox and Facebook invites, and here my picks for the next 10 days or so. Not everything is about art, and not everything is in the Heights either. Quite a few of these listings are from the calendar that the First Saturday Arts Market artists keep up on the website. Be sure to come see us this Saturday – it’s our last day show until September. For June, Mitch Cohen July and August, Arts Columnist you’ll have to wear cocktail attire to see us at night.

Saturday, May 4

First Saturday Arts Market - 548 W. 19th St at Lawrence. 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. www.FirstSaturdayArtsMarket.com. Catch Wind Water Gallery’s close out sale, ﬁnal days are here, sad to say. Our hosts are retiring to New Mexico. Spring Green Fling, One Green Street, 1-4 p.m., 3423 White Oak Drive, Houston, Texas 77007. visit www.SpringGreenFling.com This will be fun, I may sneak away! John Ross Palmer’s second annual Gathering of the Escapists, 36 p.m. 1218 Heights Blvd., 77008, featuring the unveiling of Palmer’s equestrian 2013 art series;, The Kick-Off of Equestrian Month at the JPA Gallery; The Gathering of Past & Current Escapist Artists; and a VIP Viewing Area for the Kentucky Derby. Derby attire is encouraged. Palmer may be the Heights best-known artist, and his mentor program is top-notch, and as the artists in this show. Nick Joerling: Pots/Possibilities at 18 Hands Gallery 249 W. 19th St. 77008, 6-9 p.m. Master Ceramic Artist Nick Joerling, one person show. www.18handsgallery.com. The Heights has its very own ceramics gallery –– how cool is that? Classes are available by Joerling this week, too. Inquire at the gallery.

Jeff Jennings “Many Hats” 69 p.m. Redbud Gallery, 303 East 11th St., 77008 “The exhibit will consist of several small paintings in egg tempera on panels along with a few larger paintings in acrylic on paper.” “… and The Winners are …” Kallinen Contemporary, 7 p.m. 511 Broadway 77012 Seven winning artists were chosen by the late, great artist Bert L. Long Jr., World Famous Art Collector Lester Marks and Paper City’s Catherine Anspon; Mario Kazaz, Victor Hugo Zambrano Navarro, Christian Perkins, Christina Karll, Solomon Kane, Jonathan Rosenstein, and Randall Kallinen. Bert L. Long was an awesome man and artist. This his belated swan song to the arts community.

May 4-5

Owens. The Heights has one of the coolest used bookstores this side of the Mississippi, Events are held in the back patio area. I dare you to trump proprietor John’s vocabulary. www.kaboombooks. com

Friday May 10

Dis*qui*et - solo show with Michael Wooten, East End Studio Gallery 6-10 p.m. 708 Telephone Rd. Ste. C 77023

h t t p s : / / w w w. f a ce b o o k . co m / events/103231636545633 Visual Arts Alliance 30th Juried Open Exhibition One and Three Allen Center, 500 Dallas 77002 6-8 p.m., Juror Diane Barber, awards announced at 7:00 pm. On view thru June 16, 2013. http://www. visualartsalliance.org All Weekend: Houston Art Car Ball/Parade and other activities can be found here: http://www. thehoustonartcarparade.com

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LitFuse May 2013 Reading Kaboom Books 7:30 p.m. 3116 Houston Ave., 77009 LitFuse closes out the spring 2013 season with an extravagant Very Special Episode, featuring Beth Secor, and Bryan

Contact Janet (713) 358-5085 For a detailed schedule visit 7070 Allensby / Houston, Texas 77022

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Three New Salads and a

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Leader Nibbles

D&T has been reinvented

Eater Houston got a ﬁrst look at the extreme makeover of the venerable D&T Drive Inn, 1307 Enid St. in the Heights, operated by the duo behind Down House. According to Eater’s Eric Sandler, the craft beer count is now up to 55, and the new place –– 14 months in the making –– bears little resemblance to the classic old Texas icehouse. A nice touch, he reports, is the bar top, made of a tree cut down during renovations. The D&T was hoping to open Saturday but was awaiting ﬁnal inspections at Leader deadline Tuesday. It will feature a modest food menu -- and has vowed to keep steak night intact. For a look at the new joint, visit www.houston.eater.com

We are happy to introduce three new Entrée Salads and an Improved Chargrilled Cool Wrap® to our menu featuring fresh flavors and nutritious ingredients.

The dusty, dingy old D&T Drive Inn in the Heights has cleaned up real nice, according to Eater Houston. (Photo from www.houston.eater.com) and Hay Merchant). There are $10 daily

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Page 4A • The Leader • May 4, 2013 • @heightsleader

Social media stories make me proud of our medium A

lot of people (and we’re talking about my Mom here) often ask why I don’t use this weekly column to talk about some of the issues impacting areas beyond the Heights, Garden Oaks, Oak Forest and North Houston. Without fail – even to Mom – the answer is pretty simple: Because we don’t do that very well. Whether it’s bombings in Boston, explosions in West or the ongoing debates over guns and gay marriage, there are plenty of national talking heads (and a bunch in Houston) who are quite happy to offer their opinions. Over a beer, I’d probably tell you mine, but not sitting in my ofﬁce just north of 610. All that said, there’s something that happened in Boston last week that gripped me as strong as any national story in the past year. We all know about the bombings in Watertown, and we know about the two suspects – one who died and one who almost died hiding beneath the canvas of a boat. But something else happened that greatly impacts media that I’d like to share today. (And by the way, I’m always happy to write about events in the media because it’s important for you to know as you choose your sources of information.)

JONATHAN MCELVY Publisher

In all the mayhem and catastrophe that surrounded the Boston Marathon bombings on April 15, those who watched the events unfold did something we all do today. They reached for their phones, started snapping pictures, posted those pictures to social media, and took some sense of pride in being able to quickly tell the story that millions upon millions would tell for months and years to come. As news circulated about the explosions, and as people quickly associated the tragedies with a possible terrorist attack, those same people who updated their “friends” about the events took a second scroll through the pictures they captured. As one journalist wrote, “They looked for any person with tan skin, a hat and a backpack.”

THE READER. Memorial Park’s new steward

Congratulations, Houston, for having Shellye Arnold at the helm of this critical organization! As a backyard and community environmentalist and humanist, and as someone who participated last year in ﬁre-break clearings in the Memorial Park, I’m very excited to know that with Shellye & the Memorial Park Conservancy Board, staﬀ and supporters standing for, and causing it, a long future for the diverse and sustainable park is assured. Deborah Bradford via www.theleadernews.com Dear Editor: Houston could not have chosen a better person for the job! Bob Meindl via www.theleadernews.com

Well, one person out there found a picture matching the description and posted the picture and name of a guy, Sunil Tripathi, who was in the area at the time. Needless to say, that picture – with absolutely no verification or justification – circulated through every known social media site in the world. It started on a news aggregation site called Reddit.com, and ended when law enforcement apprehended Tripathi and questioned him about the bombings. You may know that police interrogated this guy and found that he wasn’t connected, in any way, to the attack. What you may not know is that this same young man, a student at Brown University, was found dead, floating in the Providence River 10 days later. As of this writing, there was no final word on what happened to Tripathi. It could simply be coincidence. It also could be much worse. The reason that story moved me so much is because I’m part of the institution we call the media. Whether we know it or not – and I think we do – the media have changed from newspapers, radio, TV and even news websites. Today, I suppose any person with a phone and an email address is part of the media, and events like this open all sorts of fear

OUR STAFF wanted to talk to the cops ﬁrst to see if it was OK. I told her to talk to them to get the story out but she didn’t and that was probably the only opportunity to bring any attention to the crimes. I realize after reading your article that her not talking to them was a huge mistake because the only thing I see on 13’s website is about lawn furniture being stolen from Garden Oaks. Daniel Donaldson via www.theleadernews.com Dear Editor: It would be wonderful if your online version could include a “comments” section following headline stories. In regard to all of the recent robberies in Oak Forest it’s a great place to leave comments without names etc. Should the actual “bad guys” read the comments with all of the precautions we are taking, including residents carrying weapons, that could be a deterrent. Just an idea. Thanks!! Virginia via www.theleadernews.com

Dear Editor: Who could have envisioned a better person for this role? Shellye brings the corporate savvy and the commitment to the environment and the community that is required for this role. I look forward to seeing how she shapes the greenspaces of Houston in the years to come. Joe Crownover via www.theleadernews.com

Editor’s note: Comments can be left on any story online by clicking on the item on the home page and scrolling to the bottom of the story.

HPD’s media policies

Sobering center

Yea, it would have been nice to have heard anything about the recent crimes, before my daughter was robbed in front of her house on Althea last Friday. The moron actually shot at her boyfriend before taking oﬀ; thank God she was on the phone with him in the house at the time. My daughter said a Channel 13 KTRK news crew came out and was asking about it but she

I can not be more pleased about the step that the City of Houston is taking about helping Alcoholics and Addicts to be safe and save people’s lives with this facility. I am a License Chemical Dependency Counselor and I understand the need to have this program/facility in the Great Houston Area. Maria Lulu Cisneros via www.theleadernews.com

We’ll take all the migrant winners in this round Stand by for yet another wave of immigrants. No, not from south of the border or even from college campuses where 36-year-olds have overstayed their student visas by 17 years and have no intention of returning to Nigeria. Not the Icelanders and Finns seeking political asylum. I am talking about interpreters, some 8,000 Afghans working for the U.S. military in that war. Now that our troops are withdrawing, the interpreters want to come to America, along with their wives and kids. Machinery is already set up to bring them here: 7,500 special visas have been authorized, but only 12 percent have been issued. One problem might be that the Afghans are second in line to all the Iraqis who have the same goal. Visas for 25,000 Iraqis have been made available, and only 22 percent of the visas have been granted. The Afghans who worked for American companies, including the news media and nongovernmental organizations, are not eligible for the special visas. However, Iraqis are eligible, along with all family members, siblings, parents, close neighbors, and the guy who serves them coffee in the café. We can’t blame the interpreters, who have been singled out by the Taliban for execution, and we have long promised a home for the huddled masses yearning to breathe free, the wretched refuse of their teeming shore, the homeless, and don’t forget the tempesttost.(Yes, tost.) We never ask for the rich, beautiful and brilliant. Besides, the Afghans are only following another tradition we have here: we always get the losers. It began with the Scots, survivors of the Battle of Culloden of 1746, in which the English beat the Scots and the losers came to America. Then the French-Canadians in Canada came after the British beat the French – who hasn’t? They landed in Louisiana and today we call them Cajuns. After Katrina they came to Texas. A brief counter-march occurred after we won the American Revolution and tens of thousands of American loyalists went to Canada. Down through the years im-

Same thing happened in northeast Houston two weeks ago: A guy soliciting sex with underage girls on Craigslist. He was caught as well, but not until victims were hurt. Why am I telling you these horrible stories? I think part of the reason is because I often get giggles when I tell somebody that I work at a newspaper. But every time I walk in the door and hear our journalists verifying facts, and our sales people talking to customers, getting phone numbers and asking for addresses, it makes me feel pretty good about the information we give our readers every week. Yes, there are concerns with every news medium in the world. Newspapers, by far, cannot cast the ﬁrst stone. And I believe social media plays an important part in keeping people connected – much better than we can do. But when someone asks me why I’m still in the newspaper business, and why I think we have and will continue to survive, it’s because we pay local people to ﬁlter every piece of content you receive – from news stories to advertisements. The new, social media, which places preeminence of expediency, misses the most important part of information: Trust. Email jonathan@theleadernews.com

about the power of social media. There were other events that happened in the past couple of weeks that are just as harrowing. The 140-character phenomenon known as Twitter also proved how diluted information can impact our nation. The Associated Press, which I consider the most reputable news organization in the United States, had its Twitter account hacked on April 23. The hackers sent out an AP tweet that said there were two explosions in the White House and that President Obama was injured. In just two minutes, between 10:07 a.m. and 10:09 a.m., the Dow Jones Industrial Average dropped 144 points. And all because some nerd in a basement ﬁgured out a password. There are other examples of digital communication that are just as frightening. On April 25, here in northwest Harris County, a man posted an ad on Craigslist looking to sell some parts to his Jeep. Another man responded, saying he wanted to buy a cover for his spare tire. The seller then asked the potential buyer if he had any daughters, and whether or not the seller would agree to have his underage daughters pose nude for some “modeling shots.” Local law enforcement caught the guy with all kinds of child porn in his apartment.

ASHBY AT LARGE

migrants left their teeming shores following defeat or civil unrest that wasn’t going their way. German wars and the military draft sent millions of German refugees to the U.S. in the 1840s and 50s. Today, Texas is loaded with their descendants. Texas got lots of Czechs, too, as the Hapsburgs kept going to war. In the 1840s the Irish Potato Famine sent the peasants, not the landlords, to America. After our own Civil War, thousands of defeated Southerners followed the GTT rule – Gone To Texas. The Yankee invasion began about 1970. The Mexican Revolution of 1910 sent numbers of Mexicans to the U.S., especially to Texas. Both preceding and following World War II we received lots of refugees. Give us your tired Cubans. Following the rise of Castro, hundreds of thousands of anti-Castro Cubans came to the U.S. and are now a major political force in Florida. And when the Hungarian Revolution of 1956 collapsed, we received many Magyars (that’s “Hungarian” in Hungarian). But before we yell to pull up the gangplank because we’re aboard, we must consider that we got the brilliant and resourceful, too: Bob Hope and Albert Einstein, ditto for Irving Berlin, Elizabeth Taylor, Alexander Hamilton, 10 U.S. astronauts, more than 40 members of the 2012 U.S. Olympic team and, and most importantly, Mr. Nguyen, my yardman. Of course, there is also the Tsarnaev family. To oversimplify, they came to America on tourist visas then asked for political asylum then blew up the Boston Marathon. Michael J. Fox, Madeleine Albright, Ted Koppel and Audrey Hepburn could never have been elected President. They were not native-born. Thousands

of anchor babies, on the other hand, can. Another wave of newcomers joined us in 1979 when Mohammad Reza Shah Pahlavi, aka the Shah of Iran, was overthrown. That time we were joined by losers again, but they were the landed gentry, the wealthy and the owners of their own getaway jets. Every civil war in Central America sent refugees fleeing to the U.S. Salvadoran immigrants to the U.S. annually sent back $30 million to relatives in the old country. So important was this in-flow of money to the repressive government that – get this – in 1995 Salvadoran consulate officials stationed in the U.S. actually helped illegal immigrants file claims for political asylum here so they could continue to send money. Then came the Vietnamese. The losing side arrived by the boatload, so to speak. More than 700,000 Vietnamese refugees came to the U.S. after the fall of Saigon. The 2010 U.S. Census counted 1,548,449 people who identify themselves as pure Vietnamese and 1,737,433 in combination with other ethnicities. Of those, 210,913 (14 percent) live in Texas. All of this brings up several interesting points: both our Iraqis and Afghans helpers are not on the losing side – not yet – but still claim to be in fear of their lives. Do they know something we don’t know? Also, the 8,000 Afghans wanting to come here are interpreters, which should make gaining U.S. citizenship easier since one of the qualifications is the ability to speak English or hit .335. Another interesting point is that most of these people were losers back in the old country, but many of them somehow became successful in America, as Andrew Carnegie probably told Alexander Graham Bell. Oh, about that give me your tired, your poor, your great chefs and excellent violinists, as everyone knows, that quote is on the base of the Statue of Liberty, which migrated here from France. Ashby seeks asylum at ashby2@comcast.net

Jonathan McElvy Built by LEE BURGE, PUBLISHER FROM 1957-1969 TERRY BURGE, PUBLISHER FROM 1969-2012

3500 East T.C. Jester Blvd, Suite A P.O. Box 924487 Houston, TX 77292-4487 Phone: (713) 686-8494 Fax (713) 686-0970 www.theleadernews.com facebook.com/THE LEADER. @heightsleader Circulation: 33,683 copies weekly NEWS DEADLINE: Noon on Mondays CLASSIFIED WORD AD DEADLINE: 5 p.m. Tuesday RETAIL AD DEADLINE: Noon on Mondays

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The Puzzles. Solutions in this issue’s classsied section.

ACROSS Cont... 33. Atomic #18 34. Somali supermodel 36. Skank 39. “No more” (Spanish) 41. Gets up from 43. E.M. Forster novel 46. Motown singer Diana 47. Scottish hillside 48. Give qualities or abili ties to 50. No (Scottish) 51. “Laughter of the marsh” rail 52. City in Thuringia, Germany 53. Not divisible by two 54. Head bob 55. Tooth caregiver

CLUES DOWN CLUES ACROSS 1. Confederate soldier 4. __ Lilly, drug company 7. Negative 10. Teacher 12. Informal term for money 14. Environmental Protec tion Agency 15. County in Transylva nia, Romania 17. 1896 Ethiopian inde pendence battle

18. 50010 IA 19. It grows every year 22. ___ and feathered 23. Founder of positivism 24. Variant of lower 25. Russian weight = 36 lbs. 26. Megavolot (abbr.) 27. 40th state 28. Flower jar 30. Satisfy fully 32. Weatherman Roker

SUDOKU

1. Revolutions per minute 2. Break out 3. Relating to the North wind 4. African antelope 5. 44254 OH 6. Hawkeye state 7. Roundworm 8. Unfolded 9. 19th C political car toonist Thomas 11. Denotes iron 13. Powder mineral 16. Blood uids 18. Nearly 20. The courage to carry on 21. Soda 28. Skedaddled 29. Poplar trees (Spanish) 30. Triangular spinal bones 31. Opposite of leave 34. Encroachment or intrusion 35. Another word for mother 37. Employing 38. Transferred property 40. Point that is one point S of SW 41. In front 42. Bladed weapon 43. River in Florence 44. Ferromagnetic ele ment 45. Poi is made from it 49. No longer is

Page 5A • The Leader • May 4, 2013 • @heightsleader

OBITUARIES

NEWS FROM YOUR PEWS

Kelley Christopher Audy, 47, of Houston, died April 24. He was an accomplished DJ and also a professional in legal support and widely known throughout the Houston legal system. Survivors include his parents Chris and David Krienke; and sisters Audra Audy and Heather Audy. In lieu of ﬂowers donations to the SPCA are suggested. Jimmy L. Casey Jr., 68, died April 27. He is survived by his mother, Dorothy Casey, children Leslie Smith, Kelly Casey, sisters Nancy Johnston and Pamela Gobert, three grandchildren, and girlfriend of 15 years, Sandy Bailey. Ralph Lupton Daniels, 83, died April 21. He attended the North Carolina School For The Deaf and was taught a carpentry trade, which he used in the employ of his father, a home builder. He was situated in Heights Tower, where he made friends and enjoyed the busy shops along the street in front. He participated in Woodhaven Baptist Deaf Church and enjoyed Wednesday night suppers at Oak Forest Baptist Church. Survivors include sisters Pat Lester and Mildred Argyle. Bryan Lee Haneline, Jr., born July 20, 1930 in Hugo, Oklahoma, died April 18. He served one year in the National Guard of Texas receiving an Honorable Discharge while attending Reagan High School where he graduated in 1948. Haneline joined the United States Navy in July 1948 and served ﬁve years Honorably Discharged as Aviation Electrician’s Mate First Class. He was a member of Gethsemane Lutheran Church and served as an usher. He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Mary Ann, daughters Linda Wheaton and Kathy Zimmerman, four grandchildren and three great-grandchildren, brother James Haneline, and sisters Norma Duderstadt, Dorothy Richardson and Mary McCracken. Donations may be made to Gethsemane Lutheran Church or The Alzheimer’s Foundation. Ronald Lee Krc, Jr., 45, of Spring, died April 18. He grew up in Houston and

These women are just a few of the many seniors, both men and women 55 years and older, who gather together every second Tuesday of the month from 9:00 a.m. - noon at Oak Forest Baptist Church, located at 1700 W. 43rd Street, at the intersection of W. 43rd St. & Rosslyn. These seniors look forward to enjoying fun, fellowship, food, and of course games each month. Senior Game Day is open to the public. This season’s winners are Pat Lamberth, Virginia Croom, Valerie Roberts, Bobbie Comer, Margie Corbin, Joyce King, Kathy Champion, and Carolyn Nicol.

‘The King’ in person at St. Matthew’s

The “King” will be the highlight of a luau dinner and show at St. Matthew’s United Methodist Church, 4300 N. Shepherd Dr., at 6 p.m. May 4, featuring Elvis Tribute artist Ray Covey. Tickets are $10; children are free. For reservations, call the church ofﬁce. Jason Lalonde, born July 29, 1971 in Lafayette, La., died April 20. Lalonde moved The ladies of the Lydia Circle will host the free pancake breakfast, to Houston at an early age and later graduated from Scarborough High School. He served 8:30-10 a.m. May 4, in the fellowship hall. Pancakes, sausage, eggs, fruit in the United States Marine Corps Reserve and later returned to Lafayette where he atand breakfast drinks will be served. tended the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. Lalonde recently became engaged to Kim The Memorial Hermann Life Line Screening will be at St. Matthew’s Hughes, the love of his life. He is survived by his mother Jeannene O’Quinn, father Glenn from 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. May 24. The screenings will include stroke/caLalonde and wife Geneva, sister Jennifer Schoppe, brother John Lalonde, stepsister Gizell rotid artery, heart rhythm, abdominal aneurysm, peripheral arterial disSimmons and grandmother Audrey Gilbert. Memorial contributions may be made to Our ease, and osteoporosis. Each test will cost $60 each or a four test package Savior Lutheran School, 5000 W. Tidwell, Houston 77091. for $149. Call 1-800-324-9458 to schedule an appointment. Sunday morning worship and a special Children’s Church begins at Marilyn Virginia Dickerson Radack, born Dec. 23, 1923 in Fellowship, 9:30 a.m., followed by 10:30 a.m. Sunday School for all ages. A WednesTexas, died April 26. She is survived by sons Charles and James Radack, daughters Debra day evening 6:30 p.m. prayer and praise service is available, along with Altchuler, Diane Radack, eight grandchildren and ﬁve great-grandchildren. Memorial Holy Communion. contributions may be made to The Mission 18 Fund at First Baptist or Bayou Bend GardenFor information, visit the web site at www.stmatthewsmethodist.org ing Endowment, P.O. Box 6826, Houston 77265. or call 713-697-0671.

graduated with top honors from Scarborough High School. He is survived by his son Cameron Douglas Krc, parents Mr. and Mrs. Ronald Krc Sr., and brother Sheldon Bradley Krc.

Maureen Michaela “Micky” Shryne, born March 31, 1933 in Brooklyn, died

April 16. She is survived by her children, Paula Shryne, Julie Shryne, Celia Shryne, Michael Shryne, one grandson, and her loving boyfriend John Rice. Visitation will be from 6 p.m.9 p.m. May 3 at Heights Funeral Home. A memorial service and celebration of life will be held 2 p.m. May 4 at Covenant Church, 4949 Caroline St.

Annie Simmons, 100, died April 20. She was a long time resident of Houston. She was a member of The New Hope Missionary Baptist Church. Simmons was the mother of three sons, four grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren. Marguerite M. Stulting, 89, born Oct. 14, 1923 in Houston, died April 21. She was raised in the Houston Heights area. Upon graduation from Reagan High School, she moved to San Francisco. There she joined the Navy as a member of WAVES. Donations may be made to The Forum of Memorial Woods at 777 N. Post Oak, Houston 77024 or to the charity of your choice. Betty Louise Dee Norrid Sutton,

89, born July 2, 1924 in Galveston, died April 16. She was active in St. Paul’s Episcopal Church and was a member of the choir for 40 years. She was also an active member of Eastern Star and served as Mother Advisor of Rainbow Girls. She is survived by her children, Judy Jane Norrid Lugrin and William Wilkes Norrid Jr., two grandchildren, ﬁve greatgrandchildren, and brother Robert Dee.

Pastor John Cain installs Kimberly A. Perry as Gethsemane Lutheran’s new preschool director. Perry, a graduate of Concordia University Texas, is certiﬁed as an early childhood director. She was a preschool teacher at Trinity Lutheran. She is married to Joey Perry and has two daughters. and more. This free event is open to children 3 to 11 years old. Register online at www.fairbanksumc.org or call 713-462-3206.

Women’s study at Oak Forest Baptist

Oak Forest Baptist Church, 1700 W. 43rd St., is offering a women’s Bible study class. James: Mercy Triumphs is an eight-week Beth Moore Bible Study with ﬂexible participation to be held Thursday mornings from 10 a.m.-noon through May 30. James, the brother of Jesus, was a skeptic, an unbeliever, who later became a disciple. Small group study will be from 10-11 a.m. followed by a video presentation from 11 a.m.-noon. Homework is optional. One can participate in both activities or attend either the small group study or the video. For information, call the church ofﬁce at 713-682-4942. Ad # 37568 Come Checkout One of Houston’s Largest Bingo Halls

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Spring festival at St. Rose

“Fiesta St. Rose” Spring Festival will be held at the church, 3600 Brinkman, from 11 a.m.-6 p.m. May 5. Fun for all ages with food, games, live music and dancing, a live auction, silent auction, rafﬂe, children’s midway and teen zone. Proceeds beneﬁt the St. Rose of Lima parish community. Call 713-692-9123 or visit www.stroselima.org for information.

Movie night at St. Stephen’s

St. Stephen’s United Methodist Church, 2003 W. 43rd St., will host a movie night at 6:30 p.m. May 10, in the fellowship hall. Enjoy free popcorn and lemonade, and a movie approved for all ages. Bring dinner-ina-bag, blankets and pillows. Admission is free. For information, call 713-686-8241, or visit www.stsumc.org.

Maid for a Day raﬄe at Greater Zion

Greater Zion Missionary Baptist Church, 1620 Dolly Wright St., is having a “Maid for a Day” rafﬂe, to be held May 11. Tickets cost $8 each. The maid will work for about 2.5 hours. Call 832-888-7223 for tickets or information.

Everywhere Fun Fair at Fairbanks UMC

Everywhere Fun Fair is a global celebration that will be held at Fairbanks United Methodist Church, 14210 Aston St., from 6:30-8:30 p.m. June 17-21. With the look and feel of a world’s fair, children will be introduced to special places from all over the world. Activities include interactive Bible storytelling, global games, music, super science, crafts,

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Church Guide

Sunday 10:30 am Worship and The Word Children’s Church Wednesday 7:30 pm Life Equip classes for all ages

4040 Watonga • 713-688-5227 Reverend John Cain, Pastor

Worship Services 8:00 a.m. & 10:30 a.m. (Nursery Provided) Sunday School & Bible Classes 9:15 a.m.

1624 W 34th • 713-686-7689

www.gethsemanelutheran.org

1216 Bethlehem at Ella Blvd. (713) 688-7761

Member of MANNA

Sunday School 9:30 AM Morning Worship10:45 AM

Oaks Presbyterian Church

Grace United Methodist Church “The Heart of the Heights”

1245 Heights Blvd.

Pastor Don Joseph Member of MANNA Visit us on FaceBook www.oakscchouston.org

Sunday School - 9:30 a.m. Sunday Worship - 10:30 a.m. Nursery Provided

Sunday School . . . . . . . 9:30 AM Sunday Worship . . . . . 10:45 AM Nursery Provided Reverend Hill Johnson, Pastor

713 862-8883

(Disciples of Christ)

Preschool Program • Mon. - Fri. 9-2 p.m.

www.gospeltruthchurch.org

Food Pantry, Thurs. 2-4:30 PM www.graceintheheights.org

��

GETHSEMANE LUTHERAN CHURCH

Gospel Truth Church

Ministering to the Oak Forest Community since 1948 Reverend Noelie Day

(713) 682-2556 1576 Chantilly @ Piney Woods

��

Candlelight Church of Christ Join us for Services in English or Spanish Sunday Worship 10am & 5pm Sunday Bible Classes 9am Wednesday Bible Study 7pm

MESSAGE OF THE WEEK

AMBIGUOUS LOSS

T

here are many situations where we experience loss ambiguously. A family member suffering from a brain injury or who is becoming progressively more senile certainly ts the criteria for ambiguous loss, because they are physically present but psychologically absent. Homesickness is also a case of ambiguous loss because the person missed can be psychologically present, on the phone, for instance, but be physically absent. Choosing to move away from home or to break up with a romantic partner are clear cases of ambiguous loss, which we may have chosen in full knowledge that we would experience some sadness or melancholy. Abductions, missing persons, and cases where someone is lost are particularly difcult forms of ambiguous loss because the family and friends of the missing person simply don’t know what to expect. In some cases, the ambiguity resolves, people regain their health or missing persons are found, but often the ambiguity remains and there may never be closure. Dealing with these situations requires the ability to live with ambiguity. Usually there is no easy answer, and the temptation to solve these problems only exacerbates the experience of ambiguous loss, because it holds out the prospect of closure or resolution when there is none. “Lord, you are the God who saves me; day and night I cry out to you. May my prayer come before you; turn your ear to my cry.” Psalm 88:1-2

4215 Watonga Blvd. • 713-681-9365 Houston, TX 77092

Sunday SundayWorship WorshipServices Service

1822 W. 18th

at 8:30am & 11:00am 10:45 am

Sunday - Bible Study For All Ages .. 9:30am Morning Worship............ 10:45am Age Graded Zones ...........6:15pm Wed. Prayer Meeting & Missions Organization .....................6:15pm Dr. John W. Neesley - Senior Pastor

713-864-1470

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Bible Study 9:30 am 3206 N. Shepherd

713-864-4447 � Website www.gobc.org JimBob Daniel Interim Pastor Pastor Dr. Overton

A House of Hope and Prayer in the Heart of Houston Rev. Herschel Moore, Pastor

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Page 6A • The Leader • May 4, 2013 • @heightsleader

Giveaway aimed at sharing horticulture by Dennis Woodward For The Leader My dear wife, Colleen Roberts, migrated from Michigan to what she describes as the greatest city in the world (Houston) about 25 years ago. One of her teachers in Michigan gave her students an assignment involving birds. So, when I ﬁrst started dating Colleen, we would go bird watching because she took up the hobby because of the assignment. We do live in an ideal place for those that engage in the hobby. So, once we went to a meeting of the Ornithology Group. The OG is part of a larger group called the Outdoor Nature Club, organized in 1923. It was at a meeting of the OG that we picked up some Turks cap seeds. These seeds are in a little piece of fruit produced by the Turks cap plant. The fruit were in a bowl. I like to grow stuff. So, I took some home and planted them. Well, this delightful plant will bring hum-

mingbirds to your home, park, school, office building, church, or just about anywhere you plant them. The plant is drought resistant. In spite of the fact that I never water my Turks cap, it continues to grow, bloom, produce little fruit and bring in the hummingbirds. Right now I have 36 of these fruits that contain about five seeds each. I hope to distribute these to some primary caregivers or adults with no children to plant on their property. I am inviting interested persons to come to the church property at 1107 Shepherd Drive on the second Saturday in May -- May 11 -at 10 a.m. to pick up a pot in which they can plant and germinate this plant. By the fall this plant will be attracting hummingbirds to the property where it is planted. I believe that by distributing these seeds to interested persons and families that I will be a catalyst for change. One plant, bird, butterfly, insect, animal, or other part of nature can grab the attention

and change the focus of someone’s the church parking lot of Sheplife. I hope that people in Leader herd Drive between Shepherd and country will transform properties Durham. (For those that are not so that they can be more inviting aware, there is South Shepherd, to the wildlife that was evicted Shepherd, and North Shepherd.) when the land was scraped to I will most certainly have other seeds as well. build the neighborhoods. And I invite those with excess I am also interested in motivating people to grow food where seeds or plants that are natives they live. About 18 years ago I built or food plants to bring them to a community garden on a proper- share. Woodward is an avid gardener ty that had been the site of a vaat his Shepherd Park Plaza home cant home for about 15 years. So, practices restorative planting as I built the garden I discovered Adand # 36774 a clump of garlic chives on the on public lands in his community. property. I have been splitting and dividing that clump since then. I will be distributing pieces of West 34th St. that plant, as well. You can use the (Between Ella & T.C. Jester) garlic chives as a border or a single clump. It can be added to soups, Lowest Prices stews, salads, and other dishes. It is dependable and also drought in Town! tolerant. I am certain that you will not ﬁnd it invasive or offensive. It No Deposit even blooms once a year. No Late Fees So, if you want some garlic chives or Turks cap, please join Controlled me and whoever else shows up at

ry shotgun, through a third-party dealer, to the resident. “It’ll decrease crime when people know (there’s a higher) percentage that they’re more likely to be shot,” Dupuy said. “‘Nothing in my house is worth your life’ is our tagline. Once we ﬁnish this one, we’ll move on to another neighborhood.” Dupuy said ACP the reception from local law enforcement has

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Armed • from Page 1A Coplen mailed postcards and questionnaires to “mid-to-high crime neighborhoods” throughout the Houston area, said Dupuy. ACP got the most response from the 77018 zip code, he said. In order to participate in the project, residents are required to attend a one-day ﬁrearms training session. If the participant passes a background check, ACP legally transfers ownership of a complimenta-

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AARP MEETING 9:30 a.m. May 6 Candlelight Park Clubroom 1520 Candlelight Blvd. 713-681-1133

CHARLOTTE’S WEB Main Street Theater-Chelsea Market 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. Through May 18 4617 Montrose Blvd. 713-524-6706 mainstreettheater.com

The Houston Northwest AARP Chapter 1265 will have its regular monthly meeting which begins with fellowship at 9:30 a.m. with coﬀee and snacks, followed by the 10 a.m. business meeting. This month’s program will feature entertainment by The Sunshiners. Anyone 50 years or older is welcome to attend.

EVERY WEEK

WALTRIP CLASS OF 1973 REUNION Aug. 9-10 www.waltripclassof73.com

The Oak Forest Running Club meets each Tuesday evening. Food is provided by Brother’s Pizzeria, 3820 N. Shepherd Dr. This social running club is free, but neighbors are encouraged to join the Oak Forest Homeowners Association.

WALTRIP CLASS OF 1963 REUNION Sept. 20-Sept. 22 713-466-9030, 713-937-3019 waltrip1963@gmail.com

A reunion committee is now working on 50th reunion plans. Events are planned for the weekend of Sept. 20-Sept. 22. As plans become more deﬁnite, information will appear on the Waltrip website, in The Leader Newspaper and in veriﬁed e-mail addresses to classmates. If one has not been contacted by a committee member, please call Donna Sanford Holle at 713-466-9030 or Leslie Hess Purvis at 713-937-3019. Also use the e-mail address, password Rams.

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Page 8A • The Leader • May 4, 2013 • @heightsleader

Town Hall • from Page 1A public concerns. With an audience of about 50 at the West End Multi Service Center on Heights Boulevard, there was a solid citizen-to-officer ratio of about 4:1, as a cadre of men in blue showed up from the Central Division brass and the Heights storefront. Capt. Daryn Edwards lamented that too many Houston residents practice small-town habits, like parking on the street and not locking car doors or not locking doors to their home. “The Heights is a great place, and the Washington Corridor is a great place. People come in because they love that small community feeling,” Edwards observed. “But it’s the fourth largest city in America. Lock those doors.” To make the point, while the crowd was inside, HPD officers went through about 45 cars in the parking lot, grading them on whether they were burglar-proof. Twenty-nine flunked (including

Get your hands on a safety resource We’ve got a new tool to help you ﬁght crime and promote your own personal safety. Go to our website and click on “Fighting crime” on the menu bar to obtain speciﬁc crime prevention tips from HPD, useful phone numbers and other information.

this reporter’s), with some doors left unlocked and two laptops and “nice sunglasses” clearly visible in others. To help on their end, HPD explained it plants decoy police cars as a deterrent in vulnerable areas and unlocked “bait” vehicles with visible valuables to catch burglars, hoping one arrest can solve and prevent dozen of crimes. Another big problem at the moment, according to Lt. Kye Naquin: women’s purses being stolen from their cars as they pump gas in the area. HPD identified the new Kroger on Studemont as being a particular hot spot. Panhandlers are a problem at gas stations, too, the officers said, and said just to say a firm “no” as

they approach. For their part, residents in attendance had a lot of questions about neighborhood nuisances – abandoned houses, grafﬁti, safety along the Heights bike path –– and whether they could report an issue in their neighborhood and remain anonymous. And yes, the HPD storefronts do handle those complaints, and while you can maintain anonymity, they recommend that you give your name and contact information to ofﬁcers for followthrough. They’ll also come out to do assessments of your property that could get you a state-mandated insurance discount, they reported. Cohen had the last word, ham-

Another town hall meeting, this one in Oak Forest The Oak Forest Homeowners Association and Citizens on Patrol will host a community town hall on crime at 7 p.m. May 8 in the fellowship hall at St. Stephen’s United Methodist Church, 2003 W. 43rd St. The recent wave of armed robberies in the area will be discussed, and there will be representatives on hand from the

Houston Police Department, Precinct 1 Constable’s Oﬃce, and two community associations. Councilwoman Ellen Cohen is expected to attend, as well as a representative from Councilman Ed Gonzalez’s oﬃce. The Shepherd Forest Civic Club is organizing residents to take HPD’s Citizen

on Patrol training. The class will take place at 7 p.m. May 14 at HPD’s North Division headquarters, 9455 W. Montgomery Road, and a carpool is being arranged to set out from the neighborhood. Anyone interested in participating can contact the shepherdforestCC@gmail.com or Isaac.m.derr@gmail.com

Patrol • from Page 1A on patrol are forbidden from carrying weapons, and they cannot confront criminals or suspicious people. They must submit monthly reports on hours and miles volunteered to Escobedo. If they see something suspicious or a crime in action, the Citizen’s Patrol must call HPD or Harris County Precinct 1 Constable. Precinct 1 has a deputy constable patrol the neighborhood during times of the week. “Our (crime) is almost down to nothing,” the organizer said of the Shepherd Park Plaza CP program. The CP organizer said the volunteer organization has an excellent relationship with Escobedo and Constable Alan Rosen. “All they want is for us to be safe -- they help with anything we ask for,” the organizer said. The Citizen’s Patrol volunteers in a number of Leader-area neighborhoods looking for suspicious

Members of the Shepherd Park Plaza Citizen’s Patrol don’t just drive the streets. They also walk the neighborhood and ride bikes to ensure safety there. people and whether people are hanging out and drinking at the neighborhood park, which closes at dusk. In addition to driving, the CP walks and rides bicycles. They’re identiﬁable to their neighbors by shirts that they wear and stickers on their car. The neighborhood’s newsletter, Plaza Pulse, provides safety tips from the constable’s ofﬁce to the

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residents. Among them are some advice that seems self-evident but that frequently isn’t followed. Keep outside lights on, and keep gates closed. For more on the patrol, including registration forms and authorization for a criminal background check of applicants, go to http:// www.houstontx.gov/police/vip/ vip_citzpatrol.htm.

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Waltrip • from Page 1A to bring in a brand new, energetic principal, I was afraid that if the Apollo program was brought in, it would take us backwards and not allow us to move forward with improved academic rigor across the board.” Grier’s announcement April 19 at the conclusion of a progress report on the controversial threeyear-old Apollo 20 program to the school board, surprised both trustees and the Waltrip community. Parents, educators and alumni immediately circled their wagons, wanting to see data that supported the conclusion that Waltrip should be included in a program that launched three years ago to help the district’s most chronically underperforming schools. A planned band parents’ meeting last week turned into a wellattended forum about the Apollo news, and Riddick and other HISD ofﬁcials surprised attendees by attending to try to explain HISD’s rationale. In the end, from the comments and tone of Riddick’s letter, it ap-

mering on her frequent message that you shouldn’t hesitate to pick up the phone to the police if anything appears amiss in your neighborhood. “If you see something that looks suspicious – we’re very nice people, we don’t like to complain – I’ve been told by the police to call the police and be a tattletale,” she said. “You’re not going to get in trouble, and you’re really going to help your neighbors.”

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After a wild week of speculation, HISD has decided it will not classify improvements to Waltrip High School as part of the Apollo 20 program. peared the community was heard. “HISD shares the passion that Waltrip’s staff and community have evidenced, and we all will work together to move Waltrip to new heights,” he wrote. “I am reaching out to you, the entire Waltrip learning community, to provide detail around what we heard from parents and staff and what we are proposing. “The changes that are being discussed are ones that are designed to strengthen Waltrip as it moves up to the highest levels of perfor-

mance amongst HISD’s comprehensive high schools.” Eastman said she hopes it’s a lesson that the HISD administration would carry into its dealings with school communities. “In the future, I would hope that the work that’s happened over the past week would occur proactively instead of reactively in these types of situations with an entire school community,” she said. A copy of Riddick’s letter can be viewed by clicking on this story at www.theleadernews.com.

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