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SATURDAY | May 11, 2013 | Vol. 59 | No. 28 | www.theleadernews.com | @heightsleader

Attorneys’ report into ex-Waltrip principal reveals money, drug woes

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The city of Houston’s Planning & Development Department will conduct a historic preservation fair from 8 a.m.-1 p.m. May 18 at the Houston Permitting Center, 1002 Washington Ave. The free public event is targeted for those who own or renovate historic homes and will oﬀer workshops on: •Researching historic properties to document a building or neighborhood’s history; •Historic preservation and sustainability, to assess the environmental and economic savings of building rescue vs. demolition; •What tax breaks are available to owners of historic properties; •Navigating the historic district and landmark designation processes and available resources; •Houston archaeology, exploring some of the city’s most interesting historical sites. •Repairs, alterations and additions, including historic windows. Deadline for registration is noon May 15. To sign up or for information, go to http://www.houstontx. gov/planning/HistoricPres/hist_pres. html or call 713-837-7963.

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THE INDEX.

Public Safety Hipstrict Topics Obituaries Coupons Puzzles Sports Classiﬁeds

2A 3A 4A 8A 7A 4A 9B 6B

On Washington Parking rules have changed

• Page 5A

The big question, after reading a 73-page independent investigation of Steve Siebenaler, who led Waltrip High School for a HISD names decade as prinnew principal cipal, is how he held onto that to lead Waltrip position for so • Page 5A long. The probe, ordered by Houston ISD and conducted by the law ﬁrm of Callier & Garza, paints the picture of a man who wore his demons – a troubled personal life, health issues, money problems – on his sleeve and

whose behavior became increasingly erratic and obvious starting in 2010. It concludes that his use of prescription painkillers – some of them obtained from colleagues – made him “unavailable or unable” to fulfill his duties as principal. Whether Siebenaler will face criminal charges or be retroactively fired by HISD is still up in the air, the district’s chief spokesman told The Leader on Tuesday. Jason Spencer said the district’s inspector-general, Bob Moore, is reviewing the report to see whether it warrants further investigation by the Harris County District Attorney’s Office, and

see Probe • Page 9A

Siebenaler at a 2012 meeting with alumni. (Photo from Waltrip Alumni Association)

Thank you, Moms Waitress’ ﬁrst job is being a mother by Betsy Denson betsy@theleadernews.com

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veryone who knows Ivonne Higuera from her job at Tecate Mexican Restaurant on Ella knows about her kids. Son Joel is a senior at the University of Texas at Austin who plans to become a researcher in social neurosciences, daughter Jazmym is a beautiful 16-year-old who is into make-up and nails and 9-yearold Jaymez, or Junior, is a ju-jitsu star. Celeste Zamora and husband Jaime have been going to Tecate at least once a week since their now 19-year-old twins were in high chairs. Higuera is often their waitress and Zamora says that the pride she takes in her children is apparent. “It’s not a negative bragging but very sincere,” she said. “You can tell that her number one priority is her kids.” Divorced from her children’s father eight years ago, Higuera answered an ad in 2008 for a waitressing job at Tecate and has worked there ever since. She says that she has met so many people through her work and enjoys talking to them. “Ivonne always takes a minute to say something nice and makes you feel at home,” echoes Zamora. “She’s always positive and gets to know the customers.”

Ivonne Higuera, with her son, Joel Martinez, has kept her focus on raising her children to be successful, even while keeping a full-time job. (Submitted Photo) Her positivity is something Joel Martinez appreciates about his mom. Although times have not always been easy for the family, he says her outlook inspires him. “I really look up to her in how she perseveres through the hard times,” he said. “I know my brother and sister will be ﬁne.” And although she likes to brag about the accomplishments of her kids, Higuera is modest about her contribution to their success. She describes Joel as a very inde-

see Mothers • Page 9A

More about Mothers inside today’s Leader A mother and daughter’s bond grows even stronger when the mother, a survivor of breast cancer, watches her daughter face the same battle. • Page 1B Our publisher oﬀers thoughts on his mother, the lessons she taught, and how all of our mothers impact the lives we touch each day. • Page 4A

Page 2A • The Leader • May 11, 2013 • @heightsleader

Keep on top of crime

Photo from NY Daily News website, www.nydailynews.com

Oak Forest makes news in NY with gun giveaway An offer of weapons training and a free gun made to Oak Forest-area residents recently has propelled the community into the New York Daily News. An article Monday centered on the Armed Citizens Project’s training session at an indoor gun range that reportedly was attended by nine women and one man from the Oak Forest area, trying to qualify for a free $200 weapon. “You know about gun buybacks,” the lead to the story read, “Well, Texas has gun giveaways.” The Houston-based Armed Citizens Project plans a move into the New York City area, according to the

report, which forecasts a challenging reception for the organization. When The Leader did the story for its May 4 edition, the Armed Citizens Project said it was targeting communities with crime problems. Oak Forest recently experienced a series of robberies of residents outside their homes – most of them armed robberies – and endured a similar series of robberies last fall. For more, go to http://www.nydailynews.com/ news/national/texas-give-gun-free-article-1.133594 6?localLinksEnabled=false

Police Reports, April 26-May 4 APRIL 26

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Burglary 12:30 PM 800-899 43RD ST Assault 03:15 AM 4400-4499 WASHINGTON AVE Theft 04:20 PM 1800-1899 SHEPHERD Theft 03:00 PM 4300-4399 GARDENDALE DR Burglary 12:30 AM 1300-1399 NASHUA Theft 12:00 AM 900-999 DURHAM DR Theft 09:00 PM 900-999 DURHAM DR Theft 07:00 PM 2400-2499 WASHINGTON AVE Theft 08:00 PM 4000-4099 34TH ST Theft 10:00 PM 1600-1699 CORTLANDT Assault 12:00 AM 1600-1699 NORTH LP W Theft 11:00 PM 2600-2699 LAZYBROOK Theft 12:00 PM 2400-2499 WASHINGTON AVE Burglary 05:00 PM 4000-4099 34TH ST Robbery 04:45 PM 800-899 VICTORIA Theft 12:01 AM 4900-4999 TWIN CANDLE DR

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Stay in touch with The Leader LEISURE HANDS-ON COOKING / SATURDAY online at www.theleadernews.com and through THE LEADER Facebook page and @heightsleader on Twitter for the very latest in crime news from your neighborhood. We’ve added a Fighting Crime Le��CHEF CLUB section, available by clicking on the menu bar on our website, that includes a Community Crime alert, where you can post your own crime information, in addition to what we learn and make available Contact Janet (713) 358-5085 as quickly as possible. For a detailed schedule visit It’s not “ofﬁcial” reporting (a 7070 Allensby / Houston, Texas 77022 www.culinaryinstitute.edu very slow and complex process), but it is grassroots, immediate news. Among the items reported in recent days: Two robberies in the Heights with a description of the �� robbers, a robbery at knifepoint of workers in Timbergrove Manor, and a break-in at a Lazybrook home �� where the homeowner chased off �� the intruder with a gunshot. We’ve also provided the latest crime ﬁgures in the Greater Heights and Washington Avenue corridor beats, provided by HPD, janet0206@att.net that shows alarming increases in PREMIER PROPERTIES �� burglaries of motor vehicles in the Ad # 37491 Heights and assaults along Washington. We’re the only news source that provides this kind of fast, comprehensive reporting on what’s going on in your community. Because informed neighborhoods are safer Danyel T Ramelow - Financial Advisor neighborhoods, you can trust The 3818 N Shepherd • Houston, TX 77018 Leader to look out for you.

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Page 3A • The Leader • May 11, 2013 • @heightsleader

Having a ball creating an Art Car by Betsy Denson betsy@theleadernews.com After four years of attending the Art Car Parade, the Tyska family of Oak Forest took it up a notch – a very big notch – by entering a car of their own creation. And so, “The Car With Ping Pong Balls On It” was born. “We decided that we wanted to enter a car that was different, but that we could actually make,” said Mary Tyska. “My husband John came up with the concept, and my son Alex drew a rendering of the car. We sent off the application to the Orange Show in February of 2008. Between the application and the actual parade, we had to figure out the details of how we could do it.” Tyska’s 1995 Mercury Tracer was the “canvas.” After sanding it, Mary drew a grid on the car with a Sharpie to get the spacing right. The bases and springs are from plastic headbands, or “head boppers,” with ping pong balls in place of the original glitter stars and hearts. five-year-old going on 15) and They glued the bases on with The Winnebago-Driving Parents E6000, a permanent bonding adfrom the North got settled in, you hesive, and painted the Tracer with wouldn’t have known the place was packed out. The folks at Ruggles Green were Johnny On The Spot with the kid’s burger and fries (one of Ross and Cathy Clark will a half dozen decent choices on the mark their final day in business at children’s menu) and had it out Windwater Gallery at 548 W. 19 in a flash, with our order of Veg- St. in the Heights Sunday, after 11 gie Lettuce Wraps hot on its tail. years at that These little herbivore tacos were location the appropriate pick to match and 16 in with the preservative-free feel of Houston the menu (although The Bomber selling wasn’t much interested in them). exquisite Leader Eater could manage one of Asian art, the wraps single-handed, but they furniture were rammed full of flavor – a dar- and acing lineup of mushrooms, peppers, cessories. onions, cilantro, zucchini and corn They’ve with flattering quinoa strips and a been gracharismatic dipping sauce that had cious hosts Mitch Cohen what seemed like a time-released to the First Arts Columnist nudge of spice on the back end. Saturday But the trick with the wraps is not Arts Market since its inception, to lose half the vegetable garden too. Lots of people sad to see out the sides of the flimsy butter them go. lettuce like trying to carry a load of laundry in your arms without Hot market for artists’ rental space dropping a sock. Rented studio space for artists Leader Eater settled on the Buf- is almost hotter than our real esfalo Burger, and got what I expect- tate market. Waiting lists to get a ed from it – a leaner version of its spot are just expected. What you’ll beefy brethren with slice of melted find at open studios are artists in Swiss in between a whole wheat their working environment. What bun. The sweet potato fries were could be cooler than that? Check a little lazier than I like, but the out where the magic happens. Art Technicolor cousins of the regu- receptions tend to coincide with lar potato fry are Ruggles Green’s the open studios, so check out the modus operandi and are hard to websites in advance. stop knocking back, one after the other. The rest of table indulged in Movies for new parents (with baby) a Cuban Pork Sourdough Panini 14 Pews, the microcinema at and Texas Caesar Salad and were 800 Aurora St. (near North Main), all drawn to the mildly addictive is hosting Cinemoms, a special Maine Root organic soda flavors. parent-baby screening each Friday When we got up from the patio, at 1 p.m. The next one on May 17 there was no shortage of folks to is the documentary “Trash Dance.” fill our seats as cars and bikes and There’s no cost for members; $11 strollers all seemed to be flock- for nonmembers. The theater’s ing to this corner of the Heights, lights will be dimmed so that baby hoping to get a glimpse of a long- can still be attended to, and there awaited restaurant makeover.

Ruggles Green 748 E 11th St www.rugglesgreen.com Starters: $8-$10 Salads, Tacos & Pasta: $8-$17 Sandwiches, Burgers & Paninis: $9-$15 Kid Friendly: Good for the young’uns – inside and out LE’s Favorite: Veggie Lettuce Wraps

Review: Anticipation was worth it at Ruggles Green It’s not hyperbole to say that the new Ruggles Green in the Woodland Heights is the most anticipated restaurant opening in this part of town. The ardent expectations for Ruggles Green’s introduction into the dining scene isn’t so much for its novel menu; it is, after all, the fourth franchise for the city’s popular salad and sandwich specialists. Rather, agony over its opening came from watching the space on the corner of 11th and Studewood sit idle for so long. Everyone knew it was going to be a Ruggles Green, and everyone heard the speculation on its delays – but it seemed to sit there with boards over the windows and tarps over the brick walls for months upon months. It was worth the wait, if not for the aesthetics alone. The inside looks nothing like the old 11th Street Café – its blown-out, freeflow spaciousness is ideal for the order-at-the-counter-and-getyour-chow-delivered approach to service. The semi-exposed kitchen gives you a peek into the pizza- and pasta-making process without giving away all the secrets. The fresh and crisp interior furnishing and vaulted ceilings, which hold a striking chandelier of what looks like hundreds of glued-together ping pong balls, give an organic feel to match its proudly green certified menu. And the biggest appeal, particularly over the past couple of weeks of ideally al fresco weather, is the comfortable patio that is fixed up with heaters, fans and plastic coverings to handle our famously mercurial weather. However, the problem with anticipation is the ensuing response when a place like Ruggles Green finally opens its doors. So finding a table on the weekend afternoon that Leader Eater came turned into a crafty endeavor (you don’t have to be so shrewd to park, though, with an extended lot off 11th Street). But once The Bomber (my

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Dis*qui*et - solo show with Michael Wooten, East End Studio Gallery, 6-10 p.m., 708 Telephone Road, Suite 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 68 p.m. 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

W. 22nd

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Easy access from E. T.C. Jester & 18th St

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Pop Shop Houston, Indie Craft Fair, Art and Music Festival at Spring Street Studios May 1112. Spring Street Studios, 1824 Spring St. 77007 http://www.popshophouston.com/ BBQ Beneﬁt for the Elizabeth Hold Reyna Scholarship Endowment at the University of Houston, Conrad N. Hilton Foundation. Noon at El Potro Loco Bar 7315 Lyons Ave., Houston, Texas 77020 http://www.facebook.com/ events/239217646221849. Family and friends of Elizabeth Hold Reyna are raising the minimum of 12,500 by July 31, 2013 to establish an endowed scholarship in her name. Liz was anincredible young woman. She lived in the Heights with her husband and volunteered for many different groups.

Sunday, May 12

Craftacular at Hello Lucky, 1025

Sweets for the sweet at BR

Shawn Salyers, owner of the Baskin Robbins at 1354 W. 43rd St. in Oak Forest, tells The Leader that Mother’s Day is by far the most popular occasion for BR’s ice cream cakes. He’s extending the custom ordering through close of business Friday, he says, and he’ll have extras on hand – which his staﬀ can still customize with personalized messages – until they run out. You can call Baskin Robbins at 713-290-0877 or visit their Facebook page at Baskin Robbins Oak Forest.

Pub league ready to bowl you over Teams are forming for the summer season of the Oak Forest Pub Challenge Bowling League to begin from 7-9 p.m. May 31 at Del Mar Lanes, 3020 Mangum Road. Each week the teams will rotate to a different team’s watering hole after bowling for a drink. There will be a 43-inch trophy for the champion team, which will rotate to the next season champion’s sponsored watering hole. The four person teams must be sponsored or represent a local pub, bar or ice house. Participating Oak Forest area pubs include the Oak Forest Chill, Crazy J’s Ice House, T A’s Cargo Club, NJ’s, Red’s Country Place and The Dutchman. Proceeds will fund an end of season blow-out at the champion’s home watering hole. There are

morning is a great way to preview the parade, since the streets are blocked off and spectators can walk to see the cars, talk to the artists and take pictures. The camaraderie among art car drivers, even those not in the parade, is something Tyska really appreciates. “I really felt ‘cool’ when a low-rider acknowledged me at an intersection,” she said. “No matter what, if you put yourself ‘out there’– you are part of the art car family.” Alex Tyska also helps artist Mark David Bradford, aka Scrapdaddy, in his studio. Bradford created “The Green Man”, which won the

Celebration of quirkiness

Art Car festivities kick off at 11 a.m. Saturday at Allen Parkway and Taft with live music and a children’s zone, where youngsters can create their own art work. More than 300,000 spectators are expected to line the parade route for the 1 p.m. procession, which begins at Allen Parkway. For information, visit www.thehoustonartcarparade.com.

limited team slots available, so act now before the roster is ﬁlled. For more information, contact Tommy at oakforestchallenge@yahoo.com or call 832-623-2715 on weekends or evenings.

2013 American Craft Beer Week

Craft beer connoisseurs and beginners will come together for the eighth annual celebration of American Craft Beer Week May 13-19. With the tagline “Big Week, Small Breweries,” ACBW is an opportunity to toast to the more the 2,400 small and independent American craft brewers who continue to make the U.S. the world’s most diverse brewing destination. On May 15, Local Pour will be

celebrating ACBW with a Rahr & Sons Summertime Wheat cask tapping. Be sure to stop in at 1952 West Gray for a pint of the caskconditioned strawberry hibiscus wheat ale. Yum! New for 2013 is the American Craft Beer Week Coast to Coast Toast. For the ﬁrst time ever, ACBW will be commemorated by a simultaneous nationwide craft beer toast at 7 p.m. May 16.

El Gran Malo Downtown

Eater Houston reports that El Gran Malo will be opening a second location in the former Cabo/ Pepper Jack’s location at 419 Travis St. in downtown Houston. The new location will boast 10,000 square feet and an expanded gas-

Studewood st. 12noon-4 p.m. This event has been moved to Sunday for this month only to offer some Mother’s Day shopping. www.facebook.com/pages/Craftacular-Sec-

ond-Saturdays/199141436773250 Don’t let this corner market fool you, the artists are great, this show is put on by a different artist each month.

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Saturday May 11

Filling the Indian food void for a number of curry-craving diners these days is the recently opened Rasoi Indian Cuisine, located at 13147 Northwest Freeway, Suite 140. The restaurant features a lunchtime buffet and a full menu of Indian specialties from soup (Mulligatawny and more) to desserts (standbys such as ras malai and creative offerings such as chocolate samosas). Since it’s not open on Sundays, Rasoi will be celebrating Mother’s Day on Saturday with a special buffet featuring items prepared as you wait. For more visit their Facebook page Rasoi Houston or website at www.rasoihouston.webstarts.com

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will be a special area for feeding and changing. For more, go to www.14pews.com

Leader Nibbles

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Rust-Oleum. John, Mary, Alex and daughter Elizabeth worked on the project a little at a time in the weeks before the parade. The crowning touch was the ping-pong balls –– 691 of them to be exact. While Mary is the one who mostly drives “The Car With Ping Pong Balls On It” around the neighborhood, John is behind the wheel during the parade. Mary, Elizabeth, an eighth-grader at Johnston Middle School, and Alex, a junior at Waltrip High School, are also along for the ride. On parade day, artists and cars begin lining up at 9 a.m. on Allen Parkway. Tyska notes that the

Art a la Carte: Fond farewell to friends at Wind Water

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Mary Tyska with “The Car With Ping Pong Balls On It.” (Photo by Betsy Denson)

Mayor’s Cup at last year’s parade, as well as other fantastical vehicles and fixed, metal sculptures. In March 2010, the Tyskas were down but not out when the engine on the Tracer died and could not be fixed. They purchased a 1999 Ford Taurus from Craigslist a week before the event and worked overtime to get it ready. “It was actually finished on Friday afternoon before the parade,” said Tyska. Their current car has 430 balls. Tyska is pretty much an expert on ping pong balls at this point. She buys them in bulk from International Billiards on Washington because they constantly have to replace them.

Thirsty Explorer trocantina menu that will include lunch offerings. El Gran Malo offers 60 tequilas including sotol and mescal, 50 house-crafted tequila infusions, which change weekly and seasonally and 30 craft Texas and Mexican beers. Thirsty Created by Steve Sharma and LeaExplorer McKinney, El Gran Malo’s original location is at 2307 Ella Boulevard. – Ivee Sauls

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Page 4A • The Leader • May 11, 2013 • @heightsleader

A mother’s love cannot be duplicated anywhere on earth

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llow me a departure from script. No controversies, no analysis. Just a neighbor sharing a story. I think I remember the exact day I looked at my Mother and realized I couldn’t have found one better – not if you lined up a million of them. My shorts didn’t ﬁt, my right shoe had a hole in the toe, and my baseball glove was the best on the team. It was just me and Mom, alone, in a dusty parking lot, waiting on the rest of my teammates to arrive. What we said to each other those few minutes, I really don’t remember. (Let’s face it, the best mothers don’t analyze batting mechanics.) What I vividly remember is that Mom, a hundred places to be, sat there, with me, in a scorched, silver Chevette, not a shred of angst in her ﬁngers. And she wasn’t just there with me. She was there for me. Because of me. That hardly sounds like a profound moment between a mother and her son. You’re right. Not without context. I was eight years old when my Mom dropped me off at that baseball practice, and I remember it so clearly because it was just the two of us in her car. That was rare. My older brother was across town chasing soccer balls, my younger sister

JONATHAN MCELVY Publisher

needed a ride home, and my biological father had gone Home three years earlier, a victim to cancer’s cruelty. Somehow, and for reasons I can only be grateful for today, I realized – in that brief moment – my Mother had the ability to escape every panic in her life, turn her smile to me, and by sheer presence, offer me a love found nowhere else on earth. If there was no father at home, we’d be all right. If the car struggled to start, we’d ﬁnd our way. My Mother would be there when I went to bed, wake me the next morning, and no matter how tired or tried she was, she would always have that melting look of love reserved only for me. Mothers have that, you know. They

have a look, a smile, unique for every child. Maybe they have a glare, as well, but I suppose most children don’t remember that. My Mom’s gentle face, in the midst of the greatest challenge such a fragile woman could stand, appeared that afternoon outside a barren baseball field, and I will never forget it for as long as I live. That was 30 years ago, and a lot has changed since then. A wonderful man came along a few years later and rescued our family. He married Mom, adopted me and my siblings and, to this day, he is the greatest man I have ever known. But as years creep by, and as I look back on days like that summer afternoon at a baseball field, I become more and more convinced that a mother’s legacy of love, at least on earth, cannot be matched. And what’s most amazing is that so many of of us – me included – never stop and truly grasp how that selfless, God-like love forms the fiber of nearly every good thing about us. My Mother cooked dinner nearly every night. I learned to serve. My Mother worked any job she could find. I learned an ethic. My Mother stood up for me when I

was right. I learned protection. My Mother disciplined me when I was wrong. I learned fairness. My Mother laughed. And she cried. I learned to communicate. My Mother went to church. She let me ﬁnd God. I sometimes wonder if I’ve done enough to repay my Mother for every lesson she taught, every hug she gave, and every moment she spent devoted to me. I wonder if I was ever there with her. For her. Because of her. The answer, unequivocally, is no. I cannot repay her for the years she spent with her arms wrapped around me, no matter what words I write or ﬂowers I send. But I think that’s the beauty of a mother’s love. I don’t think it’s meant to be repaid. It is meant to be passed forward, to share and to spread to the people in our lives. I can speak to men, because I am one. Our mothers taught us how to be good husbands. They taught us about undying service. They taught us protection. They taught us fairness. They taught us communication. Our fathers may have taught us to be men, but our mothers taught us how to be husbands, and I sure wish I did a better job.

I can also speak to sons, because I am one. No, not every mother is perfect, and there are too many examples of young men who didn’t have what I had as a child. But I wonder if sons today have any idea what their mothers sacriﬁced. I sure wish I had understood sooner. So as we all stop to celebrate our mothers this weekend, I can only hope that most of you had the same wonderful gift I had. More than anything, I hope we all take time to thank them for a love that cannot be duplicated, ever. I cannot begin to thank my Mom enough for the moments she likely does not even remember, but I can try. Thank you for giving me every opportunity a young boy could want. Thank you for living on pennies so that your children thought they were living on dollars. Thank you for your smile, for your eyes, for your laughs and for our cries. Thank you for the protection you gave that I never knew, and thank you for the freedom to let me grow into a young man. More than anything, thank you for being my Mother. If you lined up a million of them, I’d choose you every time. Email jonathan@theleadernews.com

THE READER. 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

Citizens on patrol – but how?

I have been doing CP for a number of years and and asking for clarification on a section of this article, i.e., “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.” Are these CP members walking and riding bicycles when they are wearing the CP shirts or jackets? If so, it is a violation of HPD policy. Can you get some answers? Love The Leader. I pay for the Chronicle but get more news out of The Leader and am a faithful reader. I just wish my neighbors would appreciate it as much and pick it up every week. Lillian Jolliffe via www.theleadernews.com

Response:

You’re right about HPD policy being cars-only. We’ve been hearing it’s common for this patrol and others to use their training to keep an eye on their neighborhoods on foot and on bikes, too. They don’t wear their shirts or claim the hours, but they do use the expertise they’ve gained to help keep the streets safe. And thanks for the nice comments about The Leader. Charlotte Aguilar, Editor

Crime hikes in Greater Heights

No Apollo program for Waltrip

Armed Citizen Project

Scrutinizing social media

Yes, but we have parking meters on Washington Ave. now. That will stop crime. Kevin Furlow via THE LEADER Facebook page

OR…this will encourage break-ins when thieves are certain that no one is home! Guns are the #1 most stolen items in burglaries. Just as brilliant as I’d expect from an NRA knock-oﬀ; thanks for making me feel even LESS SAFE. MBT via www.theleadernews.com Just one more reason to like The Leader. Thanks for spreading this news. David Pokorny via THE LEADER Facebook page How do I get a shotgun? Richard Bradley via www.theleadernews.com Where can my wife and I register for the weapon? Juan Hernandez via www.theleadernews.com Where do I sign up? Sylvia Perea Tijerina via THE LEADER Facebook page

I am a parent of a upcoming 9th grader and was so glad to hear Waltrip will not be a Apollo school. Anthony S via www.theleadernews.com

Jonathan, perhaps in your haste to be self-congratulatory, you did not do the research necessary. I don’t think, with respect to Sunil Tripathi, “…that police interrogated this guy and found that he wasn’t connected, in any way, to the attack.” In fact, Sunil Tripathi left his apartment on March 16 and never returned and his body was found last week. The police never interrogated him in connection with Boston. I agree with you that social media was wrong in accusing Sunil. It is also a fact that Sunil was not connected to the attack. However, if you are going to champion “ﬁltering” information, perhaps you should have done some basic research on this national story. Your posturing and hypothesizing in saying “It could simply be coincidence. It also could be much worse.” when those statements are not based on fact is bad. I think you should retract this column. Be a responsible journalist. SS, via www.theleadernews.com

ASHBY AT

LARGE

for it, unless you are among the millions of Texas drivers who don’t have car insurance. More than 100,000 crashes and 1,000 fatalities are caused by motorists running red lights each year, according to the Texas Department of Transportation. Studies show a sharp drop in the number of traffic accidents where the red-light cameras are used, but we shall not let facts get in the way of cherrypicking the laws we wish to obey and those which are simply an ignored nuisance. Opponents say the cameras are intrusion into their lives. If so, to be consistent they must avoid all banks, especially ATMs, which cover customers 360 degrees 24/7. Next time you go into a convenience store smile, because you are on Candid Camera. Local TV news shows love to run those grainy shots of some guy entering a Stop-N-Rob wearing a ski mask, gimme cap and dark glasses, waving a gun while the TV anchor intones, “If you recognize this person, call 1-800 HANDS UP.” Recognize him? That could be my brother and I wouldn’t know it. We live in a recorded world, as Tamerlan Tsarnaev told his own brother, Dzhokar. London is supposedly the camera capital of the world, with the devices located on virtually every street corner. If you don’t want them taking your picture, don’t wear a London Fog. Also, don’t go into any liquor store, police station, airport terminal and most elevators. Casinos are full of cash, customer crooks and sticky-fingered employees. Stay away from them, plus hospitals and office building lobbies. Don’t use toll roads. They are lousy with cameras. Actually, it seems hypocritical for opponents of the red light cameras, citing video intrusion of their privacy, to leave their house. “It’s merely a way for the city

to get more money,” we are told. Then we can assume these people don’t frequent parking meters, or pay their water bill. They avoid pro sports events because tax dollars paid for most of the stadiums and arenas. It is argued that the owner of the car may or may not be the actual driver. Tell that to the owners of vehicles receiving parking tickets. There is the objection that the camera systems are supplied and operated by private companies, thereby usurping the duties of the government. Are these the same critics who are constantly clamoring for privatization, smaller government and run it like a business? Indeed, a private company picks up my garbage, although some days they deliver. The main, and unspoken, reason for opposing the cameras is simply that the whiners want to break the law and don’t want to get caught or pay the consequences (a fine), or even be inconvenienced. These arguments for opposing a common-sense device that could save lives and clear up a lot of lawsuits are totally transparent. But they are winning. Estimates are that at one point nearly 700 cities in the nation used cameras. Now it’s 530. Currently 21 states and Washington, D.C., use automated cameras at traffic intersections to catch violations. Opponents have one more way to break the law untouched: They can buy clear, plastic shields that blot out their license plate from cameras. The shields are rather like ski masks for cars. Here in Texas, roughly 60 cities have the camera programs. Montgomery County and League City are dropping systems already in place. If you go there, avoid all intersections. Houston had video systems from September 2006 until voters banned them in November 2010. Good, because Houston has no traffic accidents to speak of. This decline in collision cameras means the T-bone terrorists have won. They are also correct in saying that we don’t need seat-belt laws, mandatory helmets for motorcyclists and child-proof medicine bottles. And, yes, Daylight Savings Time causes global warming. Ashby sees red at ashby2@comcast.net

SSI get a lot of comments on my column, and most times, the disagreeing comments are because of a difference in philosophy, rather than an egregious error. You are absolutely correct in your comment, and while I don’t think it was haste to pat our staff on the back, I think the rush of news about the bombings found a way of getting mixed. I’ve talked to our editor, and we both recall the same story. It was obviously wrong. That said, I have corrected the column online to indicate such. I also believe that, ultimately, it does not detract from the overall point, and it may even bolster the same. There’s so much information out there, and sorting fact from fiction is difficult for all news consumers. It’s also a very good thing that my second-to-last paragraph started with “newspapers cannot cast the first stone.” Thanks for taking the time to reply and to help set this record straight. Jonathan McElvy, Publisher

The Puzzles.

Should we really shut down the red light district? THE INTERSECTION – I’m waiting for the traffic light to turn green while listening to some knuckle-dragger on the radio explain that global warming is due to Daylight Saving Time “because we now have an extra hour of sunshine.” The traffic light changes, but every Texas motorist knows not to spring out into the intersection unless you first notify your next-of-kin. I slowly ease out into the crossroads which are more like crosshairs and... GOOD GRIEF! A pickup comes barreling across my bow doing about 70, clearly running the red light. It’s a good thing we’ve got video cameras up there on poles which will snap a photo and.... Wait. We don’t anymore. They were mounted at the most wreckprone intersections, but the good voters in my community canceled the system. Clearly, a majority of motorists around here likes to be splattered like Jell-O, or maybe they like to splatter others. Either way, not only am I in danger every time I venture on to the roads, my car insurance rates keep going up. Your rates, too. In case you just moved here from Chad, such cameras are timed to photograph the license plates of cars going through red lights. The cameras can also shoot pictures of the drivers. The photos show the date, time, location and length of time the light had been red when the vehicle sailed through. Later, the motorist receives a letter containing a traffic ticket and a copy of the incriminating photograph. There are many questions in life which defy answers. Why would anyone who makes more than $500,000 a year vote Democratic, and why would anyone who makes less than $500,000 vote Republican? How did Davy die? Why do fools fall in love? To quote JFK, why does Rice play Texas? And why would anyone be opposed to video cameras taping the lunatics who run through red traffic lights threatening to kill us? Maybe they like my splattered Jell-O theory. We have seen those shots on TV of wrecks caused by vehicles running red lights. Usually they T-bone the other vehicle – hitting the side door, the most vulnerable part of the machine. And, again, we are all paying hard money

Response:

Solutions in this issue’s classsied section.

ACROSS Cont... 44. Point midway between N and NE 45. Refers to a female 46. Tears down (archaic sp.) 48. Increases motor speed 49. Nocturnal winged mammal 50. Integrated courses of studies 54. Goat and camel hair fabric 57. Papuan monetary unit 58. Extreme or immoderate 62. Free from danger 64. Musician Clapton 65. French young women 66. Auricles 67. Foot (Latin) 68. Prex for external 69. Allegheny plum

CLUES DOWN

CLUES ACROSS 1. Fishing hook end 5. A jump forward 9. Girl entering society 12. Largest toad species 13. Measure = 198 liters 15. Jeff Bridges’ brother 16. Past participle of be 17. SE Iraq seaport 18. Paddles 19. Biotechnology: ___ onomics 20. Perfectly 22. Japanese sash 25. Flower stalk

26. Bosnian ethnic group 28. Longest division of geological time 29. Hoover’s organization 32. Thigh of a hog 33. Fabric woven from ax 35. Upper limb 36. Basics 37. Satises to excess 39. The cry made by sheep 40. Go quickly 41. Allied headquarters in WWII 43. Paradoxical sleep

SUDOKU

1. Founder of Babism 2. “A Death in the Family” author 3. One who feels regret 4. Maine’s Queen City 5. Research workplace 6. A division of geological time 7. Paid media promos 8. Abdominal cavity linings 9. Apportion cards 10. Ranking above a viscount 11. Not idle 14. Former SW German state 15. Constrictor snake 21. Pica printing unit 23. Where wine ferments (abbr.) 24. Egyptian goddess 25. Boils vigorously 26. Oral polio vaccine developer 27. Master of ceremonies 29. Fr. entomologist Jean Henri 30. Scottish hillsides 31. Islamic leader 32. Bakker’s downfall Jessica 34. TV show and state capital 38. A citizen of Belgrade 42. Supervises ying 45. Sebaceous gland secretion 47. Conditions of balance 48. Ancient Egyptian sun god 50. Part of a stairway 51. Time long past 52. Hawaiian wreaths 53. Resin-like shellac ingredient 55. Semitic fertility god 56. 60’s hairstyle 59. Honey Boo Boo’s network 60. Soak ax 61. Volcanic mountain in Japan 63. Point midway between E and SE

Page 5A • The Leader • May 11, 2013 • @heightsleader

New era Wait-and-see continues on Heights construction projects at Waltrip: First female principal named by Charlotte Aguilar charlotte@theleadernews.com Andria Schur, currently principal at Houston ISD’s Barbara Jordan High School for Careers, has been named the new principal of embattled Waltrip High School. She will become the first female principal since the school opened in 1959. HISD Spokesman Jason Spencer said she will begin splitting her time between the two campuses starting next week, and will come on board at Waltrip after the school year ends. Schur, 38, has led the Jordan campus – which features HISD’s only career magnet high school – for about two years. Before that, she was with the Clear Creek Independent School District, where she held positions as atrisk coordinator and as dean of instruction at Clear Horizons Early College High School. That school’s last TEA rating was “exemplary,” with students achieving near-perfection on state tests in reading, math, science and social studies, and the campus was named to national lists of “best” high schools. Schur fills the vacancy created Schur by the sudden resignation in February of Steve Siebenaler, who had led Waltrip for a decade. Although he claimed to resign for “personal reasons,” The Leader learned that Siebenaler was being investigated for borrowing money from his staff and other suspicions about his personal conduct. In addition to the tumult over Siebenaler, Waltrip’s two-phase $50 million-plus renovation was halted in December, only about halfway through the first phase, due to districtwide problems with the contractor. And the Waltrip community was galvanized in recent days by Supt. Terry Grier’s announcement that he was going to put Waltrip into the Apollo 20 turnaround program for underperforming schools. That decision was reversed this week after strong pushback from parents and staff. HISD said it had concerns about seriously low scores on ninth-graders’ first STAAR state end-of-course exams, and that other factors, including declining enrollment. Schur was introduced to the faculty and staff at a reception last week and was scheduled to meet the community at a meet-and-greet Wednesday, past The Leader’s deadline.

The

Molly

Diaries

The tough question: Do you rescue or not by Molly Sue McGillicutty @TheMollyDiaries Sometimes that is the question. Everyday, litters of kittens show up in shelters as kind, well-intentioned people “rescue” the (seemingly) poor, defenseless little babies, in an effort to help them. Sadly (and perhaps counter-intuitively) rescuing a litter of kittens by taking them to a shelter is very rarely in the kittens’ best interest. In most cases, leaving kittens with their mother is the very best thing you can do for them. My friend and co-worker here at The Leader, Jane, is our resident expert on cats. She offers us several steps in determining if you really do need to rescue a litter of kittens: 1. Observe and assess the situation: Are the kittens clean and content? There’s a really good chance that mom is nearby, perhaps, taking a break to get something to eat. Unless the kittens are in danger (due to bad weather or a predator) wait for a few hours and see if mom comes back to tend to the babies. Sometimes, in the process of moving her litter, you’ll ﬁnd one of two kittens momentarily left behind. Again, wait and see. Mom will very likely be back to get the stragglers. However, if the kittens are crying, dirty or wet, something might have happened to their mom, in which case, you might need to step in and offer assistance. If this is the case, what do you do? 2. Bring the kittens inside; keep them warm and dry: Consult someone or do some research to determine if the kittens need to be bottle fed. Jane cautions us to never feed a cold kitten. Their normal body temperature is about 100 degrees so it might take 30 minutes or so to get their body temperature back to a normal range--then it’s safe to feed them. During this step, continue to keep an eye out for mom, in case she’s come looking for her babies. (By the way: If mom does return and it appears as though all is well, it might be a good time to start considering trapping mom and babies and getting them ﬁxed. Trap/Spay/Release programs are a reasonable option for dealing with our feral cat population) 3. Avoid taking the kittens to a shelter: This is a stark fact, but most shelters will euthanize kittens who aren’t above a certain weight or weaned. Houston’s only no-kill shelter (Friends For Life) is usually at capacity and will encourage you to foster the kittens yourself. The good news is that most of the shelters and rescue groups in our area are more than happy to offer advice and support on fostering and caring for the kittens yourself. They’ll also let you register your kittens with their organization and help you get the word out that you have adorable kittens looking for a home.

Help (again)!

Now Friends For Life needs DRY cat food! I wonder if you could help? They’re located at 107 E. 22nd St., 77008. Follow Molly on Twitter @The MollyDiaries.

by Cynthia Lescalleet For The Leader

Freeland Historic District residents in the Heights are hoping friendly negotiation and preservation education will prevent new homeowners from razing and replacing the vintage bungalow they purchased earlier this year. A demolition sign has appeared at 525 Frasier St., prompting swift-but-neighborly intervention -- with an outcome yet to be determined. The property-in-limbo, purchased in March, sits on a triangular lot (HCAD shows it at 6,850 sq. ft.) that abuts the Heights Hike and Bike Trail. HAHC, Houston Archaeological and Historical Commission previously denied an initial plan to expand the 1,106-sq.-ft. home by enlarging the ﬁrst ﬂoor and adding a second level. The demo permit appears to be Plan B. Freeland Historic District’s two-block neighborhood – described in signage as “Living in the Past & Loving It!,” is located south of White Oak Drive and east of Oxford Street. The intact concentration of updated ‘20s-built homes received historic district designation in 2008. Most of its homes are single-story bungalows of 1,000 sq. ft. to 1,400 sq. ft. on urban-scale lots of 5,000 sq. ft. The neighborhood’s grassroots response to this recent lot-use challenge seems more low-

key than when a builder in 2009 wanted to put two four-story homes on one of the streets, according to accounts in Houston Heights’ Association newsletter. That land use dispute spawned a campaign of successful protests and yard signs reading: “No to Demolition & Incompatible Structures!”

More to track

The fate of the raze-or-redo property in Freeland Historic District was among the development topics discussed at Monday’s monthly meeting of Houston Heights Association’s Land Use Committee. Freeland’s micro-neighborhood of narrow streets is also in the path of long-languishing Emes Place condo project, wedged on a 1.3acre parcel with access challenges. Long-term LUC members said owners of the stalled project tend to spin various fates for the site and its access every few years. Of late, a park-minded group reportedly has funded a property valuation with an eye to making an offer to buy it for future use as park. That private effort’s status is also pending, LUC ofﬁcials said. Meanwhile, the status of Trammell Crow Residential’s high-end, high-density apartment complex on Yale Street at 6th and 7th Streets was also on the agenda. TCR was expected to mail letters to nearby residents this week, but what that letter reveals was not apparent in adAd # 37768 vance, said Mark Williamson, an HHA board

THE CALENDAR. ALL ABOUT ORGANIC FERTILIZERS Heights Plant Farm 10-11 a.m. May 11 1422 Yale St. 713-868-7990 www.heightsplantfarm.com

Michael Serant, president of the Organic Horticulture Beneﬁts Alliance and owner of MicroLife’s Houston plant, San Jacinto Environmental, will speak in the picnic area of the farm on how to have beautiful and safe organic yards.

COMMUNITY BLOOD DRIVE Prudential Premier Properties 2-6 p.m. May 13 1803 W. 43rd St. 713-686-5454 www.preproperties.com

Prudential Premier Properties is hosting a blood drive at their oﬃce.

MONTHLY STEAK NIGHT American Legion Post 560 6 p.m. May 17 3720 Alba Road 713-682-9287

Enjoy a steak dinner with baked potato and salad for $13. The entertainment will be provided by MiragemobileDJ.com.

CRAWFISH BOIL Sons of the American Legion Post 560 Noon May 18 3720 Alba Road 713-682-9287

The Legion will be selling three pounds of crawﬁsh, potato and corn for $12. A plate of sausage, potato and corn is $5, and a dozen oysters on the half shell are $8.

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 Ticket prices are $12-16. Tickets are on sale in person at the Main Street Theater Box Oﬃce at 2540 Times Blvd. in Rice Village or by calling or visiting the website. Recommended for pre-kindergarten and up. No children under 3 allowed in the theater (including sleeping babies).

SPJST HOMECOMING SPJST Lodge 88 11:30 a.m.-6 p.m. June 2 1435 Beall St. 713-869-5767 www.lodge88.org

A fun ﬁlled day with lunch served from 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Grilled chicken and sausage, potato salad, pinto beans and cole slaw plates are free to members with paid dues, $7 for guests and $4 for guest children. Live entertainment will be provided by the SPJST Orchestra and Choral Group. A barbecue pit and gift cards will be raﬄed. Tickets are six for $5 or $1 each. There will be a water slide for the children. The dance will be from 2-6 p.m. with music by The Ennis Czech Boys band. The price for the dance is $10 per person.

GLASSELL SCHOOL SUMMER SIGNUPS June 3-Aug. 5 5100 Montrose Blvd. 713-639-7700 www.mfah.org/juniorschool

Registration is now open at The Glassell Junior School at the Museum of Fine Arts,

Houston. Classes and workshops are oﬀered year-round for children of all skill levels and interests, ages 4 through 18. Registrations are accepted by mail, by fax and in person during Junior School oﬃce hours.

SUMMER PERFORMING ARTS CAMP Houston Family Arts Center June 10-Aug. 24 10760 Grant Road 281-685-2623 www.houstonfac.com

Houston Family Arts Center announces its 2013 Summer Performing Arts Camps featuring dancing, singing, acting and performance opportunities especially designed for young performers grades 1-12. Call to register.

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

There are many activities planned for the weekend including a golf tournament and casual mixer Aug. 9 and the main event Aug. 10. Visit the website for information.

member who led the meeting in lieu of LUC chairman Bill Pellerin. TCR has remained quiet on its project since February; Houston’s Planning Commission denied a variance seeking to re-plat two singlefamily lots on the block, which affected the project’s footprint. Similarly, a trafﬁc impact study was submitted and reviewed by the city’s Public Works and Engineering department. Contents of the letter were not available in time for The Leader’s deadline Tuesday. TCR did not respond to requests for information. Given the amount of land along Yale Street, TCR’s proposed complex is likely the ﬁrst of many higher-density projects to come, observed Kent Marsh, one of the half-dozen LUC participants this month. Another project mentioned was the low-rise Skylane Central Apartments at Taylor Street bridge near Woodland Heights. The 2-acre site is reportedly under contract by apartment developer Greystar. As in previous months, LUC discussion shifted to enforcing deed restrictions and creating design guidelines that are unique within each of the Height’s three historic districts. Marsh, who lives in the Houston Heights East Historic District, continues to spearhead efforts for easier access to city sources related to development review and historic preservation so that community response to proposed renovations can be timely and informed.

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713-864-2621 Fax: 713-864-2622 Ad # 36774

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EVERY WEEK OAK FOREST RUNNING CLUB Oak Forest Chill 6 p.m. Tuesdays 3542 Oak Forest Dr. 281-685-9929

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MASTER STYLIST Reta will help you achieve the look you’ll love.

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Garden Oaks between Shepherd and Ella

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JOB CORPS MEETING 8:30 a.m. Mondays 1919 N. Loop West, Ste. 477 713-880-2454

LAUGHTER YOGA Heights Library 11 a.m.-noon Saturdays 1302 Heights Blvd. www.houstonlaughteryoga.com

No Deposit No Late Fees Controlled Access Lighted & Secure

Reta Rebstock

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

Free meetings are held every Monday. The program is recommended for students between the ages of 16-24. One can choose from more than 20 trades or earn a G.E.D. or high school diploma and degree. This program is funded by the Department of Labor.

West 34th St.

(Between Ella & T.C. Jester)

WALTRIP CLASS OF 1963 REUNION Sept. 20-Sept. 22 713-466-9030, 713-937-3019 dlholle@gmail.com lhp6306@sbcglobal.net waltrip1963@gmail.com, password Rams

Many activities are planned for the reunion weekend including golf tournament, casual happy hour and get together Sept. 20. A tour of the school and a seated dinner and dance is Sept. 21. The reunion concludes with a goodbye breakfast Sept. 22. Cost for the dinner is $60 per person. Payment must be received no later than June 1. Checks or money orders should be made out to: Waltrip Class of ‘63 50th Reunion. Call or e-mail for payment mailing information.

Aztec Storages

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Forest West Animal Clinic 5315 Antoine@ Pinemont

713-688-9625

Hours: M-F 7am-6:00pm Sat. 8am-12 Noon

Page 6A • The Leader • May 11, 2013 • @heightsleader

STORE CLOSING SALE

EVERYTHING

60-75% OFF! There will never be deals like this again. Everything 60% off All art and clothing 75% off

Thank You Houston! After 16 years in Houston Wind Water Gallery will be closing their doors forever in May.

CUSTOMER APPRECIATION CELEBRATION Friday, May 10 6:00 - 10:00 PM Saturday, May 11 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM Saturday, May 11 4:00 PM Lion Dance

Wind Water Gallery ��

548 W. 19th St. in the Heights 713-426-4885

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Page 7A • The Leader • May 11, 2013 • www.theleadernews.com

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Page 8A • The Leader • May 11, 2013 • @heightsleader

OBITUARIES

NEWS FROM YOUR PEWS Women’s study at Oak Forest Baptist

Families enjoyed a beautiful spring day on Cinco de Mayo last Sunday at St. Rose of Lima’s annual spring ﬁesta. (Submitted photo)

Youth lead services on Mother’s Day

Bring Mom to worship at St. Stephen’s United Methodist Church, 2003 W. 43rd St., May 12. The youth of St. Stephen’s will lead both the 8:30 a.m. and 11 a.m. services. The Loving Hands Sewing Circle meets at 10 a.m. May 13, in the fellowship hall. Bring a machine and a sack lunch. Call 713-686-8241 or visit www.stsumc.org for information.

End of school family night

Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, 215 Rittenhouse, will hold an end of school family night from 6-9 p.m. May 15 in the fellowship hall. There will be food and Bingo with prizes. Call 713-694-7433 for information.

Rummage sale at Our Savior Lutheran

A rummage sale and craft bazaar fund-raising event, sponsored by The Lutheran Women Mission League, will be held at Our Savior Lutheran Church, 5000 W. Tidwell, from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. May 18. A bake sale and a car wash will also be held, sponsored by the OSL Youth Groups to raise funds to attend a youth conference and a mission trip. There are booths still available for purchase. Call 713-686-4601 for information.

Bereans Baptist celebrates anniversary

Bereans Baptist Fellowship Church, 9615 N. Houston-Rosslyn Road, celebrates its third anniversary 4 p.m. May 19. The theme is “Empowered by the Spirit!” The Rev. Bobby Morgan of Abiding Faith Missionary Baptist Church will be the featured guest. Call 832-978-9872 or visit www.bereansbaptistfellowship. org for information.

Life Line Screening at St. Matthew’s

The Memorial Hermann Life Line Screening will be at St. Matthew’s United Methodist Church, 4300 N. Shepherd Dr., from 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. May 24. The screenings will include stroke/ carotid artery, heart rhythm, abdominal aneurysm, peripheral arterial disease and osteoporosis. Each test will cost $60 each or a four test package for $149. Call 1800-324-9458 to schedule an appointment. Sunday morning worship and a special Children’s Church begins at 9:30 a.m., followed by 10:30 a.m. Sunday School for all ages. A Wednesday evening 6:30 p.m. prayer and praise service is available, along with Holy Communion. For information, visit the web site at www.stmatthewsmethodist.org or call 713-697-0671.

Charity car and cycle show at First Baptist Heights

First Baptist Church Heights, 201 E. 9th St., is sponsoring a Custom and Classic Car and Cycle Show beneﬁting Jeff Hale, from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. May 25. There will be live music, food, games and a silent auction. Entry fee is $25 per car or cycle. There will be a free display area for non-judged cars. Longtime Woodland Heights resident Jeff Hale suffered a massive stroke Nov. 8, 2012. He lacks insurance and a means of income. His 9 year old son, Taylor, attends Travis Elementary. One can donate items for the silent auction or make a monetary donation to Citizens National Bank, P.O. Box 127, Chandler, Texas 75758. Make checks payable to: Friends of Jeff Hale. Online donations can be made at http://www.gofundme.com/ 1rf4sw. Click on “Friends of Jeff Hale.” Call 713-397-9336 for information.

Walter E. “Gene” Albright, 81, died May 2, in Houston. He worked for Pan American Airways for 17 years and Santa Fe Southern Railway (formerly Southern Pacific) for 26 years until his retirement. Albright was a member of Northwest Baptist Church and United Transportation Union. He served as a Radioman Second Class in the U.S. Navy during the Korean Conflict. Albright is survived by his wife of 54 years, Marie Albright; children Malynda, Charlotte and Glenda; sister Betty House and five grandchildren. Memorial contributions may be made to The Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758517, Topeka, Kan. 66675.

Oak Forest Baptist Church, 1700 W. 43rd St., is offering a women’s Bible study class. James: Mercy Triumphs is an eightweek 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.

Camille Tilotta Farrar, 95, died May 2. She was born Feb. 20, 1918 in Houston. Farrar is survived by her daughters Carol Brittain and Nancy Thompson, son Thomas, sister Jennie Sexton, seven grandchildren, and 14 great-grandchildren.

Kidventure Camps at St. Theresa’s

St.Theresa’s Catholic Church and School, 6623 Rodrigo St., will be hosting Kidventure Camps. Camps are scheduled from June 10 through Aug. 2 for Pk3-8th grade. Call 713-864-4536 or visit the website at www.sttheresa.cc for information.

Ernie Laura Jatzlau Jackowski, born Nov. 15, 1918 in Fedor, Texas, died May 5. She is survived by sons Robert and Patrick Jackowski, six grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren. Barbara Ann Kansteiner, 78,

died May 4. She is survived by sons, Ronnie, Gary and Keith; and six grandchildren.

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. Activities include interactive Bible storytelling, global games, music, super science, crafts, and more. This free event is open to children 3 to 11 years old. Register online at www.fairbanksumc.org or call 713-4623206.

It’s just not worth spending a fortune at a daily newspaper to run your loved one’s obituary anymore. Ask your funeral home to use The Leader.

Hector “Red” Perez, also known to his siblings as Tito, 77, died April 27. He was born Aug. 5, 1935, in Santunce, Puerto Rico. Perez was a proud member of the U.S. Air Force, serving honorably as a Korean veteran. He was a co-founder, along with his wife, of Oaks Dads Club and Northwest National Little League. Perez is survived by his wife of 51 years, Arlene; sons, Mark, Kenneth and Charles; daughters, Teresa S. Tarin, Toie L. Gomez, Pauline A. Perez, Eileen H. Hernandez and Kristina L. Marshall; sisters, Judith Arquillo, Sonia Benedetto, Ruthie Acevado, Zoraida “Zippy” Cabello; and brother Carlos Perez; 18 grandchildren and nine greatgrandchildren.

Carr, 41 Compton Court, Basking Ridge, N.J. 07920-2737.

Leonard Felix Sebesta, Sr., 81, died April 30. He was born Oct. 29, 1931 in Monaville, Texas. He served proudly in the U.S. Army and retired in 1987 after 31 years of service with the Metropolitan Transit Authority. Sebesta is survived by his wife of 52 years, Lucy; sons Leonard, Jr., Thomas and Roger; sisters Cecilia Cegielski and Stella Mayﬁeld; and four grandchildren.

Jane Perkins Scott, died April 28. She was born June 8, 1936 in Beaumont. She was a R.N. at U.T. Galveston. Scott is survived by daughters Donna Krumblis and Mary Deiss, son Bill Scott, sister Charlene Hood, seven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Memorial contributions may be made to Clumber Spaniel Rescue Charitable Trust, c/o Sue

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Church Guide

Oaks Presbyterian Church

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

Ministering to the Oak Forest Community since 1948 Reverend Noelie Day

Grace United Methodist Church “The Heart of the Heights”

1245 Heights Blvd.

Sunday School . . . . . . . 9:30 AM Sunday Worship . . . . . 10:45 AM Nursery Provided

(713) 682-2556 1576 Chantilly @ Piney Woods

Reverend Hill Johnson, Pastor

713 862-8883

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

First Baptist Church Heights Sunday Worship 10:30am Wednesday 6:00pm Friday Youth 6:00pm Sunday School 9:30 am

Nursery Provided Spirit Led Worship 713-861-3102 201 E. 9th St. • Houston TX 77007

4040 Watonga • 713-688-5227

Gospel Truth Church

Worship Services 8:00 a.m. & 10:30 a.m. (Nursery Provided) Sunday School & Bible Classes 9:15 a.m. Preschool Program • Mon. - Fri. 9-2 p.m. www.gethsemanelutheran.org

Member of MANNA

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(Disciples of Christ)

1216 Bethlehem at Ella Blvd. (713) 688-7761 Sunday School 9:30 AM Morning Worship10:45 AM Pastor Don Joseph Member of MANNA Visit us on FaceBook www.oakscchouston.org

GETHSEMANE LUTHERAN CHURCH Reverend John Cain, Pastor

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MESSAGE OF THE WEEK

LOVE IS BETTER SHOWN THAN SAID

L

ove is sometimes more clearly shown in actions than in words. Small acts of kindness or generosity are often better expressions of love than owery words. There is nothing wrong with telling others that we love them, but, we should be sure that our words are not contradicted by our actions. It is easy to say that we love our families, friends, and our fellow human beings while showing utter contempt or disregard for them. Often the more time we spend with people, the harder it may be to act in a kind and loving manner towards them. The man who must isolate himself in order to stay on good terms with his fellow man probably lacks the loving disposition of the saint who can actually live in the world amongst her fellow humans and still show them kindness and love. We would all do well to work harder at showing our love, especially to those who may be difcult to love, instead of merely saying those three easy words. “My little children, let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed andin truth.” ~ New K.J.V. 1 John 3:18 ~

Sunday SundayWorship WorshipServices Service at 8:30am & 11:00am 10:45 am

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713-864-1470

Page 9A • The Leader • May 11, 2013 • www.theleadernews.com

Pay Up: Parking rules have changed Washington gets a masterplan by Michael Sudhalter michael@theleadernews.com

City officials and community members worked diligently for months to develop a pilot program that would work to alleviate parking issues on Washington Avenue, and the results of their efforts took effect last week. Last December, the City Council voted 15-2 to approve the Washington Avenue Parking Benefit District that has now added meters to the popular nightlife corridor that’s filled with restaurants and bars, but often short on parking spots. District C Councilmember Ellen Cohen was instrumental in bringing sides together, and she hopes the project will benefit business owners, residents and patrons. “We worked long and hard on putting the plan together, and we tried to have every interested party involved,” Cohen said. “We want to make (Washington Avenue) more accessible, less dangerous, get cars in and out, and keep the business community vibrant.” Jane Cahill West, the former Super Neighborhood Council 22 president, is on the advisory committee. “I understand they’re only going to write warning tickets for a two week period,” West said. “We supported the creation of the district to improve the parking experience for everyone - the patrons and the businesses…I’m optimistic that it’ll be successful.” Mayor Annise Parker appoint-

ed a community advisory committee made up of three residents and four business owners, along with ex-officio non-voting members. The committee will provide feedback to Don Pagel, the city’s deputy director for parking management. “The pilot is designed for 18 months,” Pagel said. “(After that), we have a responsibility to go to city council and talk about it. We’ll let it continue as pilot, dissolve it or make it permanent.” The revenues generated from parking tickets will go back to the community, with the committee “deciding what to do with those funds,” Pagel said. Some of the revenue will go toward sidewalk repairs, extra lighting and extra security along Washington. “This is the first (parking benefit district) we’ve done in this city,” Pagel said. “They’ve become popular throughout the country.” The meters are located on the entire avenue, from Houston Avenue near downtown to Westcott Street to the west. Prior to the meters, there had been signs for the parking. But the digital meters let motorists know how long they can park in the area. The internal costs of the project include two parking enforcement officers, who will be able to assist Houston Police Department officers, Pagel said. “We’ll have more eyes on the street on a regular basis,” Pagel said. “We took a look at crime, and it has escalated over the past

couple of years. (There’s been) an awful lot of circling by people looking for parking.” Patrons will have the option of paying hourly or paying a flat rate for the evening. If they leave their vehicle in the spot overnight without paying, it will be ticketed and towed. The city is working to identify potential lots for Washington Avenue employees, since employees taking the majority of the free spots near the businesses had been an ongoing problem. There’s also a shuttle, “The Wave,” that eases traffic and parking along Washington. Pagel said the Metro Rail may be interested in expanding to the Washington area, but Metro officials are waiting to see the progress of the fledgling parking plan. Some adjacent streets are also included in the district, where each address will be allowed to apply for one permit to park on the side streets from 6 p.m.2 a.m. Thursday – Sunday at a cost of $25 plus tax annually. Those streets had experienced a lot of spillover traffic issues from Washington. Not everyone is in favor of the Parking District. Councilmember Helena Brown voted against it. “I don’t know if it’ll help or make matters worse,” Brown said. “If business is impacted in a negative way, that will affect the residential.” To apply for the permit or to learn more about the parking district, go to http://www.houstontx.gov/parking/washingtonavenue.html

Probe • from Page 1A

by Charlotte Aguilar charlotte@theleadernews.com In a city without zoning, the Livable Centers projects dotted around Houston neighborhoods are providing community-involved planning for the next 30 years –– and the wildly developing Washington Avenue Corridor now has its own 250-page vision. The final Washington Avenue Livable Centers report, crafted after more than a year of public sessions between planners and stakeholders, went public last week. Among the recommendations: •Creation of a state-approved management district that would coordinate future planning and development; •Redesigning Washington Avenue itself as an “urban corridor” with improved aesthetics and convenient, multiple options for transportation; •Encouraging development of neighborhood-friendly small business and a variety of housing options, improvement of parking (with some recommendations already fulfilled by implementation last week of a Parking Benefits District), parks and sidewalks; •Creating an underpass on Shepherd Drive below the freight rail tracks that will improve traffic flow in the area; •Establishing a formal Arts District in the area that’s increasingly becoming a home to studios in converted warehouses; •Within 15-30 years, establishing a streetcar along Washington Avenue, possibly with a dedicated lane.

• Uncovered multiple cases where Siebenaler had asked for and received prescription painkillers –– Tramadol and Vicodin, both powerful narcotics –– from colleagues; • Detailed first-person accounts of the principal’s red eyes, slurred speech and sometimes nonsensical behavior at meetings; • Cited unrecorded absences by the principal, frequently after he had taken the prescription drugs. A colleague began surreptitiously documenting those absences in the 2011-12 school year. They included arriving to Waltrip late, leaving early or simply not reporting to campus at all. At times, according to testimony, he lied to colleagues that he was elsewhere in the district on business. “Interviews confirm the allegation that Siebenaler…was unavailable, or unable, to discharge principal responsibilities due to ingestion of narcotic pain medication,” the report read. The one rumor the investigation did not confirm was that Siebenaler had used compensatory time off to repay employees who loaned him money. The entire report can be viewed at www.theleadernews.com.

The Houston-Galveston Area Council, BetterHouston and directors of the Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone 15 (TIRZ) have led the development of the plan, with the guidance of Asakura Robinson, a design ﬁrm, and other urban planners. The area covered is about four miles long and bounded by Interstate 10 at the north, Westcott Drive at the west, Buffalo Bayou at the south and Interstate 45 to the East. It encompasses much of the

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Mothers • from Page 1A

how HISD should discharge Siebenaler, who has yet to have a determination made on his departure status. “There’s a different burden of proof on [human resources] matters, such as termination, and on what constitutes criminal behavior,” Spencer said. “There are a lot of gray areas here.” Siebenaler resigned suddenly in February, citing “personal” reasons. But The Leader learned that HISD had already launched its own internal investigation of him by then to learn more about growing suggestions that he was borrowing money from colleagues without repaying it and other rumors about his actions. The report was provided to The Leader as part of an Open Records request to HISD. Investigators found ample evidence of the money-lending – a number of incidents with amounts totaling more than $6,000 – as well as Siebenaler freeloading off a subordinate when his ﬁrst marriage crumbled and he needed a place to live. There were accounts from colleagues that he had asked them to cover up those loans if they were asked. According to the report, investigators also:

city’s Super Neighborhood 22, including all or most of the First and Sixth Ward, Memorial Heights, West End, Magnolia Groves, Westwood Grove, Rice Military, Wood Crest and Cottage Grove. Jane Cahill West of SN 22 said she is “generally happy” with the recommendations and “anxious for the city to finally approve it.” One tweak she’d like to see: “…(that) the city expand one extra stop to the light rail line that’s coming east-west, to bring it up to Washington Avenue. I think that would be a benefit.” The entire final report can be viewed at http://www.asakurarobinson.net/portfolio-view/washington-avenue-livable-centersstudy/

pendent child who always loved school. “When he was little he said he was going to college and he did,” she said. Graduating at the top of his class from Cypress Ridge High School, Martinez applied for a scholarship to UT on his own and received one. His parents found out about it at his graduation. “We were really emotional,” said Higuera. “I am truly proud of him. It is something that I can’t put into words.” Martinez, a psychology major who will graduate this spring, plans to work in a lab for a year before going on to graduate school to earn his PhD. He says that while he was always “inherently interested in learning,” his mom’s support has been very important to him, especially when he came out to her as a gay man. “That was the biggest thing, when I finally opened up to her. She has this really accepting nature,” said Martinez. “Her acceptance allowed me to move forward.” He also remembers Sunday trips to the flea market as a child as well as her good Mexican cooking. The cultural connection is something that has become more important to Martinez, who grew up in Houston, as he grows older. Higuera says that her favorite thing is to be a mom and that it is “awesome” that her three kids are so different. She enjoyed taking them to the park when they were young and emjoys dancing with them now, whether it be the merengue or the cha-cha. “She can keep up with me,” said Martinez. Higuera met her fiancé Nicholas Palumbo in a poker group, although she says they’ve switched to bingo now. Her happiness in all aspects of her life comes across to her friends at Tecate. “I believe she lives in the moment, and appreciates life and all it has to offer,” said Zamora.

��

Smart Financial Credit Union grand opening set for May 18 Smart Financial Credit Union will be holding a grand opening of its new, state of the art ﬁnancial institution on frontage road at 2510 North Loop West on Saturday, May 18 from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Rain or shine, the event will feature food trucks, a photo booth and a money grab booth. The 4,350 square foot “smart branch” is the ﬁrst of its kind, with all ATMs in the tellerless drivethrough, allowing for transactions 24 hours a day, seven days a week. In addition to the grand opening, members utilizing the drive

through ATMs have the opportunity to double their deposit up to $1,000 now through May 31. The open concept of the new branch was designed with members in mind. The previous location was destroyed by Hurricane Ike within the first 90 days of opening, making it difficult for members to have access to Smart Financial services. With its new location, Smart Financial Credit Union can now provide members with the quality service they are known for with ease. This is especially beneficial

to select employee groups such as Houston Independent School District, Christus Health, and Boy Scouts of America, which are headquartered in close proximity to the new location. There are 8,800 members that are associated with this branch of Smart Financial Credit Union, which has been in this area since 1995. Smart Financial Credit Union has been in business since 1934, with 18 locations in Texas and Louisiana, and currently has nearly 80,000 members and $500 million in assets. It was named as

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