Leader April 30

Inside Today: Residents mourn local store clerk • Page 8A

orget Don’t F ay

’s D MothMeayr8th!

We provide a real estate experience driven by vision and defined by process.

713.725.8748

Flower & Gift Shop

michael@happenhouston.com

ABOUT US 2020 North Loop West Suite 220 (713) 686-8494 news@theleadernews.com www.theleadernews.com Facebook/FromTheLeader

Your neighborhood living room in The Heights Serving coffee, tea, wine, beer, savories and sweets 7 am to 9 pm daily.

1030 Heights Blvd, Houston,TX 77008

713-434-6923 YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD ATTORNEY PHYLLIS A. OESER

Covering the Heights, Garden Oaks, Oak Forest & the neighborhoods of North Houston 10 570 N W F r w y Saturday, April 30, 2022 • Vol. 67 • No.18 ove Send L mile S HPD cites driver, pedestrian as intoxicated on morning Send a en of fatal

By Adam Zuvanich landan@theleadernews.com The driver of the pickup truck who fatally struck Shady Acres resident Ryan Lutz and his dog while they were jogging early April 5 admitted to speeding at the time and hit a parked car later that morning on the same street, according to Houston Police Department crash reports obtained by The Leader, which show the driver was suspected of being under

the influence of prescription drugs at the time of the second collision.

The accident report for the first collision, which occurred at 6:05 a.m. in the 900 block of West 25th Street, shows the victim Lutz had a blood-alcohol level of 0.13, which is nearly two times the legal limit in Texas. Lutz, 35, was transported to Ben Taub General Hospital after the crash and died from his injuries 10 days later, according to a news release from HPD.

Lutz’s wife, Izaura Lutz, said she disputes that her husband would have had that much alcohol in his system early on a Tuesday morning, saying he was an occasional beer drinker who had a strict diet and was training for an upcoming marathon in the couple’s home state of Colorado.

“There’s no way,” she said.

“If he was drunk, the last thing he would do is go for a See Crash P. 5A

Bright s Day ne’ Someo

By Adam Zuvanich

5005 W. 34th St, Ste 104A

713-692-0300

Patrick Bilnoski Your Local REALTOR Top Realty

713-202-4757

PAT R I C K T X R E @ G M A I L . C O M

Residential | Commercial

Photo contributed by Houston ISD Waltrip High School engineering students work on projects in class. Earlier this month, the program received national recognition from SOLIDWORKS for achieving a top number of certifications so far this year.

Waltrip engineering program recognized among nation’s best

By Landan Kuhlmann landan@theleadernews.com

Page 4A

Future of art. University of Houston art students are showcasing their work.

Page 7A

Since 2016, Waltrip High School Career and Technical Education teacher Stephanie Witherspoon has dedicated her time to ensuring students with engineering inclinations have the opportunities to succeed.

Her efforts, and those of her fellow teachers and students, have begun to earn the school’s program national recognition.

On April 6, SOLIDWORKS national representatives came by Waltrip to recognize the program’s accomplishments. The school has had 23 students who have earned the Certified SOLIDWORKS Associate (CSWA) designation so far this year – the most in Texas, and a top-10 number in the nation.

“We’ve had some splashes of success (before), but getting it to the point where it looks like it’s sustainable is really exciting,” Witherspoon said of getting more and more students certified. “… Having the students buy in is the really cool thing.”

SOLIDWORKS certifications involve working in fluid power systems design, computer-aided drafting and mechanical engineering and can open doors to jobs in the engineering field, according to Witherspoon.

Waltrip’s engineering program of study focuses on the design, development and use of engines, machines and structures. Students learn how to apply science, mathematical methods and empirical evidence to the innovation, design, construction, operation and maintenance of different manu-

Photos contributed by Houston ISD Waltrip High School teacher Stephanie Witherspoon, front left, reacts to her students receiving recognition from SOLIDWORKS earlier this month.

facturing systems through Computer Animated Design, or CAD. The SOLIDWORKS program has been in place at the school since 2016, and is better than ever, according to Witherspoon.

“We’re kind of knocking it out of the park, and the students are really focused and motivated,” she said last week. “It’s reSee SOLIDWORKS P. 5A

Zoe Kass is among a group of Houston-area teenagers and young adults who traveled to Austin last year and tried to convince state lawmakers to support a bill that would eliminate the so-called “tampon tax.”

The effort by Kass, a student at Bellaire High School and co-founder of the Texas Menstrual Equity Coalition, proved unsuccessful. The bill was not passed by the Texas Legislature, and there continues to be sales taxes for feminine hygiene products such as tampons, sanitary pads and panty liners – even though a wide range of drugs and medical supplies, including male libido enhancers, are considered tax exempt under McElvy state law.

But Kass and the other members of the coalition are not giving up in their quest to eliminate sales taxes on those products in the name of both gender and economic equity, and they McGonagill have some highpowered help.

The Texas Menstrual Equity Coalition is being represented pro bono by Houston law firm Baker Botts LP and two local attorneys for the firm, who are challenging the application of existing sales tax exemptions by the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts and said they are prepared to file a lawsuit in state district court if the comptroller’s office does not grant their request for a sales tax refund related to products purchased in 2021 by Sahar Punjwani, a Sugar Land resident and member of the coalition being represented by the firm.

“We’re serious about this. We’re not just a bunch of little girls,” Kass said. “We have See Tampon Tax P. 5A

Longtime band director Espinosa leaving Waltrip funding and other resources for his program at Waltrip as a reason for his departure.

“I’m saddened that it’s come to this, but it’s what’s best for me and my family,” Espinosa said. “I’ll definitely miss the good times and all the students that have come through here, and the special people I’ve had the opportunity to work with in the fine arts department.”

Waltrip principal Michael Niggli, Houston ISD fine arts director Wenden Sanders and the HISD press office did not immediately answer questions about Espinosa’s impend-

By Adam Zuvanich azuvanich@theleadernews.com

THE INDEX. Church....................................................... 4A Classifieds ............................................. 5A Coupons .................................................. 3B Food/Drink ............................................ 7A Opinion .................................................... 3A Public Information......................... 4B Puzzles ..................................................... 3A Sports ........................................................ 2B

Local attorneys, equity coalition team up to fight ‘tampon tax’ azuvanich@theleadernews.com

For Professional Legal Services Wills, Probate Estate Planning & Real Estate

Student salute. The Greater Heights chamber of commerce recognized local students.

crash

Photo by Landan Kuhlmann Houston police are investigating two April 5 crashes on West 25th Street that involved the same driver and a pedestrian who died.

Leader’s Choice Award Winner for 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021

INSIDE.

713-680 -2350

Contributed photo Waltrip High School band director Jesse Espinosa, left, leads students during a Christmas-themed performance at the Heights Theater. Espinosa said he is leaving Waltrip, his alma mater, to take the band director job at Klein Forest High School.

Best L ife

LIVE YOUR

WITH OUR CREDIT CARD

Apply today at www.MTFCU.coop

Jesse Espinosa has spent the better part of three decades with the Waltrip High School band program, first as a student, later as an assistant director and most recently as the head director.

His run with the Roaring Red Ram Band is coming to an end.

Espinosa said this week he is leaving Waltrip at the end of the school year to become the head band director at Klein Forest High School. He cited an ongoing challenge to secure

ing departure that were submitted Tuesday by email.

Klein Forest principal Lance Alexander described Espinosa as a “perfect fit” for his school and its band program, saying he was attracted to Espinosa because of his track record with the Waltrip band and how he has used the fine arts as a vehicle for preparing students for adulthood.

HISD trustee Elizabeth Santos, who serves Waltrip as part of her district, thanked Espinosa for his service to the Waltrip community and said she was “utterly heartbroken, See Espinosa P. 5A

GET RATES AS LOW AS

9.49

%

APR*

and a chance to win up to $250!*

*APR = Annual Percentage Rate. Your rate is based on your credit at the time of approval. Risk-Based Pricing Notice: The Annual Percentage Rate (APR) quoted “as low as” depending on the applicant’s individual credit history. Rates quoted are based on approved credit. Your APR may be higher based on your credit information obtained from consumer credit reporting agencies Members Trust FCU uses. Rates and terms are subject to change. No purchase necessary to enter and win. Odds of winning depend on the number of entries received. To automatically enter the monthly cash drawing, use your MT credit card five times per month in April, May and June. The five qualifying purchases can be completed online or in-store, but each must be over $50. Drawing will be conducted in May for members with qualifying purchases in April. Drawing will be conducted in June for members with qualifying purchases in May. Drawing will be conducted in July for members with qualifying purchases in June. Persons may also enter the drawing by submitting a handwritten form without purchase or obligation. Mail a 3×5 card with a name, address, and contact information to MTFCU, Attn: Marketing, 2315 Mangum Road Houston, TX 77092. Entries must be received no later than 12 pm CST on June 30, 2022. You must be current on your MTFCU accounts to qualify. Bonus is considered interest and may be reported to IRS Form 1099-INT. Please consult your tax advisor on any legal, tax, or financial issues related to your bonus or personal matters. Offer ends on June 30, 2022.

Page 2A • Saturday, April 30, 2022 • The Leader

KEEP YOU MOVING without joint pain

Live life without joint pain.

At Houston Methodist Orthopedics & Sports Medicine, we know that joint pain affects every part of your life. With treatment plans customized for you, our specialists offer a full range of advanced nonsurgical and surgical techniques. Our expert joint care includes: • Innovative pain control methods • Physical therapy to improve mobility and range of motion • The latest technology, including minimally invasive surgical techniques that help reduce recovery time

Memorial City Bellaire Texas Medical Center

Schedule an appointment: houstonmethodist.org/jointpain 713.441.9000

THE TOPICS. The Leader • Saturday, April 30, 2022 • Page 3A

Being a bore isn’t necessarily a bad thing THE COCKTAIL PARTY – “How’s it going?” I say to a friend who, among others, is sipping drinks in my den. When he just nods, I try again.

“What’s new on the job?” He sighs.

“Let’s not talk about banking. It’s so boring.” This guy is president of one of the biggest banks in Houston and thus one of the biggest in Texas. He handles large amounts of money and makes decisions affecting other people’s lives, and he finds the job boring. Actually, I would, too. But when you go to college and major in banking, work your way up to a big time job with a huge paycheck, and then find your job ho-hum, that seems like the waste of a life.

Are you boring? You quite probably don’t think of yourself as that, but you just may be. Certain characteristics – and professions – can make a person appear boring, even if they aren’t. Data analysis, cleaning and – yes -- banking are the most boring jobs. As for hobbies, religion, watching TV and observing animals – bird watchers – are uninteresting pursuits and thus are done by uninteresting people.

The lack of a sense of humor, having no opinions or complaining a lot make for a boring person. Also “uneducated” or “has a monotonous voice” probably means you’re a bore.

We know this because of work done by a team led by University of Es-

LYNN ASHBY Columnist

sex psychology researcher Wijnand Van Tilburg, as reported in my mustread mail, Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin. It gets worse for these folks: Participants in the study demanded a bunch of money for spending time with a “stereotypical bore.”

On the other hand, these negative stereotypes may actually be quite interesting, but we avoid them and they don’t get a chance to prove how really interesting and clever they are. For example, the research team wondered why the participants in the study said that boring people were also seen as incompetent even though there really is no link between the two. “I would have thought that accountants would be seen as boring, but effective and the perfect person to do a good job on your tax return,” said Van Tilburg. “The truth of the matter is people like bankers

and accountants are highly capable and have power in society – perhaps we should try not to upset them and stereotype them as boring.” This reminds me of the line: “I became an accountant because they said I didn’t have the personality to be an undertaker.”

I would consider bird watching boring, but some people love to wake at dawn, put on rubber boots and heavy sweaters and tromp though marshes just to spot, and maybe photograph, a Tawny Frogmouth. There is an expression in journalism when reading some long and pointless news story: MEGO. Mine Eyes Glaze Over. I feel the same when reading complicated pages full of numbers, yet I know three accountants quite well and they are all witty, well-read and, importantly, make lots of money. The study’s participants found that religion is boring and an uninteresting pursuit. Yes, long-winded sermons can be uninteresting. Celibate priests lecturing us on sex, abortions and LGBTQ are boring. So are televangelists who live in multi-million dollar mansions, drive a Maserati and tell us to give to the poor (while passing the offering plate). But watching TV is boring? I watch a lot of TV, mostly news, sports and PBS. But millions of people watch those stupid sitcoms with their recorded laff-tracks, and I can’t. The worst are the award

THE READER.

shows. “I want to thank etc. etc.”

Yawn. Cleaning was listed as boring.

No argument there. Over the centuries lots of people have enjoyed opera and golf. What do they know that I don’t know? I can’t understand the words in an opera and, unless Tiger Woods hits a hole-in-one, I suffer from terminal ennui.

Is your job boring? Standing there all day on the pig rendering line wishing you had a more exciting and rewarding career like being a lighthouse keeper? Many Americans must feel that way and we are seeing a perfect example: because of the pandemic, millions of workers left their jobs or are working at home and don’t want to go back to their old workplace. There are several reasons: Don’t like commuting, particularly with $4-a-gallon gas.

Living in a city that has become too expensive so they are moving to Pecos. (U.S. housing prices have risen by 30 percent since the pandemic began. Monthly rents are up 18 percent nationally.) Covid-19 is still leading to more than 4,000 hospitalizations per day in the U.S., and some workers feel the recent uptick in covid cases could mean a new and dangerous wave.

In January, the number of people who quit voluntarily was 4.3 million, or 2.9 percent of the labor force.

That’s down from a record high in

November but still quite high and shows people feel confident about finding a better job – one that is not so boring. If you are considering not going back to the same old cookiecutter cubicle at Toxic Toys, consider something more exciting and rewarding. Become a cop or go through a school’s library and burn any books that you find offensive. Volunteer to serve in the International Legion of Territorial Defense of Ukraine. (You can become an instant Ukrainian citizen.)

Or if you are looking for an exciting, fulfilling job, become a journalist. OK, today there are probably more unemployed journalists than employed, but apply anyway. It’s not boring. You get to hang around with politicians, drug dealers, global warming deniers and other undesirables. You receive hate mail, obscene phone calls and questions from people who ask, “Why doesn’t the press tell us about…” and then recites something they learned from the press. Back at my cocktail party, my bored banker asked, “What do you think about…?” “Do the Astros…?”

“Is it true that….?” Maybe he should consider robbing banks.

Ashby is excited at ashby2@comcast.net

THE LEADER PUZZLERS.

Let’s re-think city’s plans for road diets

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

Dear Editor: I’m writing about the opinion expressed in “Let’s re-think city’s plans for road diets” (4/20). I am opposed to a road diet for 11th Street as it will result in gridlock, increased air pollution and unsafe residential streets.

As a Heights resident of 20+ years, a cyclist, a business owner on 11th St and a father of 3, I am vehemently against the proposed conversion of 11th St from 4 lanes to 2 lanes. I go bike riding with my children multiple times a week and I would never consider taking them on 11th no matter how “protected” the bike lanes are.

But my biggest fear and concern are for those on the inter streets specifically 8th - 13th St(s) as traffic is going to increase tremendously due to those taking side streets vs waiting in traffic.

This is a dangerous proposal and one that should be halted immediately.

Lastly, how is that we don’t have money for speed bumps and for a light at Nicholson and 11th St yet we have money to fund this project? Is it possibly due to the city not receiving federal dollars for speed bumps and traffic lights but it does for increased bike lanes?

Paul Lamnatos

SUDOKU

Email us your letters: news@theleadernews.com

Routine Male Cat Neuters

49

$

New Well Puppy & Kitten Exam

FREE Dog Rabies Vaccination

10 1

$

45

*

* With Wellness Exam

Call About Cat Vaccines

5315 Antoine@ Pinemont

713-688-9625

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

ACROSS 1. Women (French) 5. Hyrax 8. Distress signal 11. Trade 13. Large northern deer 14. The 3 Wise Men 15. Marten of N Asian forests 16. Hoover’s agency 17. Received an A 18. 2nd Islamic month 20. Light brown 21. Clarified butter used in Indian cookery 22. Frankness 25. Argentina’s capital 30. Citizen of Kenya or Zimbabwe 31. Noah’s boat 32. Family of languages in So. Africa 33. Inappropriate 38. Scientific workplace 41. Hungriness 43. Say to talk about an annoying topic 45. Sing and play for somebody 47. Strike buster 49. A citizen of Thailand

50. Civil Rights group 55. Honest Company’s Jessica 56. ‘__ death do us part 57. Malarias 59. Claim against another’s property 60. Mined metalbearing mineral 61. Dashery 62. Capacity unit 63. Primary color 64. Indian dress

DOWN 1. Manuscripts (abbr.)

2. Netherlands river 3. Italian island 4. One’s own being 5. More adroit 6. Balkan country 7. Psychologist B.F. 8. Investment group Goldman ___ 9. Double curve 10. The plane of a figure 12. Ocean 14. Public presses 19. Civil Rights activist Parks 23. Cooking container 24. Arctic native

25. Founder of Babism 26. Bashkortostan capital 27. Bulky grayishbrown eagle 28. Louse egg 29. About sight 34. ___/Tuck: TV drama 35. Black tropical American cuckoo 36. Chest muscle (slang) 37. Expression of disappointment 39. One who assists 40. Antilles island 41. Served food 42. Egyptian Sun god 44. Performed successfully 45. Cavalry-sword 46. Abba __, Israeli politician 47. Jonas __, cured polio 48. The Muse of history 51. Express pleasure 52. Turkish leader titles 53. Castro country 54. Nobleman 58. ___ Lanka

Mark Luna

Firearms Dealer • LTC. Instructor HHHHHHHHHHHHHH

luna-manuel@hotmail.com • goldeneaglegunsllc.com fb.me goldeneagleguns

117 Estelle St. Houston, TX

832-898-1465 • 281-673-1614

2400 Augusta Dr. Suite 212 Houston, TX 77057

WORD SCRAMBLE

Page 4A • Saturday, April 30, 2022 • The Leader

Heights chamber salutes local high school students

By Adam Zuvanich azuvanich@theleadernews.com

The Greater Heights Area Chamber of Commerce presented 31 local high school students with scholarships during an event held April 19 at Greater First Baptist Church, where the chamber’s education committee also recognized 10 area students who have enlisted in the military.

The military-bound students received personalized yard signs along with certificates and red, white and blue honor cords that can be worn during their graduation ceremonies. According to the chamber of commerce website, the 10 students are Damien Gomez (Air Force), David Pressley (Air Force), Carolina Rosales (Texas Army National Guard) and Bradley Seifert (Army) of Heights High School, Audrey Stanberry (Air Force) of Lutheran High North, Angeles Melena (Marines) of Northside, Robert Gonzalez (Army) of Scarborough, Angelo Da Vigo (Army ROTC at Texas-San Anto-

nio) of St. Pius X and Hector Elizondo (Army) and Maria Guzman (Army) of Waltrip.

“They deserve our respect, admiration and gratitude,” said Larry Gutierrez, the interim commander for American Legion Post 560, which participated in the event. “The Post 560 Legion family congratulates and wishes them success in their next phase of life.”

Several local businesses that are members of the chamber of commerce sponsored the 31 scholarship recipients, with each receiving $1,000 to use at the college or university of their choice, according to the chamber website. The recipients are listed below by school, with their sponsoring business in parentheses: Heights: Pedro Gonzalez (Allegiance Bank), Evan Hudgins (Primeway Credit Union), Isabel Wabnitz (Primeway Credit Union) Houston Christian: Jonathan Chen (Adams Insurance), Hannah Nicholas (Greater Heights Area Chamber of Commerce)

Lutheran High North: Phillip Cole Jao (Memorial Hermann Greater Heights Hospital), Ainsley Kinloch (Adams Insurance) Northside: Crystal Agundis (Greater Heights Area Chamber of Commerce), Stacey Garza (Tom and June Kimball Memorial Scholarship given by Grace Lazure of Creations by Grace), Kimberly Herrera (Primeway Credit Union), Ruben Maya (Greater Heights Area Chamber of Commerce), Yasmine McCann (Reibenstein and Associates), Crystal Meraz (Tom and June Kimball Memorial Scholarship given by Grace Lazure of Creations

by Grace), Heidy Nunez (Reynolds and Associates), Eduardo Rubio (Greater Heights Area Chamber of Commerce), Gerardo Rubio (Members Trust Federal Credit Union of the Southwest) St. Pius X: Piper Applewhite (Greater Heights Area Chamber of Commerce), Claire Carbajal (Greater Heights Area Chamber of Commerce), Samantha

OFE team headed to finals of worldwide competition

Contributed photo Military-bound students from local high schools show off the personalized yard signs they received during the annual education event hosted April 19 by the Greater Heights Area Chamber of Commerce.

Fox (Members Trust Federal Credit Union of the Southwest), Lailah Reyes (Memorial Hermann Greater Heights Hospital) Waltrip: Bre Aldridge (Adams Insurance), Je’Fran Butler (multiple sponsors), Sophia De La Garza (Memorial Hermann Greater Heights Hospital), Brooke

Naumann (Willie Diefenbach-Jones with Greener Still), Gregory Naumann (Willie Diefenbach-Jones with Greener Still), Janelle Naumann (Members Trust Federal Credit Union of the Southwest), Stephani Rodriguez (Allegiance Bank), Briana Tovias (Greater Heights Area Chamber of

Constable’s deputies to work for tips as part of Special Olympics fundraiser

By Adam Zuvanich

By Landan Kuhlmann

azuvanich@theleadernews.com

landan@theleadernews.com

Deputies from the Harris County Precinct 1 Constable’s Office will work as food servers from 11 a.m.3 p.m. Sunday at Preslee’s - Southern Good Eatery, 1430 W. 19th St., with the hopes of collecting tips that will be used to support Spe-

When the Oak Forest Elementary Odyssey of the Mind team members heard their name called as a qualifier for the world finals, it took a moment to hit home.

Then, all jubilation broke loose.

“Even when they just got to state, we were ecstatic, because that doesn’t happen often,” said Odyssey of the Mind coach Brandy Gum, whose son is on the team. “When they called our name, we were so shocked.

To get to go to the world competition is so crazy.”

Earlier this month, Oak Forest Elementary’s fifth-grade team finished third out of 10 teams in their age group at the Odyssey of the Mind state competition, an international problem-solving and creative storytelling competition. Odyssey of the Mind is an annual competition comprised of teams from first to fifth grade that involves part engineering problem solving and part creative storytelling.

The OFE team consisted of fifth-graders Dylan Dunlap, Hudson Gum, Mehak Mehra, Anya Nissley, Aiden Powis-Case and Jacob Schmidt. Schmidt’s sister, second-grader Chloe Schmidt, was also on the team.

They will now compete with other teams from around the world during the finals from May 25-28 on the campus of Iowa State University in Ames, Iowa.

Each team could choose from one of five potential synopses for the competition, according to Odyssey of the

Contributed photo Oak Forest Elementary’s fifth grade Odyssey of the Mind team recently took third place in the state competition, and will compete in world finals May 25-28.

Mind’s website. For this year’s competition, OFE’s team chose to build a Matryoshka, or nesting structure.

“We try to give them a lot of input in the problem they pick,” Gum said. “Because if they don’t like it, they’re not going to be as enthusiastic about it.”

For the competition, the students had to design and build a Matryoshka structure made of only balsa wood and glue that held as much weight as possible – all on their own. Before weight placement, the nested structures were then removed oneby-one to reveal a tiny character nested inside the smallest structure with which students had to perform a themed skit.

OFE’s structure wound up holding 215 pounds at the state competition, where they also performed an 8-minute skit about time travel that featured an old grandfather clock traveling back in time. The skit was meant to explain to all that “time holds hours, minutes, seconds, and most importantly, memories,” Gum said. “They know what they’re doing, and

it ended up being just so cute.”

OFE has been competing in regional tournaments for more than 10 years and had made it to state before, according to Gum. However, this is the first time the school has ever had a world competition finalist.

“This team has been so successful because we have very different strengths on our team,” she said. “They each bring a unique strength to the table to create the group.”

A GoFundMe account has been started to help raise funds for the team’s trip to Iowa, with a goal of raising $5,000. There had been $1,270 donated as of Tuesday afternoon, and community members can donate by going to gofundme.com/f/ send-oak-forest-elementarysom-team-to-worlds.

“It’s so exciting,” Gum said. “(Head coach Jen Powis) just told them at the beginning that she wanted them to learn something and have a lot of fun in the process. … This is such a great way to put an exclamation point on their last year at Oak Forest.”

Commerce), Mary Sun (Greater Heights Area Chamber of Commerce) Booker T. Washington: Daniel Bouffard (Greater Heights Area Chamber of Commerce) School unknown: Maricela Cortez (Dr. Ann Vermillion Memorial Scholarship given by April Petronella)

drinks, running food to tables, they’ll be checking on tables,” Preslee’s general manager Ryan Manos said of the officers. “They’ll be working.”

For more information, visit www.sotx.org/tip-acop or www.facebook.com/ specialolympicstx.

cial Olympics Texas.

The tips will be considered donations as part of the Texas Law Enforcement Torch Run, a fundraising effort for Special Olympics Texas, which provides sports training and athletic competition for children and adults with intellectual disabilities.

“They’ll be refilling

Garden Oaks Civic Club postpones vote on Heritage District designation

By Adam Zuvanich azuvanich@theleadernews.com

The upcoming May meeting of the Garden Oaks Civic Club will no longer include a vote among members regarding the pursuit of a Heritage District designation from the City of Houston, according to civic club president Tonya Knauth.

Knauth said the meeting, scheduled for 7 p.m.

Tuesday, May 3 at Great Heights Brewing Company, 938 Wakefield Drive, will include an open discussion about the potential for a Heritage District designation as well as the sidewalk issue facing the neighborhood. As reported last week by The Leader, some in Garden Oaks have expressed concerns about a legal framework created by the city in which property owners and homebuilders must construct pieces of sidewalk when a home is newly built or significantly remodeled - even if there is no existing sidewalk on the rest of the street.

It is unclear whether a Heritage District designa-

tion would allow neighborhood property owners to side-step the city’s sidewalk requirements, according to officials with Houston’s Planning & Development Department.

The Heritage District designation is a new tool made available by the planning department that allows neighborhoods to protect character-defining elements and foster civic and cultural pride. Such a designa-

tion would apply to public rights-of-way, whereas a Historic District designation applies to private property within a specified district, and would come with potential benefits such as the ability to apply for beautification grants and to preserve street signage.

Garden Oaks residents can share their comments about a Heritage District designation by emailing heritage@gardenoaks.org.

Notice of Public Sale NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE of property to satisfy Warehouseman’s lien.

The Sale is May 18, 2022 at 10 AM at Isaac’s Moving and Storage, 7440 Fairbanks North Houston Rd., Houston, TX 77040 Phone # 781-436-4760 Conducted by BoldBids.com, Steven Mayers, Auctioneer, Lic. 8237.

Property will be sold to the highest bidder for CASH. Seller reserves the right to withdraw property from sale. Unit contains miscellaneous furniture, fixtures and equipment. Property includes contents of the following tenant; Wanda Jackson / King Liquor; 107222; crates 8008, 8083, 8070,8074, 8097, 8098, 8011, 8052, 8056 & 8057. All contents must be removed within 24 hours. All moving blankets must be retained by the moving company. Any personal papers or photos must be returned if located in units.

CHURCH DIRECTORY

I

St. James Lutheran Church, ELCA Sunday Bible Studies For All Ages ... 9:30am St. James Lutheran Church, ELCA Morning Worship ............... 10:45am • Worship (English)..... 10:00 am - 11:00am Wednesday Bible Studies For Youth, Children MANNA t 8PSTIJQ &OHMJTI BN BN and Adults............................ 6:15pm Sponsor

First Church

• Learning Hour........... 11:00am - 12:00pm • Worship (Spanish) .... 12:30 pm - 1:30pm

t -FBSOJOH )PVS BN QN 1602 West 43rd St. • Houston, Tx 77018 • 713-686-1577 MANNA 1822 W. 18th • 713-864-1470 t 8PSTIJQ 4QBOJTI QN QN 4QPOTPS Sunday School ........9:15 am WeeklySunday Sunday Services Gethsemane Lutheran Church Worship......10:30am 8FTU SE 4U t )PVTUPO 5Y t • Bible Study: 9:15 a.m.

4 4 Watonga 713-6887 • Morning:10:30 a.m. Study We invite you to worship with us!

Wednesday Bible • Evening: 4:15 p.m. ee l ors ip er ices a & Prayer Service 6:00pm 1700 West 43 at Rosslyn da c ool i le lasses a resc ool

ro ra

o

ri

p

Gethsemane Lutheran Church e

se

a el

era

or

Ad # 32285

rd

713-682-4942

FCPastor Heights and Staff – Dr.Family Richard Walters 201 E. 9th St. • 713-861-3102 www.fbcheights.org

Pastor Jerry McNamara Candlelight Church 4040 Watonga • 713-688-5227 Join us for Services

of Christ

in English or Spanish with us!

Ministries for All Ages Weekly Worship Services 9:00a.m.

Sunday Morning andto 11:00 We Worship invite8:30 you worship Sunday School for Children, Youth and Adults 9:40 Home of Johnson Memorial School for Little Children can Rev. Nathan LonsdaleOnline Bledsoe,services Pastor

Sunday Worship 10am & 5pm Sunday Bible Classes 9am Wednesday Bible Study 7pm

be reached4215 Watonga Blvd. • 713-681-9365 2003 W. 43rd St. 713-686-8241 s u m c . o below rg Houston, TX 77092 through thes twebsite at 9:00 am. www.gethsemanelutheran.org

Say a Prayer Today

O

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

Judge n not, a

The Leader • Saturday, April 30, 2022 • Page 5A

Crash

Espinosa from P. 1A

from P. 1A

devastated and overall sad” about his upcoming move.

“His work at Waltrip has transformed lives, helped build lifelong relationships, connected families and given students an incredible education in values, leadership, dedication and music,” Santos added. “Mr. Espinosa embodies everything a teacher can and should be. He has maximized every resource and exhausted every partnership to bring in what the Ram Band needs.”

Espinosa, 44, said he was one of the band’s drum majors during his senior year at Waltrip in 1994-95. He rejoined the program in the early 2000s as an assistant to band director Charlie Stevens and succeeded Stevens as head director in 2012.

The Waltrip band has qualified for the UIL area marching band competition every year since 1997, meaning it has advanced past the regional round every year during that span. That is the longest such streak in HISD, according to Espinosa.

Since Espinosa took over the pro-

run.”

The April 18 news release said the 33-yearold driver of the black Chevrolet Silverado – who is not being named because he had not been charged with a crime as of press time Wednesday – was questioned at the scene, determined not to be impaired and released. The crash report for that incident, which cites the pedestrian Ryan Lutz as having failed to yield the right of way to a motor vehicle, says the driver was not tested for either alcohol or drugs.

Izaura Lutz questioned why her husband, after sustaining serious injuries during the crash, would have been tested for alcohol but not the driver who struck him and his dog, Orbit, who died at the scene.

In the accident report for the second collision, which occurred at 8:25 a.m. in the 700 block of West 25th Street, the responding investigator noted the driver was “under the influence of drugs” when he crashed into a parked Tesla Model 3 and admitted to having taken multiple prescription drugs. The crash report says a blood sample was drawn from the driver to test for the presence of drugs.

HPD spokesperson Jodi Silva said Monday the two crashes are under investigation, the department was awaiting toxicology results and that if the driver is determined to have been impaired at the time of the first collision, then the responding officers’ actions and determinations at the scene could come under scrutiny. When asked later Monday about the possibility that the blood-alcohol level attributed to Ryan Lutz on the crash report could have been entered incorrectly, HPD spokesperson Victor Senties said, “All the aspects of this thing are being looked into.

“If there was some erroneous information put in, that would all be part of the investigation,” he added. “This is still active and ongoing.”

Senties declined to further discuss details about the crashes or answer questions about them, including a question seeking to determine what time the responding investigators released the driver from the scene of the first crash. Silva said the driver theoretically could have taken prescription drugs at some point after the first collision.

Heights-area resident Samantha Gieseke, who said she is the girlfriend of the owner of the parked Tesla that was struck, questioned the timing of the second collision as it’s listed on the HPD crash report. She said the collision happened between 8:05 and 8:10 a.m.

Gieseke also told The Leader she interacted with the driver shortly after the crash and that he appeared disoriented.

“It was like his head was just in the clouds,” she said.

The driver was traveling east in both instances, according to the crash reports, which also show that Ryan Lutz and the parked Tesla were both on the south side of West 25th Street at the times they were struck. The crash reports also show that the home addresses for both Lutz and the driver are within a few blocks of where the crashes occurred.

The report for the first collision cites statements made by the driver, who told police he had been sick since the Sunday beforehand and was on his way to a store to get coffee.

He admitted to traveling “around 40” mph in a 30 mph zone and also said, “I never drink alcohol,” according to the crash report.

“I never saw the male in the street. I just felt and heard the impact,” the driver also said, according to the crash report. “I pulled over and called 911. I tried to administer CPR.” Gieseke said the second collision later on the morning of April 5 totaled her boyfriend’s Tesla, which was parked in a grassy shoulder and struck on the rear left side, according to the crash report. The report also says the driver was transported to Memorial Hermann Greater Heights Hospital “due to his admission that he had taken multiple prescription drugs,” and that “no citation was issued on scene due to the DWI investigation.”

Cited in the crash report for the second collision is the testimony of another witness who said the driver was “swerving erratically” while crossing the North Durham Drive intersection and hit the Tesla while traveling between 30-40 mph.

“It felt like to me he was reckless,” Gieseke said. “He should not have been behind the wheel.”

SOLIDWORKS

Espinosa said Klein Forest is a “place where the arts are truly supported, not just by word but also by action with putting instruments in kids’ hands, budgeting for it properly, master scheduling. All those things are there to give a teacher or a band director an opportunity to really get the most out of their students.”

HISD covers the cost of travel to school and UIL-sanctioned events, according to Espinosa, who said his band at Waltrip has otherwise been forced to fundraise for needs such as musical instruments and repairs to those instruments. The program raised about $20,000 to make its trip to Dallas earlier this year for the Jazz Education Network’s conference, with U.S. Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee securing a donor to help boost the effort.

“Funding fine arts shouldn’t be left for parents, principals or donors,” Santos said. “It is the duty of a school district to fund these programs.”

Santos added that it’s the responsibility of the state of Texas to provide adequate funding for districts such as

HISD, saying the state “needs to fully fund public education.”

Espinosa called for additional support at the campus and district level.

“I hope and wish the district and the campus will come to terms to understand that they need to support their fine arts program,” Espinosa said.

“These are things that kids want to be a part of and make them excited about learning math, English, science and social studies. Don’t take for granted what they do for your school culture and how it brings the community into the equation.”

Espinosa thanked Waltrip’s band families and other community members for their support over the years.

He said they will be more formally appreciated at a free farewell concert planned for 3 p.m. Saturday, June 4 at Waltrip.

Donations will be accepted at the event to help support the Waltrip band next year and beyond, Espinosa said.

Gonzalez plans to go into mechanical engineering, while Rosilez has her eye on studying biomedical engineering. Both said the introduction to tangible, practical skills they can use in the workforce has been a major benefit to being part of the engineering program and working toward their CSWA during their high school experience.

“We’ve experienced so many real-life situations,” Rosilez said.

“All my other classes, they say, ‘You have to do this.’ It’s great, but here, everything I do I’m going to get to use out in the real world. My skills here are transferring over. … I can use every single thing I’ve learned here in the real world.”

A cut above What makes the Waltrip program even more unique, Witherspoon said, is the hands-on nature of everyone involved in the program.

Over the last few years, she has helped implement a student mentoring program.

As part of the initiative, students who have already earned their CSWA certification can choose to stay on for an extra six weeks tutor-

ing and helping students who are working toward their certification to give them peer-to-peer coaching.

“Students speak ‘student.’ It doesn’t matter how carefully I choose my words; I don’t speak (their language),” Witherspoon said.

“They just get each other so much better than we get them.”

In addition to the 23 who have already earned their certification this year, Witherspoon said that as of last week there were 15 students beginning their work toward earning it. One of those is junior Richard Billalobos, who plans to attend the University of Texas and study mechanical engineering. “(My passion for engineering) started with my love of building things, ever since I was a little kid,” he said. “My dad taught me all the little things growing up, and over time I just wanted to continue doing it and be an engineer like my dad.”

And even if they are not planning to work toward an engineering field after high school, Witherspoon said the skills learned during their time at Waltrip can pay dividends no matter their future profession.

Students can also earn a Certified SOLIDWORKS Professional in Mechanical Design (CSWP) as well certification from the National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER), which is a work readiness and safety certification.

Junior Bianca Heath is one of those as she wants to study to eventually become a nurse. She is looking at Texas State, the University of Texas, Lamar and Prairie View A&M, among other schools.

“I know how to use SOLIDWORKS and I’ve learned the basics of safety, which can help me progress my skills and be a better nurse,” she said.

No matter how the students who come through Waltrip choose to use their skills moving forward in their aspirations, Witherspoon said being part of it can only bolster their chances to be a productive part of the workforce while following their dreams wherever they wind up.

“We’re equals in this endeavor,” she said. “Getting them to understand that we’re here to help and excited for them to learn has been really fun.”

bacterial contamination.”

McGonagill and McElvy argue that feminine hygiene products meet that definition. So does Dr. John Irwin, a Clinical Associate Professor in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the Baylor of College of Medicine, who submitted his professional opinion on behalf of Punjwani and the Texas Menstrual Equity Coalition in a document provided by the attorneys and submitted to the comptroller’s office.

McGonagill and McElvy also argue that taxing feminine hygiene products, when products such as Band-Aids, gauze pads, eye patches, corn cushions and male libido enhancers are tax exempt, amounts to gender-based discrimination and therefore violates the Texas Constitution.

“The argument is that the comptroller’s position favors the male sex drive over female menstruation,” McElvy said.

Added McGonagill: “It’s insulting. It’s not only insulting, I think it contravenes their own stated rule, and it’s sex-based discrimination.”

Kevin Lyons, a spokesperson for Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar, said the office could not comment on a pending sales tax refund request, citing state law. Lyons did not answer questions seeking to determine how much leeway the comptroller has in interpreting or

implementing the existing Texas Tax Code and Texas Administrative Code, or whether the comptroller thinks feminine hygiene products should be tax exempt.

Lyons said the office received approximately 40 refund claims in January 2020 related to sales taxes paid for feminine hygiene products, adding the claims “were all denied due to the products not being exempt.”

“I have not talked to (the comptroller’s office) recently, but my understanding was they did have some leeway to create rules that could have included menstrual products in the exempt situation,” said State Rep. Donna Howard, a supporter of the effort to eliminate the tampon tax. “I think they’d prefer to have the legislature take that action. I do not know what the political ramifications were expected to be.”

Howard, an Austin-based lawmaker, proposed the aforementioned bill during the 2021 legislative session and also authored similar bills in each of the previous two biennial sessions. She said her most recent bill had bipartisan support but did not make it to the floor of the Texas House for a full vote.

Howard said her proposed legislation has so far been torpedoed by financial considerations, adding that lawmakers are often reluctant to eliminate a tax revenue stream

without replacing it with another revenue source. But she and McGonagill both said sales taxes generated from the sale of feminine hygiene products represents only a fraction of the overall sales tax revenue generated across the state.

McGonagill said the tampon tax is especially problematic for lowincome women and has a ripple effect because a lack of access to feminine hygiene products could cause women to choose to skip out on school or work over fear of embarrassment.

“The fact I’m having to even talk about this is mind-boggling,” Howard said. “This is a basic healthcare need of girls and women of childbearing age. There is no reason whatsoever that we should be taxing these products.”

Howard said she’s encouraged by the efforts of young women such as Kass, who said she helps provide free feminine hygiene products in the girls bathrooms on the Bellaire campus.

McElvy and McGonagill said they are committed to fighting on behalf of Kass, Punjwani and other members of the Texas Menstrual Equity Coalition, and are willing to take their case all the way to the Texas Supreme Court if necessary.

“We will see this issue through,” McGonagill said.

from P. 1A

ally fun.”

Starting in their junior year, Witherspoon said the school’s engineering students can choose to begin the program by working through a series of projects aimed at developing a proficiency for 18 specific SOLIDWORKS-related skills. Once they master those 18 parts, then they move into assemblies. Then, after they can do assemblies quickly and understand how to get the data they need from it, they move into the testing environment.

Witherspoon and fellow teacher Adel Rakha oversee the program.

“We’re a very big hands-on, minds-on program,” she said.

Among the 23 students who have already earned their CSWA this year are seniors Moises Gonzalez and Victori Rosilez, both of whom plan to attend Texas A&M and have been in the Waltrip engineering program all four years of high school.

“I have a lot of other hobbies like drawing, and in SOLIDWORKS you do a lot of that,” Gonzalez said.

“You can make your drawings come to life, and that seemed really fun to me.”

Tampon Tax

gram, it has twice performed in Washington D.C. – first at former President Barack Obama’s second inauguration in 2012 – as well as at Super Bowl and Final Four events held in Houston. The Waltrip band has performed Christmastime concerts at the Heights Theater and earlier this year played at the Jazz Education Network’s annual conference in Dallas.

Espinosa said the Waltrip program has been successful because it focuses on developing leadership qualities in its band students. He said that started with Stevens, whose tenure as band director began in 1983.

“I’ve always thought of myself as a steward of the program, and to continue carrying that torch that was lit by Mr. Charlie Stephens,” Espinosa said.

Espinosa said he intends to create the same culture at Klein Forest, where he will be accompanied by his music-playing children. Sophomore Jae Espinosa is a member of the Waltrip band, and Isabel Espinosa is an eighth-grader at Frank Black Middle School.

from P. 1A

something we want done. (Lawmakers’) job is to represent us. One way or another, it’s going to happen.”

The initial request for a sales tax refund was submitted in April 2021 and requested a total refund of $1.78, the amount in sales taxes paid by Punjwani when she purchased less than $22 worth of liners, pads and tampons from Doyle’s Pharmacy in Houston, according to documents provided by attorneys with Baker Botts. The comptroller’s office issued a denial of the request in February, according to the attorneys, who last week submitted a request for re-determination as well as a request for a refund hearing.

The attorneys, Heights resident Laura Shoemaker McGonagill and Meghan D. McElvy – the wife of McElvy Partners CEO Jonathan McElvy, who owns The Leader – argue that feminine hygiene products should be tax exempt because of Rule 3.284 under Title 34 of the Texas Administrative Code, a regulation promulgated by the comptroller’s office to interpret and implement Section 151.313 of the Texas Tax Code. Rule 3.284 says that among the products that should be tax exempt is a wound care dressing, which is defined as “An item that absorbs wound drainage, protects healing tissue, maintains a moist or dry wound environment (as appropriate), or prevents

THE CLASSIFIEDS. Wanting to run a classified ad? CALL 713-686-8494 Monday - Friday. We accept credit cards.

GARAGE/ ESTATE SALE

GARAGE SALE May 7th from 8-12

Shepherd Park Plaza Neighborhood Garage Sale https://tinyurl.com/yzhhpxre

HEIGHTS GARAGE / YARD SALE Sat. 8am-3pm • 312 Moss St. 77009 CLEANED OUT STORAGE UNIT! Collectibles, Home Decor, Lots of Holiday Stuff, Yard Equipment and Tools & MORE

FOR SALE THE FOAM STORE

C u s to m C u t M e m o r y F o a m C o u c h C u s h io n s M a ttr e s s F o a m 2217 W. 34th, Ste. A.

Antiques and Collectibles Providing Estate Sales Services 3311 Ella • 832-286-7882 Like us on www.facebook.com/ bluemoonantiques-houstontx

C h a ir P a d s

713-686-6622

Johnny & Rhea Danna, Owners R etAiL C enteR www.thefoamstore.com W H OLesALe P R iC es

ADULT CARE Are You Looking for Someone to Care for Your Senior or Family Member in Your Home or a Facility?

Dedicated Hearts Provides:

BLUE MOON ANTIQUES AND ESTATE SALES

PETS

• Exceptional Personalized Care • Companionship • Light House Keeping • Meal Prep, etc.

Please Give Us a Call for More Details

832-515-2855

heartsdedicated4@gmail.com

HEALTH & FITNESS AIKIDO - JUDO

Japanese Martial Arts

Mandi’s Mutts Local - In-Home Pet Services Grooming, Training, Pet Sitting

aikibudo-aikido.com Looking to hire good local people? Leader classifieds get great response and cost less than the daily paper.

ELECTRICITY - CABLE - INTERNET

$

I DO PET CPR TRAINING BONDED & INSURED

832.506.5080

Afford Affordable Pet Care In Your Home Will Treat Your Loved Ones As My Own Bonded Mitzi 713-444-8517

YOUR AD CAN RUN HERE

Call 713-686-8494

0

DEPOSIT if qualify

SOLAR PANELS

0

$

down payment

• RESIDENTIAL AND COMMERCIAL • IMMEDIATE SERVICE Looking for Sales • EVERYONE QUALIFIES Representatives $

M M&M Pet Sitting S

8th Degree Black Belt

713-826-5877

POWER/CABLE/INTERNET PROVIDER

29.99

WEEKENDS

FREE

From 6¢/kW

$

100 Gift

713-446-2091

packages with more than 165 channels

Free HBO

“He who has something to sell and whispers it into a well, is not as apt to get the dollars as he who stands up tall and hollers.”

Advertise!

Page 6A • Saturday, April 30, 2022 • The Leader GENERAL HOME IMPROVEMENTS AUTO CARE

HARTING AUTOMOTIVE PROUDLY SERVING HOUSTON SINCE 1988

GENERAL HOME IMPROVEMENTS

GENERAL HOME IMPROVEMENTS

GENERAL HOME IMPROVEMENTS

GENERAL HOME IMPROVEMENTS

QUALITY CONCRETE WORK

Ramiro Garcia

www.camposroofing.com

CAMPOS Roofing Hardi Siding • Gutters • Painting • Windows

All Work Guaranteed Free Estimates

3825 Dr. • (713) 680-3530 3308Pinemont Ella Blvd

www.hartingautomotive.com

Memory Foam Mattresses WANT TO BUY

AUTO AIR CONDITIONING

WE BUY Arctic Auto GUNS!  Air  CONSIGNMENTS TOP CASH PAID Au t o m o t i v e Ai r Co n d i t i o n i n g

FORWELCOME YOUR GUNS!

BLACK GOLD GUNS & AMMO 2001 Karbach Suite F Houston, TX 77092



Aaron’s

GENERAL HOME IMPROVEMENT

Since 1974

PLUMBING WOOD FENCING Repair & Install Pressure Washing Painting • Siding

Drain & Sewer Cleaning #17773 - 7 Days a week

825 Curtin 77018

713-695-2222

Gilbert 281-948-4879

PEST CONTROL Cherokee

PEST CONTROL • Termites • Roaches • Ants • Silver sh • Rodents

Free Termite Inspection

713-682-6801

®

JUNK HAULING CHEAP TRASH HAULING FAST Home/Business • FREE ESTIMATES

WE WILL BEAT ANY PRICE

20% Off With Ad

#1 Cheapest Trash Hauling / Demolition Co. in TX!

If You’ve Got It, We’ll Haul It. a s ame a er i e • n r rea

AAACheapTrashHauling.com

Insured

713-235-0560

EUGENE

HAULS TRASH: Cleans Garages, Trims Trees.

832-890-5453 Your Best “STOP” For A Drip

713.686.6622

WELLS ROOFING

832-731-3866

All Work Guaranteed

Insured for your protection • EST 1974 email: Wells5517@sbcglobal.net

Frank Montes

Painting Interior/Exterior

Sheetrock Repair Match any texture

Roofing Work Carpentry Handyman Services Power Washing Maid Service Good References

(713) 962-3474

R.B. GARAGE DOORS perts •

ears

perien e

Affordable Prices • Free Estimates * Garage Door Openers * Lube & Tunes * Crashed Door Resets * Springs

ROGELIO

713-680-0059 DMI GENERAL CONTRACTOR

IT’S AN INVESTMENT

RIO GRANDE FENCE CO.

Thank you for your continued business Free Estimates on Fencing

713-862-7320

30+ Yrs. Exp.

281-272-6900 CELL713-569-4199 Charlie's

ROOFING

+ Quality Work + Low Prices + + Hand Nailed + Hardi-Siding + Oak Forest Area Resident 40+ years Free Estimates

Complete Pavers

Pete’s Quality

CUSTOM PAINTING

WATER DAMAGE REPAIRS

Including Flooded Homes • Exterior/Interior • Pressure Washing • Sheetrock Repair • References • Insured 713-201-5569 832-372-5577

petesqualitypainting300@gmail.com

Adam’s

Houston Heights

ROOFERS

Roofing, Siding, Painting, etc.

K e e p it lo c a l a n d c a ll th e p r o s .

713-385-1576

w w w .h o u s t o n h e ig h t s r o o f e r s .c o m

ALL HOME REPAIR • Termite/Water Repair

• Sheetrock • Painting • Texturing • Roofing Repair/Replace • Shower/Bath Redo • Tile • Flooring/Carpet • Ceramic Tile • Fence Repair

FENCES & DECKS

Installation Repair Sanding Finishing

Repair & Installation All Type Fences • Chain link • Wood • Ornamental Iron Small jobs welcome Call 7 Days

832-515-4214

Cell (281) 221-0637

WOOD FLOORS

Jose `

35 Yrs. Exp. & Leader Advertiser

Call Sam 713-582-5500 713-686-2285

e o a res l s advertise in T h e L e ad e r .

with this ad

you read this, then classified ads or C all today to advertise

713-686-8494

www.acmanhouston.com TACL B27781E

ELECTRICAL SERVICES John John Kuenstle Kuenstle Electric,LLC Electric,LLC

Oak Oak Forest Forest Resident/Office Resident/Office • Residential • Residential •• Commercial Commercial ••Service Service Licensed -- Insured Insured -- 34 26 Yrs. Yrs. Exp. Exp. Licensed “A” ON On Angie’s “A” ANGIE’S List LIST 832-425-2152-- Free Free Estimates 832-425-2152 Estimates

FREE ESTIMATES

832-767-7701

BRAVENEC ELECTRIC

ROOFING Serving NW Houston Since 1973

FREE estimates

Lights-Plugs-Breakers Cover all electric needs

713-864-4168

Licensed-Insured

cc accepted

bravenecelectric@gmail.com

713-688-3277

HAR BINGER

electric

Since 1953 - TECL 19210 Res./Comm. Wiring

by SERNA BROS.

TEL. 713-721-5490 17823

SWIMMING POOLS FREE ESTIMATES

Interior/Exterior

Power Wash

Free Estimates

Cell: 832-584-0725

Martinez Concrete Works

• • • •

Remodel Existing Pool • Concrete Tile • Acid Wash • Flagstone Coping • Deck’s • Fence + more!

New Plastering We can build your dream pool

• Driveways • Patios • Sidewalks • Foundation Additions • Stamp Concrete Bonded and Insured • Free Estimates

713-408-0137

martinezconcreteworks@gmail.com

346-303-3919 • cervantespoolsandremodeling.com

PRIME ROOFING

APPLIANCE & TV REPAIR

Commercial • Residential New Roof • Re-Roof

713-681-5001

www.primeroofing.com

HOME REMODELING

• Painting • Sheetrock • Tile Work • Roo ng • Carpentry • Carpet • Concrete • Power Wash • Burglar Bars • Brick • Trees FREE ESTIMATES - Hector

281-827-4447

ROOFING REPAIRS AND INSTALLATION Flat roofs also. FENCING installation and repairs.

Call Sam

713-582-5500

F rom a drip o a lea r to the Leader lassifieds to turn those eadac es o

!PPLIANCE , $ 2EPAIR • Refrigerators • Ovens • Washers • Dryers

AW Appliance Sales & Service Washer • Dryers Ranges & Stoves Refrigerators Freezers

713-697-0335 (open 6 Days)

832-526-8531

9235 N. Houston Rosslyn 77088

KINARD’S Appliance Service

Washers - Dryers Dishwashers - Ranges 281-350-6255 713-857-2050

David’s

.0 , * #, All Makes & Models “We We Make House Calls Calls” a

I Buy cracked Flat Panel TV’s 1622 W. 23rd

NEED A NEW ROOF? We’ve got you covered!

T urn to e Leader lassifieds

T o Ad v e r t i s e Call T o d ay ClouD

Answers: A. monitor B. process C. program D. data

Call today - beautiful home tomorrow!

• Landscape Installation • Weather Damage Replacement • Tree Trim & Removal • Lawn & Bed Maintenance • Landscape Lighting • Organic Soil Amendments

713-682-5296

LUXURY LAWNS coa o pai to a o al re odel T urn to the Leader lassifieds T o Adv ertise Call T oday

713-686-8494

713-686-8494

LAWN & GARDEN GUIDE www.richtersservicesinc.com

a e

To Advertise Call Today

CRYPTO FUN

WORD SCRAMBLE

NEED A NEW COAT?

ro

713-460-COLD(2653)

MASTER #178565 TECL TECL#25670 #25670 Native Native Houstonian Houstonian - 46 Yrs. MASTER #178565 - 52 Yrs.

LEADER PUZZLER SOLUTIONS

713-686-8494

American Standard Authorized Dealer

REYNALDOREMODELING.COM

For Your Home Repair Needs:

Painting Drywall✔ Drywall Hardi Plank Siding Plank Cabinet Re-facing ✔ Painting ✔ Hardi Siding Any Type of Carpentry Work Complete Remodels ✔ Any Type of Carpentry Work ✔ Complete Remodels

$20 OFF

Electrical & Plumbing Carpentry • Tile • Room Additions Sheetrock • HardiPlank • Windows • Deck • Doors Power Washing • Painting • Roofing • Concrete

J&D HANDYMAN SERVICE

713-688-6463

Gilbert 281-948-4879

Cooling & Heating Res. - Com.

Reynaldo REMODELING

832-755-5245

IT’S NOT JUST A FENCE

• Patios • Decks • Driveways • Brick Columns

! # -AN

713-296-9753

• Genie • Craftsman • Lift Master • Chamberlain

TEL

“Honesty is our best discount”

For all your construction / remodeling needs •Tile •Electrical •Roofing •Flooring •Plumbing •Carpentry •Siding •Paint

www.rbgaragedoorshouston.com rbgaragesdoors@gmail.com

Compare us.

TACL A020360E

• Chain Link • Wood • Wrought Iron / Hand Rails • Gate Operators

FREE ESTIMATES

Gutters • Siding • Painting • Roof Leaks Call Today

HEATING

713-869-8876

45 yrs. Exp. - FREE EST.

Residential & Commercial

oor

713.206.5965

H H VETERAN OWNED H H

SLEEP SLEEP BETTER BETTER

AND

SALES, SERVICE & MAINTENANCE

TONY MUNOZ FENCE CO.

FOAM store

Garage

A/C



713-703-8488 Jim

Call Casper

Licensed FFL/Class III Dealer

PLUMBING

the

Auto E lectric and Lea e ec io

713. 2 0 5 . 692 2

713-694-4867

•Patios •Driveways •Room Additions •Expedient Work American Made “God Bless America”

Re-roofs • Repairs

FULL SERVICE AUTO REPAIR Auto Maintenance & Diagnostics 4934 Acorn St. 77092 281-688-9405

CONDITIONING

House Painting

At Reasonable prices

“The Residential Roofing Specialists”

GENERALHEAT/AIR HOME IMPROVEMENTS

Lawn Maintenance Landscape & Design Sprinklers/Drainage Systems Free Estimates 20 yrs. exp.

713-688-4244 David Bartula

I S HERE! Ad v e r t i s e y o u r L aw n Car e S e r v i c e

Call 713-686-8494

Gilbert’s Landscape Lawn Care

Mowing • Edging • Blowing Flower Bedding • Fertilizing

TREE CUTTING & TRIMMING

FREE ESTIMATES – 17 Yrs. Exp.

(281) 948-4879

Verdeco

LANDSCAPING SERVICES

• Lawn Maintenance • Fertilize • Mulch, Tree Trimming • Flowerbed Cleanup • Grass Installation

713-703-6406

RAMIREZ TREE SERVICE

Trimming • Removal Pruning • Topping Stump Grinding Free Insured & Bonded Estimates Residential & Commercial

713-480-9450

Book a Consultation with Us Today!

KJBLandscapingLLC.com or call 346-719-9663

Texas Lawn Services & Landscaping • Flower Bedding • Mowing • Edging • Fertilizing • Mulch • Trimming and More Call Gilberto 346-303-7003

jose.salazar020473@gmail.com

YOUR AD CAN RUN HERE

Call 713-686-8494

GENERAL

The Leader • Saturday, April 30, 2022 • Page 7A

Art Valet: UH photography students to showcase thesis exhibition MITCH COHEN Art Columnist

This year’s University of Houston Photography and Digital Media students will present their senior thesis exhibition from 6-9 p.m. Saturday, April 30 at Mother Dog Studios, 720 Walnut St. The public is welcome and encouraged to attend the opening, and the exhibition will remain on view through May 13.

For the past three years I have received requests from students at UH seeking space for that year’s senior class to raise money by selling their art at The Market at Sawyer Yards. I love a good cause and always sponsor them.

This year, I got the call from photography student Ginger Davis, but I upped the free offer by having her promise to let me interview her and promote their group thesis exhibit. Can you believe it, she accepted my offer!

Originally from Tuscaloosa, Alabama, Davis transferred from the University of Texas at San Antonio to get her bachelor of fine arts (BFA) degree in digital media and photography.

Art Valet: The big question is - what is the senior thesis exhibition about and why do the students raise the money?

Davis: “The senior exhibition is a collective of our individual thesis projects from our senior year. Every year, the senior BFA class has an exhibition at a local gallery.

This helps establish us as emerging artists within the community; and prepares us for life after graduation. For us to have the senior exhibition, we must raise funds for marketing, exhibition catalogue, banners, opening night hors d’oeuvres and bar, and the gallery space.”

Art Valet: What’s your photography background?

Davis: “I have practiced everything from digital media to alternative photographic processes. My earlier work consisted of documentary photography dealing with the urban environment and gumoil portrait photography in Houston. Currently, I’m focused on using lensless pinhole photography to depict the passage of time and how it impacts climate change.”

AV: Why photography for you?

Davis: “I have a strong urge to photograph current issues from economic distress to climate change. As a photographer, I feel I can make a difference in the world by giving a voice to those who are unable to defend themselves or be heard.”

AV: Tell me about your photos in the exhibit.

Davis: “The title of my project is ‘Exposing Time.’ It’s part of a lensless photography pinhole project for the thesis show. I use long-exposure lensless pinhole camera techniques to explore the passage of time. This passage of time depicts the impact of climate change. To convey this I use the environment, light-sensitive photographic paper that is up to 100 years old, and the sun to communicate the consequences of climate change.

Contributed photo This photo by Kaelie Frazier will be in the UH PDM 22 Senior Thesis Exhibit.

Contributed photo Pictured is Kiera Jamison’s submission in the UH PDM 22 Senior Thesis Exhibit.

Most of my pinholes are coffee cans.”

AV: What are your plans after graduation?

Davis: “I am taking a few months off to decompress.

During this time, I will be doing a 120-mile solo hike on the Appalachian trail to reflect on life and my years in college.

After my time off, I will be applying for graduate school to get my MFA (master of fine arts degree) and working as an artist/photographer.”

Follow the 2022 graduating class on Instagram at https:// www.instagram.com/UHPDM22.

Cohen is an artist and founder of the First Saturday Arts Market and The Market at Sawyer Yards. Find him at ArtValet.com for additional highlights and artist’s stories.

This photograph by Andrea Obaya will be in the UH PDM 22 Senior Thesis Exhibit.

Contributed photo

Review: Lou’s dishes down-home seafood from truck

By Sonia Ramos news@theleadernews.com

Want a taste of Louisiana without leaving the neighborhood? Then head over to Lou’s Seafood & Crawfish, 3508 Pinemont Drive.

If you know, you know. And if you don’t, then I’m about to spill the tea.

This food truck is open on weekends and hidden in a non-descript industrial stretch of Pinemont near Ella Boulevard. Always on the search for a new place to eat, the crawfish flags immediately grabbed my attention. I decided to try this place as soon as possible.

Upon walking up, I felt like I was crashing a backyard party but immediately felt invited.

Lou greeted us with a huge smile and hello. Suddenly I felt as if we were old friends and he was welcoming me into his home. I knew I was going to have some great food and I was not wrong. With 40 years of experience at Jimmy G’s and Magnolia Bar & Grill, Lou Hernandez is no stranger to making delicious seafood.

While I appreciate all styles of crawfish, my favorite is traditional Louisiana-style and Lou’s has the best I have had this year. There is only

Photo by Sonia Ramos Crawfish is served traditionally, with corn and red potatoes, at Lou’s Seafood & Crawfish, 3508 Pinemont Drive.

Photo by Sonia Ramos Fried shrimp with twice-fried french fries is among the options at Lou’s Seafood & Crawfish, 3508 Pinemont Drive.

one flavor and that is Lou’s’ flavor. With the right amount of spice, Lou’s secret recipe, these are sure to please the pickiest eater.

While I prefer to have additional seasoning and melted butter, Lou’s does not offer either. Although halfway through my 5 pounds, I had an aha moment. I realized the flavor of the crawfish was so good that I didn’t even miss the butter or need additional seasoning. However, if you must have butter, you can buy

were served with Lou sauce, his take on remoulade.

Fried shrimp is one of my weaknesses and if they are offered on a menu, I will always order them. I am so glad I did.

Butterflied and golden brown, these shrimp were everything I expected and served with twice-fried French fries, hush puppies, house-made cocktail sauce and tartar sauce.

All items on the menu are made to order and available to go. So, if the scenic view of Pinemont and having to use a

a bottle of “Tasty Cajun Butter” made in Willis.

In addition to crawfish, there are many other cajun and seafood options. For appetizers, I tried the boudin balls and crab cake balls. Both had a perfectly crispy exterior and hot delicious interior. Expertly fried, the crab cakes were full of crab and the boudin balls were some of the best I have ever had.

The portions are generous, so come hungry or bring friends to share with. Both

port-a-potty is not appealing, your food will be hot and fresh if you decide to eat at home. If you decide to eat on site, you are allowed to bring your own alcohol.

After crawfish season is over, Lou’s will remain. He lives in the area plans to stay in this location and continue to sell his seafood, including po-boys, which makes me very happy. Because I always leave full of good food and always look forward to the next time I can see my new friend

Lou. Lou’s Seafood & Crawfish Address: 3508 Pinemont Drive Dining options: Dine-in, Takeout Hours: Noon-8 p.m. Saturday, noon-6 p.m. Sunday Prices: $5-$7 per pound for crawfish, $10-$22 for entrees Kid-friendly: Yes Alcohol: BYOB Stars of the show: Crawfish, fried shrimp Rating: 5 out of 5 bites

Nibbles & Sips: New cocktail bar opening soon in Heights

By Landan Kuhlmann landan@theleadernews.com

A familiar name is bringing a new cocktail bar concept to the Heights, and it will open next week.

Fresh off opening speakeasy-style Patton’s Steakhouse inside Savoir last month, Brian Doke is set to launch Heights & Co. cocktail bar and patio at 1343 Yale St., with an opening on May 5, according to a news release from the restaurant.

The 15,000 square-foot patio and cocktail bar is set to open in the space formerly occupied by TAQO Mexican Kitchen.

“More casual in nature than either Savoir or Patton’s, Heights & Co. will now offer Heights locals a centralized destination for communing with one another over bites

and drinks,” the news release said.

Heights & Co. will have a 100-seat patio that is dogfriendly, according to the restaurant, along with gray and white picnic tables with navy-blue scalloped chairs and accompanying umbrellas. There will also be seven booths inside to seat an additional 30 patrons in addition to bar seating. Among its food offerings will be queso along with spinach and artichoke dip. There will also be bruschetta and entrees including the Bordelaise Burger with grilled onions, boursin cheese and bordelaise.

Cocktail choices will include 10 options, such as Salted Watermelon – rum, salted watermelon, lime and a salt rim – as well as The Spritz with sparkling rosé, aperol, and Topo Chico.

Contributed photo The “Bordelaise Burger,” with grilled onions, boursin cheese and bourdelaise, will be among the offerings at Heights & Co., 1343 Yale St.

Heights & Co. will be open from 3 p.m.-midnight Monday through Thursday and noonmidnight Friday through Sunday. For more information,

Contributed photo Brian Doke is set to launch Heights & Co., a cocktail bar and patio. It is slated to open May 5 at 1343 Yale St.

visit the restaurant’s website heightsandco.com and follow them @heightsandco on Instagram.

Dallas-based nightclub concept expanding to Washington Avenue There will be a new addi-

tion to the Houston nightclub and bar scene in the coming months.

According to an April 18 report from CultureMap Houston, Citizen Houston is set to open later this spring in the old Classic spot at 5922 Washington Ave. The Dallas-based concept is operated by Milkshake Concepts.

The report said there are plans for an 18-person VIP section in the 6,000 squarefoot space as well as a members-only rooftop terrace, and themed parties and DJs will be among the club attractions.

According to CultureMap, the bar will initially be open from 10 p.m.-2 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, with future plans to be open on Sundays.

For more information or for an idea of what else the club will bring, follow Citizen on Instagram @citizendallas.

Page 8A • Saturday, April 30, 2022 • The Leader

Grief, questions surround shooting death of convenience store clerk

By Charlotte Aguilar caguilar@mcelvypartners.com

The violent loss of a neighborhood protector has left the North Main Street/ Airline Drive area reeling, turning a convenience store simultaneously into a crime scene and a memorial.

Houston police say they are investigating the fatal shooting last Saturday, April 23 of 51-year-old Carlos Granillo, a clerk for nearly two decades at Kay B minimart at the Conoco service station, 4620 N. Main St. A co-worker told investigators Granillo had argued with two young Hispanic men inside the store around 3:20 p.m. before they punched him repeatedly, then ran to a vehicle in the parking lot, according to police. Granillo armed himself and chased them, police said. One of the men responded by pulling a gun and shooting the clerk multiple times, according to HPD. Granillo collapsed in the parking lot, where he was pronounced dead, police said.

Two men were detained, but no charges have been filed, and HPD said Monday that the investigation is continuing.

Multiple news reports said word of the tragedy spread quickly on the sunny Saturday afternoon, with Granillo’s family and customers rushing to the scene. Soon an ofrenda — a spontaneous altar — was created with

balloons, candles, flowers and personal notes, penned in English and Spanish to a man who was described as friendly, generous and someone who always looked out for his customers’ well-being and safety.

That caring could range from offering a free piece of candy to a child to floating a loan for a longtime customer who had fallen on hard times, Granillo’s friends told reporters at the scene.

“Who will give me a free sweet?” read one note in Spanish, signed with a childish scrawl, according to an ABC-13 report.

ABC-13 reported that

Granillo

although they didn’t want their faces to appear on camera or their names made public, Granillo’s two adult sons said the family was in disbelief, “hoping that we’re

going to wake up from a nightmare, that he’s going to call us or text us.” Granillo is also survived by his wife and a teenage daughter, according to ABC-13.

According to the Houston Chronicle, the sons had gone to work with their father at the convenience store last year — but when he decided the job was too dangerous, he made them quit.

Anyone with information in this case is urged to contact the HPD Homicide Division at 713-308-3600 or to speak anonymously with Crime Stoppers at 713-222TIPS.

Images from ABC-13 video The area outside the Kay B Store, 4620 N. Main St., quickly became a memorial to employee Carlos Granillo, with customers leaving grieving personal messages to a man they considered a friend.

• Wills • Probate • Trust & Estate Litigation • Affordable flat fee estate plans

Free

AMANDA PIERSON Amanda@heightslawgroup.com

2500 E TC JESTER BLVD, SUITE 255 HOU, TX 77008

Images from ABC-13 video An argument and physical attack on store clerk Carlos Granillo inside the convenience store moved outside as he armed himself and chased his two attackers, according to the Houston Police Department and local news reports. One shot him multiple times, and he died at the scene, according to HPD.

ignite

2022

MICRO-EXPO

FREE 15 MINUTE ESTATE PLANNING CONSULTATIONS FOR READERS OF THE LEADER.

713-931-1111 • www.heightslawgroup.com

DATE May 18th 9am-1pm LOCATION HAMPTON IN N 58 20 Katy Free way Houston TX

CONNECTING SMALL BUSINESSES with the Resources and Knowledge to

IGNITE their BIZ in 2022!

EXHIBITOR BOOTH: $200 (WiFi, 6 foot table, and 2 chairs included in booth space. ) As a vendor at IGNITE 2022, you will have access to hundreds of small business owners who are looking for resources & services that businesses like yours provide.

The event will begin promptly at 9am and ends at 1pm.

APPLY TO BE A Select Vendor or Breakout Session Sponsor TODAY!

VISIT www.mcelvypartners.com for more information

SPONSORED BY

May 8th

The Leader • Saturday, April 30, 2022 • Page 1B

Mother’s Day Sale!

10% Off your order

We’re your neighborhood (Offer expires May 9)* printing company.

Whether it’s brochures and catalogs for your business or printing banners and materials for your next expo, we’ve got you covered.

Contact us today!

www.Texasprinters.com *Certain exceptions do apply

Hampton Inn & Suites Houston Heights I-10 where our clean and fresh beds are waiting for you

Treat your mom with a night out

Hampton Inn & Suites Houston Heights I-10 5820 Katy Freeway Houston, TX 77007 713-869-9211

In the neighborhood

www.houstoni10centralsuites. hamptoninn.com

3,500 Sq Ft Flexible Meeting Space

Get ready for Mother’s Day with some new jewelry from JVP!

F)

Boutique Clothing & Accessories

or the ultimate shopping experiRU WKH XOWLPDWH VKRSSLQJ ence, come to Merle Norman for H[SHULHQFH FRPH WR 0HUOH 1RUPDQ “unique gifts & collectibles.”

There IRU ´XQLTXH JLIWV FROOHFWLEOHVµ is7KHUH LV D VSHFLDO KDQG VHOHFWHG a special hand selected gift for JLIW IRU WKH HQWLUH IDPLO\ IRU HYHU\ the entire family for every occasion.

RFFDVLRQ <RX·OO ÀQG JLIWV IRU EDELHV You’ll find gifts for babies, children, FKLOGUHQ PRP GDG JUDGXDWLRQ mom, dad, graduation, birthdays, ELUWKGD\V &RQÀUPDWLRQ )LUVW +RO\ Confirmation, First Holy Com&RPPXQLRQ %DSWLVP WKH +ROLGD\V munion, Baptism, the Holidays and DQG HYHQ JLIWV MXVW WR VD\ ´, ORYH even gifts just to say, “I love you.” \RXµ

ESTABLISHED 1986

Mention this ad for $10 OFF your purchase

Complimentary Hot Breakfast, WiFi and Parking

Ask for The Leader discount to save 20% on your next stay

ST. MATTHEW’S

UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

Worship Service & Musical Tribute Celebrating

We offer our customers the conve:H RIIHU RXU FXVWRPHUV WKH nience to drive up to our front door FRQYHQLHQFH WR GULYH XS WR RXU IURQW and find unusual gifts and the very GRRU DQG ÀQG XQXVXDO JLIWV DQG WKH best personal service.

YHU\ EHVW SHUVRQDO VHUYLFH

2150 W 18th St #206, Houston, TX 77008 713-862-5419 • www.jvpjewelry.com

We charge the ideal rate for Social, Military, Religious or Corporate gatherings

6WRS LQ WRGD\ Stop in today!

g Proudly supportin

G0RamS! May 8th

ah lStchroiopl W Hig

MOMS G ET A ROSE

Sunday, May 8th at 10:17am

Turban Plus fo forHair HairLoss Loss Made in the USA

B RU NC H JOIN US FOR - 3PM

s! d r a w e R y t l M M 10A LoEayrna $5FRJOOfor SpS!ent $50OSA y IM EM Mer Y SOev

Psalms: Praying in Song featuring the Chichester Psalms of Leonard Bernstein & works of others

Merle Norman Cosmetics and Boutique 4216 Ella @ W.43rd, Houston, TX 77018 713-686-5993

Like Us On Facebook Diane Morish-Owner Diane’s Unique Gifts & Merle Norman on Ella @ 43rd

& EN

2009 W. 34TH STREET | TEXMEXGARAGE.COM

Local business is our business.

Proudly Serving Our Community YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD FAMILY BARBERSHOP

Send your story of interest

2217 W. 34th St. Suite E 77018 • 713-497-5498 valorbarbershop.com

Join us in Celebration!

4300 N. Shepherd Dr., Houston,TX 77018 713-697-0671

www.facebook.com/stmatthewsunitedmethodistchurch

Mom’s Mother’s Day Dream House!!

NEW OAK FOREST LISTING!

news@theleadernews.com

Susan Tate A.I.F.D. Judy Bankhead

Flower & Gift Shop

and

Boutique

10570 NW Frwy • 713-680-2350

Where you will find so many different ways to say...

Happy Mother’s Day May 8th

Flowers, Plants, Gift Baskets, Clothing and Accessories

5 bedroom, 3 ½ bath, 2 car garage + study and 2 large living areas in section 12 $1,297,000

https://www.coldwellbankerhomes.com/tx/houston/1903-de-milo-dr/pid_46609721/

832.712.1320

713.623.8899 ( office)

elizasgarden@outlook.com

Page 2B • Saturday, April 30, 2022 • The Leader

TRACK ROUNDUP

BTW, Heights athletes advance to regional track meet

By Landan Kuhlmann landan@theleadernews.com

Several local high school track athletes will compete this weekend for a chance to earn a spot at the UIL state meet next month.

A combined four athletes from Heights and Booker T. Washington shined at their respective area meets last week, advancing to their regional meets this Friday and Saturday.

The Eagles have three regional qualifiers, two on the boys side and one from its girls team.

Leading the way for Washington at its Class 4A area meet was Kenneth Lewis, who was the area champion in the high jump after clearing 6 feet, 2 inches. Teammate Reginald Durden was third in the 300-meter hurdles with a time of 41.1 seconds to also advance to the regional.

Shaniece Parker advanced in both the shot put and discus throw for the Lady Eagles. She placed second at the area meet in the shot put (35 feet, 4 inches) and third in the discus (90-0) to advance.

At Heights’ Class 6A area meet, Nevaeh Carrizal earned her way to the regional meet with a fourth-place finish in the 800. She ran the final in 2:30.43, shaving more than two seconds off of her time of 2:32.50 at the District 18-6A meet earlier this month.

Contributed photo Nevaeh Carrizal of Heights High School shows off the fourth-place medal she received at last week’s area track and field meet.

Contributed photo Booker T. Washington’s Shaniece Parker, left, shows off a medal during the area track meet last week. She advanced to the Region III-4A meet in both shot put and discus.

BASEBALL/SOFTBALL ROUNDUP

Waltrip inches closer to securing No. 2 playoff seed

By Landan Kuhlmann

Self-Defense & Physical Fitness

landan@theleadernews.com

The Waltrip High School baseball team is no stranger to regular-season success, but is looking to parlay this season’s play into a deep postseason run.

The Rams continued their strong play last week, securing a playoff spot. They have won three straight games and four of their last five following a pair of wins over Madison.

Waltrip beat the Marlins 15-1 on April 20 and 11-1 on April 23. The Rams also took down St. Thomas 4-1 on Saturday in a non-district contest.

Carlos Quintos had two hits and two RBIs for the Rams (12-6, 8-2 district) against St. Thomas, while Stephen Deakins and Danny Keuhn each drove in a run. Quintos also pitched a complete game, striking out four and allowing two hits.

The April 23 win was the fourth time in five games and ninth time overall that the Rams have scored doubledigit runs. They are averaging nine runs per game this season. Waltrip held a twogame lead over Northside and Austin for District 23-5A’s second playoff spot ahead of Wednesday’s matchup against the Panthers, and could clinch the spot with a win.

The Rams have made the playoffs each of the last 15 seasons, but have not been further than the area round since back-to-back regional quarterfinal appearances in 2009 and 2010.

Elsewhere in public school action, the Booker T. Washington Eagles improved to 11-3-1 overall and 9-3 in District 23-4A with two wins over Kashmere last week. The Eagles have won nine straight games since a loss to Furr on March 15.

Fabian Castillo had two hits and two RBIs for Washington in a 16-1 win on April 20, while Ramon Aleem also drove home two runs. Jordan Vidal struck out eight hitters in three innings of work on the mound.

Scarborough dropped to 4-11 on the season and 4-8 in district play with two losses

3months $199 *

for new students only

FREE UNIFORM *

to district-leading Furr last week.

In private school action, the St. Pius X Panthers won their only game of the week in defeating Katy St. John XXIII 7-3 on April 20 for coach Mike Evans’ 200th career win.

Three players had multiple hits for SPX (13-9-1, 6-4), with Austin Brown picking up two RBIs and Tony Botello driving home three runs.

St. Thomas had its threegame winning streak snapped with the three losses last week, dropping a 4-0 decision to Bellaire Episcopal on April 18 before losing 8-1 to Concordia Lutheran on April 21 prior to the loss against Waltrip. Caleb Davis had two hits for the Eagles (11-16-1, 3-6) in the loss to Bellaire Episcopal.

Softball St. Pius X snapped a twogame losing streak with a 5-3 victory over Incarnate Word Academy on April 21. University of Texas commit Victoria Hunter homered for SPX, which moved to 11-14 overall on the year and 4-3 in district play ahead of a Tuesday night matchup against Concordia Lutheran.

On the public school side, the Heights Lady Bulldogs capped off a stellar regular season with a 22-1, non-district win against Alief Elsik on Friday. The Lady Bulldogs set a season high in runs scored, and it was the third time this season they have scored at least 20 runs in a game.

Heights ended the regular season with a 24-10 overall record and enters the postseason as District 18-6A’s second seed with a 9-3 district mark. The Lady Bulldogs are

waiting to find out their firstround playoff opponent out of District 17-6A. Booker T. Washington split a pair of games last week, beating Scarborough on April 19 before losing to North Forest on April 22 to move to 9-4 on the season.

Scarborough fell to 1-6 on the season with the loss.

1355 Judiway

713-290-1911

www.apextaekwondo.net

CLOSEOUT PRICING

We have a limited supply of the popular “Our Veterans” book first published in the fall of 2019.

70th Charles and Angeline Heinrich are celebrating 70 years of marriage. They were married on April 26, 1952 at St. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Bellville, TX. They have resided in the Oak Forest/Shepherd Park Plaza area for 65 years and have been active members of St. Rose of Lima for all those years as well. They have 6 children, 16 grandchildren and 21 great grandchildren.

They met at Bill Mraz Ballroom on 34th Street and still enjoy dancing, gambling and playing Dominoes.

Copies now available for $19.

at The Leader office: 2020 North Loop West, Suite 220 or order online at theleadernews.com

713-686-8494

The Leader • Saturday, April 30, 2022 • Page 3B

How long is too long to Local lawyers group, American Legion leave a puppy alone? post hosting legal clinic for veterans

Dear Tabby, I just got a new puppy. She’s doing great, but I go back to work in a few weeks and I’m nervous about leaving her home alone. How long can I realistically leave her alone without doing permanent damage to her (kidding/not kidding)?

New Puppy Parent in Timbergrove Dear New Puppy Parent, Congratulations on your new addition! Having a new puppy can be the most adorable, but also the most nerve-wracking, patiencetesting part of pet ownership. Puppies require so much time and work but the payoff is amazing. The mere fact that you’re already planning for your return to work and concerned about your puppy’s well being tells me all I need to know about who you are as a pet owner (and a human!). Thank you for caring about this sweet creature in your care.

Now, let’s break down your question a bit:

A rule of thumb The American Kennel Club has some guidelines to help you to determine what is a reasonable amount of time to leave your new puppy alone. Here’s what the AKC suggests: “As a guideline, new puppies up to 10 weeks old typically can’t hold their bladder for more than an hour. Dogs between 10 to 12 weeks old can usually hold it for around two hours. Once your dog reaches three months old, they can usually hold it for an hour for each month they’ve been alive. After six months, dogs can usually hold it for up to six hours.

However, even adult dogs shouldn’t be home alone for much longer than six to eight hours without a chance for a bathroom break.”

Teach her to be alone Crate training is really the way to go when you have a new puppy and plan to leave them home alone. It’s important to make their crate a safe space for relaxing and never a place for punishment. Experts recommend feeding your dog in her crate and giving her special toys and treats in there as well.

This will help to reinforce the idea that the crate is a great place to be and will

make it easier to leave her in it when you go to work. Plan to either come home in the middle of the day or find a pet sitter who can come over to give her a potty break while you’re at work. This will help her to be comfortable and give her a chance to run off some energy.

What about older dogs?

Once your puppy gets older, she won’t need to go to the bathroom quite as much during the day. Using your judgment, you can determine how long you can safely leave her alone. But, once dogs get older, then they often have to go to the bathroom more frequently again.

This is when you might have to revisit the idea of a midday trip home or working with a pet sitter.

As always, use your judgment and keep your dog’s comfort and health in mind when determining what is right for your dog. Every dog is different and requires a different schedule, so put on your “patience pants” and work hard to find a routine that will work for both you and your dog ahead of your return to work.

By Adam Zuvanich azuvanich@theleadernews.com

Local veterans can have legal questions answered at an upcoming free clinic at American Legion Post 560 in Garden Oaks.

The Veterans Legal Clinic is scheduled from 1-4 p.m. Friday, May 13, at

3720 Alba Rd. It will cover veterans benefits, private landlord-tenant arrangements, discharge upgrades, expunctions and probate, wills and estates, family law and other legal issues.

The clinic is being conducted by the Houston Young Lawyers Association, with a grant from the Texas

Young Lawyers Association.

Veterans interested in attending the clinic can visit w w w. l e g a l h e l p h o u s t o n . org to be prescreened for eligibility or call 713-2280735 to have an application mailed to them. Walk-ins will be limited, according to event organizers.

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

Pet of the Week Fetch your Leader Copies of The Leader are at our office: 2020 N. Loop W., Suite 220 or MytiBurger 2211 W. 43rd St. C&D Hardware 314 E. 11th St. Merle Norman Cosmetics 4216-B Ella Blvd.

Meet Cherry This retriever mix is all ears when it comes to hearing if you might be the right family for her. Cherry is about 5 months old, super smart and happy…oh, and did you happen to notice those ears? Cherry is working hard to learn her house manners and is responding really well to some basic training. To learn more about this sweet girl, go to www. cap4pets.org.

Shop for Mother’s Day Gifts with Lampe Berger Super Sale Many To Choose From

50% Off Lampe Berger and

75% Off All CHAMILIA Jewelry Charms COSMETICS & BOUTIQUE

4216 B-Ella Blvd. @ W. 43rd • 713-686-5993

Tia Maria has 32 oz. Margaritas to go for $15 with a food order.

Frozen or rocks.

If you are hungry, let us cook for you!

4618 Dacoma (Between Hwy. 290 and Mangum)

(713) 680-0825

FAMILY OWNED

LONG STANDING MEXICAN RESTAURANT IN FOREST WEST SHOPPING CENTER Take Outs Available!

So Order Your Lunch or Dinner and Leave the Rest To Us! Come In or Call To Order!

Mexican Restaurant

5305 Antoine @ Pinemontt 53 713-682-3853

OPEN 111:00 AM - 8:00 PM Everyday But Tuesdays Every

THE PUBLIC. The Leader • Saturday, April 30, 2022 • Page 4B

Indecent exposure suspect arrested in Heights

By Landan Kuhlmann landan@theleadernews.com

Police arrested a man who is accused of exposing himself to a woman in the Heights last week, according to the Harris County Precinct 1 Constable’s Office.

Eunice Johnson, 58, has been charged with indecent exposure, a misdemeanor,, ac-

cording to Harris County court records. Court records also show that Johnson has been convicted of indecent exposure 31 times since 2005 and is facing three additional indecent exposure charges from February.

Precinct 1 said deputies responded to a call in the 200 block of East 20th Street around noon April 21 after a

Human remains found in Kempwood abandoned building

By Landan Kuhlmann landan@theleadernews.com

The Harris County medical examiner is working to determine the identity of human remains that were discovered inside an abandoned building in the area last week, according to the Houston Police Department.

HPD said officers responded to 8707 W. Tidwell Rd. in the Kempwood area, just west of U.S. 290, around 7:25 a.m. April 22. After checking the area around a nearby hotel, investigators

discovered skeletal human remains inside an abandoned building on the property, according to HPD. It is not known how the remains came to be in the building, police said, and the county’s medical examiner is still working to determine the identity of the deceased person as well as the cause of death.

Anyone with information about this case is asked to contact HPD’s Homicide division at 713-308-3600.

woman alleged that a man exposed himself to her in a public place before riding off on a bicycle.

Police found and detained the man, alleged to be Johnson, a short time later in the 2200 block of Yale Street, according to Precinct 1.

In addition to his previous convictions for indecent exposure, Johnson also was con-

victed of public lewdness, a misdemeanor, in 2007, according to county court records.

He pleaded guilty to charges of failing to register as a sex offender, a felony, in 2008, 2013, 2018 and 2021, according to court records. Johnson was sentenced to nearly six years in prison, combined, for those four felony offenses, court records show.

Equipment failure causes fire at Heights Clock Tower

By Landan Kuhlmann landan@theleadernews.com

A failure of kitchen equipment was ruled to have caused a fire in one of the building areas of the Heights Clock Tower last week, according to the Houston Fire Department.

No injuries were reported in the incident, HFD said, and the fire caused an estimated $30,000 worth of property damage to the building.

Crews from HFD stations 31, 6, 11, 15, 62, 67, 37 and

30 responded to the scene just after 7:30 p.m. April 21 to find light smoke coming from the two-story commercial building at 611 W. 22nd St., according to HFD. The fire was reported to be above the commercial vent hoods in a kitchen of a restaurant in the building between the first and second floors, according to HFD. After extinguishing the fire, HFD said a “failure of equipment or heat source” was deemed as the cause of the blaze.

I BUY JUNK CARS YO COMPRO CARROS VIEJOS

No Title, No Problem!

Payment Up To $600 Call Selvin

M&W Construction GERALD

Assault 8 PM 600 BLOCK OF ARLINGTON Theft 7 PM 300 BLOCK OF 19TH ST W Theft 1 PM 2600 BLOCK OF LAWRENCE Burglary 9 PM 500 BLOCK OF 31ST ST W Assault 9 PM 900 BLOCK OF ROGERS ST E Assault 4 PM 4100 BLOCK OF DELHI Other 2 PM 4900 BLOCK OF CORNISH

APRIL 20

Theft 9 PM 2700 BLOCK OF ASHLAND Theft 3 PM 400 BLOCK OF 20TH ST E Theft 10 PM 1500 BLOCK OF 18TH ST W Burglary 6 PM 200 BLOCK OF AURORA Theft 8 PM 2500 BLOCK OF BRINKMAN Assault 3 PM 1500 BLOCK OF AIRLINE Theft 3 PM 1000 BLOCK OF 20TH ST W Theft 8 AM 1100 BLOCK OF GROVEWOOD LN Theft 11 AM 2800 BLOCK OF T C JESTER BLVD W Assault 5 PM 600 BLOCK OF T C JESTER BLVD Theft 8 PM 2700 BLOCK OF

WHITE OAK Theft 1 PM 2400 BLOCK OF JUDIWAY Other 11 PM 4800 BLOCK OF CORNISH Burglary 2 AM 500 BLOCK OF 20TH ST E Theft 1 AM 800 BLOCK OF 26TH ST W

APRIL 21

Other 3 PM 300 BLOCK OF 20TH ST W Arrest 7 PM 1700 BLOCK OF AIRLINE Arrest 1 PM 1200 BLOCK OF 27TH ST E

APRIL 22

Burglary 9 AM 1400 BLOCK OF 24TH ST W Theft 5 PM 500 BLOCK OF 19TH ST W Theft 8 AM 400 BLOCK OF 22ND ST W Vandalism 10 AM 1100 BLOCK OF HERKIMER Theft 10 PM 200 BLOCK OF 19TH ST W Vandalism 5 PM 200 BLOCK OF 38TH ST E Burglary 2 AM 1200 BLOCK OF 23RD ST W Theft 2 AM 1200 BLOCK OF 23RD ST W Assault 11 AM 700 BLOCK OF 40TH ST E

Theft 6 AM 400 BLOCK OF CROSSTIMBERS ST E Arrest 12 AM 1800 BLOCK OF SHEPHERD DR

APRIL 23

Burglary 8 PM 1800 BLOCK OF YALE Theft 12 AM 2100 BLOCK OF GOSTICK Theft 8 PM 1600 BLOCK OF 15TH ST W Theft 1 PM 500 BLOCK OF 20TH ST W Theft 2 PM 1100 BLOCK OF 29TH ST E Assault 10 PM 3600 BLOCK OF MICHAUX Assault 11 PM 2800 BLOCK OF AIRLINE Theft 8 AM 500 BLOCK OF CROSSTIMBERS Burglary 8 AM 600 BLOCK OF CROSSTIMBERS Arrest 1 AM 1900 BLOCK OF SHEPHERD Vandalism 1 AM 100 BLOCK OF CAVALCADE ST W Theft 2 PM 500 BLOCK OF CORONADO

APRIL 24

Burglary 3 AM 1800 BLOCK OF YALE Theft 7 AM 1700 BLOCK OF HARVARD Assault 9 PM 1200 BLOCK OF

Insured & Bonded

832-283-6501

• • • • • •

itc en • iding at rooms • aint looring • r all oo ing • ences andicap emodel a e ead ress re as ing

713-906-5481 Realty Associates DEBBIE ourrealtordebbie@aol.com ELLIOTT

Since 1992

Custom Computers, Upgrades, Repairs, Networks, Web Design, Web Hosting, VoIP Phone Service, more...

281-892-1132

DON’T BE A VICTIM! Concealed Handgun Classes

WE BUY ALL GUNS

NEW LOCATION

2001 Karbach Suite F H ou ston, T X 770 9 2

713-694-4867

BUY SELL TRADE

EXPERIENCED IN TOTAL HOME REPAIRS! Roof Replacement & Repairs Shower, Siding & Additions • Framing • Sheetrock • Painting • Fences • Concrete/Granite • Tile, Brick & Laminate • Tree Service

Gift Certificates

BLACK GOLD GUNS & AMMO L i censed F F L / C l ass I I I Deal er

832-860-1054

COSMETIC DENTISTRY State-of-the art procedures, instruments & techniques “One of Houston’s Top Dentists” — HTexas Magazine 2004-2018

Police Reports • April 19 - April 26 APRIL 19

832-878-2551

Experience and Knowledge...

A Powerful Combination

NEW PATIENT SPECIAL

Exam, X-Ray & Cleaning $ Regularly R egularly$100 $ 1 1 0

19TH ST W Assault 1 AM 1200 BLOCK OF 19TH ST W

APRIL 25

Burglary 6 PM 500 BLOCK OF 25TH ST W Theft 6 PM 3100 BLOCK OF YALE Theft 12 PM 1100 BLOCK OF WALLING Other 6 PM 3400 BLOCK OF HINTON BLVD Theft 7 PM 1500 BLOCK OF LOOP N Theft 2 PM 3100 BLOCK OF ALBA Vandalism 8 PM 4100 BLOCK OF MARINA Arrest 8 PM 4500 BLOCK OF YALE Burglary 3 PM 800 BLOCK OF CROSSTIMBERS Other 1 AM 400 BLOCK OF ROGERS ST E

70

Mathew Naftis, D.D.S. w w w. d r n a f t i s . c o m

1214 W 43rd Ste 300

CARE

CREDIT

713-682-7939

Jennifer M. Solak Attorney & Counselor at Law

ESTATE PLANNING PROBATE BUSINESS LAW

713.588.5744 jennifer@solaklegal.com 1305 W. 11th St., #3094, Houston, TX 77008

APRIL 26

Theft 2 AM 100 BLOCK OF 20TH ST W Theft 3 AM 4100 BLOCK OF MARINA Other 12 AM 4500 BLOCK OF OLD YALE Reports are provided by SpotCrime.com based on data from the Houston Police Department.

NEVER MISS A STORY THELEADERNEWS.COM

Working at Home?

Need Copies/Printing?

We can get it done and to you fast.

Email what you need printed/copied to: orders@texasprinters.com

Full Color Copies 75¢ each Black and white copies 10¢ each Pick up at our office or we deliver to 77018 and 77008 for $20 We also offer a full range of printing services like flyers, brochures, booklets, business cards and dm more.

713-371-3506