The tragic death of 32-yearold paralegal, Kristen Chavez, has left the local community in shock as details emerge about the brutal circumstances surrounding her murder. Kristen was allegedly beaten to death at her Oak Forest area home by her husband, 34-year-old Chance Zane Chavez, according to the Houston Police Department and court records.
HPD officers responded to a suspicious event call in the 5100 block of Emma Forest Street around 7:20 a.m. on Wednesday, March 12. They arrived to find Chavez in the doorway, covered in blood. He was immediately detained while officers searched the home, officials said in a media statement. Inside, they discovered his wife, Kristen, unresponsive in a bedroom. She had suffered severe blunt force trauma and was pronounced deceased by
paramedics. Chavez was arrested and charged with first degree murder in the 176th State District Court.
“My daughter was incredibly talented, loving, full of integrity, and so much more,” Kristen’s mother, Laura Bell, wrote on social media. “A light beaming despite her marriage situation. She suffered silently. What he did to her and what she endured was horrific. He wasn’t insane. It was premeditated and calcu-
lated. He knew she was finally going to leave him.”
One of Kristen’s dogs was reportedly also killed, and three others were badly beaten and turned loose on the Katy Freeway. Kristen’s family has since recovered the three surviving dogs.
The Need For Bail Reform
The Harris County District Attorney’s Office originally
By LISA MORALES The Leader News Contributor
Adam Blount has never let obstacles stand in the way of his passion for art. A local ceramicist, Army veteran, and member of Third Coast Clay, Blount was diagnosed with ALS in 2015. Despite the progressive nature of the disease, he continues to create stunning ceramics and has challenged himself to make and donate 50 bowls for this year’s Empty Bowls Houston event.
Blount’s love for ceramics began in high school and college in the early 2000s. After his ALS diagnosis, he found that working with clay was a form of occupational therapy that helped maintain muscle control and provided a creative outlet after he could no lon-
ger draw and paint as he once enjoyed. When he discovered Third Coast Clay, a minority-owned ceramic studio in the Independence Heights area, was near his home and close enough to travel there in his motorized wheelchair, he
became a dedicated member of the studio’s community. Third Coast Clay, a local studio fostering a diverse and inclusive clay community, didn’t just welcome
By STEFANIE THOMAS editor@theleadernews.com
A team of students from Booker T. Washington High School has garnered prestigious recognition from the NASA High Schools United with NASA to Create Hardware (HUNCH) Program. Their innovative project, which focuses on mitigating dangerous lunar dust during NASA’s future missions, reached the program’s semifinals—a remarkable achievement celebrated by the school community.
The NASA HUNCH Program
The HUNCH Program invites middle and high school students across the United States to create critical products and prototypes for NASA. It has grown significantly, with over 500 classroom programs and more than 2,000 students from 48 states participating this year. Under the guidance of NASA engineers and astronauts, the students tackled realworld challenges in categories such as culinary, design and prototyping,
By STEFANIE THOMAS editor@theleadernews.com
Fresh off the victory of preserving the historic sign structure and bus stop on the former Sears property along North Shepherd, community advocates are now shifting their focus to saving a century-old oak tree—one of the last remnants of the original forest that once stood on the site.
The North Shepherd District and its partners are urging residents to take action by sending letters of support, rallying their civic associations, and spreading awareness to help protect the tree from potential removal.
Saving a Piece of History
The majestic 100-year-old oak, which stands next to the preserved sign structure, faces imminent threat as the property undergoes redevelopment. Advocates stress that while the tree has withstood decades of storms, droughts, and urban expansion, it may not survive redevelopment without urgent community intervention.
Residents are encouraged to:
• Write a “Save our 100-year-old oak” letter of support to demonstrate local backing for the tree’s preservation. Ask their civic associations to issue statements supporting the effort.
• Spread the word through social media, neighborhood meetings, and local networks.
Letters can be mailed to North Shepherd District, 4537 North Shepherd, Houston, TX 77018, or emailed to Donna@wabashfeed.com
Seeking Cooperation from Property Owners and Developers Community members hope to gain the attention of Fidelis Realty Partners, local council members, and the incoming “Big Box” merchant that, according to a recent North Shepherd District
St. Stephen’s UMC
hosts “Going Native in Gardening” event
COMMUNITY REPORTS
Gardening enthusiasts and nature lovers are invited to St. Stephen’s United Methodist Church for a day of eco-friendly fun and education at the “Going Native in Gardening” event on Saturday, March 29, 2025, from 9 a.m.- 2 p.m. at 2003 W. 43rd Street.
This family-friendly event offers a variety of native plants for sale, with Wabash Feed donating 20 percent of all plant sale proceeds to support updating the church’s Fellowship Hall. Attendees can also shop for compost bags, birdhouses, owl boxes, trellises, bat houses, and rain barrels. Children can enjoy free crafts, making it a great outing for the whole family.
Educational Gardening Classes – $10 Each or All Five for $40
Learn from expert gardeners and conservationists in five informative classes throughout the day: 9 a.m. – “Why Native
biomedical, precision machining, sewn flight articles, video, and flight configurations.
“Each year, the quality, quantity, and diversity of products has improved and expanded,” a NASA HUNCH media statement said. “Many of the past successful projects, including galley tables and stowage lockers, have flown to the International Space Station and are used daily by astronauts.”
Tackling the Lunar Dust Problem
For their project, the Booker T. Washington students were assigned a Design and Prototyping challenge. They developed specialized tarp stakes designed to mitigate issues caused by lunar regolith— commonly referred to as moon dust—which can cling to equipment and astronaut suits, cause health hazards, and hinder movement on the lunar surface.
Their approach involved:
Creating a six-inch stake with a threaded point to “catch” and remove dust and small rock fragments.
Using 3D-printed prototypes with various infill patterns (such as cubic or
Plants Matter” Lauren Simpson, St. Julian’s Crossing – Wildlife Habitat
• 10 a.m. – “Compost: What Is It & How to Do It?” Robin Kendrick-Yates, Harris County Advanced Master Gardener –Composting & Entomology • 11 a.m. – “Why Are Trees Important to Gardening?” • 12 p.m. – “Beekeeping 101” Michael Kaltenbach, Soldiers of Wax 1 p.m. – “How to Grow Vegetables & Herbs”
Sharron Sims, Master Gardener
Register Today!
Attendees can register for classes at www.stshtx.org. Each class is $10, or participants can attend all five for $40.
Join St. Stephen’s UMC for a day of learning, shopping, and community fun while supporting a great cause!
gyroid) to test strength, weight, and dust-mitigation performance.
• Designing a hexagonal head to potentially attach a drill-like mechanism, enabling astronauts to secure tarps without generating additional dust.
By testing these stakes in a mortar mixture—chosen to simulate the gritty properties of lunar regolith—the students gathered valuable performance data. They plan to explore varying infill densities and angles, as well as stronger materials, to further refine their design.
A Team Effort
The Booker T. Washington student team included:
Samuel Johnson
Jared Monreal
• Emiliano Navarro
Cameron Johnson
• Roberto Constante
• Emily Pallares
Micaiah Hamilton
Their project not only impressed NASA engineers but also garnered the attention of an independent engineering firm, Elementum 3D, which was responsible for evaluating more than 90 submissions. The firm will ultimately choose the top five concepts from nationwide submissions for further review and aluminum
requested a $500,000 bond for Chavez; however, bond was initially set at $250,000. After further review, the court ultimately raised the amount to $500,000.
In a community effort to get Chavez’s bail raised to $500,000, Kristen’s family collected signatures for a petition on change.org.
“Kristen’s family has created this petition to seek justice for her tragic and senseless loss,” the family stated in the petition. “Kristen was a loving daughter, sister, cousin and friend whose life was stolen, leaving behind a grieving family and community. To make matters even more heartbreaking, her killer cruelly abandoned her beloved dogs, showing a complete disregard for the beings she loved most. We are asking for accountability, change, and action to ensure no other family endures this pain. Please stand with us in honoring Kristen’s memory and demanding justice on her behalf.
Andy Kahan, Director of Victim Services and Advocacy at Crime Stoppers of Houston, has been working closely with Kristen’s family. He expressed deep concern not only about the heinous nature of the crime, but also about the process of setting bail in such violent cases.
“This clearly indicates
printing.
Engineering teacher Md Arifur Rahman, who mentored the group, praised his students’ dedication to tackling a real-world NASA challenge:
“This competition has given them invaluable handson engineering experience, and having their efforts acknowledged in a local publication would be an incredible source of motivation,” Rahman said. “As their mentor, I have witnessed the dedication and creativity these students poured into their project, and I believe their hard work deserves to be recognized.” Rahman also emphasized how the team’s success could inspire other students to engage with Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) opportunities:
“It could inspire not only them but also other students to pursue STEM opportunities and engage in similar competitions,” he said.
Broadening Horizons
NASA HUNCH organizers highlight that participating students gain real project experience—an accomplishment they can list on their résumés or college
why we need bail reform legislation, especially giving judges discretion not to set bond to defendants charged with certain violent crimes,” Kahan said. “Currently, judges must grant a bond unless the charge is capital murder. We want to give them more latitude, because when you see a case like this, where the defendant poses a clear threat to public safety, it’s frustrating that he still has the chance to post bond.”
Kahan, who is actively appealing to legislators in Austin and working on a bill to achieve bail reform, also noted that the process of raising Chavez’s bond from $250,000 to $500,000 required significant effort.
“The outcome was bittersweet, considering we had to wait hours on a defendant who flat out refused to appear in the courtroom,” he
added. “This is the first time I’ve seen a defendant refuse to show up to court, forcing an extraction from his cell. It was a very long and emotional day for the family.”
Despite being relieved that Chavez’s bond was ultimately increased, Kahan says the family remains concerned. “They’re glad the court went back to the district attorney’s original request of half a million dollars, but there’s still the worry that he might secure a loan or come up with the funds,” he said. “In cases like this, many of us believe certain offenders should remain locked up before their case is resolved. Not everyone charged with violent crimes should automatically have a pathway to bond.”
Speaking on behalf of the family, Kahan recalled Kristen’s ambitions and kind nature. “She was a paralegal; she loved the law, and her ambition was to become an attorney,” he said. “She was passionate about animals, especially her dogs, which were basically her kids. People were drawn to her. She had a way of making everybody think they were her friend.”
Kahan and Crime Stoppers continue to call for changes to bail procedures, emphasizing that judges should be allowed to use broader discretion when deciding if a defendant could pose a threat to community safety.
“We believe there are certain
offenders who are just too dangerous to be released,” Kahan stated. “We’re going to keep pushing for reforms so we can prevent future tragedies.”
The Leader was unable to reach Chavez’s courtappointed attorney for comment as of this writing. As the legal process continues, supporters of the Chavez family hope Kristen’s memory—and the public outrage generated by her murder—will lead to changes in Texas bail law. In the meantime, family and friends remember Kristen for her love of law, her devotion to her dogs, and the kindness she showed to all who crossed her path.
“Kristen Chavez was a victim of incessant domestic violence and abuse [...]. Her brave attempts to break free from the destructive relationship ended tragically,” Kristen’s family stated on change.org. “This horrifying incident isn’t just a private sorrow for our family, but a sharp reflection of the domestic violence menace that we need to tackle as a society. As per the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, 20 people per minute are physically abused by an intimate partner in the United States. Kristen was among those statistics, and we cannot ignore the severity of this issue.”
applications. This program is a testament to how community mentors, teachers, and NASA professionals can come together to foster the next generation of innovators.
“In addition to gaining experience in developing a product, each student can add this challenge work as a bona-fide NASA project accomplishment on their future résumé,” the press release stated.
The Booker T. Washington High School team hopes their work on lunar dust mitigation may one day contribute to safer and more efficient operations for astronauts on the Moon. For now, the students celebrate their success and look forward to further refining their prototype—and possibly getting one step closer to space.
LUNAR, from P. 1
Photo released by HPD Charged with first degree murder: Chance Zane Chavez
One of the Booker T. Washington students’ tarp stakes being 3D-printed on an Ender printer. The infill pattern, visible within the blue plastic, helps strengthen the stake while keeping
Houston Arboretum hosts
Spring Plant Sale this weekend
COMMUNITY REPORTS
Plants will help attract birds, bees, and butterflies
WHAT: Spring is one of the best times to garden in Houston, so upgrade your garden with Texas native plants during Houston Arboretum & Nature Center’s Spring Plant Sale. The Sale features perennial and annual wildflowers (including milkweed), grasses, shrubs, and trees – perfect for attracting butterflies, bees, and other pollinators to your yard or garden while helping to conserve water, reduce mowing, protect the soil, and save money on fertilizer and pesticides. Proceeds benefit the Arboretum’s conservation and education efforts.
Please note that plant quantities may be limited, and the plant list is subject to change based on availability. Over 150 plant varieties, including Red Maple, White Yarrow, Big Bluestem, Yellow Wild Indigo, Green Milkweed and Dogwood, will be available. Visit the Arboretum website to view the full plant list.
WHO: The Houston Arboretum holds plant sales in both spring and fall. Arboretum
Blount—they quite literally opened doors for him.
Owners Lotus Bermudez, a master ceramist and Texas native, and her husband Tino installed wheelchair-accessible doors, built a ramp, and even purchased specialized “Strong Arm” equipment that attaches to the throwing wheel, allowing Blount to continue his craft.
Blount, who holds both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in archaeology, appreciates the historical significance of ceramics.
“That’s one of the things that archaeologists love— finding ceramics,” he said. “It lasts forever, and maybe that is something of mine that will last forever, too. I don’t have kids, and ceramics is something I can pass on as a legacy. I think that’s a pretty cool thing.”
members receive discounts on all plant purchases.
WHEN: Friday, Mar. 21 and Saturday, Mar. 22 from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
WHERE: 120 West Loop North, Houston, 77024 (between Post Oak Boulevard and Woodway Drive)
Plant Sale Tips
Arrive early for the best chance at getting your desired plants
• Become a Member for discounts on Plant Sale purchases
Enter via the 610 Entrance and park in the parking loop for easy access to the Plant Sale
• Bring your own cart if you have one. Limited carts will be available to transport plants at the sale.
COST: Admission to the Spring Plant Sale is free; all are welcome. Plant prices are as fol-
lows: $4.50 – 4 inches; $14– 1 gallon; $16 – Milkweed; and $30 – 3 to 5 gallons. Go to https://houstonarboretum.org/event/spring-plantsale/ to learn more about the Spring Plant Sale. For more information or to join the Arboretum and enjoy all the benefits of membership, visit houstonarboretum.org or call 713-681-8433.
COMMUNITY REPORTS
The Harris County Toll Road Authority (HCTRA) reminds customers to be vigilant against the surge in toll text scams being sent across the country, no matter how convincing they may look. Phishing scams may attempt to mimic the look of local tolling agencies, but customers should be wary of any suspicious emails, texts, or phone calls they may receive about toll payments. HCTRA does not send SMS text messages regarding billing and will not ask customers to enter any payment information through a text message.
Drivers can protect themselves by verifying a sender before responding, clicking on links, or opening attachments. HCTRA also advises that customers never provide their personal information like credit card numbers or passwords through email or text.
Drivers can visit www.hctra.org or log on to the EZ TAG app to review their accounts directly if they receive any unsolicited messaging about tolls. Customers can also verify if they have payments by calling HCTRA’s customer service
bowls created and donated by Houston-area ceramicists and craft artists and enjoy a simple meal. Each bowl serves as a reminder of food insecurity in the community, with proceeds benefiting the Houston Food Bank.
“Ceramics is my passion, and if I can do something to help people out and do what I love, that’s the best of both worlds,” Blount said.
Blount’s passion for giving back extends beyond Empty Bowls Houston, a major annual fundraising event for the Houston Food Bank. When he participates in studio shows at Third Coast Clay or Clay Houston, he donates all his earnings to Help Our Military Heroes, the organization that provided him with a grant to purchase his customized van.
Aside from the physical benefits of working with clay, Blount enjoys the experimental nature of glazing, where colors shift unpredictably in the kiln, keeping his creative process exciting. To help fellow artists, he documents his work on social media, posting images of his finished pieces along with the clay and glaze combinations used—creating
an online recipe book for others to follow.
As part of Empty Bowls Houston, Blount will be doing a live demonstration with his Strong Arm equipment at the event, showcasing how he crafts his pottery. The event takes
place at The Center for Contemporary Craft located at 4848 Main Street on Saturday, March 22, with a preview party on Friday, March 21. For a minimum $25 donation, attendees can select from thousands of one-of-a-kind, hand-crafted
Third Coast Clay, where Blount creates his work and has become a beloved member of the ceramist community, is located at 8519 N. Main St. and operates as a sponsored project of Fresh Arts, a nonprofit arts service organization based in Sawyer Yards. You can find Blount there most days exercising his body and his mind while occasionally tutoring students who know he is the go-to guy who loves to share his knowledge of clay and his good-natured personality with those eager to learn the craft. For those interested in following Blount’s work, his Instagram handle is @ rablount1974.
For more information about Empty Bowls Houston on March 22, please visit www. EmptyBowlsHouston.org.
email, will soon occupy the site. The goal is to demonstrate strong neighborhood support for preserving the tree as part of the redevelopment plans.
“This tree has stood for
more than 100 years, taking everything that nature could throw at it,” said Betty L. Heacker of the North Shepherd District. “But it cannot survive a chainsaw.”
Urgency and Next Steps
Advocates emphasize that
time is of the essence, as redevelopment plans move forward quickly. The North Shepherd District is calling for immediate action from community members to ensure the tree remains part of the area’s historical and environmental landscape.
BLOUNT, from P. 1
TREE, from P. 1
Submitted photo
Handcrafted with care, a selection of the 50 bowls Blount created to donate to Empty Bowls Houston.
Photo by Lisa Morales
Local Artist, Adam Blount, at his home away from home, Third Coast Clay.
Submitted photo
The loss of a massive 100-year-old oak tree next to the Sears sign in Garden Oaks would leave a gaping hole in the landscape, tree preservation advocates say.
Photo courtesy of Houston Arboretum
THE TOPICS.
The shot unheard around the morgue
THE COVID MUSEUM
Lynn Ashby Columnist
– Step right this way, folks, but note the foot marks on the floor. Please stay at least six feet apart and keep your masks on. As you can see, we are running late. We had planned to open on March 11, the fifth anniversary of the day, March 11, 2020, when the World Health Organization declared that Covid-19 was a pandemic. Five years ago the Astros were in spring train ing, Greg Abbott was Texas governor and Donald Trump was president. So much has changed. Until then, most of us had never even heard of COVID-19 or Covid-19. Even today, five years later, no one can decide if the word is all capitals. Nor can people decide where it originated, but we do know the virus was first reported in China on December 31, 2019. Not three weeks later, on January 19, 2020, a man who had just returned from Wuhan, China, to his home near Seattle, checked into an urgent care clinic after seeing reports about the outbreak. The next day the Centers for Disease Control, or CDC, announced that the 35-year-old patient, who had been experiencing a cough, fever, nausea, or where it first hit because the virus was so new that the docs didn’t know what it was. The first documented case of Covid came to Texas on March 4 in Fort Bend County. The state corded its first Covid death on March 17 in Matagorda County. In short order, throughout the nation, Covid changed everything. Notice this glass case. It holds face masks just like you are wearing. At first, when people were told to wear masks in public, no one was prepared. I mean, most of us didn’t have masks unless we planned on robbing a convenience store. Do you still have yours? I’ll bet if you check around your house you’ll
find a few in drawers. A lot of cars probably have masks in a cup holder or stuffed in the glove compartment. Gov. Greg Abbott had a problem with mask mandates – ordering them in state buildings, then making exceptions, then ordering them off. Today you can still buy disposal masks from a few bucks to a pack of 25 KN95 masks for $38. I seriously doubt they are selling any of them at any price.
Here are some empty bleacher seats. Remember those sporting events with more people on the field than in the stands? The no-shows were not just in sports. Austin Mayor Steve Adler cancelled South by Southwest for the first time in its 34-year history. Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner ordered the shutdown of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. Here is a model of the Oval Office. Why? President Donald Trump first opposed vaccine mandates, and refused to urge his supporters to be vaccinated, even though Republicans remained far less likely than Democrats to be protected. Trump was hospitalized with Covid in October 2020. His former chief of staff, Mark Meadows, later revealed that
Fatal Yale Street shooting to be deferred to grand jury
COMMUNITY REPORTS
The fatal shooting of one man and the wounding of another at 1900 Yale Street about 4:25 p.m. on Saturday, March 15, will be referred to a Harris County grand jury.
The deceased male is identified as Carlos Garcia, 27. The other male, 41, was transported to an area hospital to be treated for a gunshot wound.
HPD Homicide Division officials said patrol officers responded to a shooting call at an abandoned business at the above address.
According to witnesses, a male and a family member were installing posters on the business when a truck pulled up. Two males (one of them Mr. Garcia) exited the truck, stating they also wanted to install posters on the business.
The two groups got into an ar-
gument. According to HPD, Garcia then reached into a bag he was carrying and racked a weapon. At that time, the other male and family member reportedly retrieved their work equipment and walked back to their vehicle.
As they walked away, Garcia allegedly threatened he would shoot one of them. The other male and Garcia then exchanged gunfire and both were struck. The men were transported to an area hospital where Garcia was pronounced deceased. The other male, whose identity has not been disclosed, remains hospitalized.
The Harris County District Attorney's Office was contacted and it was determined the case would be reviewed by a grand jury.
Anyone with additional information in this case is urged to contact the HPD Homicide Division at 713308-3600.
March Happenings at Starduster Lounge
COMMUNITY REPORTS
Starduster Lounge, the newly opened neighborhood watering hole combining West Texas charm with the vibrancy of Houston’s North Main Street from local entrepreneur and musician Will Thomas and bar owner Benjy Mason, is debuting exciting programming!
Below is the exciting list of everything happening at Starduster Lounge through the end of the month.
Weekly Breakdown
Sunday: Josue's Homage to Timmy Chan's Wings & Fried Rice
Tuesday: Starduster Steak Night with Jason "Big Sexy" Hill
• Wednesday: Tacos Flacos
Nortenos
• Thursday: Tacos by Tony
• Friday: Tacos Flacos Nortenos
Drink Specials
Mon-Fri: Happy Hour from 4-6 p.m. Half price on all House Cocktails.
Tuesdays: Still Austin $5 Old Fashioned
Events
• Astros Opening Weekend
Astros-Fest: Live music on March 28, from 3-6 p.m., Astros Craft Market, hot dogs, game on outside For more info, visit www. stardusterheights.com.
Trump was far sicker than the White House disclosed at the time. Trump later encouraged his fans to get vaccinated for Covid. In December of 2021, at a rally in Dallas, when he revealed he got a booster shot, he was booed. Then it was over, sort of. In May 2023 the World Health Organization (which we have since left) declared an end to the Covid pandemic and President Joe Biden ended national and public health emergencies for Covid. What had happened to us in those five lost years? What toll? Since the pandemic began until March 6, 2025, according to the CDC, the worldwide tally of cases reached 755 million and there were 6.8 million deaths. More than 1.22 million Americans have died from Covid. In Texas (so far), we have had 2,401,898 confirmed cases, and 47,725 died. Harris County had 1,320,367 cases and 11,691 deaths. Fort Bend County had 256,008 cases and 1,260 deaths. Here’s a map of Loving County, out in West Texas. It has a population of 64 people according to the 2020 census. It is the least populous county in the U.S. It reported 410 cases but no deaths.
This next exhibition shows our current situation. The dirty little -- and totally ignored -- secret is that Covid is still around. In 2023, the latest stats available, Covid caused or contributed to 76,446 deaths in the U.S., and they continue to remain the highest cause of death among people 85 and older.
Even after five years, the pandemic has changed our lives – maybe forever. We now know the word “pandemic.” Workers like to work from home, and “hybrid work” has entered our vocabulary. During Covid, restaurants went bankrupt by the tens of thousands and, even today, many are barely hanging on or finally are going under. But Americans have discovered they like both groceries and fixed meals delivered to their doorsteps. That convenience may be here to stay. We have also found that we enjoy watching movies at home. Hello, Netflix. In March of 2020, 55 million American children stopped going to school. Today educators say those students are still behind in learning.
There is another change. Many Americans no longer trust private or government
health experts. Here is the business card of Dr. Peter Hotez, a local hero. He is the Dean of the National School of Tropical Medicine, Professor of Pediatrics and Molecular Virology and Microbiology at Baylor College of Medicine, Co-director of the Texas Children’s Center for Vaccine Development, and Texas Children’s Hospital Endowed Chair of Tropical Pediatrics. By the time he introduced himself, the pandemic was over. But Dr. Hotez and other experts got criticized and harassed. When Dr. Anthony Fauci had to get bodyguards, you know there’s a problem. And they won’t get vaccinated. This brings us to bird flu and measles.
Ashby is vaccinated at ashby2@comcast.net
Editor’s note: This column and its contents do not necessarily reflect the views of The Leader News, its staff, or its publisher. The Leader News welcomes opinion articles on matters of interest to Greater Heights residents at editor@theleadernews. com. Publication is at the discretion of the editor.
City controller launches 2025 audit plan
COMMUNITY REPORTS
Audits to Identify CostSaving Measures, Improve Efficiency, and Strengthen Financial Oversight Amid $330 Million Budget Shortfall
Houston City Controller Chris Hollins recently announced the release of the Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 Audit Plan, a strategic initiative to enhance financial accountability, optimize city resources, and maximize taxpayer dollars. The plan prioritizes high-impact audits to identify cost savings, eliminate waste, and strengthen fiscal oversight and outcomes across city departments.
“As the City’s financial watchdog, my job is to ensure every dollar works for Houstonians,” said Controller Chris Hollins. “This audit plan is more than a fiscal checkup— it’s a roadmap to smarter spending, greater efficiency, and better city services. In a time of financial strain, we must proactively find solutions
that set Houston on a path to longterm economic stability.”
The FY2025 Audit Plan focuses on: Performance audits to assess efficiency and effectiveness in city operations;
• Compliance audits to ensure financial policies and regulations are followed;
• Contract audits to scrutinize vendor agreements and spending; Forensic audits to detect and prevent fraud, waste, and abuse; and Cost recovery initiatives to reclaim potential revenue losses.
The plan also includes follow-up audits to track the implementation of past recommendations, reinforcing accountability and a cycle of continuous improvement in city operations.
“Long-term fiscal health requires more than short-term or temporary funding sources,” Hollins said.
“Through transparent oversight and best practices, we can help to safeguard taxpayer dollars by eliminating waste and maximizing
efficiency—improving financial outcomes today while also investing in Houston’s future.”
Under Hollins’s leadership, the City Controller’s Office expanded its audit scope to incorporate enhanced performance, contract, and forensic reviews to identify financial risks before they become costly issues.
To keep residents informed, the Controller’s Office will publish quarterly audit reports on its website, providing regular updates on findings, recommendations, and corrective actions.
“While the word ‘audit’ can sound intimidating, our approach has value beyond uncovering problems—it can help drive solutions and outcomes,” Hollins said. “Through transparent reporting and communication, we will provide City leaders with a pathway to operate with greater fiscal responsibility.”
The FY2025 Audit Plan, which includes the complete list of audits, is available online at www.houstontx. gov/controller/audit/auditreports. html.
COMMUNITY REPORTS
Average home prices increased at a slower rate than the previous four months
The Greater Houston housing market cooled in February, with sales moderating as more homes were listed for sale. Economic conditions, including elevated mortgage rates and inflation concerns, are impacting buyer sentiment and contributing to this move toward a more balanced market.
According to the Houston Association of Realtors’ February 2025 Housing Market Update, single-family home sales across the Greater Houston area declined 3.0 percent year-over-year, with 6,050 units sold compared to 6,234 last February. It marks the first decline in sales since August 2024. The number of available homes in the Houston area hit the highest level since 2011, with 31,112 active listings in February.
The median home price declined 1.2 percent to $325,000, which is the first notable decline since November 2023. The average price increased slightly to $407,538. This was largely due to continued activity at the high end of the market, which is less susceptible to interest rate changes.
The segment of the market comprised of homes priced between $150,000 and $249,999 saw the strongest performance with sales up 2.0 percent compared to last year. The luxury segment ($1 mil-
By STEPHANIE SHIRLEY
The Leader News Contributor
On March 14, the Rotary Club of Houston Heights held their 2nd Annual Leadership Luncheon designed to empower the community with important first-hand knowledge about city government and plans for progress in 2025.
The event was held at the Junior League of Houston and attended by more than 250 Rotary members and guests.
Houston Mayor John Whitmire, the keynote speaker, began by recalling how he first became involved in criminal justice reform in 1993 at Bob Bullock’s request, when “it was a broken system at the state level, a revolving door.” Initially hesitant, Whitmire said, “I wasn't a defense attorney, and I knew it was broken.”
However, recognizing that he simply needed an “opportunity,” he moved forward and led a major expansion. “We went into a huge expansion program. We re-did the penal code. If you did a violent crime, we knew what we were going to do with you.”
He then described a formative personal experience: being robbed in Shepherd Park Plaza with his wife and nineyear-old child. “It impacted me forever,” Whitmire explained, adding, “If we’re not safe, nothing else matters.”
Whitmire said he had been approached about running for mayor multiple times; however, he was finishing his political career in Washington. But in his own words, “Life and politics are about timing.” After serious consideration of Houston’s escalating problems, with issues like crime, homelessness, infrastructure and financial plaguing the city he loved, he conceded to run and won. The swearingin itself was “unusual,” taking place on Sunday night, New Year’s Eve, when he famously went for a ride-along with Houston Police.
“I didn't have a black tie event or elaborate museum district meal to celebrate the swearing in,” he said. Instead, his first action as the newlyminted mayor was meeting with then-police chief Troy Finner to take stock of the city.
Whitmire acknowledged that Houston faces challenges, as all big cities do. But the difference, he said, is that Houston is fixing them. As an example he recalled that when he first came into office, the city had a 5-year plan to clean up the water department's
lion+) followed with a 1.9 percent increase in transactions. Sales declined across all other housing segments in February.
“We are seeing a shift to a more balanced market, arguably a buyer’s market, which offers more opportunities for those looking to purchase a home,” said HAR Chair Shae Cottar with LPT Realty. “While economic conditions are influencing buying behaviors and decision-making, the expansion of inventory is providing consumers with a wider selection of homes. Hesitant buyers are turning to rental housing as a practical alternative.”
February
Monthly Market Comparison
February marked the first time total property sales were in negative territory since September 2024 as housing in Houston and across the U.S. feel the impacts from economic headwinds. Total property sales declined 4.7 percent year-over-year. Total dollar volume was statistically flat at $2.8 billion. Active listings, or the total number of available properties, rose 26.7 percent compared to last February.
Single-Family Homes Update, Citywide
February marked the first decline in sales of single-family homes in six months. Sales in the Houston area were 3.0 percent below last year’s volume, with 6,050 units sold compared to 6,234 during the same time in 2024. The average home price rose 2.3 percent year-over-
year to $407,538, representing a slower rate of growth compared to the previous four months. The median price was down 1.2 percent, which is the biggest decline in 15 months, to $325,000. The price per square foot increased to $174 from $172 last February.
Active listings were 33.7 percent above 2024 levels with 31,112 available properties. This is the highest volume of available homes since July 2011 when there were 32,096 units.
Days on Market, or the actual time it took to sell a home, increased from 58 to 59 days. Months of inventory improved to a 4.4-months supply from 3.3 months last February, indicating a more balanced market. The national supply stands at 3.5 months, according to the National Association of Realtors.
Broken out by housing segment, February sales performed as follows:
• $1 - $99,999: decreased 23.7 percent
• $100,000 - $149,999: de-
creased 6.9 percent
$150,000 - $249,999: increased 2.0 percent
• $250,000 - $499,999: decreased 3.0 percent
• $500,000 - $999,999: decreased 5.6 percent
$1M and above: increased 1.9 percent
HAR also breaks out sales figures for existing single-family homes. In February, existing home sales totaled 3,876, which is down 4.1 percent compared to the same time last year. The average price rose 4.3 percent to $421,111,
and the median sales price was statistically flat at $325,000.
Houston Real Estate Highlights in February
Single-family home sales declined 3.0 percent yearover-year; Days on Market
problems. More than 100,000 meters were broken or malfunctioning. People were getting water bills for as much as $10,000 and didn't know who to talk to about outrageous bills. Whitmire's administration proactively had the water meters replaced within a year. But, the 2024 progress wasn’t without its impediments. The Houston area was hit with a string of natural disasters.
“The first week, we had the Arctic freeze. We had to shut down the city for two days. And then there was the Kingwood flood,” Whitmire recalled. But more was to follow. In May, Houston experienced the derecho. “I was at a grandson's Little League game. There was no notice to get all of your first responders, emergency centers or public works ready,” he said. “It was an intense, sudden storm.” The derecho winds caused an estimated $1.2 billion in damages to property and infrastructure, as well as loss of life. “Then, with a onetwo punch, we were hit by Hurricane Beryl in July.”
Natural disasters were not the only issues Whitmire’s administration had to contend with in 2024. He spoke about reorganizing the Houston Police Department, particularly after discovering 260,000 suspended investigations— far more than initially reported. He appointed a new chief, Noe Diaz, Jr., “who has nearly four decades of significant law enforcement experience.”
To compound city woes, two members of the Midtown TIRZ are currently under indictment. On top of that, last month a former Houston Public Works manager was charged and convicted of abuse of official capacity and four counts of bribery. Yet, in spite of all these challenges, Whitmire said, “I made a commitment when I was elected. We're not going to raise taxes or fees until I can come back before the Heights Rotary, look you in the eye and say, I've done everything I can to cut out waste, duplication, and corruption first.” Whitmire said the consulting firm Ernst and Young was engaged to do a comprehensive efficiency study and make recommendations. They identified significant redundancies, mismanagement and lack of accountability in the 22 departments reviewed. Whitmire acknowledged that collaboration with the state was essential.
“The previous administration did not even talk to Governor Abbott and Dan Patrick and vice versa,” he said. “When you're sworn in, you leave the politics outside and get things done. Collaboration is going to help
us solve it. Not only with the state and the county, but we're talking to the Trump administration, as well.” Whitmire also underscored the urgency of modernizing Houston’s water plant, which he said provides water for mil-
lions of people in the region. “We’ve got to get significant help to make sure that we’ve got a very viable water supply,” he emphasized, citing major security and economic implications.
“No one talks about our plant that furnishes water for 55 million people. We're 2.3 million. But, we furnish the entire region with their water,” he said. “The plant was built in 1954. So neither the previous administration nor the business community wants to talk about how vulnerable it is because they're still trying to attract more businesses to Houston. So that's been a kept secret that I'm bringing out of the closet. Let me tell you what, it's a Homeland Security issue. We furnish 40 percent of the nation's fuel from our refineries, who the city furnishes their water. 90 percent of the nation's domestic and military jet fuel comes out of our refineries. So I'm sounding the alarm. I'm meeting with Senator Cruz Tuesday. Austin knows I need some additional resources.”
Concluding his remarks, Whitmire insisted that despite the scale of these problems,
he was committed to spending “eight years of the best remaining years of my life” to fix the city.
“It’s a non-stop job, but we're going in the right direction. We're getting things done. All we have to do is come together and say it's going to take time,” he said. “I wasn’t looking for a job. This was a calling, there’s no doubt in my mind.” This event was made possible by the Rotary Club of Houston Heights. Founded in 1939, it has been a stable source of funding for social service, educational and health related organizations in the greater Heights area. Rotary is a “service” club whose members give back in many different ways: donating money, volunteering, mentoring and supporting students and others needing guidance, providing college scholarships to high school graduates and more. Over the last several years the Heights club has donated an average of $39,000 to organizations needing financial support to carry out their programs.
Photo by Stephanie Shirley
The Women’s Fund Hosts 10th Annual Wine
COMMUNITY REPORTS
The Women’s Fund for Health Education and Resiliency, a nonprofit providing Houston area women and girls with the tools needed to be advocates for their health, is pleased to announce the 10th Annual Wine Dinner on Thursday, April 24, 2025, at 6:30 p.m. at The Astorian, 2500 Summer St., Houston 77007. Proceeds from the event
support The Women’s Fund programs that serve to educate girls and women in the Houston area through classes, workshops, lectures, and publications focused on physical, mental, financial, emotional, health and wellness.
Chairs Vanessa and Chuck Ames will welcome guests while honoring the inaugural Toast to Resilience Class – a distinguished group of honorees whose leadership,
COMMUNITY REPORTS
Thornwood Gallery invites you to an exclusive meet and greet with Texas artist Maxine Price to celebrate the opening reception of her solo exhibition: Swimming Lessons. This exhibition marks Price’s 25th year of representation at Thornwood, and we could not be happier to showcase her ever-evolving work! Come dive into the dynamic world of Maxine Price at our opening reception on Friday, April 4th from 5 - 7pm! Artists will be in attendance! Drinks and light bites will be provided!
Price was born on an Army Base and grew up in a military family. She lived many places throughout the US and Germany before settling down in Wimberley, Texas, where she currently resides. Price received her BFA in studio art from the University of Texas at Austin, and became a full-time abstract artist in 1992. Her portraiture and mixed media artwork have been exhibited in galleries, museums, universities, hotels and foreign embassies in addition to private collections across the United States.
Oil with palette knife, oil with cold
compassion, and unwavering dedication reflect the very heart of the organization’s mission. Each honoree has championed the resilience of women and girls in the community, inspiring others to rise, thrive, and lead with confidence.
Gina Gaston Elie will be honored with the Resilient Heart Award; Paulina and Jim McGrath with the Visionary Spirit Award; and Chris Shepherd and Lindsey
wax, and oil with hot wax (encaustics), are the three methodologies Price regularly utilizes in her practice. Each process involves creating depth by adding many layers in pours, glazes, and classical mark making, followed by a subtractive process (sgraffito) where the underlayers are revealed by scraping into the surface, and then repeating. Swimming Lessons is Price’s first series of work dedicated to encaustic techniques, forcing her to adapt to the fluid nature of hot wax and its temperamental behavior. Price says this about her experimental approach: “I like the risk factor involved in beginning with chaos then letting the painting guide me to a conclusion. Each day in the studio is a day of adventure and discovery.”
This exhibition will be available for viewing from April 4th through April 26th. For more information about Thornwood’s represented artists, gallery hours, and event dates for monthly exhibition openings, please visit their website at https://thornwoodgallery. com or stop by their location in the Houston Design Center at 7026 Old Katy Road, Suite 231, Houston, Texas 77024.
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Brown with the Champions of Community Award.
The evening will include an exquisite four-course meal catered by Jackson & Company with wine pairings, a silent auction, big board and live auction.
The Women’s Fund invites everyone to an extraordinary evening of outstanding entertainment, fine dining, and wine to support the organization’s mission to help more adolescent
girls and women lead happier, healthier, and more resilient lives. For information on The Women’s Fund, including details about the 10th Annual Wine Dinner sponsorship and individual tickets, visit tinyurl.com/ bde8c2s9.
For more than 46 years,
The Women’s Fund has provided Houston-area women and girls with the tools they need to be advocates for their health and resiliency
skills. Dedicated to ensuring positive health outcomes for individuals and communities, The Women’s Fund serves close to 7,500 women and adolescent girls and distributes close to 5,000 publications each year at no cost. For information on The Women’s Fund including details about the wine dinner sponsorship and individual tickets, please contact Linda Rhodes at 713-623-6543 or linda@thewomensfund.org.
Miller Outdoor Theatre presents 2025 Season schedule
COMMUNITY REPORTS
Houston’s popular outdoor venue launches a season of free, worldclass entertainment on March 28
Miller Outdoor Theatre, the largest “always free” program of its kind in the country, is set to launch its highly anticipated 2025 season on March 28, continuing its legacy of providing free, high-quality arts programming for Houstonians and visitors alike.
This season’s diverse lineup will showcase an impressive array of performances spanning multiple genres and cultures— from Broadway classics to Latin orchestras and the ever-popular Houston Shakespeare Festival in August.
The season kicks off with an electrifying opening weekend: March 28: The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, an all-ages production by Open Dance Project featuring acrobatic storytelling, aerial silks, and ASL-integrated choreography.
• March 29: Voces y Recuerdos, produced by Noche Tejana – a tribute to women in Tejano music, featuring six-time Grammynominated Stefani Montiel and other female artists.
“For more than a century, Miller Outdoor Theatre has been a place where Houstonians can come together and experience the arts— completely free of charge," said Managing Director Claudia de Vasco: This season continues our commitment to providing diverse, high-caliber performances that are accessible to all, spotlighting the amazing talent Houston has to offer alongside exciting performances from all over the US.”
Season Highlights Include:
• Smash Mouth – April 25
Thee Phantom & The Illharmonic Orchestra –June 14 Broadway on the Hill (featuring Houston Broadway stars) – August 29 Houston Jazz Festival –
September 20
Returning Traditions: Houston Ballet and Houston Symphony performances. Classic Albums Live –Performing Fleetwood Mac’s Rumours. • Dancin’ in the Street: Motown and More Revue.
Youth Programming:
Miller’s mid-week youth performances return, including Express Theatre’s Hilltop Festival for Children in June, reinforcing the theatre’s commitment to arts accessibility for all ages.
Other Exciting Shows: Lupita Infante (granddaughter of Pedro Infante) and Jacqie Rivera (daughter of Jenni Rivera) performing together for El Grito. Cirque Mechanics –Acrobatics spectacle.
• Fly Dance Company –Featuring an alumnus turned 2023 Olympian.
Full Schedule & Info: Visit www.milleroutdoortheatre.com for the complete season lineup, updates, and streaming options for select performances.
THE GOLD STANDARD IN NURSING
Harris Health Lyndon B. Johnson Hospital
Photo by Simon Rancourt, courtesy of Miller Outdoor Theatre 04/25 Smash Mouth
Photo courtesy of Miller Outdoor Theatre 03/28 Open Dance Wizard Of Oz
Photo by Chey Brehm, courtesy of Miller Outdoor Theatre
