12-17-22 Edition of The Leader

City amends ordinance for outdoor public music events

By Landan Kuhlmann landan@theleadernews.com

The city of Houston has expanded its code of ordinances in what it says is an attempt to improve communication about public music events held on private property and ensuring the public’s safety in the case of such an event being held.

On Dec. 9, the Houston city council approved an amendment that expands Chapter 25 of its existing code of ordinances, which is related to special events,

to now require a permit for any public outdoor music event or concert on private property that expects 500 people or more to attend the event.

The expanded ordinance will go into effect on March 7, 2023, according to the city. Along with their application for a permit, event producers will need to submit plans for staffing, security, and expected traffic plans for the event. However, the ordinance has an exception for those private properties with Certificates of Occupancy or those proper-

Safety and smiles

ties owned by religious organizations and educational institutions.

It was brought to council after those with the Mayor’s Office of Special Events, Houston Fire Department, and Houston Police Department said responding to emergencies that result from over-crowding, understaffing, and poor planning costs excessive resource expenditure while also potentially placing attendees and citizens in danger.

Oak Forest community forming indelible bond with beloved school crossing guard

By Landan Kuhlmann landan@theleadernews.com

son has walked to school at Oak Forest Elementary nearly every day for the last four years, developing a daily routine with the school’s crossing guard.

Twice a day, sun shining or rain coming down - like it was on Tuesday - Clennon Preston greets her son with a friendly “hello” and a bright smile and strikes up a conversation with either her son or other families at the intersection.

That energy and clear joy for children, she said, has created an indelible bond between the Oak Forest community and the man who has watched out for their safety at the corner of Oak Forest Drive and West 43rd Street for nearly five years.

“He has the best attitude ever, and treats the kids like his own family,” Durchholz said. “He even gives cute nicknames to the kids and they light up when he says it.”

The sentiment was a common one among parents of students who have crossed paths with Preston over the last four and a half years as he watches diligently over children and families at one of the busier local school intersections for about an hour in the morning and an hour each afternoon

Local preschool aids in area nonprofit’s mission

By Landan Kuhlmann landan@theleadernews.com

As the area’s children come up on a two-week Christmas break soon, Nicole Verbit knows that for some, going home means wondering if they’ll have enough food to eat.

In that spirit, a local preschool was among those who recently took part in an annual food drive aimed at providing food for preschool-aged children in Houston and surrounding areas this holiday

season so that they can celebrate Christmas and New Year’s without having to worry about their next meal.

The Primrose School, which includes Primrose of Garden Oaks at 1919 Judiway St., recently held its annual Caring and Sharing food drive at locally-based nonprofit Kids Meals, 330 Garden Oaks Blvd. Students from the local Primrose School were among more than 50 who donated more than 6,000 items to be donated to children in need in Harris and

Montgomery Counties.

“At Primrose, we teach children about the importance of giving back and helping others,” said Verbit, who is the Area Education Director for Primrose School of Garden Oaks.

Especially around the holidays, Verbit said that need is magnified when schools let out for the twoweek Christmas break. And the annual Caring and Sharing food drive, she says, gives younger students an opportunity to give back

Personalized attention.

By

Check out our annual Guide

Staff Reports

It has been a bit of an eventful year for the area in 2022. And it is still constantly changing and evolving as we put COVID-19 a little further in the rearview mirror and the calendar gets ever closer to flipping to 2023.

The Heights, Garden Oaks, Oak Forest, and its surrounding neighborhoods are no stranger to change, just like the rest of the Houston region. There are new restaurants, businesses, and more moving into the area. So what’s the answer to keeping up with a constantly-evolving tapestry?

We’re glad you asked. You’ll probably notice that this week’s paper is a little heftier when you pick it up, and that’s because inserted this week is our annual Guide publication. So you get a little extra bang for your buck this week, because in addition to our weekly news coverage of sports, food, and community happenings, there’s a little something extra.

Each year, we attempt to use The Guide as a way to introduce new readers and residents to the plethora of opportunities and options that exist in our slice of north Houston.

But it’s not just for the newest transplants. Even if you have lived here for years like much of our staff, there is always something more to learn, or a new restaurant to try. Maybe there is a park close to you, or one right around the corner from your home or child’s school that could solve the mystery of how to let them expend their energy.

Inside the pages of The Guide, you’ll find rundowns of parks and community centers that serve the part of Houston that we here at The Leader hold near and dear to our hearts. We also explore the dynamic, eclectic, and and unique tapestry that is the food and drink scene in our area, and more.

Each week we strive to bring you the most relevant, informative, and interesting news that this community has to offer. That’s our goal, because this is our home too. And we hope that this once-a-year extension of our weekly coverage gives you an idea of just how special this community is.

So without further ado, we hope you enjoy this year’s edition of The Guide.

Carolyn Durchholz’s

Photo by Landan Kuhlmann

Crossing guard Clennon Preston helps children across the crosswalk at the corner of West 43rd Street and Oak Forest Drive in front of Oak Forest Elementary. He has patrolled the intersection for nearly five years, and parents and children alike have gravitated to his dedication and joy.

Contributed photo

Oak Forest Elementary parent Laura Hanet stops for a photo with Preston last year. She said the community has formed a deep bond with the beloved crossing guard.

Contributed photo

A child holds up one of the meals made for Kids Meals Houston. Primrose School students donated more than 6,000 items used for the meals.

By Landan Kuhlmann landan@theleadernews.com

A man has been arrested and charged in connection to an auto-pedestrian crash that killed a woman in the Timbergrove area last week, according to the Houston Police Department.

Amilcar Isas Cruz Acosta, 43, is charged with intoxication manslaughter in connection the death of a 39-yearold woman, according to Harris County court records. He remained in jail on a $500,000 bond as of Tuesday, according to court records.

The woman’s identity is pending an autopsy by the county’s medical examiner, according to the department.

The woman was sitting in the back seat of

One charged in fatal auto-pedestrian crash Man

a stopped black Toyota Camry heading northbound on the Highway 290 service road just before 1 a.m. last Sunday, according to police, when a white Toyota Tundra – allegedly driven by Acosta – rear-ended the Camry.

She was pronounced dead at the scene, according to HPD, while a passenger in the front seat was taken to a hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

According to police, Acosta allegedly showed signs of intoxication at the scene, and was subsequently arrested.

By Landan Kuhlmann landan@theleadernews.com

A man has been arrested and accused of stabbing his girlfriend in the Northside area last week, according to the Houston Police Department.

Alberto Garcia Jr., 36, has been charged with aggravated assault of a family member in connection the stabbing, according to Harris County court records. He remained in jail on a $30,000 bond as of Tuesday afternoon, according

to court records.

The woman, 35, was taken to an area hospital in stable condition, ac -

cording to HPD.

Just before 9 p.m. on Oct. 8, officers responded to an apartment complex in the 4000 block of Irvington Boulevard, police said, to find the woman with multiple stab wounds. She was immediately taken to a hospital, according to the department.

A short time later, police said Garcia allegedly called 9-1-1 and turned himself into police, and was subsequently arrested.

AN ELEVATED SENIOR EXPERIENCE

A fulfilling lifestyle and spectacular skyline views await at The Watermark at Houston Heights. Here, every aspect of Senior Living, Assisted Living, and Memory Care is elevated, with expert care, refined residences, and gourmet dining— making the possibilities as endless as the Texas sky. Now open—call 281-241-5319 to schedule your private tour.

By Landan Kuhlmann landan@theleadernews.com

A woman died after being involved in a single-car crash just north of the Heights that may have been the result of a possible medical episode late last week, according to the Houston Police Department.

The woman’s identity is pending an autopsy from the county’s medical examiner, according to HPD.

The woman was driving a black Cadillac CT5 westbound at 400 North Loop West around 2:30 p.m. last Friday Dec. 9, according to police, when she allegedly lost control of the car and hit

the retaining wall alongside the freeway. The car then crossed four lanes of traffic, police said, before striking the retaining wall on the opposite side and coming to a stop.

She was pronounced dead at the scene, according to the department, and police say the woman may have suffered a medical episode prior to losing control of the car.

The investigation is ongoing, according to HPD.

Amilcar Isas Cruz

24/7 ER and routine care near you.

At Memorial Hermann, we understand that you need health care on your terms - and timetable. From wellness exams to 24/7 emergency care, our Convenient Care Centers provide you and your family the quality health care you need all in one place.

memorialhermann.org/ccc

Advancing health. Personalizing care.

Local football players garner state honors

By Landan Kuhlmann landan@theleadernews.com

Another football season may be in the rearview mirror, but more than a dozen local private school players were recently recognized for their contributions to their respective schools’ standout seasons.

On Dec. 7, the Texas Association of Private and Parochial Schools (TAPPS) announced its 2022 AllState selections, and the list included 16 players from the area’s private high schools on the first or second team. St. Thomas had nine total selections, while St. Pius had seven players earn the state’s top honor.

Junior running back Johann Cardenas led the way for St. Thomas’ selections on the first team offense following a junior season in which he accounted for 1,371 total yards (1,041 rushing, 330 receiving) and 18 touchdowns. Receiver Shaffer Henderson was also a first-team offensive selection after catching 29 passes for 637 yards and nine touchdowns, as was offensive lineman Anthony Pellerin.

On the defensive side, the Eagles had four first team selections, most notably linebacker Jack Ward, who accumulated a team-leading 122 tackles on his way to the honor as well as being named the Touchdown Club of Houston’s private school defensive player of the year. Joining him on the first team were defensive backs Caleb Davis (51 tackles, four interceptions) and Marques Kiatta (45 tackles, three interceptions) and defensive lineman Michael Okwura (41 tackles).

For St. Pius X, punter Preston Kyle was the lone first-team selection after a season in which he averaged 36.4 yards per punt and landed four of them inside the 20yard line.

Running back Joshua Mitchell (1,016 yards, 12 touchdowns), receiver Vincent Doucet (708 yards, eight touchdowns), and offensive lineman Issi Baba were secondteam offensive selections, while lineman Aden Allen (75 tackles, five sacks), linebacker Travis Pesek (116 tackles) and defensive back Jonah Erazo (69 tackles, two intercep-

tions) were second-team defensive picks.

Below is a complete list of players earning TAPPS all-state honors:

First Team

St. Thomas

Johann Cardenas (RB) Shaffer Henderson (WR) Anthony Pellerin (OL) Jack Ward (LB)

Caleb Davis (DB)

Marques Kiatta (DB) Michael Okwura (DL)

St. Pius X Preston Kyle (P) Second Team St. Thomas

Donte Lewis (ATH/QB) Zachary Rocha (LB) St. Pius X

Issa Baba (OL)

Joshua Mitchell (RB) Vincent Doucet (WR)

Aden Allen (DL) Travis Pesek (LB) Jonah Erazo (DB)

HS hoops recap: Bulldogs continue recent hot streak

By Landan Kuhlmann landan@theleadernews.com

The Heights Bulldogs had a bit of a rocky start to the 2022-2023 campaign, but have turned it around in recent days, and continued their hot play last week.

Heights won both games last week, defeating Kashmere 68-31 on Dec. 6 before taking down Aldine 43-39 last Saturday as part of the Jim Hicks Third Ward Jamboree tournament. Heights improved to 5-5 on the season with the two wins, and have now won four consecutive games.

Gabriel Alvarez paced the Bulldogs with 15 points, five rebounds, four assists and four steals against Aldine, while Allen Rainey had 10 points and Jacob Castillo grabbed seven rebounds. Castillo had 16 points to lead all scorers in the rout of Kashmere, and Isaiah Henry added a seasonhigh 15 points of his own.

Elsewhere on the public school circuit, Booker T. Washington rebounded from a 76-67 loss to Langham Creek on Dec. 6 with a resounding 101-49 win over Yates last Friday, moving to 5-4 overall and 3-0 in District 21-4A competition. Kenneth Lewis and Odis Carter each had 27 points for the Eagles against Yates, while Chris McDermott had a double-double with 16 points and 11 rebounds.

Scarborough dropped to 0-7 following a loss in its only game last week, falling 83-21 against Mickey Leland College Prepatory.

St. Thomas kept its unbeaten streak rolling last week, defeating Kinkaid 65-35 on Dec. 6 before taking down Bellaire Episcopal 70-49 on Dec. 9, moving to 9-0 on the season and maintaining its hold on the No. 2 slot in the Texas Association of Basketball Coaches’ (TABC) private school rankings.

Lutheran High North snapped a two-game losing streak with a 58-45 win over First Baptist Christian on Dec. 9, moving to 8-3 on the season and 1-1 in TAPPS district play.

St. Pius X also snapped a two-game skid of their own with a 64-57 win over Awty International School on Dec. 9, improving to 3-10 on the season.

Girls

In public school action, Waltrip’s Lady Rams split a pair of games last week, beating Northbrook 36-29 on Dec. 6 before falling to district-leading Sterling on Saturday, ending the week 5-3 overall and 2-3 in district play ahead of Wednesday night’s game against Galena Park.

The Heights Lady Bulldogs dropped both games last week, losing 58-43 to Pearland Dawson on Dec. 6 and falling 55-21 against Bellaire on Friday. Freshman Mira Johnson paced Heights (5-7, 0-2) with 17 points against Dawson, while Jazmyne Gilbert had 11 points and six rebounds.

Booker T. Washington has now lost five straight games following a 64-28 loss against Wheatley last Friday, a loss which dropped them to 1-8 on the year.

Scarborough dropped a 71-16 decision to Yates on Saturday, dropping to 0-2 on the season.

On the private school side, Lutheran High North’s Lady Lions swept through a pair of games, taking down Westbury Christian 42-21 on Dec. 6 before defeating First Baptist Christian 57-36 on Dec. 9. Imry Shrout-Jordan had 24 points to pace the Lady Lions (5-7, 2-0) against First Baptist, while Samantha Anaya added 14 points of her own.

What a year it was. A great President in the White House, peace across the land, the economy booming. Of course I’m talking about 1949. This past year has been, well, un usual. We are still disputing ballots from elections held last November. We re-elected Lar ry, Moe and Curly to run Tex as. Then there were the bad days. However, we no longer have to boil our water. That slight accident put Houston’s water system right there with Jakarta, Ouagadougou and Dhaka. Also, happily we didn’t have another Ice Storm Uri because Gov. Greg Abbott signed a law banishing “deep freezes, droughts and books we deem unfit for children.”

Remember when Abbott said: “Texas will work tirelessly to make sure that we eliminate all rapists from the streets.” Alas, a sexual assault hotline in Houston had answered almost 4,800 calls through August of this year — putting it on track to exceed last year’s volume of 4,843. Elsewhere in politics, State Sen. Paul Bettencourt of Houston denounced the Biden administration’s plan to forgive some student loans. But it seems Bettencourt’s tax company had $623,500 in paycheck protection loans forgiven in 2020. State Rep. Jared Patterson (R-Frisco), has filed a bill for the upcoming session of the Legislature that would eliminate the City of Austin government and establish the District of Austin in its place.

Lynn Ashby Columnist

harassment that followed the previous elections.

In the small town of Palmhurst near McAllen, incumbent Mayor Ramiro Rodriguez, Jr., 68, died on April 5 while seeking re-election to a position he had held since 1999. His name remained on the ballot. According to Texas law, if a deceased candidate’s name has been certified by the secretary of state for placement on the ballot, then it cannot be removed without the secretary’s authorization. From the grave, Rodriguez defeated challenger Israel Silva, receiving 320 votes to Silva’s 234. The city had to hold a special election for a new mayor. Sarah Stogner, an oil and gas attorney and self-described Lady Godiva of the Permian Basin running for railroad commissioner, sent out a Twitter of herself on an oil field pump jack wearing nothing but skivvies and pasties. “They said I needed money,” she wrote. “I have other assets.” She lost her, uh, assets.

We can always count on U.S. Rep. Louie Gohmert to make Texas the laughingstock of America. Gohmert presented an American flag previously flown above the U.S. Capitol, with an official certificate, to Dr. Simone Gold, a convicted  January  rioter after she was released from prison. And he said, “If you’re a Republican, you can’t even lie to Congress or lie to an FBI agent or they’re coming after you.”  Stephen Colbert on “The Late Show” observed, “He’s just confirmed it: Louie Gohmert remains the dumbest man alive.”

Moving on, in new rankings, UT ranked as the No. 23 university in the U.S. and No. 43 in the world — the same worldwide ranking it received on last year’s list of more than 1,700 universities in 90 countries. George Bush Intercontinental Airport saw 245 guns discovered by TSA at checkpoints in 2021, the thirdmost firearms of any airport in the country, according to  TSA data. Only Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport (507) and Dallas/Fort Worth’s International Airport (317) had higher totals. We must wonder what the 2022 figures will be.

So we are merely Number 3 in guns discovered at the airport, but in other categories we’re Number 1. Tanya Herbert of Houston is the recipient of the Guinness Book of World Records for having a woman’s largest feet. Texas has the most aggressive cen-

sorship movement in the nation and has banned more books than any other state. Twenty-two Texas school districts have banned 801 books. The Keller Independent School District removed all books that were challenged last year, including the Bible, “The Bluest Eye” by Toni Morrison and a graphic novel adaptation of Anne Frank’s “The Diary of a Young Girl.” More evacuated Afghans resettled in Houston than any other U.S. city — in fact, Houston took in more of these families than 47 U.S. states — some 5,600 evacuated Afghans. Houston became home for about half of all Afghans who resettled in Texas.

More first places: Texans have suffered with more major power outages in the past 20 years than residents of any other state, and the blackouts have become more frequent amid increasingly rotten weather in recent years. In a new report by Environment America, a Denver-based nonprofit, Texas also ranks first among U.S. states for toxic discharges into streams, rivers and lakes, a title held by Indiana since the organization began analyzing nationwide water pollution in 2009, when Texas only ranked fourth. We tallied 16.7 million pounds of toxic substances released into Texas water in 2020, up from 13.2 million in 2007.

A study conducted by Protect My Paws, a pet insurance comparison platform, found that Houston is home to the

world’s highest ratio of dogs to humans at 52.1 dogs per 100 humans. That’s more than one dog for every two humans. A trio of abortion rights activists interrupted a service at Lakewood Church one Sunday, stripping down to their underwear in protest of the expected U.S. Supreme Court decision to overturn Roe v. Wade. While stripping, they shouted, “It’s my body, my (expletive) choice.”

Zachary Taylor Blood, from Galveston, told agents during an immigration checkpoint near Falfurrias, that he was

hauling a dead Navy individual in a van modified to transport caskets. One of the agents, a veteran, noticed the coffin was in poor condition and the flag resting on it was held down using packaging tape. After a secondary inspection of the van, agents found two (live) Mexican men crammed inside of the casket.

Hats and horns! Pop the champagne! It’s got to get better.

Ashby awaits 2023 at ashby2@comcast.net

Photo by Wayne Donnelly

St. Pius X’s Josh Mitchell runs the ball during a game against Kelly Catholic earlier this season. Mitchell was one of 16 local private school players to earn TAPPS all-state honors.

Christmas means peace

713-659-9697 • www.arisebaptistchurch.org

Last night my wife and I were up late wrapping gifts for our children. To be transparent, this is not one of my favorite things to do. I enjoy giving gifts but I don’t enjoy wrapping them. It seems like a waste of time because the paper will just be ripped off and thrown away in a few days. Some of the Christmas traditions require a lot of time and effort to put together. In all of the busy, I feel like just going away and not trying to accomplish all of the stuff that is expected by others during the Christmas season. When I read the account of the angels visiting the shepherds in Luke 2, I am reminded that Christmas means peace. Truly, Jesus brings peace! The events and activities surrounding a holiday do not bring peace, but Jesus brings peace.

Jesus was born during a time when the Jewish people were subjugated to Roman authority and

taxation. Jesus was born under King Herod who tried to have him killed by killing all of the babies ages two years old and younger in Bethlehem. Jesus was not born into a peaceful time and when he left this earth there was no peace politically on the earth. Jesus came to bring peace between God and man. Every person is born as an enemy of God. They are born a sinner. God loves His enemies because they are His creation, and He sent Jesus Christ to die to pay for their sin and to make them His children. Jesus came to bring peace on earth by making peace with God for all who will trust in Christ to forgive them of their sin.

When you are running hard and feel an absence of peace in your life, be reminded that Jesus is the source of true peace and only He can bring about the eternal peace that you desire.

If you would like to discuss this further or have questions, Pastor Will Cover can be reached at Arise Baptist Church at 803 Curtin St., or www.arisebaptistchurch.org, or 713-659-9697.

Meals from P. 1 to their communities in a meaningful way as part of the school’s Primrose Promise Giving Events and character development program.

“This program is a great way to nurture lessons about generosity in children and extend belongingness to children and families outside of our schools, and in our communities,” she said. “Children work together not only to earn money for food donations but also to shop for and deliver items to those in need.”

According to the Houston State of Health Data Portal, nearly 15 percent of Houstonians live in food insecurity. Kids Meals says that there are more than 50,000 preschool-aged children in Harris County who live in insecurity and do not have access to school-based meals.

The Garden Oaks-based nonprofit has a fleet of 13 vans delivering food to hungry children in Harris and Montgomery County, and also had more than 50 school wrap-around partners to help find those most in need.

“Our mission is to end childhood hunger by delivering free healthy meals

to the doorsteps of Greater Houston’s hungriest preschool-aged children, and through collaboration provide their families with resources to help end the cycle of poverty,” the organization says on its website.

Since inception in 2006, Kids Meals has delivered more than 10.3 million free meals to children in 46 zip codes in Harris and Montgomery Counties, according to the organization. And that number will now rise after the efforts from students such as those at the Garden Oaks Primrose School.

And seeing the fruits of what they do, Verbit said, is a gift in and of itself for the students as they see their efforts in collecting and donating the food spread to the community and providing for those in need.

“This helps them learn the joy of giving back firsthand as they practice compassion and generosity while developing math, planning and nutrition skills and making a real difference in their communities,” she said.

By Pastor Will Cover Arise Baptist Church

Contributed photo

More than 50 young students contributed to collectiing and donating items to Kids Meals that will be used to help provide meals for those in need this Christmas season.

Preston from P. 1

during the school year.

Laura Hanet, who has previously walked her son to the school, echoed it.

“Mr. P. knows almost everyone’s names that walk his way and he greets everyone with love and kindness,” Hanet said. “He has the most contagious, positive outlook on live, and he spreads it daily.”

That outlook and energy he exudes each day, Preston said, comes from his own experience. He comes from a big family, he said, and had six kids of his own. Protecting them and connecting with them is in his DNA, he said, and he said it brings him to help children and their families get to and from school each morning and afternoon.

It’s a simple joy, he said, but one that he cannot get enough of.

“I just love my children. I love my babies,” Preston said Tuesday. “I tell everyone, ‘If you mess with my babies, you mess with me.’ ...I just have a love for children.”

Overlooking one of the area’s busier intersections in the morning and afternoon, Preston knows he has to keep his head on a swivel. And if he sees someone –child, parent, or driver – doing something unsafe, local parents say he will not hesitate to make sure their safety is never in jeopardy.

And that commitment is evident even to those who are on the road. Oak Forest resident Barbara Potter spotted it, she said, as she drove down the road one day recently on the way to pick up her grandson from St. Rose

of Lima School.

“(What stands out) is his dedication to the job,” she said. “…When stopped at the light, I saw him make a remark to a woman who was texting while beginning to cross; she put her phone away and continued to cross. I had to smile.”

Preston knows that it’s his job to oversee the safety of everyone who enters his crosswalk. But even if he raises his voice, he said, it comes from a place of caring so deeply about each and every child and family who he crosses paths with.

“Sometimes I holler at them – but I do it in love,” he said. “I’ve told them ‘Never step out in front of me if I’m here.’ That’s my thing – I love those babies. I’ve got a good love for children.”

His dedication to the job and his kids, parents said, goes above and beyond. Both Hanet and Durchholz mentioned a car chase that happened in 2020 right around the time school was dismissed at Oak Forest Elementary, which put anyone crossing in danger at that moment.

But right there like he always was, they said, was Preston to keep all of his children and their loved ones safe. Hanet and Durchholz said Preston exemplifies “true leadership,” and that he strikes a perfect balance between his job and caring about the community he serves.

“He doesn’t hesitate to stop a situation if he feels it’s unsafe. He’s also super kind and friendly and he reaches out to say hello to people all

the time, and knows so many of the children by name,” Durchholz said. “So many people in the neighborhood love and respect Mr. Preston, and we are so lucky to have him.”

Hanet echoed the sentiment.

“He takes his job very seriously and cares about all of our kids and their adults,” she said. “…Our school is on a super busy street, and he doesn’t take that lightly. He means business. Don’t mess with his kids, and follow the rules. He’s quick to let someone know that.”

But any seeming reprimand or correction, Preston said, comes from something deep within him that cares about the safety and wellbeing of every single person who enters his crosswalk each morning and afternoon.

He cares about them like he does his own kids, he said, and wants to do everything he can to get them and their families to school and home safely each day.

“I really enjoy what I do,” he said. “I love them all. All of them are my babies.”

His infectious joy and positive attitude, and that love for his community – Preston lives just a few miles from where he sets up shop each morning and afternoon –is evident to anyone who comes to the corner of West 43rd Street and Oak Forest Drive.

“If everyone did their job the way he does, it would be a near perfect world,” Potter said.

By Landan Kuhlmann landan@theleadernews.com

As Christmas approaches and the possibility of cold weather increases, the city of Houston is reminding Houstonians to protect their pipes this holiday season.

The reminder is aimed at helping prevent sanitary sewer overflows, according to the city, of which the city says 70 percent are caused by clogs from grease and wipes.

Houston Public Works responds to nearly twice as many sewer overflows due to blockages caused by grease during the holiday season, according to the city. The

Ordinance from P. 1

“When dealing with private property, I don’t want to throw a broad net on how people should utilize their property unless it becomes a public safety issue,” Mayor Sylvester Turner said. “When you combine this with the interlocal agreement with the county and

city said fats, oils, and grease poured down the sink  and wipes flushed down the toilet are the main cause of sewer overflows.

In order to help prevent overflow, the city said in a news release that residents should to put oils & grease in the trash, and only flush waste along with toilet paper down the toilet.

Houstonians can properly dispose of grease, the city said, by pouring leftover fats, oils & grease into a container and letting it cool before throwing it in the trash.

Community members can also visit ProtectOurPipes.org for helpful tips to help prevent sewer overflows.

NRG, I think we are covering our bases with large events to ensure the public’s safety.”

For more information on the city’s current charter and code of ordinances, visit the city’s website at https:// www.houstontx.gov/codes/.

“If you live in the state of Texas you need to find your zip code listed in today’s newspaper announcement and call immediately,” said Laura A. Lynne, Director of Coin and Currency for National Mint and Treasury.

That’s because Texas residents can really cash in for the next 48 hours. Here’s why. Non-state residents and those who miss the 48-hour deadline must pay $8 per coin, but Texas residents who take the Vault Bricks cover just the $4 per coin state minimum. That means Texas residents get all 125 coins with rare 24 Karat Gold Layering for just $500 which is a real steal since non-state residents must pay over $1,000 for each Vault Brick. And it gets even better for those claiming the Jumbo Gold Vault Bricks.

This is all happening because thousands of U.S. residents stand to miss the deadline to claim the gold. Now any resident who finds their zip code listed in today’s publication and calls to verify it gets to claim the Gold Vault Bricks for themselves and keep all the valuable gold found inside.

And here’s the best part. Texas residents who find their zip code listed in today’s publication are getting Sealed Vault Bricks containing the only Texas State Gold Bank Rolls known to exist with the exclusive State Restricted Design and each loaded with rarely seen U.S. Gov’t issued Buffalo Nickels layered in valuable 24 Karat Gold by National Mint and Treasury.

“As Director of Coin and Currency for National Mint and Treasury, one of my jobs is to deliver breaking news. And today’s announcement confirming the release of Sealed Gold Vault Bricks to residents of the state of Texas is as big as it gets,” Lynne said.

“So my advice is this, anyone who gets an opportunity to get their hands on one of these Gold Vault Bricks full of coins issued by the U.S. Gov’t nearly 100 years ago with rare 24 Karat Gold layering from the National Mint and Treasury better jump at the chance while they still can,” Lynne said.

“These Gold Vault Bricks make the most impressive gifts for Christmas, birthdays, graduations, weddings, and any other occasion, especially for that hard-to-buy-for person,” Lynne said.

According to Ms. Lynne, since thousands of U.S. residents stand to miss the deadline to claim the gold, today and tomorrow are intended as a “special 48 hour release” for the benefit of Texas residents. This gives them a fair chance to claim the Sealed Gold Vault Bricks and all the valuable gold loaded inside for themselves.

But, Ms. Lynne added, “The Sealed Gold Vault Bricks are only available as inventory permits during the special 48 hour release so please do not miss the deadline.” The director added, “We have no power to stop coin dealers, resellers or collectors buying up all the Gold Vault Bricks they can get their hands on,” Lynne said.

”We already know the phones will be ringing off the hook. That’s why hundreds of agents are standing by to answer the phones beginning at 8:30am this morning. We’re going to do our best, but with just 48 hours to answer all the calls it won’t be easy. So make sure to tell everyone to keep calling if all lines are busy. We’ll do our best to answer them all,” Lynne said.

“That’s why National Mint and Treasury set up the State Distribution Hotlines in order to make sure residents of Texas can get them now,” Lynne said.

The only thing readers of today’s newspaper publication need to do is make sure they live in one of the zip codes listed and call the State Distribution Hotlines before the special 48 hour deadline ends midnight tomorrow. ■

Answering Your Questions

Q: How much are the Gold Vault Bricks worth? A: It’s impossible to say, but these Buffalos date clear back to the early 1900’s and are not ordinary U.S. coins. That’s because only an extremely low percentage of Buffalos were then commissioned by National Mint and Treasury to be covered with rarely seen 24 Karat Gold Layering, then sealed and protected in brilliant collector condition inside special 25 count Texas Bank Rolls. That’s why you better hurry if you want to get your hands on them. Collector values always fluctuate and there are never any guarantees. But we do know they are the only Texas State Bank Rolls known to exist. So anyone lucky enough to get their hands on these sealed Vault Bricks should hold onto them because there’s no telling how much they could be worth in collector value someday.

Q: Why are so many Texas residents calling to get them?

A: Because they are the only Texas State Bank Rolls known to exist we’re bracing for the flood of calls. These are not ordinary Bank Rolls. These are full Bank Rolls containing 25 Buffalos dating clear back to the early 1900’s. Best of all each Buffalo is layered in 24 Karat Gold and the state minimum set by National Mint and Treasury is restricted to Texas residents who find their zip code listed in today’s publication and beat the deadline only. That means Texas residents cover only $4 per Buffalo when they claim the Gold Vault Bricks, which is just $500 for the next 2 days.

Q: How do I get the Gold Vault Bricks?

A: The only thing Texas residents need to do is find their zip code in today’s publication and call the State Toll-Free Hotline at 1-800-280-4564 Ext. GNH1424 before the deadline ends. Everyone who does is getting the Bank Rolls for just the state minimum. That’s a sealed Gold Vault Brick containing the only Texas State Bank Rolls known to exist each loaded with the rarely seen U.S. Gov’t issued Buffalo Nickels layered in valuable 24 Karat Gold for just the $4per coin state minimum set by the National Mint and Treasury, which totals just $500for the full sealed Gold Vault Brick. That’s a real steal because state residents and non-state residents who miss the deadline must pay $1,000 for each sealed Gold Vault Brick if any remain.

Brick. And it gets even better for those claiming the Jumbo Gold Vault Bricks.

Art Valet: The Heights Santa visits Saturday

refresher.

Mitch cohen Art Columnist

Santa! Oh my gosh! Santa’s coming! I know him! I know him!

That may be the most famous Santa quote of all time. I did change one word, but I do know Santa, and you have two options to meet him Saturday too.

Visit The Heights Santa Saturday, Dec. 17 at Coldwell Banker United, 1505 Heights Blvd. 10 a.m. - 2 p.m., and then at The Whimsy Artisan Boutique, 123 W. 18th St., Suite E., right by the corner at Yale St., from 3-4:30 p.m.

Neither the Heights Santa nor The Whimsy Artisan Boutique are strangers to this column, regardless, here is a

The Whimsy is likely the smallest artisan boutique in Houston, even with a recent expansion to a whopping 300 square feet. Proprietor Jess Carlos told me during the expansion she had over 150 artists’ work on display. It’s truly a sight to behold, Carlos has skills! Follow them https:// www.instagram.com/ thewhimsyartisan/

The Heights Santa is the real deal and I have proof; he was on the television, twice! That’s right, our very own Heights Santa was the official Santa in the H-E-B Thanksgiving Day Parade 2022 and he was the special guest (naturally) at Reliant Lights Mayor’s Holiday Spectacular, December 3, 2022, at City Hall.

In the off season, The Heights Santa lives and works inconspicuously as a husband, father and jewelry maker using the moniker, Steve Sellers. Sellers calls his jewelry business, tic Jewelry Designs.  Sellers (you know, Santa)

told me in a phone call (see, I do know Santa!) that he’s garnered quite a lot of stories and observations over the years. He’s amazed at how many adults revert back to being childlike when talking to him at events.

He also argues against the fact that frowning uses more facial muscles than smiling. Particularly after spending six hours or more daily showing off his pearly whites.

He cautions not to be alarmed if you see him with a resting “grouchy” face at the end of a day, he assures me he’s just resting those smiling muscles.

Sellers/Santa has been honored to be part of annual family photos, some have had him back every year since he began these public appearances six years ago.

I’m sure everyone has seen a red-faced toddler not happy about telling Santa their secrets, as Sellers/Santa observed in a recent Facebook post.

“Sometimes the children just aren’t quite ready to get too close, like my friend Little Miss Georgia here,” Sellers writes of a distraught toddler. “I get it, it’s a lot. I always tell them all the same thing, “one day you’re gonna love me!”… the first pic is from 1 year ago, the next 2 are from this December, and as you can see Georgia and I are great friends now!! Making memories is where it’s at! Santa life rolls on, be kind friends!”

In the next two photos in his post, “Little Miss Georgia” had a matching grin with Santa!

For more photos and fun follow The Heights Santa on Instagram at https://www. instagram.com/heightssanta/

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.

Review: The Gypsy Poet fires up in The Heights

By Dan Greer For The Leader

So my kids got me a fancy pizza oven for my birthday. I was eager to try it out. The first batch came out burned to a crisp. I solved the burn issue in the second round. Unfortunately, the middle of the pie was raw dough. Out of dozens of attempts, I have made exactly two pizzas that were fit for consumption. It turns out that making a pizza is somewhat of an artform. As in most things “art” related, that side of my brain don’t work so good.

Luckily for us, The Gypsy Poet arrived and is walking distance from our house. I’m not necessarily saying that my new pizza oven will be available for purchase online soon, but seriously, the money and frustration I could save! I’ll start the bidding at…

Gypsy Poet opened their first pizza place several years ago in Midtown. It was an absolute hit and has a loyal following. They have just opened their second restaurant located in The Heights.

Upon entering their cozy little waiting area, you are immediately standing in line to place your order. Being the curious type, I asked the guy taking my

order about how they came up with their name. Turns out this “guy” was one of the co-owners. The short version is that he and his wife took a tour…around the world…for three years. It was the very definition of bohemian. They had a great time, learned a lot and decided to bless us all with their craft/art. It turns out that they have created “pizza poetry”. And Gypsy Poet was born.

We were here for their pies of course, but also sampled their salads. The first was the Portobello. It was wood-fired and came with arugula, goat cheese, parmesan and was topped off with a nice vinaigrette. It was very good. Next time we will have them add some prosciutto. The Chopped Caprese salad was equally tasty, with plenty of colorful cherry tomatoes, basil, arugula, mozzarella, parmesan and topped with the same vinaigrette. They made the perfect segue to the main event.

We watched as the chefs pulled one 13-inch pie after another out of their big wood-fired oven. It was about 10 minutes from the time we ordered until the first pizza was placed on our table. I thought that was amazing considering the place was starting to

fill up with diners.

The first pizza to arrive was the Cappelone “Big Hat”. It had just the right amount of house tomato sauce. The cheeses were a fresh mozzarella and a creamy-textured Fior di latte, which had just the perfect stretchiness. The portobello mushroom caps, were oh, so tasty. Some thinly cut shallots and Italian sausage rounded out this excellent pie. By the way, for you crust aficionados, it was cooked

to a perfect crisp, but still had some bend to it. All of their pizzas come with shaved parmesan, fresh basil leaves and red chili flakes on the side.

Next came the Pepperoni Madness. Simplicity defines this pizza albeit, with a very key twist. The basics are there, including mozzarella and big, flavorful pepperonis. But the piece de resistance is the slightly spicy HOT HONEY. Eureka, I have found it! The perfect pizza formula. All I can say is you need to

try it. When someone asks me for my favorite pizza in Houston, it is one of the very few food recommendations I have trouble with. Gypsy poet has solved that problem. This gem is located in the lovely Woodland Heights.

The Gypsy Poet Address: 1050 Studewood St. Dining options: Dine-in, takeout Hours: Tuesday – Thurs-

day 5 p.m.–9 p.m.; Friday noon-2 p.m. and 5 p.m.–10 p.m.; Saturday 2 p.m.–10 p.m.; Sunday 2 p.m.–9 p.m.; Closed Mondays Entrée prices: $13.59$17.99

Kid-Friendly: Yes Alcohol: Yes Healthy Options: Yes Star of the show: Pepperoni Madness Star Rating: 4.5 out of 5

ton.

By Landan Kuhlmann landan@theleadernews.com

The Upside Pub is closing out 2022 in style with a Hanukkah celebration on Tuesday, Dec. 20. Owners Paige and Andy Lujan’s neighborhood pub will have a special Hanukkah Party menu and games for all its patrons.

The menu will feature a brisket special, jelly doughnut holes and caviar latke balls according to a news release from the restaurant.

Patrons also can learn how to play dreidel and participate in the evening’s candle lighting.

Follow the Upside Pub on Instagram @theupsidepub for more information on the dinner.

Heights Social opening delayed to January

A new Heights bar has had its opening pushed back by at least a few weeks.

Heights Social, the brainchild of owner Zach Harris, will now open at 1213

W. 20th St. in the Heights in January according to a comment on the bar’s Instagram page. It was originally slated to open next to Harris’ other concept, Drift Bar, this month.

According to the restaurant, the menu will include thin crust pizza, waffle fries, charcuterie boards, and more along with a drink

menu consisting primarily of martinis.

The bar is currently hir ing, and those interested can email zach@driftbar houston.com or apply in person from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday through Wednes day.

For more information on the bar, follow them on Instagram @heightssocialhous-

HRW sister event set for February

The Cleverley Stone Foundation has announced that the sister event to Houston Restaurant Weeks will return for the second year in a row. Eat Drink HTX will take place Feb. 15-28, 2023, according to a news release

from the organization.

Eat Drink HTX has been developed for the casual dining category, the organization said, with a lower price point set for prix fixe brunch, lunch, and dinner menus, allowing more casual and fast-casual eateries the opportunity to participate in the fundraiser. Among local

restaurants known to be participating include BB Lemon (1809 Washington Ave.), Kin Dee Thai Cuisine (1533 N. Shepherd Dr. Suite 160), and Harold’s Restaurant, Bar & Rooftop Terrace + Catering (350 W. 19th St.) and more. For more information on the event, visit its website at https://eatdrinkhtx.com/.

Photo by Josh Veach of Freelens Images

Little Miss Georgia did not like her first Santa visit.

Photos by Dan Greer

The Cappellone Big Hat pizza (left) and Pepperoni Madness are just two of the many options being fired up at The Gypsy Poet in Independence Heights.

Photo by Paige Lujan

Garden Oaks’ Upside

host

Hanukkah dinner with