12-10-22 Edition of The Heights Leader

LULAC sues city over at-large council seats

By Landan Kuhlmann landan@theleadernews.com

The nation’s largest and oldest Latino civil rights organization has sued the city of Houston over its at-large city council seats, claiming their existence dilutes the Latino community’s voting strength in the city.

On Monday, the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) filed a federal lawsuit demanding the discontinuation of at-large city council elections

in Houston. In the lawsuit, filed in the United States District Court, Southern District of Texas’ Houston division, the organization claims that the city of Houston is the only major city in Texas that still has at-large council representation.

The city council currently has one Hispanic representative –District I representative Robert Gallegos – out of 16 total spots, LULAC says, despite nearly 45 percent of the city’s population being Hispanic, according to the

organization.

Having just one Latino on the city council is an outcry,” Houston LULAC redistricting chair Sergio Lira said. “We need more equitable representation at a time when Latinos are building Houston with our labor, and our businesses are pumping in millions of tax dollars. Making this change is not a favor but a right we have earned.”

Houston’s City council currently has 11 single-member dis-

Piece of the pie

Independence Heights nonprofit communinty event returns Jan. 14

By Landan Kuhlmann landan@theleadernews.com

For the first time in three years, an Independence Heights nonprofit organization is bringing back an annual event aimed at bringing the community together while celebrating the legacy and impact of Martin Luther King, Jr.

On Jan. 14, Beauty Community Gardens will host its seventh annual MLK “PEACE through PIE” community event and fundraiser from 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. at Frank Black Middle School, 1575 Chantilly Ln.

It will be the first time the event has been hosted since 2020, but has been on hiatus the last two years due to impacts from the COVID-19 pandemic. Beauty Community Gardens will again partner with Austin-based PEACE through PIE for “I was looking for a way to recognize Dr. King’s birthday, so that’s how I found it,” said event organizer Yvette Lono. “It was a way of gathering people together. Their whole thing is bringing people together into welcoming spaces and making people feel a part of things.”

Located at 3201 Airline Dr. in Independence

What its events also aim to do, she said, is

According

Local cemetery honoring veterans with Christmas

By Landan Kuhlmann landan@theleadernews.com

As many are in the midst of planning for the Christmas season, a local funeral home and cemetery is doing its part to honor men and women who have served and given their lives as part of the United States military later this month.

On Dec. 17, Woodlawn Funeral Home Garden of Memories will take part in the annual Wreaths Across America campaign and event aimed at honoring veterans. It will begin at 11 a.m. at the cemetery, located at 1101 Antoine Dr.

The cemetery said Houstonians across the city have banded together by sponsoring a veterans’ wreath that will be placed at Woodlawn to honor the veterans interred there.

“In our cemetery, we have over 300 veterans that will be recognized,” said Sean Randall, the outreach coordinator at Woodlawn Funeral Home Garden of Memories.

Originally founded in 2007, Wreaths Across America (WAA) is a national nonprofit organization best known for remembering fallen veterans with wreaths placed

wreaths

Photo from Facebook

Wreaths are shown placed on veterans’ graves at a Houston cemetery. Woodlawn Funeral Home Garden of Memories will host a Wreaths Across America event on Dec. 17. See Wreaths

Heights, Lono said Beauty Community Gardens has long been committed to fighting food insecurity and “food deserts” in underserved and underrepresented neighborhood through free gardening classes and events.

bring together Houston’s melting pot of cultures through one major commonality – food.

to a 2022 study from WalletHub, Houston ranked as the 9th most culturally and ethnically diverse big city in the country, and

Photo by Scruffy Mutt Studios

Two women hold up a pie during a previous PEACE through PIE lunch. Indpedence Heights nonprofit Beauty Community Gardens is hosting its seventh annual PEACE through PIE event at Frank Black Middle School on Jan. 14.

See PIE P. 7

Arturo Michel

On the rise A local high private school hoops squad is among the state’s best

Man charged A man has been arrested and charged in a local shooting

‘Tis the season In this week’s Art Valet, Sawyer Yards is hosting several holiday celebrations

Celebration abounds In Nibbles and Sips, a local brewery is turning 4, and Heights bars are celebrating the Christmas season

By Landan Kuhlmann landan@theleadernews.com

The St. Thomas Eagles have been one of the state’s best private school teams so far this season, and they are rising in the rankings as a result.

St. Thomas improved to 7-0 on the season with a win in their only game last week, taking down Grace Christian Academy 67-37 on Nov. 29.

As a result, the Eagles have vaulted up to No. 2 in the Texas Association of Basketball Coaches’ (TABC) most recent Class

6A private school rankings. In other private school action, the St. Pius X Panthers went 1-2 last week, winning 51-49 against Nolan Catholic on Dec. 1 before losing to Houston Christian (79-56) and

Woodlands Christian Academy (72-43) last Saturday. Kevin Range had 21 points for SPX (2-10) in the win over Nolan Catholic, while Jordan Johnson had 19 points to go along with eight rebounds and five steals.

In public school action, the Booker T. Washington Eagles snapped a twogame losing streak with a pair of wins last week, taking down Kashmere and Wheatley to move to 4-3 overall and 2-0 in District 21-4A competition.

Heights had mixed re-

sults last week, going 2-2 in tournament play to move to 3-5 on the season ahead of Tuesday night’s matchup against Kashmere.

Waltrip improved to 2-5 on the season and 2-0 in District 9-5A play with a 78-33 win over Northside in its only game last week.

Scarborough dropped to 0-6 overall with a 98-41 loss to Worthing last Saturday in its district opener. Orion Harvey had 18 points and 12 rebounds for the Spartans, while Jamarius Caston had 12 points and Isaiah Green grabbed nine rebounds.

Girls In public school action, the Heights Lady Bulldogs lost 53-32 against Lamar in their District 18-6A opener last week. Jazmyne Gilbert had 21 points to pace the Lady Bulldogs (5-5, 0-1), who were looking to get back on track in a nondistrict tilt against Pearland Dawson Tuesday night

Waltrip’s Lady Rams dropped both games last week, losing 59-56 in overtime against Wisdom on Dec. 1 before dropping a 72-47 decision against Madison on Dec. 3 to fall to 4-2 overall and 2-2 in

District 9-5A play.

Scarborough dropped a 71-4 decision to Worthing last Saturday in its district opener.

In private school action, the Lutheran High North Lady Lions dropped their only game last week, a 55-43 loss to the Village School, falling to 3-7 on the season ahead of Tuesday night’s game against Westbury Christian.

St. Pius X’s Lady Panthers also lost their only game, falling 51-25 against Bellaire Episcopal to drop to 1-8 on the season.

Photo from Twitter Pictured is

St. Thomas High School boys’ basketball team.

recent private school rankings from the Texas Association of Basketball Coaches.

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By Landan Kuhlmann landan@theleadernews.com

For as long as she could remember, Dr. Lindsey Fogle has always enjoyed learning how things work – in particular, how the body works. After time away from practicing primary care, she is back in the Greater Heights community after joining a local medical practice eager to take care of patients once again. In mid-August, Dr. Fogle joined the staff of White Oak Medical Associates at 1900 N. Loop W., Suite 580.

Dr. Fogle previously worked with Dr. Jaclyn Harrison – who runs White Oak Medical Associates – doing hospital work with the Memorial Hermann Health System before working primary care with Memorial Hermann for three years.

She then went back to hospital work during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 before taking a year off to have her first child last year. Now, she’s back in the area, and eager to serve patients once again.

“I really like connecting with people. That is my favorite part (about this type of care),” she said. “It’s nice to see someone, and then get to see them again. It makes me feel good to be someone who’s trusted for patients and their families during an illness.”

Dr. Fogle might be the newest team member at the clinic, which was founded in 2018, but she is no stranger to primary care. She plans to continue to put her best foot forward for the betterment of the Greater Heights community.

Not only does she have a longtime colleague and friend to work closely with at White Oak Medical Associates, but Dr. Fogle said working with other physicians is a crucial dynamic in being able to give their patients the best high-quality care possible when they set foot inside White Oak Medical Associates. With having worked closely with other physician specialists in the Greater Heights area in the past, she is looking forward to collaborating closely once more for the betterment of her patient’s care.

“A primary care doctor is

really important for anyone to have. It’s important to make sure there’s nothing concerning with your health (at various times in your life),” she said. “Finding disease early is the best way to prevent late stages of any process.”

Not only that, but she said patients are always teaching her something new each day. Between collaboration with other medical practitioners, interest in continued education, and listening and learning from patients is where she feels she can help provide the best care for

each individual patient.

ery day. As a physician, it’s important to seek out con tinuing medical education –because things are changing every day in medicine,” she said. “Our patients are also our biggest teachers.”

always interested in figur ing how things worked. She studied biomedical engi neering at the University of Texas, then went to The University of Texas Medical School at Houston before completing her residency in Internal Medicine at the

By Shana Tatum RD, LD, IFMCP www.shanatatumrd.com

This time of year presents more and more opportunities for illness to strike. Whether it is the proximity of our community due to time indoors, lack of sunlight with the shorter days lowering our Vitamin D and melatonin, or the survivability of the flu virus in colder temperatures and lower humidity, the fall and winter rates of cold and flu are higher. According to research by the University of Minnesota Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy, an increase in flu rates begins in October, rises in December, and reaches a peak in February.

Regardless of the time it strikes, understanding ways to enhance your immune system may prevent or reduce the severity of illness.

What exactly is the immune system and how does it work?

The immune system is a network of cells, tissues and organs that help the body fight infections and disease. These systems include white blood cells, organs and tissues of the lymph system, like the thymus, spleen, tonsils, lymph nodes, lymph vessels and bone marrow. In the beautiful balance and

harmony of the body’s design, we have two types of immune responses, innate and adaptive. The innate immune system makes up physical and chemical barriers as well as the action of immune cells such as macrophages, dendritic cells, natural killer cells, and neutrophils that respond immediately to invaders. The adaptive immune system has workers like T and B lymphocytes and their products, such as antibodies and cytokines. These are generally offered as response to a prior known pathogen, or a memory of one. It takes both arms to have a healthy total system and maintain wellness.

How to strengthen?

Exercise:

Our lymph system is another way the body removes waste. Unlike the circulatory system, the lymph has no central pump, valves, or muscles to contract. We rely on the motion from our muscles for the lymph fluid to move. A sedentary lifestyle which interrupts lymphatic flow can lead to a build-up of toxins. Moving the lymphatic fluids through exercise or lymphatic massage can improve detoxification. A good healthy lymph system kept active with daily movement is integral to keeping the immune response ready.

Nutrition:

Vitamin A - This vitamin is involved in regulatory roles with the immune system that signals cellular immune responses and humoral immune processes both part of the adaptive immune response. Find Vitamin A in red, yellow, and orange foods such as pumpkin, squash and carrots.

Vitamin C – This nutrient guards against free radicals and is a protective molecule for proteins, lipids and DNA against oxidative damage and impaired function. It also plays a role in supporting normal respiratory defense activities. Nutrients high in Vitamin C include citrus, strawberries, tomato,

sweet red pepper, broccoli, and potato.

Vitamin D – An article in Respiratory Research describes that with adequate Vitamin D there are antimicrobial proteins called cathelicidin and defensins that can disrupt the activity of viruses, bacteria, and fungi. They specifically protect the integrity of the lining of the respiratory and gastrointestinal lining. This is important because viruses such as influenza are known to significantly damage the integrity of these cells, which may increase the risk of infection and pulmonary edema. Foods with Vitamin D include white button mushrooms, fatty fish, and eggs, with the best source as daily sunshine.

Zinc – This mineral, although a trace mineral, is a mighty one. It helps regulate the Inflammatory response. It also offers direct antibacterial and antiviral effects. Zinc is a cofactor to over 300 enzymes and coenzymes that are involved in cellular reactions, including energy metabolism and DNA synthesis.

Sleep: Sleep is triggered by both our internal cellular communications as well as the release of the hormone melatonin. Interleukin-6 (IL-6) is an inflammatory cytokine that is involved

with illness. Sleep deprivation shifts the circadian release of IL-6 to an increase in daytime IL-6 and may increase vulnerability to illness. With sleep dysfunction like insomnia on the rise, finding ways to get good quality sleep could be your gift to yourself this holiday season.

Even though the immune system presents many complexities in its design, small steps can payoff in big ways. Day to day attention with choices that support a nutrient dense diet, including exercise at the recommended 150 minutes per week and creating a personalized sleep routine that honors quality sleep and the circadian rhythm are ways you can make deposits into your good health account.

University of Alabama at Birmingham.

Throughout her studies, she said she never lost sight of what she loved most about Internal Medicine and primary care – the people. That, she said, is what drew her to the type of care in the first place, and her passion for people and care has never wavered.

“(This type of care) the one where you work very intimately with people, that’s what I enjoy. I enjoy learning about the process of disease, and how to help prevent or stop things,” she said. “This field is very intimate with people, and that’s why I chose it. I wanted to be able to learn and take care of patients in many different places in their adult life.”

To make an appointment with Dr. Fogle or anyone at White Oak Medical Associates, give them a call at 713714-5376 or visit whiteoakmedicalassociates.com.

Memorial Hermann Greater Heights 1635 North Loop West Houston, Texas 77008 Tel: 713-867-2000 memorialhermann.org Physician Referral 713.222.CARE

Christmas Worship

Christmas Means Joy

By

Will Cover Arise Baptist Church 803 Curtin St. Houston TX 77018 713-659-9697 • www.arisebaptistchurch.org

My friend’s daughter passed away last week. We are preparing for the funeral services this weekend. This is a very hard time for the family as you can imagine. You or a friend may be experiencing a time of great sorrow during this holiday season as well. In fact, studies show that rates of depression and mental illness increase during the holidays. So, does Christmas really mean joy? Truth be told, for many it does not.

When the angels visited the shepherds on the hillside the night of Jesus birth they said, “Behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.” This was joyful news! This news would have an impact on all people. The joyful news was that the Savior of the world had come. His name is Jesus Christ the Lord.

The joy of Christmas is not the struggle to provide gifts

when you are short on finances. The joy of Christmas is not in the sorrow over loved ones no longer able to celebrate with us. The joy of Christmas is not found in the holiday parties or the busyness of the season. The joy is found in Jesus. He is the Savior that God sent to save the world from their sin. “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” – John 3:16. If you are feeling sad during this season over your loss or your circumstance you can find joy in the Lord. There may be little about the events taking place in your life that bring you joy but there is joy in Jesus! He came to save you from your sins and to give you eternal life!

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 713659-9697.

Pastor

THE STORE – Look at all these decorations. San tas and wreaths, strings of lights and stockings hung with care next to a Styrofoam Frosty the Snowman, all cel ebrating a religious holiday. We’ve clearly confused our selves with what is offensive to some people’s beliefs and what is appropriate. As your Politically Correct Officer, it is my job to put a halt to these inappropriate idols. Yes, we live in a time of victimization when almost anything we say, do or celebrate can, and will, offend someone. Remember back when around this time of the year we would greet others with “Merry Christmas.” Now it’s “Happy holidays.” This covers everyone, even those with no particular religion. Bill O’Reilly got a lot of mileage out of his crusade against “the war on Christmas.” Then O’Reilly was fired over a series of sexual harassment charges, but I think a “war on Bill O’Reilly” may be a good idea. (Incidentally, don’t use the word “crusade.”

President George W. Bush used it briefly as a title for his ordered invasion of Iraq. For some reason the Muslims didn’t like the word.)

Christmas has become a

Lynn ashby Columnist

are in public office, or seeking one. In 1967, Michigan Gov. George Romney (Mitt’s father), responding to a question about an earlier visit to Vietnam, said that he “had the greatest brainwashing that anybody can get when they go over to Vietnam.” Uh-oh. No one wanted a president who was brain washed. Romney soon ended his campaign.

litical career. Closer to home, in 1990, Clayton Williams, the GOP nominee, was the favorite to become the next governor of Texas. At a rally, a storm erupted and Williams said bad weather is like rape, “if it’s inevitable, just relax and enjoy it.” Hello, Gov. Ann Richards.

tuberculosis, and never recovered. And the school named for John H. Reagan, a Texan who was postmaster general of the Confederacy, was changed. Those postmen were almost soldiers.

about a stable and manger on a courthouse lawn? Somebody will sue. Others are more traditional. Our newly re-elected Texas Ag Commish Sid Miller posted: “If one more person says Happy Holidays to me I just might slap them. Either tell me Merry Christmas or just don’t say anything.” Of course, Miller went to Oklahoma for something called a “Jesus shot” and tried to bill Texas taxpayers, but it did show his religious side.

This spat over Christmas greetings is relatively new, but it is in keeping with just how the wrong quote, even the wrong word, can get you in trouble, especially if you

In 2006, George Allen, Jr., son of the famed coach of the Washington Redskins (oops), was running for re-election as the U.S. senator from Virginia. During a campaign speech Allen pointed to the darkcomplexioned S. R. Sidarth of East Indian heritage, who was filming the event as a “tracker” for the opposing Jim Webb campaign. In what was dubbed as his “Macaca moment”, Allen said: “This fellow over here with the yellow shirt, Macaca, or whatever his name is. He’s with my opponent... Let’s give a welcome to Macaca, here. Welcome to America and the real world of Virginia.” The word Macaca denotes a genus of monkeys and, in some cultures, is considered an ethnic slur. Allen, who had been mentioned as a possible presidential candidate in 2008, ended his po-

LULAC from P. 1

tricts including District A (Amy Peck), District C (Abbie Kamin) and District H (Karla Cisneros) in the Leader area, and five at-large city council positions. The city responded Monday with a statement through city attorney Arturo G. Michel.

“The city believes its system of 11 single-member districts with 5 at-large districts has benefitted its residents.  At-large council members are engaged in and advocate for district issues,” Michel said. “The city held numerous hearings regarding redistricting and solicited alternative plans. Its goal included

Today we live in a time of extreme cancel culture. According to Dictionary.com, cancel culture refers to “the popular (canceling) public figures and companies after they have done or said something considered objectionable or offensive.” This cancelling is getting to be a bit much. Notice all the empty pedestals around the South which previously held statues of Confederates, sometimes generals on horseback but often just Johnny Reb holding his rifle. Other Confederate cancellations were more local. The Houston ISD renamed several schools named for Confederate officials. My favorite traitors were Sidney Lanier, a poet, author, composer and, oddly enough, a school teacher. Lanier’s crime is that, as a young man during the Civil War, he was captured by a Union warship, thrown in prison where he contacted

Quaker Oats announced that it will rebrand Aunt Jemima. The companies that make Uncle Ben’s, Mrs. Butterworth’s and Cream of Wheat reviewed their products’ labels and branding. Land O’Lakes has removed a Native American woman from its products.

The Dixie Chicks are now just the Chicks. Lady Antebellum is now Lady A. Walt Disney also made some changes. Its “Song of the South” won the 1948 Academy Award for Best Original Song, “Zipa-Dee-Doo-Dah,” and was a financial success. But today Uncle Remus spinning stories to a white boy is considered racist. Disney has not released “Song of the South” on any home video format in the U.S. The Disney theme park ride Splash Mountain is based on that film’s animated sequences, but Disney announced the U.S. versions of the ride would be reworked to be based on the 2009 animated film “The Princess and the

Frog” instead. Royalty and frogs might object.

As for Christmas, we are due for some politically correctness. Santa is Saint Nicholas, a saint. That smacks of religion. This from the ERCOT Choir: “Silent night, holy night, all is cold, not very bright.” When performing at the GOP Christmas Gala and MAGA Fund Raiser, the Montrose Men’s Chorus had to hum through “Don we now our gay apparel,” and “God bless ye merry gentlemen” sounded too merry. How about Rudolph the Red? A white Christmas?

Wait! A photo has surfaced showing Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones standing idly by, watching as white students protested six Black students trying to integrate North Little Rock High School. Jones is dodging criticism and outrage from everyone including LeBron James, no matter that the photo is from 1957 when Jones was 14 years old. Merry Christmas!

Ashby is incorrect at ashby2@comcast.net

providing an equal opportunity for all voters to elect candidates of their choice, preserve communities of interest, and avoid diluting the voting strength of any group of voters.”

The lawsuit names four plaintiffs, who are asking the court to discontinue elections in the city for at-large council positions in order to provide “more equitable representation” for the city’s nearly 1 million Latinos, according to LULAC.

“LULAC believes we need to bring the city of Houston up to date and modernize it politically, like other major Texas

communities,” said Ivan Sanchez, one of the plaintiffs named in the lawsuit.

The city says that its current iteration of both single-member and atlarge council position elections have been conducted in a way that attempts to represent its entire population on city council.

“The city expects that evidence presented in this lawsuit will support its adopted plan which is consistent with the city charter,” Michel said.

The next step for LULAC is collecting 20,000 signatures in order to place all single-member

districts placed on the ballot in November 2023, according to a report from Houston television station KHOU.

“Our battle is against an outdated process that denies Latino and other Houston taxpayers and their families their lawful participation in deciding vital services, resources, jobs, and investments this city makes,” LULAC national president Domingo Garcia said in a news release. “This action by LULAC ensures that every Houston voter can and will have a voice in determining their future.”

27th overall out of more than 500 cities studied.

And PEACE through PIE, she said, is another extension of that effort.

“The whole thing just builds on the pie being a circle and every taste and flavor is important,” she said. “PIE stands for peace and includes everyone, so we use that platform.”

Attendees will have the chance to enjoy entertainment, food, pie stories, pie sampling and chance to vote on the best pies. Also included are chances to win prizes and receive giveaways. Beauty Community Gardens will also be putting on separate workshops that explore how to create an edible garden and, become culture conscious while cooking healthy.

But beyond the tasting of pies and entertainment, Lono said the event represents more than that. The theme of this year’s PEACE through P.I.E is pulled from one of King’s quotes, “Intelligence plus character-- that is the goal of true education.” And she is hoping the message will resonate not just with adults, but with the younger generation.

“Children learn off of adults. It’s going to help them understand and see that we are all needed – all of our cultures have value,” she said. We’re hoping they will see similarities so that they know we don’t have to be divided. We want to make a difference there.”

At least several hundred have attended the event each year prior to its two-year hiatus, according to Lono. And she expects the event will be just as well-received as it was several years ago.

“I don’t think we realized how much coming together was part of our live until it was taken away. This a time we can come back together and laugh,” she said. “…I expect it will be like a family reunion.”

from P. 1

each December at Arlington National Cemetery, and around the country. As of 2019, the nonprofit had placed more than 2 million sponsored veterans’ wreaths.

Each year, the organization coordinates wreath-laying ceremonies at Arlington National Cemetery, as well as at more than 3,400 additional locations in all 50 U.S. states, at sea and abroad, including Woodlawn. And after a twoyear-hiatus due to COVID-19, the initiative is back in swing this Christmas season.

“These programs help live a mission to remember, honor and teach,” the organization said in a news release.

Randall said the ceremony at Woodlawn is partnership between the funeral home and Daughters of the Revolution Lady Washington Chapter, Boy Scout Troop 922, Girl Scout of San Jacinto Council, Texas SAR, VFW Post 8790, and Diamond and Dollars. There will also be a presentation of colors by the Fort Bend Kempner High School JROTC.

For more information on the ceremony or to purchase a commemorative wreath for their loved one or any veteran to be placed at Woodlawn, community members can visit their website at woodlawnfh.com/events-wreaths-acrossamerica-2022/wreaths-across-america-2022.

“We expect a great turnout after two years of (COVID-19) lockdowns,” Randall said. “We anticipate patriotism will be high on Dec. 17.”

PIE from P. 1

Wreaths

Photo by Scruffy Mutt Studios

A woman points out the pie she wants during a previous PEACE through PIE event.

By Landan Kuhlmann landan@theleadernews.com

Houston police have arrested and charged a man in connection with the fatal shooting of another man outside a convenience store in the Kempwood area last week, according to the Houston Police Department.

Demetric Tucker, 27, has been arrested and charged with murder in connection to the shooting, according to Harris County court records.

Tucker remained in jail as of Tuesday, with his bond set at $75,000 according to court records.

The identity of the victim has not been released yet pending notification of fam -

NOV. 30 Theft 4 PM 1800 BLOCK OF SHEPHERD Theft 6 PM 700 BLOCK OF 33RD ST E Other 2 PM 200 BLOCK OF IH 610 FWY N Vandalism 5 AM 1900 BLOCK OF T C JESTER BLVD E Other 7 PM 200 BLOCK OF CROSSTIMBERS ST E Assault 7 PM 200 BLOCK OF CROSSTIMBERS ST E Theft 7 PM 2500 BLOCK OF SHEPHERD DR S Theft 7 PM 5100 BLOCK OF SHEPHERD DR N Burglary 1 AM 200 BLOCK OF HEIGHTS BLVD Other 9 AM 300 BLOCK OF LINK Theft 7 AM 200 BLOCK OF PATTON

DEC. 1 Theft 1 PM 1500 BLOCK OF 18TH ST W Assault 10 PM 1400 BLOCK OF HEIGHTS BLVD Arrest 11 PM 9300 BLOCK OF NORTH FWY Theft 9 PM 1000 BLOCK OF STUDEWOOD Burglary 6 PM 700 BLOCK OF 38TH ST E Burglary 5 PM 800 BLOCK OF 38TH ST E Vandalism 2 AM 300 BLOCK OF 19TH ST W Theft 12 PM 100 BLOCK OF 20TH ST W Burglary 4 AM 400 BLOCK OF LOOP N Theft 11 AM 600 BLOCK OF 28TH Theft 8 PM 4300 BLOCK OF NORTH FWY Burglary 9 PM 900 BLOCK OF 30TH ST W Theft 8 PM 300 BLOCK OF 40TH ST E Theft 11 PM 700 BLOCK OF YALE Other 5 PM 300 BLOCK OF CROSSTIMBERS

ily members, according to HPD.

Police said officers responded to a convenience store at 8102 W. Tidwell Rd. around 1:30 p.m. last Thursday, Dec. 2, to find the victim unresponsive on the

sidewalk and having been shot multiple times. He was later pronounced dead at an area hospital, according to the department.

Tucker allegedly approached responding officers and identified himself as the shooter as the officers came on scene, according to police, and had the gun allegedly used in the shooting with him. He later allegedly claimed the shooting was in self-defense, according to HPD.

However, police said evidence found at the scene was inconsistent with selfdefense, and Tucker was subsequently arrested and charged.

local apartment complex

By Landan Kuhlmann landan@theleadernews.com

Police are searching for a man suspected of shooting and killing another man outside an apartment complex in the Washington Avenue area last week, according to the Houston Police Department.

The suspect was described as a man wearing all black clothing who fled the scene in an unknown direction after the shooting, according to HPD.

The victim was pronounced dead at the scene, according to police. His identity is not being released pending notification of family members, according to the department.

Police around 3:40 p.m. on Dec. 1 responded to an apartment complex in the 3000 block of Summer Street and came upon the victim with multiple gunshot wounds. He was pronounced dead at the

scene, according to HPD.

The suspected shooter allegedly got out of the back seat of a silver or light-colored Hyundai sedan with front end damage, police said, and allegedly shot the man before picking up a white envelope the victim dropped and getting back into the car. It then drove away in an un-

known direction, according to the department.

Anyone with information on the wanted suspect or car in the shooting is asked to contact HPD’s Homicide division at 713-308-3600 or speak anonymously with Houston Crime Stoppers at 713-222-8477.

JESTER BLVD W Burglary 1 AM 2600 BLOCK OF SHEPHERD DR S DEC. 6

Assault 1 AM 1100 BLOCK OF BEALL LANDING CT

Reports are provided by SpotCrime.com based on data from the Houston Police Department.

Man dies in single car crash near Shepherd Forest area

By Landan Kuhlmann landan@theleadernews.com

A man has died after losing control of his car in a singlecar crash in the Shepherd Forest area last week, according to the Houston Police Department.

The identity of the man is pending an autopsy from the

Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences, according to the department.

The man was driving a gray Chevy Blazer northbound at 2800 W. T.C. Jester Blvd. around 11:20 p.m. on Nov. 30, police said, went he lost control of the car going around a curve and rolled over multiple times according

to HPD.

Police said the man was then tossed from the car when it rolled over.

The man was pronounced dead at the scene, according to police, and the department said an investigation is ongoing into what might have preceded the crash.

Photo courtesy of Houston Police Department Pictured the suspected getaway car of the alleged shooter in a recent fatal shooting in the area.

Art Valet: Holiday Celebrations at Sawyer Yards Saturday

Mitch cohen Art Columnist

Second Saturdays in Houston there is but one thing to do on my radar, and that is Second Saturday Open Studios and The Market at Sawyer Yards. Both conveniently located in the First Ward aka The Arts District Houston. Don’t get me started on all the names, I left a few out!

For this holiday season the studio artists are collaborating to host Holiday Open Studios with extended hours from noon - 9 p.m. Participating open studios are The Silos at Sawyer Yards, 1502 Sawyer St., Silver Street Studios, 2000 Edwards St., Winter Street Studios, 2101 Winter St., Summer Street Studios, 2204 Summer St., Sabine Street Studios, 1907 Sabine St., Spring Street Studios, 1824 Spring St. and First Industrial Studios, 2102 Edwards St. First Industrial is the newest space located on Art Alley directly across from Winter St. Studios.

A good place to start is the Sawyer Yards website www. sawyeryards.com as it lists all campus events, maps and an artist directory. This is one of the nation’s largest creative communities after all.

The Arts District Houston Welcome Center will actually kick off the day’s events at Studio C-1 in the northeast corner of Winter St. Studios. The District has hosted artists and acted as an information center for the District for quite some time now where docent extraordinaire Tamra Pierce, can be found each Saturday, noon - 5 p.m.

This Saturday, the District will host a holiday-themed Kids Concert & Art Show

with Crockett Elementary. The Crockett Elementary orchestra & percussion ensembles, led by orchestra teacher Laura Lucas will perform 11 a.m.-noon

The art show will follow the music performances with an artist talk scheduled at 1 p.m., inside the Arts District Houston Welcome Center. The exhibit features art works by Yarista and Janette Mendoza, twin sisters in the fifth grade at Crockett Elementary. Rumor has it, there may be cocoa, hot coffee and cookies, so get there early! Follow Arts District Houston on Instagram, https://www.instagram.com/artsdistricthou/ Tamra Pierce, connected orchestra teacher Laura Lucas a few years ago and the Holiday performances have become an annual event at Sawyer Yards. There is a palpable energy that can be felt being surrounded by so many inspired student musicians with their friends and family gathered for a performance. The group will return in May to perform on Art Alley at The Market at Sawyer Yards.

Not to be missed of course is my baby, The Market at Sawyer Yards, located on Art Alley (former railroad track) between The Silos at Sawyer Yards and the “business” end of Silver Street Studios. The arts and craft market, one of the few curated by the exhibitors in Houston is open 11 - 5 p.m.

Patrons will find original hand crafted pottery, woodcraft, fiber arts, jewelry and of course being inside the loop, quite few items that don’t quite fit in any category or medium. Eclectic you might say. Get details on the food, music and artists at www.sawyerstreetmarket. com

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.

By Landan Kuhlmann landan@theleadernews.com

In conjunction with the annual Lights in the Heights event that is set for this weekend, several area bars and restaurants are getting in on the party.

On Saturday, the annual Lights on White Oak festival will run from 4 a.m.-2 a.m. with participating restaurants and bars hosting events such as ugly Christmas sweater contests and more during the course of the event.

Participating restaurants and bars include Christian’s Tailgate (2820 White Oak Dr.), Little Woodrow’s on White Oak (2631 White Oak Dr.), Permission Whiskey Bar (2920 White Oak Dr.), Bobcat Teddy’s (2803 White Oak Dr.) and more, according to the event page.

For more information on the event and to see a full list of participating restaurants and bars, community members can visit the event page at facebook.com/ events/1176824656604353/.

Walking Stick Brewing celebrating 4-year anniversary

An Oak Forest brewery is coming up on an anniversary, and is inviting the community to celebrate with them this weekend.

Walking Stick Brewing Company, 956 Judiway St., is hosting a community celebration this Saturday from to commemorate its four-year anniversary in Oak Forest, according to the brewery. There will be live music beginning at 11:30 a.m. and running throughout the day, and there will also be food trucks and four new special beer releases, according to the brewery.

Parking for the free event will be next door to the brewery, and additional parking will available in the paid parking lots along Judiway and Wakefield.

Photo from Facebook

Walking Stick Brewing Company is celebrating its four-year anniversary with a community

this weekend.