12-31-22 Edition of The Heights Leader

Community boosting Winter Street artists

By Landan Kuhlmann landan@theleadernews.com

Jack Potts is having to rebuild everything. For seven years, he has nurtured what he called a hub for everyone at Bohemian Photography at Winter Street Studios in Sawyer Yards. But now, everything is gone. Potts said he lost most everything related to his work – which he conservatively estimated to be worth about $250,000 – as a result

of the fire that was set last week at Winter Street Studios.

“Every piece of gear I had collected, saved for, sacrificed to buy, was destroyed in a few hours,” he said.

But supporters say the community is also coming together to support Potts and other artists who had work or studios – or both –damaged or destroyed in the fire.

“I hate those old clichés of how good comes out of trag-

edy – it’s the truth though,” said artist and Leader columnist Mitch Cohen, who hosts the First Saturday Arts Market at Sawyer Yards. “I’ve watched it happen all week.”

Many artists had studios and work either damaged or destroyed at the studio as a result of the fire that broke out in the early morning hours on Dec. 20. According to the Houston Fire Department, crews from stations

TOP STORIES OF 2022 2022

2022 marked by expansion, growth

The year 2022 was one to remember in our area. From multiple expansion projects to significant additions or re-openings, there have been plenty of stories dominating Leader headlines this year.

Each year here at The Leader, our staff attempts to assess what the most meaningful stories were to our communities in the Heights Garden Oaks, Oak Forest, and surrounding communities. From feel-good features to the hard news, there was no shortage of impactful local stories this year.

Ultimately, many of our top stories of the year represented growth, progress, and expansion on various fronts from infrastructure to connectivity. This is not all of the stories that happened this year, but each is one that our staff felt was important to our readers and this community we hold so dear.

So without further ado, here are the top 10 stories of their year as selected by our staff. We attempt-

ed to place the most relevant and impactful stories near the top. Citgo 6 executives released from Venezuela

Families of five oil executives, including two family members of a local resident, were finally been reunited with their families earlier

this year after being imprisoned abroad for nearly five years. Five Citgo executives, including the father and uncle of a Heights resident, and two other men were on their way home after being jailed in Venezuela since shortly before Thanksgiving 2017.

Heights resident Alexandra Forseth’s father, Alirio Zambrano, and her uncle, Jose Luis Zambrano, were among those released. Jorge Toledo, Tomeu Vadell, and Jose Pereira were the other Citgo executives who are coming home, while former U.S. Marine Corporal Matthew Heath and Florida man Osman Khan were also released.

Rallies had been held at Candlelight Park locally, and in Washington, D.C., over the last several years as families urged federal government intervention to bring the men home.

City begins work on 11th Street Bikeway

Work began in October on the 11th Street Bikeway project in the Heights, which received

I-45 expansion project likely moving ahead

By Landan Kuhlmann landan@theleadernews.com

A highway expansion project that has drawn pushback from some local residents and advocate groups looks like it could be moving ahead.

On Dec. 19, the city of Houston announced that the city has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) regarding the the expansion, which is called North Houston Highway Improvement Project (NHHIP).

The project would widen Interstate 45 from downtown north to Beltway 8 in Houston in an effort to improve traffic flow, hurricane evacuation routes and stormwater drainage, along with accommodating high-occupancy, electric and self-driving vehicles. It would also add bike and pedestrian infrastructure

“I will continue to support the project as long as my goals of resilience, multimodal transportation and equity are met,” Mayor Turner says. “Coming together under this MOU provides a path forward that will benefit us all.”

Advocates for the project say it would help reduce congestion in Houston. The plan has been delayed due to factors such as a federal civil rights investigation and a lawsuit filed by Harris County last March. County Attorney Christian Menefee said in a statement Dec. 19 the county “was seeking a project that would consider additional feedback from the county and city as well as local residents.” The new resolution, he said, does that.

“The agreements provide for elements of pedestrian and bike connectivity, funding for air monitors, noise barriers for nearby communities, and additional public input options throughout the construction period,” he said

However, opponents argue the freeway expansion would increase pollution and flooding risks, worsen traffic congestion and displace more than 1,000 homes and businesses in lowincome communities of color.

A group called Stop TxDOT I-45 responded to the announcement by saying TxDOT “has yet to adequately respond to community concerns

Nibbles and Sips Leading this week’s column, Spanish Flowers has opened a new Heights spot

Holiday hoops Several local high school basketball teams picked up key wins last week

Art Valet Myths, Legends, and The Holy Spirit, featuring a series of oil on canvas paintings by Susan Sheets, are on display Jan. 7.

Compiled by Landan Kuhlmann landan@theleadernews.com

Staff file photo

Heights-area residents cross the MKT Bridge during its re-opening earlier this year. The bridge re-opened in May after being closed for nearly two years due to damage from a fire.

Photo from GoFundMe.com Bohemian Photography owner Jack Potts stands in front of his destroyed studio at Winter Street studios last week. See Artists P. 5

Staff file photo

Heights resident Alexandra Forseth, whose father and uncle are among the Citgo executives released this year, speaks during a community rally at Candlelight Park in 2019.

Man fatally shot A man was shot and killed at a local shopping center last week, according to police

Woman found dead after local apartment fire

By Landan Kuhlmann landan@theleadernews.com

A woman was found dead after a fire was put out at an apartment complex in the Candlelight Plaza area early on Christmas Day, according to the Houston Police Department.

The woman’s identity is pending an autopsy from the county’s medical examiner, according to the department. A man in a neighboring apartment was taken to an area hos -

pital to be treated, according to HPD.

HPD officers and firefighters with the Houston Fire Department responded to a fire an apartment complex in the 900 block of Lehman Street in Candlelight Plaza just before 9 a.m. Sunday, the department, to find fire coming from the home. The woman, police said, was found dead inside the apartment after the fire was extinguished.

The investigation is officially pending the

results of the autopsy, according to HPD. And though the department said there were no immediate signs of foul play apparent at the initial scene, it is initially being investigated as a potential homicide.

Anyone with information about what may have happened or about the case is asked to call HPD’s Homicide division at 713-308-3600.

By Landan Kuhlmann landan@theleadernews.com

Police are searching for the suspect(s) who fatally shot a man outside a shopping center in the Northside/Northline area late last week, according to the Houston Police Department.

The victim, 29-yearold Luis Casillas, was pronounced dead at an area hospital, according to the department.

The police department has not released an official statement on any potential suspects, though the department said officers are working to recover video footage leading up to the shooting.

Police responded to a shopping center at 7676 North Fwy. in the Northside/Northline area just before 1 p.m. last Friday Dec. 23, the department said, to find Casillas suffering from a single gunshot wound. He was later pronounced dead at the hospital, according to HPD.

Anyone with information on the shooting, what may have preceded it, or any potential suspects is asked to call HPD’s Homicide division at 713-308-3600.

Man shot, killed at Northside shopping center City

By Landan Kuhlmann landan@theleadernews.com

Houstonians and local residents looking to get rid of their Christmas tree in the aftermath of the holiday can take it to one of two dozen tree recycling centers that will be open around through the end of next month, according to the city.

Effective Tuesday, the city of Houston’s Solid Waste Management department announced that it has opened 24 residential Christmas tree dropoff and recycling locations around the city that will stay open through Jan. 31, including several in the Leader area.

In the local area, the North Main Depository (9003 N. Main St.) and locations at Memorial Park

(7300 Memorial Dr.) and T.C. Jester Park (4200 W. T.C. Jester Blvd.) will be open daily from 9 a.m.-6 p.m. The North Main Depository will be closed on New Year’s Day, according to the city.

To recycle a live Christmas tree, the city said residents must remove all lights, wire, tinsel, ornaments, nails, stands, and other non-organic decorative materials. No artificial trees will be recycled, according to the city.

“Recycling trees will result in rich mulch that will be available in bags or bulk directly from Living Earth and other local area retailers,” the city said.

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It is time once again to predict the future. Last year we were 100 percent right: a great person died, a storm hit somewhere and the Astros won the World Series. OK, that last one was made after the Series was over, but don’t get picky. So cut out this column and put it on your refrigerator door. If your refrigerator doesn’t have a door, don’t invite me over for dinner. Let’s get started, for I will now say the sooth.

January – One college team, the Marfa Community Night School & Ferrier Institute (the Fightin’ Blacksmiths) does not get a bowl bid and sues the NCAA on grounds of racial discrimination. “You got something against blacks?” they charge. President Joe Biden announces he is annexing Ukraine as the 51st state. “It’s a lot cheaper.”

February – A valentine from Russian President Vladimir Putin to Donald Trump (“from Putee to Don-Don”) is forwarded to United States Penitentiary -- United States Penitentiary - Leavenworth to “a cellblock to be named later.” Mattress Mac bets $2 million that a recount will show Alexandra del Moral Mealer really did win the race for Harris County judge. “It is clear there was rampant voter fraud!” he shouts. County Judge Nina Hidalgo says in a press release: “Don’t bet on it, Mac and it will Save You Money!” ERCOT announces in a tweet that there are no power outages in Texas. Unfortunately, no one gets the message since a light dew has caused a total blackout throughout the state.

March – The Houston Rockets reveal a plan to increase attendance: dollar seats. When a fan asks when they play, a Rockets official replies, “When can you come?” Also in sports, after many angry demonstrations from Americans Who Protest Everything, March Madness is changed to the Spring Basketball Games. Beto

Lynn Ashby Columnist

says, “For once I agree with the ACLU, but make it, “In Trump We Trust.”

lish was good enough for Jesus, it’s good enough for the school children of Conroe.”

April – Sen. Ted Cruz admits his beard is fake “but leprechauns are real.” When asked why he is so opposed to the LGBTQ, Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, replies, “How do you spell that?” The ACLU sues, demanding that “In God We Trust” be removed from all currencies, federal buildings and “anything else that smacks of religion.”

The organization also puts a bounty on the Easter Bunny. The Houston Astros will play this season in a littered Minute Maid Park. Major League Baseball has demanded the removal of all trash cans.

May – The Citizens Against COVID-19 Vaccinations note their membership is shrinking. A spokesman complains, “Just look at the newspapers’ obituary pages.” In a press release, the State Board of Education asks for public input on the board’s decision to ban books about sex, the environment and pollution.

A board member explains: “Let’s hear from you. We can all use a good laugh.” The Republican majority on the U.S. Supreme Court replaces its black robes with white sheets and hoods.

June – Hurricane season officially begins with FEMA acknowledging that it was probably not a good idea for its entire staff to go on vacation. A spokesman explains: “But who wants to go to the beach in December?” Former President Donald Trump

– The Fourth of July is marked by a great outpouring of sirens, explosions and rockets bursting in air --but that’s in Kiev. Fox News reports 3 million uncounted ballots are discovered, all of them for Trump. A Fox spokesman says: “Who knew Harris County, Texas, was so corrupt?” The Texas Secretary of State, a Gov. Abbott appointee says, “It was only 2million.” Vice President Kamala D. Harris is missing. Actually, she’s been gone since May, but no one notices.

August -- Texas Atty. Gen. Ken Paxton objects to the press calling his wife’s pickup truck “the getaway car.” Paxton asks for a delay in his seven-year-old felony fraud case. “That’s old news,” he says. Reacting to criticism that the “South” in Southwest Airlines is racist, the carrier changes its name to “The Usually Safe Airlines.” Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner cites dermatologists’ praise for humidity as “good for your skin,” and orders another giant humidifier – the city’s seventh -- to be built in Montrose.

September – Gov. Abbott decrees that “unions are socialistic” and abolishes Labor Day. The Nobel committee votes unanimously to award Dr. Anthony Fauci the Nobel Peace Prize “for his efforts to save the human race.” Tucker Carlson denounces the panel for voter fraud. The Republican majority in the U.S. House votes to make January 6th a federal holiday. The State Board of Education puts out a press release: “This fal all studunts wil keep the sects they were borne with.”

October – METRO announces a delay in its schedule, explaining: “The mule died.” Meanwhile, the City Water Department says there was a break in its main water line and orders everyone to boil before washing their hands with water – boil their hands, not the

water, it’s unsafe. For Halloween this year, the favorite costume for parents to wear while greeting children out trick-or-treating, is wearing a Dr. Peter Hotze mask, in a green surgical suit, handing out vaccinations.

November –After its football team goes 0-12, Texas A&M University wants to amend the $95.6 million 10-

year contract with head football Coach Jimbo Fisher to only $6 million. A regent explains, “We need the money to pay our recruits.” Meanwhile, UT-Austin has agreed to quit using “The Eyes of Texas,” because the song may have had something to do with Robert E. Lee. Instead, student will sing “Asylum Seekers Been Workin’ on

the Railroad.” Grand Marshal for the Houston Thanksgiving Parade is the driver who used her turn signal. December – The Houston Texans lose an intra-squad game. Sen. Ted Cruz is kidnapped by bearded leprechauns

is predictable at ashby2@comcast.net

Ashby

St.

By Landan Kuhlmann landan@theleadernews.com

As many were off over the Christmas holidays, several of the area’s private school boys basketball teams got big wins to send them off into the holiday.

St. Pius X had a pair of wins last week, running its winning streak to three games. The Panthers defeated Kinkaid 62-49 on Dec. 19 and followed that up with a 53-38 win over Christian Homeschool Academy, moving to 5-11 overall on the season ahead of Wednesday’s scheduled matchup with Legacy School of Sport Sciences.

Jordan Johnson led the way for St. Pius X with 19 points and eight rebounds against Kinkaid,

LAndAn KuhLmAnn Editor

while KJ Range added 15 points and Vincent Doucet had 12 points of his own. Range followed up that performance with 13 points and nine assists against Christian Homeschool Youth Academy, while Grant Shupak had 12 points to go along with six assists.

Elsewhere in the private school ranks, the St. Thomas Eagles kept the good times rolling with a 48-42 win over Stafford on Dec. 20. With the win,

the Eagles moved to 11-1 on the season and kept hold on their No. 2 spot in the Texas Association of Basketball Coaches’ (TABC) private school rankings.

In public school action, the Heights Bulldogs dropped their only game last week, a 55-47 loss to Bellaire on Dec. 19. Isaiah Henry had 13 points to lead the Bulldogs (7-8, 1-1 district) against the Cardinals, while Allen Rainey added 11 points of his own.

The Scarborough Spartans dropped a 109-49 decision to Northside on Dec. 19 despite best efforts of Isaiah Green, who had 15 points, and a double-double of 12 points and 10 rebounds from Orion Harvey. Scarborough fell to 0-12 with the loss.

Booker T. Washington has now dropped two games in a row following a 51-50 loss to Furr on Dec. 19. Chris McDermott had a double-double with 16 points and 13 rebounds for the Eagles, who are now 8-7 overall and 4-1 in District 11-4A play.

Waltrip also lost its only game of the week, a 73-48 loss to Sterling on Dec. 20, to fall to 5-8 overall and 3-2 in District 9-5A.

Girls

In Class 5A action, the Waltrip Lady Rams snapped a two-game losing streak with a 43-7 win over Worthing on Dec. 20. The Lady Rams are now 8-5 overall and 4-3 in district play.

Heights continued to struggle with a 73-37 de -

feat at the hands of Westside on Dec. 20, dropping their sixth straight game to fall to 5-10 overall and 1-1 in district play.

Pius X loss to Kinkaid 58-24 on Dec. 19, dropping to 1-9 on the season.

Photo by Wayne Donnelly

St. Pius X’s Grant Shupak brings the ball up the court during a game against St. Thomas last season. Both schools picked up big wins last week to keep their momentum as they prepare for

slate.

DIRECTORY

Hope for the New Year

Once again, another year has come and gone. Many gains and many losses were experienced by all. I am not just talking about the stock market either. Many people have lost loved ones and many have made new friends and seen their families increase. Some accomplished many new things and others didn’t accomplish what they planned to get done. I don’t know where you find yourself here at the end of one year and beginning of another, but either way you can have hope that will last.

Romans 5:1–5 says, “Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; And patience,

15, 6, 8, 17, 19 and 30 first responded to the studios at 2101 Winter St. at 6:17 a.m. on Dec. 20. The fire began, Potts said, at Bohemian Photography.

“When I arrived I saw more and more fire trucks and I realized things were much worse than I had imagined,” said Potts, who got a call that morning to go check out the fire. “As I got closer I saw the fire had been coming from my studio. I got that queasy feeling seeing the fire trucks and the smoke coming from my studio that this was somehow my fault.”

It was not, however. According to the Houston Fire Department, arson investigators believe the fire was intentionally set, and had identified a suspect late last week. According to a report from KHOU, the alleged arsonist killed himself last Thursday when authorities came to take him into custody.

As a result of the fire and its effects, those such as Potts and fellow artist Taylor Clendennen are struggling with where they will land. Clendennen has two commissions she said need to be done by the end of January, but no place to create them, and also has no place to host her workshops or studio events.

“Where will I work while the studios are cleaned and building is repaired? Will I need to permanently move? How will I generate income for the next month without having (those events)? Trying to navigate all these thoughts and scenarios has been tough,” she said. “Just the uncertainty of what lies ahead in the next couple of months has been the difficult aspect both myself and other artists are having to deal with.”

Potts echoed the sentiment.

“Emotionally I would say I haven’t had enough time to process everything,” he said. “I built almost every piece of furniture, hung every light, and designed the functionality of that space for over seven years.”

Coming together

However, in the aftermath of the devastating fire, many said there has been an overwhelming amount of support and as-

experience; and experience, hope: And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.” God promises that hope in Him will not leave us disappointed because He is faithful to us.

This hope is made possible because Jesus died for your sin. He paid a debt you could not pay and you can have peace with God because of His work on your behalf. As you reflect on 2022 and look forward to 2023, take time to read God’s Word. Look for God’s promises that He has made to those who trust in Him by faith. Spend time talking to Him about your needs and praising Him for His goodness to you! You can have hope for a Happy New Year in Christ!

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.

sistance given to the affected artists and creators that called Winter Street Studios home.

The Disaster Services Program for the Houston Arts Alliance has set up a support page to help artists at ready.haatx.com/. A friend has even set up a GoFundMe for Potts and Bohemian Photography at https://www.gofundme.com/f/fire-at-bohemian-photography-jack-potts, which had more than $22,907 donated as of Wednesday morning.

Potts has also set up a support page on the studio’s website at bohemianphotography.com/fire.html for people who feel compelled to help.

“I’m typically the giver in most scenarios, and this has been a little difficult for me because now I’m in a position where I need to receive support and help,” he said. “…I want everybody to know how much I appreciate their support. From a friend buying me lunch to people who have given financially to help me rebuild…it is all humbling to see how many people care.”

But that support Clendennen said, is no surprise to those in Houston art world. She said they have always been one to pick each other up. From the GoFundMe to the HAA’s support page, all the way to artists from the Silos in Houston taking it upon themselves to help salvage pieces from Winter Street, it has always been what they do.

“Those types of actions really show what it’s like to be part of our art community,” she said. “It’s hard enough being an artist, so when disaster strikes, we are there for each other.”

And even though he may not know exactly what the immediate future holds as far as rebuilding his entire studio, Potts is determined to make the best of it.

“For myself, I see no other option than to rebuild,” he said. “Not just for myself, but for all the people that I have supported through images or production, or even just as a place to learn and grow.”

pushback from some area residents who argue it will make traffic worse, lead to more cars taking side streets and potentially hurt businesses along 11th Street. Mayor Sylvester Turner and other city officials, meanwhile, argue the project will transform the neighborhood by increasing safety and make the road more multimodal.

The project will have crews to install 6-foot bike lanes on both sides of 11th Street in the 1.5 miles between Shepherd Drive and Micheaux Street while adding a 3-foot buffer separation between the rest of traffic and reducing the street to one lane running in each direction. Bike lanes will be added on both sides of 11th between North Shepherd Drive and Michaux Street, where there will be one vehicular lane in each direction with a center, leftturn lane along the stretch between Yale and Studewood streets.

The plan also calls for bike lanes along Michaux between 11th and Stude Park to the south as well as protected crossings for pedestrians and cyclists at intersections such as 11th and Nicholson Street, where the Heights Hikeand-Bike Trail crosses 11th, and Michaux and White Oak Drive. It is slated for completion in February 2023.

Redistricting shifting local city council districts

In late October, the Houston city council signed off on new council districts that will shift local neighborhoods. The new plan includes keeping Fourth Ward and Freedmen’s Town in District C, while shifting parts of Garden Oaks west of Shepherd Drive into District H.

The latest U.S. census data shows Houston’s population increased by about 10 percent from the 2010 census, up to about 2.3 million. Now, the council will consider ratifying the ordinance at a January meeting, according to city documents. And while the new council districts won’t take effect until 2024, the new map will influence who people can vote for in 2023, according to the city.

M-K-T Bridge finally re-opens

The MKT Bridge finally reopened in late May after two rounds of repair work, reconnecting the MKT Trail to the White Oak Bayou Greenway, which extends to downtown and other parts of the city’s developing trail network.

It had been closed for nearly two years –since August 2020 – after being damaged by a fire that started in a wooded area underneath the structure. The Houston Parks Board spent about $500,000 to complete the repair work, according to president and CEO Beth White.

The nonprofit parks board initially started repair work last year, but stopped in September after its contractor found previously undiscovered damage that had been caused by the fire. Work resumed in March of this year, with the second round of repair work including the addition of steel channels and bracing to the timber piling, transferring weight from the bridge to the ground.

M-K-T Spur Connector completed

Just a little ways away, another way to increase trail connectivity was completed more recently. Earlier this month, officials with Houston Public Works and the Houston Parks Board celebrated the completion of the MKT Spur Connector trail linking the MKT and White Oak Bayou Greenway trails in the Heights with a ribbon cutting. The connector closes a gap between the MKT and White Oak Bayou Greenway trails. It features 850 feet of a 10-foot-wide concrete hike and bike trail, according to the city. Improvements include stormwater upgrades, a retaining wall, and safety railings.

From downtown, the White Oak Bayou Greenway trail runs northwest along Interstate 45 and I-10 before proceeding west through Stude Park.

The trails had previously ended at Studemont Street, but the connector now extends it to the west – through the existing green space along the north side of White Oak Bayou – for about 850 feet until it meets the MKT Trail, which runs northwest to southeast in that part of the Heights.

Heights resident Gonzalez rejects ICE nomination

More than a year after he was first nominated by President Joe Biden, Heights resident and Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez announced in June that he had withdrawn from consideration to direct U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

Biden first nominated Gonzalez to the federal post in April 2021, and he was approved in a vote along party lines. But soon after, an accusation of domestic violence was brought to the Governmental Affairs Committee that held up his final approval. Gonzalez denied the accusation and his wife, Melissa Gonzalez, said it was “false and defamatory.” The committee’s investigation into the allegations against Gonzalez found no evidence to support the claims.

Soon after, Gonzalez announced that he was withdrawing from consideration, I-45 expansion makes progress

Despite some stiff opposition from area residents, it appears the plan to move forward with the expansion of Interstate 45 remains in the works, as you’ll see on today’s front page. Crews would widen Interstate 45 from downtown north to Beltway 8 in Houston in an effort to improve traffic flow, hurricane evacuation routes and stormwater drainage, along with accommodating high-occupancy, electric and self-driving vehicles as part of the project.

City ballot props pass with resounding approval

In November, residents approved all seven ballot propositions totaling $478 million; None of the seven city bond propositions on the November ballot got less than 53.7 percent of the vote, and one got almost 74 percent approval.

The ballot propositions would fund capital projects in seven different areas, including parks, public health facilities, waste, libraries, animal care and more, according to city documents. Among those items included in the bond are at least a few geared toward the local area, such as $8.8 million tabbed for

renovated health centers around the city, including Houston Health Department’s West End Health Center, 190 Heights Blvd. Bullet train project still has life

The plans for a highspeed bullet train that would take passengers from Houston to Dallas could still have some life, at least for the time being, following a ruling in the state’s highest court in July. The Texas Supreme Court on July 24 voted 5-3 in favor of upholding the eminent domain rights of Texas Central, which is backing the planned Texas High Speed Rail between the cities.

According to Texas Central’s website, the high speed rail project will transport passengers between Houston and Dallas – a 240-mile trip – in less than 90 minutes while traveling more than 200 miles per hour, and Texas Central says the project will create thousands of new jobs along the route. The former Northwest Mall site near the intersection of U.S. 290, Loop 610 and Interstate 10 has been tabbed as the Houston station for the proposed railway.

Memorial Park hosts inaugural Houston pickleball tournament

There are currently about 10,000 Houstonians estimated to play pickleball, according to the Houston Pickleball Association. A report from CultureMap Houston said nearly 5 million people play the sport worldwide. And in October, Memorial Park hosted a monumental tournament for the city.

Nearly 700 players competed in the APP Sunmed Houston Open pickleball tournament that was hosted at Memorial Park this past Oct. 21-25. It is the first-ever professional pickleball tournament hosted in Houston, with hundreds of players from around the world slated to participate and compete for $60,000 in prize money.

The Houston Parks and Recreation Department currently has 11 outdoor and 17 indoor dual courts available for Pickleball play, according to the city. A dedicated pickleball spot, PKL Social, is even slated to open in the Washington Avenue area this fall at 1102 Shepherd Dr.

Baptist

Photo from Facebook

Memorial Park hosted the first-ever professional pickleball tournament in Houston earlier this year.

Contributed photo

Eminent domain was upheld for Texas Central’s bullet train earlier this year, with the old Northwest Mall site still a planned hub.

about induced demand - the phenomenon by which wider highways make traffic worse.”

“We are looking forward to reading both the City and County’s MOUs thoroughly to develop a response and continue working closely with city and county officials,” the group posted on Facebook Dec. 19.

TxDOT said it will engage the public throughout the pe-

riod of construction to ensure communities are informed about developments, congestion, transportation issues and other related matters.

The public will also be able to submit comments to TxDOT throughout the life of the project.

“Both the Memorandum of Understanding executed with Mayor Turner, and the agreed upon terms and conditions

agreed to with Harris County, which will warrant their dismissal of the lawsuit against the project, represent how staying focused on common ground and the benefits to the region in key areas of interest have provided an outcome that will enhance the I-45 NHHIP project as we move forward,” Texas Transportation Commissioner Laura Ryan said.

Art Valet: Archway Gallery presents Myths, Legends, and The Holy Spirit

Mitch cohen Art Columnist

Archway Gallery presents Myths, Legends, and The Holy Spirit, featuring a series of oil on canvas paintings by Susan Sheets. The exhibit will be on view January 7 through February 2, 2023 with an opening reception from 5–8 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 7. There will be an Artist Talk at 6:30 p.m., during the reception.

Inspired by myths, legends, and the Holy Spirit, Susan Sheets invites us on a journey of the traditional storytellers of the past, creating a 21st Century view of tradition through her paintings.

Encapsulating allusions to historical legends and ancient myths, including Helen of Troy and Lady Godiva, as well as exploring religious tenants from the Bible, her collection is symbolic and vast ranging. By fusing techniques and imagery, she brings to light the importance of the myths, legends, and spiritual beliefs on the human experience. Working with oils on canvas and unique layering techniques, Sheets manipulates the viewer’s perspective, focusing the experience on the illustrated stories presented and the individual’s interpretation of man’s explanation of the world. Her paintings compel individuals to look at their own understanding of the past, meeting them where they are, and taking them on a journey of reflective thought.

Sheets is a contemporary western artist, known for her dynamic compositions of horses and cattle, as well as the cowboys who ride and herd them on the harsh Texas terrain. She gained her experience through years of working with cattlemen and horsemen across Texas, Colorado, Wyoming, and New Mexico. Her paintings pay homage to the animals necessary to work the land, and the interplay between riders and mounts. Her compositions express

the bond between partners, including the trust and respect men and animals have for each other. They press the edges of the canvas, capitalizing on the tension created to bring the viewer into the moment. With her strong sense of texture, contrast, and color, Susan captures the iconic images of Texas. Her paintings are about the power and grace of the contemporary animal within the gritty and earthy essence of Texas.

Sheets holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the University of Houston and a Master of Art Education from Sam Houston State University. Her works have been showcased in countless exhibitions, including exhibitions at Philmont Ranch in Cimarron, New Mexico, the Butler Longhorn Museum in League City, Texas, and the prestigious American Academy of Equine Art in Lexington, Kentucky. In May 2011, Sheets was a highlighted artist appearing in the “Women Artists of the West” article published in Southwest Art Magazine and Western Art Collector Magazine.

Archway Gallery, one of Houston’s and the nation’s oldest artist-owned and operated galleries, is located at 2305 Dunlavy and is open Tuesday – Saturday from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. and Sunday from 1 – 5

p.m. For more information, visit ArchwayGallery.com or call 713-522-2409.

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.

Nibbles and Sips: Spanish Flowers opens second Heights restaurant

By Landan Kuhlmann landan@theleadernews.com

A Houston-area Tex-Mex restaurant staple has opened its second location in the Heights area for residents to enjoy.

On Dec. 9, Spanish Flowers announced on Facebook the opening of its newest Houston-area restaurant at 903 Durham Dr. in the Heights. It is the third Houston-area location for Spanish Flowers and joins an existing Heightsarea restaurant at 4701 N. Main St.

First opened with a flagship restaurant along Interstate 45, the restaurant says Spanish Flowers offers a selection of fresh Mexican food and drinks including everything from traditional to modern Mexican cuisine.

Spanish Flower’s newest restaurant is now open from 10 a.m.-midnight Monday through Wednesday, 10 a.m.-2 a.m. Thursday and Friday, and 9 a.m.-2 a.m. Saturday and Sunday.

For more information on the restaurant, follow them on Facebook or visit the restaurant’s website at spanishflowersrestaurants.com.

Crawfish and Noodles debuts in

Houston Farmers Market

There is another unique dining option available to community members at the Houston Farmers Market as the area’s food scene continues to evolve and add new concepts.

Earlier this month, Viet-Cajun restaurant opened up its second Houston area location at the Houston Farmers Market at 2520 Airline Dr. Suite J-999. It joins an existing restaurant at 11360 Bellaire Blvd. in the Chinatown area.

According to its website, Crawfish and Noodles has offerings such as VietCajun crawfish, crabs, and shrimp, as well as snow crabs and oysters. The restaurant also offers six different types of rice that comes with pork, chicken, shrimp, and more as well as Vietnamese specialties such as Ech Chien Bo and Be Thui. There are also fries, egg rolls, fried shrimp, and more.

To find out more about Crawfish and Noodles and to see a menu, visit the restaurant’s website at crawfishandnoodles.com/.

Contributed Photo

“Angelic Choir” an oil on canvas by Susan Sheets on view at Archway Gallery on view Jan. 7.

Contributed photo

“First Sighting” is an oil on canvas by Susan Sheets on view at Archway Gallery on view Jan. 7.

Contributed photo

“Angel” by Susan Sheets will be on view at Archway Gallery on view Jan. 7.

Photo from Facebook

Pictured is a sampling of available offerings at the new Spanish Flowers, which recently opened at 903 Durham Dr. in the Heights.