bestofheights.com
july + august 2021
Heights Entrepreneur’s Passion For Bungalows
Cries For Help Go Unanswered: The Story of Samuel Olsen Assessing the Pandemic Damage Chef Kaiser Masters The Whole Spices Where is Rudy T Now Prepare For A Financial Disaster Music Update
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july + august 2021 Send comments, thoughts or ideas to intownmagazine@gmail.com
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ON THE COVER
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18-19 SAMUEL OLSON STORY
8 PUBLISHER’S LETTER 12 CLASSICAL MUSIC PREVIEWS 14
A PASSION FOR PRESERVING HISTORY
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FOOD: MASTER OF WHOLE SPICES
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THE GAME
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FINANCIAL FOCUS
PRODUCTION
CONTRIBUTORS
PUBLISHER
M. A. Haines EDITOR
Lisa June
bestofheights.com
Lindsay Mowad William Hanover Marene Gustin Evans Attwell Philip Berquist Minnie Payne Virginia Billeaud Anderson
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6 | HEIGHTS | July + August 2021
Publisher’s Letter
Assessing the Damage Putting the pandemic in the rearview mirror is going to take time
f you are reading this you have survived what is one of the worst catastrophes since man inhabited planet Earth. Unfortunately, for most of us, Covid has left a mark. Now that the supposed worst of the pandemic is behind us it is time to assess the real damage. I started my assessment by making the mistake of getting on a scale. Yikes, right at my all-time high! How could this happen with all the spare time to exercise during the slowdown? Oh, that’s right, the pools and gyms have been closed and running is really bad for my aging knees. A real problem was the fact I didn’t know my clothes were tight because my sweat pants and underwear always felt fine. Mostly I ate and worried. Now that pools are open it’s time to get back in the water. I am wondering what it will be like now swimming with my shirt on. Prior to March of last year, I don’t recall ever hearing about or participating in a Zoom call. Too many of us have decided staying home and not even bothering to get dressed is OK. I’m telling you it’s not. Clothing stores will go out of business. Time to do away with Zoom and even FaceTime for a while and actually go see some clients, friends and family in person. Spending your Thanksgiving and Christmas on a Zoom call was cool, says no one. Most of us can agree that the best part of going to a gym is when you are leaving but knowing the reality of doing nothing is so much worse. There are those Orange Theorists that have turned this Zoom festival on its head with their workouts. Congratulations to all the Adonises and Aphrodites out there whose labor of love has brought you happiness. But know that you are in the minority. Most of us are shaking off a fifteen-month vacation of sorts and it ain’t that easy. Maybe it’s time for my annual off-the-grid vacation - cookie free. Upon return, it’s back to the grind and seeing more people in person again!
8 | HEIGHTS | July + August 2021
Val Arbona
REALTOR, CLHMS, CRS
RE/MAX Vintage (713) 562-4903 valarbona.com
David Michael Young
Mariana Saldana
Carrie Ousley
Compass RE Texas
Keller Williams Realty Metropolitan
Luxury Home Insurance
Broker Associate, CLHMS, CNE, GREEN
(713) 320-6453 www.youngrealtyhouston.com
Broker Associate
(832) 338-4040 www.uptownrealestategroup.com
CIC, CISR
(281) 224-0762 www.carrieousley.com
3404 Chevy Chase | River Oaks
3A West Shady Lane | Piney Point
Located on a corner lot across from Sleepy Hollow Cir at the corner of Chevy Chase & Mockingbird and designed by celebrated architect, S I Morris, this discreet 8 bedroom, 9/2 bath estate has large open living areas for entertaining and wonderful outdoor living areas with pool. David M. Young | Compass RE Texas | 713-320-6453
Exquisite Luxury Contemporary home in PineyPoint Area of Memorial Villages. Master and two living areas open to the courtyard and a large backyard. The kitchen is a chef 's dream great for entertaining. 3 car garage pre-wired for a car charger. Mariana Saldana | Keller Williams Realty | 832-338-4040
List Price $5,900,000 | MLS #43472223
List Price $2,050,000 | MLS #19355121
Real Estate Professionals Serving the Houston Luxury Home Community w w w. g r e a t e r h o u s t o n l u x u r y. c o m
Genevieve Rowland
5655 Locke Ln | Briarcroft
List Price $1,495,000 | MLS #83962829
Large open living areas with modern, clean finishes, high ceilings, tons of natural light, hardwoods throughout. First floor includes primary bedroom, gourmet kitchen, study, wine grotto, utility / mud room & butler’s pantry. Second floor has 3 bedrooms, gameroom, den and computer nook. Garage apt has full bath, kitchen and W/D. David M. Young | Compass RE Texas | 713-320-6453
REALTOR, MCNE, CLHMS Multimillion Dollar Producer, ILHM
Keller Williams Memorial
(281) 904-7014 www.rowland-properties.com
Dan Monson
Branch Manager/ Mortgage Banker/NMLS 302692
121 N. Post Oak Lane | Memorial Close-In List Price $1,375,000 | MLS #57403514
TURN KEY READY WITH ACCESSORIES. Completely renovated 2 BED and STUDY in the prestigious, highly sought, HOUSTONIAN ESTATES. Sure to impress! Gorgeous remodeling from top to bottom includes Control 4 home system, custom gourmet kitchen, bathrooms, flooring, HVAC, and high-end finishes for today's lifestyle. Full-service building with great amenities. Lock and leave lifestyle at its best! Joanne Naponic | Naponic Properties | 713-515-3805
Sente Mortgage
(713) 480-1061 dan.monson@sentemortgage.com
Joanne Naponic Broker/Owner
Naponic Properties
11739 Cawdor Way | Memorial Villages List Price $1,299,000 | MLS #24847440
Zoned to Memorial High School on a corner lot in one of Houston's most sought-after neighborhoods. Hurry this won't last long Build now or live and build later. It is a 0.34 Acre(s) Lot, with 1,904 Square feet and 3 Beds, 2 Full Bath(s) in Glengarry Wood. Joanne Naponic | Naponic Properties | 713-515-3805
12 | HEIGHTS | March + April 2021
(713) 515-3805 JoanneNaponicProperties.com
Marilyn Arendt Broker - Owner
Marilyn Arendt Properties (281) 433-9113 mma@castle2sell.com
Barbara Kobza
Realtor, CLHMS, Million Dollar Guild
Keller Williams Premier Realty
(832) 215-7533 barbarakobza.com
James Selig
Broker Associate, CLHMS, CRS
Keller Williams Realty Memorial (409) 256-1274 www.GreaterHouston LuxuryRealEstate.com
Th e G r e at e r H o u s t o n L u x u ry H o m e C o n n e c t i o n w w w. g r e a t e r h o u s t o n l u x u r y. c o m
3759 Carlon | Southside Place
List Price $1,899,00 | MLS #43695454
Beautiful home in Prestigious Southside Place. Just finished a renovation. There are 2 living areas down plus study and 4 bedrooms up. This home has numerous upgrades: Andersen windows, Thermador appliances, Marble countertops and Solar Panels. Great Location close to school and work. Debbie Strudler | Debbie Strudler Properties | 713-254-2806
Donielle (Don) Davis Designated Broker
Don Davis Luxe Realty
57 Briar Hollow Lane #3 | Briar Hollow List Price $1,175,000 | MLS #76883891
(936) 494-5500 www.dondavisrealtygroup.com
Rare opportunity to purchase a patio home in a gated and wooded community in a park-like setting. First floor living with amazing views. Features first floor office, dining, and living room with great views and a dedicated breakfast area off the kitchen. Oversized patio and spacious master suite. Joanne Naponic | Naponic Properties | 713-515-3805
Luxury Home Insurance
CARRIE OUSLEY, CIC, CISR
VICE PRESIDENT 281.224.0762 | www.carrieousley.com carrie.ousley@hubinternational.com
Debbie Strudler Fine Properties, LLC
(713) 254-2806 www.dstrudlerhomes.com
Sima Dalvandi
Wendy Cline
Keller Williams Southwest
Wendy Cline Properties Group
CLHMS, ABR, Realtor CHUBB • PURE • CINCINNATI • AIG • VAULT • BERKLEY ONE
Debbie Strudler
Broker, ABR, CNE, CLHMS, GRI
(832) 630-7605 www.ezhomerealestate.com
Broker/Owner
(281) 858-3451 www.findsouthcentraltxproperties.com
Intown’s Classical Music Critic, the Hon. Philip Berquist Honorary Consul of the Republic of Croatia for Texas
Classical Music Update Houston’s Classical Music Previews for 2021-2022
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ell, it is Summer and things at least appear to be getting back to whatever we can each recall as “normal.” This is the time of year when our arts organizations announce their schedules for the upcoming classical music season of 2021-2022. While COVID-19 restrictions are still being thought through, our major music companies have given INTOWN Magazine their performance schedules, some complete, some still waiting for C-19 guidance. In this issue, we feature the seasons of the Houston Symphony Orchestra and Houston Grand Opera. Houston Symphony Orchestra The following are my personal choices to highlight in this article. This season is the last for Andrés Orozco-Estrada as Music Director and he returns for several performances. • September 11, 2021 Acclaimed opera superstar, Renee Fleming, appears on opening night singing famous opera arias with the orchestra. • September 17, 18, and 19, 2021 Orozco-Estrada conducts the Beethoven 5th Symphony as well as the Beethoven Triple Concerto. Featured soloists are Yooshin Song, violin, Britton Averil Smith, cello, and Yefim Bronfman, piano. • October 29, 30 and 31, 2021 Jader Bignamini conducts Berlioz’s “Symphonie fantastique.” • November 19, 20 and 21, 2021 Another superstar, pianist Hèléne Grimaud, performs the Ravel Piano Concerto in G. • January 21, 22 and 23, 2022 Former Music Director, Christoph Eschenbach leads the orchestra in a work to be announced. These should not be missed! 12 | HEIGHTS | July + August 2021
Orozco-Estrada
Renee Fleming
• March 11, 12 and 13, 2022 The wonderful Rachmanioff Symphony No. 2 is conducted by Lionel Bringuier. Houston Grand Opera My goodness, what a season! Back at the Wortham Center’s Brown Theater, HGO has scheduled a truly stunning group of operas. The Fall Repertory begins with Bizet’s Carmen. There will be eight performances of this popular classic running from October 22 through November 7.
This is a revival co-production with the Lyric Opera of Chicago. Sung in French with projected English text. Next is a world premiere of The Snowy Day by Joel Thompson with lyrics by Andrea Davis Pinckney. This one-hour production will be presented nine times from December 9 through December 19. Sung in English with projected English text. For updates and a full calendar go to www.houstonintown.com Let me hear from you! - write me at classicalmusicberquist@gmail.com.
‘Carmen’
WORTHWHILE CONVERSATIONS
JUGGLING THE RETIREMENT PIECES…
J. Harold Williams, Chairman and CEO, and Wealth Advisor, Troy Taylor, CFP®, discuss the challenges clients face when transitioning from saving for retirement, to living off accumulated assets. WHY THE JUGGLING ANALOGY? Pop singer Elvis Costello said, “I feel like a juggler running out of hands.” That’s the mindset of many recently-retired people with a good amount of savings. They oftentimes feel overwhelmed when coordinating the pieces necessary to replace what has been a lifetime of dependable paychecks. We’ve learned over 50 years that it’s challenging to transition from consistently saving for the future to living off of accumulated assets.
NOT A BAD PROBLEM -- TO BE LIVING OFF YOUR ASSETS AND NO LONGER WORKING… It IS a nice problem. But big dollars are at stake in getting it right. We worked recently with a retiree from a major oil company who decided to walk out the door at age 60. His situation is not uncommon. He and his wife have done a great job laying their foundation – Social Security, a pension, a 401(k) with company
stock, and some after-tax savings. No worry about outliving their money; but they want to make the most of these assets in the long-run for their family. They worry the varying tax impact associated with different decisions in drawing down assets can have widely different long-run outcomes. They want to get it right.
ARE THEIR CONCERNS VALID? Yes. Our Wealth Planning Committee professionals (CPAs, attorneys and others) work together to model out these alternatives for clients. In this case, skillful “juggling” of the drawdown of assets and their elections around Social Security and taking company stock from the 401(k) matter greatly. As Committee Chairman, Phillip Hamman, CFA, CFP®, stated it: “The projected difference in the ending asset values between the base case and the optimum case shows a 40% increase to heirs.”
WHAT SHOULD PEOPLE LOOK FOR? The key is making sure you get the experienced and unbiased advice you have the right to expect. The majority of financial advisors out there are NOT 100% on a fiduciary business model. At Linscomb & Williams, we are a fiduciary for our clients, providing service and advice for a fee with no products to sell. Our team is ready to meet for a no-cost, no-obligation exploratory conversation at our office in the Houston Galleria area. For more information, or a copy of our Form ADV, Part II, with all of our disclosures, call Grant Williams at 713 840 1000 or visit www.linscomb-williams.com.
Linscomb & Williams is located at 1400 Post Oak Blvd., Ste. 1000 in Houston, TX For more information call 713 840 1000 or visit www.linscomb-williams.com. Linscomb & Williams is not an accounting firm.
Left to Right: The New Bespoke Retail and Bungalow Revival Offices, 591 West 11th Before Renovations, and Gilbert Perez
Heights Company’s Passion for Preserving History
Reopens his European inspired design shop and office on 11th Street
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fter the recent Texas Supreme Court ruling, many Heights residents such as Gilbert Perez could breathe a sigh of relief. In 2008 due to 2.5 houses being torn down weekly in the Heights, Perez and others established Historic Districts within a city and state that shun such “zoning” practices. The Justice wrote that the “historic districts did not have the characteristics of a zoning ordinance” and will stand for the preservation of the historic districts that he and others fought to maintain. Perez vows to continue his mission and passion for redeveloping the small bungalows that remain the signature of the Heights real estate landscape. Gilbert Perez, like so many, moved to Houston in the 1980s to attend law school but soon decided that was not for him. He worked in corporate America with Ross Perot’s firm EDS. He quit his
job and decided to pursue his dream and got his interior design schooling at University of Houston and Houston Community College. Perez got his early design experience under the tutelage of Tim Hamrock of Beverly Hills in Houston’s Highland Village as his interior design assistant. Soon he was ready to go on his own and, in 1995, started Gilbert Joseph Custom Design and Interiors. He moved to the Heights in 1996. For about ten years, he worked as a designer but also began buying and flipping houses. He formed his company Bungalow Revival after buying then restoring, and selling his first bungalow. “I wasn’t planning to be a remodeler because I was busy doing interior design,” says Perez. Perez would restore “one or two a year and make as much as 100,000 or more on each flip.” “That was when properties were 125,000 for a 6,600 square
foot lot, and I would put between 125 to 200,000 in them and sell them for a hundred thousand dollars or more profit. Now lot values are 400,000,” says Perez. Perez estimates he has restored between 35 to 40 homes in the Heights. Perez became known as a remodeler and realized many people didn’t know about his interior design background, so in 2009 he opened his European-inspired retail design store, Bespoke on 19th Street. The store was there ten years until 2020, when his lease expired, and the building sold. He bought the dilapidated structure in 2019 and had to build a skeleton to start. The building was in decay and infested with termites, but one would never imagine its previous state from the looks of it now. It was built in 1920 and previously was a lawn mower repair shop. His new store just opened and is about 700 square feet and is packed with design specialties. “I love going to small New York shops and boutiques in Europe filled with stuff, and I wanted to bring that kind of boutique to the Heights. While he enjoys the interior design part, Gilbert Perez’s true passion is in “redoing the small bungalows of around 1.200 feet with those seamless additions” that make the Heights what it is. 14 | HEIGHTS | July + August 2021
14 | HEIGHTS | July + August 2021 Bespoke by GJCD
Boutique REAL ESTATE SERVICE
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Keller Williams Memorial 950 Corbindale Rd #100, Houston, TX 77024 Phone: (833) 533-6400 Fax: (713) 467-6226 May + June 2021
| HEIGHTS | 15
Master of Whole Spices
Chef Kaiser Lashkari at Himalaya Restaurant
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By Virginia Billeaud Anderson
utted-up against the Hindu Kush at the Afghan border in northwest Pakistan sits Peshawar, Pakistan’s oldest city, with historical records dating to 539 BC. The city served as a “frontier” gateway to the Indian sub-continent for eastern-bound travelers who didn’t die crossing the Khyber Pass. Its gold, Herodotus wrote, made Peshawar one of the ancient Persians’ favorite tribute-paying satrapies. Today Peshawar is known for culinary treasures such as Chapli Kabob, a flavorful fried meat patty with complex Persian, Turkish and Pashtun-inflected ingredients. When I taste the pomegranate seeds, crushed coriander seeds, and red chili peppers in Chef Kaiser Lashkari’s Peshawari Chapli Kabob at Himalaya Restaurant, I’m tempted to label Indo-Pakistani cuisine the most elegantly crafted on the planet. Peshawari Chapli Kabob originated in the western part of the subcontinent at the Indus River. Mighty Indus, allegorized as a deity in Sanskrit hymns, and into which Alexander the Great territorially peed, begins in the Himalayas and ends at Lashkari’s birthplace, Karachi, on the sparkly Arabian Sea. Other Himalaya Restaurant menu items originate from the eastern end of the subcontinent, the East Indian delicacy Lamb Vindaloo for instance, boneless chunks of lamb simmered in rich spicy sauce with sautéed potatoes, a classic from the Goan region. And, Bihari Steak Tikka from the Ganges region of Bihar. Here, Lashkari mixes elaborate spices to marinade steak chunks before grilling. How long does he marinade? “72 hours. And not a second less!” Whopping critical praise, the attention of celebrity foodies Anthony Bourdain and Andrew Zimmern, and a James 16 | HEIGHTS | July + August 2021
Beard nomination made Lashkari’s story fairly well known. His parents nearly croaked when he dropped out of medical school in his third year because he wanted to cook. His heart was in the kitchen, “with the frying pans, the stews and the curries.” He completed a Masters in Hotel and Restaurant Management at the University of Houston, then returned to Karachi to work under the chef at the Karachi Intercontinental Hotel where he “really learned the craft of cooking.” A desire to express himself and “be his own boss” inspired his return to Houston, where in 2004 he opened Himalaya Restaurant at 6652 Southwest Freeway. Some things about the subcontinent you just can’t change, the Mughal princes discovered when they gobbled up India, Rajasthan’s miserable heat, for one. They could, however, command palace chefs to refine the cuisine by incorporating Persian-influenced exotic spices, a practice which became canonical in Indo-Pakistani cooking. And lends exqui-
site flavors to Himalaya’s Chicken Hara from Hyderabadi, boneless chicken in a green curry sauce with yogurt, cilantro and green chilies, applauded by Bourdain. As well, to Gola Kabob with a papaya juice and spice marinade. And, to Lamb Kabob. Since spice blends (garam masala) vary across locations, I wondered if Chef ’s personal combination related to a specific region. “My personal blend is based upon my knowledge and cooking experience, not from any region, except it is very closely aligned to Pakistani cuisine.” Funneling knowledge and cooking experience into spice selection is only part of the process, the spices must be “individually roasted on a griddle top” before they are ground and blended. “The key,” he stressed, “is how long and to what degree each spice is roasted.” A meticulous process, which disallows premixed substitutes and skimping. “Women who visit from Pakistan can identify the spices.” One imagines Chef freaked when green cardamom, which is “essential for most curries and sauces because it enhances flavors and adds aroma,” hit $46/pound. Another elevating feature of Indo-Pakistani food was the use of rich sauces. Himalaya concocts some doozies. Pulverized almonds and cashews thicken the creamy sauce in the Mughlai dish Chicken Korma, a court favorite. Chicken Tikka Masala features a creamy yogurt sauce. Bombay Butter Chicken’s spicy cream sauce has a velvety quality. Culinary historians believe a royal wife introduced the Persian rice dish Biryani into the Mughal court. Lashkari considers biryani a keystone of Indo-Pakistani food, “it is the #1 item that brings people from both sides of the continent
Peshawari Chapli Kabob (Himalaya Restaurant Facebook)
Chicken Tikka Masala (Image by Shawn Chippendale from Himalaya Restaurant Facebook)
together.” To make his biryanis he cooks lamb, chicken, beef, or goat, with whole spices and rice. Does he use saffron? “A hint of saffron added to the rice.” His biryanis have caramelized onions, and dried plums. The menu includes vegetable and cheese biryanis. “Why aren’t you eating my bread?” Lashkari is staring at my untouched naan. After I explain that I restrict my carbohydrates, he fesses-up that his doctor wants him to do the same, but he’d “rather be dead.” Chef clearly changed his mind. He dropped weight, and added low-carb items to his menu. Although best to blow off carb counting and sop sauces with Himalaya’s Garlic Naan, or flaky Parathas.
The day Lashkari won the 2019 James Beard nomination for Best Chef Southwest was “one of the happiest days of my life. I wept myself to sleep because I didn’t have my Mom or Dad to share that with.” His lovely wife Asra compensated. “Asra is 51% and I am 49% of the success behind this restaurant.” Having an Indian father and Pakistani mother broadened his culinary range. He thanks his father, “a great soul,” for teaching him honesty, integrity and work ethic. “To make people happy with food is as sacred as my relationship with my God.” Greek mythology posits Dionysus lived on the subcontinent. And gave it grapevines and the goat-god Pan, which
SOFT SHELL CRABS ENTREE & PO-BOY
possibly accounts for the Kalash tribe’s shambolic goat worship, and for Dal Gosht (lentils cooked with goat) and Dumpukht, goat slow-cooked in juices with dough sealing in flavors. I’m hankering to spend time in the hills of northwest Pakistan among breathtaking peaks, indescribably hospitable people and spicy garlicky goat meat pies. Zimmern swooned over Himalaya Restaurant’s goat dishes. Goat Karhai, from the “frontier” region, fashions goat, tomatoes, karhai masala spices, green chilies, ginger, and garlic, topped with chopped cilantro and ginger. Lashkari cooks it in a traditional flat bottom wok, the use of which reaches so far back into the subcontinent’s history, it’s mentioned in the Vedas.
SNOW CRABS
THE ORIGINAL 4302 Richmond Ave Houston, TX 77027 (713) 623-6321
BBQ Grill Platter (Image by mel_vs_food from Himalaya Restaurant Instagram)
CAJUN Style
HOURS
RAGIN-CAJUN.COM
Mon - Tues: 11am - 8pm Wed - Sat: 11am - 9pm Sun: 12pm - 8pm July + August 2021
| HEIGHTS | 17
Cries For Help Go Unanswered Samuel Olson’s Story By Jill Pruitt Allred
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n May 27, 2021, Samuel Olson was reported missing, but that is not really where the story begins. Samuel’s death was a perfect storm of total system failures from the family courts, the criminal courts, bail reform, and the district attorney’s office. Samuel was almost saved several times before his death. Still, every time Sarah Olson, Samuel’s mother, tried to get Samuel back from his father, Dalton Olson, she could not. Either it was Covid, or they could not get in front of the judge. This case was not on my radar when I initially saw the first post on the Texas EquuSearch Facebook page repeating the claims made to police by Dalton Olson and his fiancé, Theresa Balboa. The post stated that Sarah had arrived at the home of Theresa Balboa’s mother in the 8800 block of McAvoy Dr. with a “Fake Cop” and took Samuel at approximately 7:30 am on May 27, 2021; however, they didn’t report Samuel missing until around 6:00 pm that same day. I immediately thought it was a simple child custody matter and not a missing child, and I certainly never let myself believe this child was dead. Sarah asked me to help her find her son, and I could not say no. I currently work as an advocate, and before working on these cases, I was a legal assistant for many years and then transitioned into contract legal investigations. That experience allowed me to competently access and understand the very messy situation that Sarah and Dalton’s Divorce had become. Samuel was used as a weapon to punish Sarah. From court documents and speaking with Sarah, I also knew that it was 18 | HEIGHTS | July + August 2021
likely that the judge was going to order that Samuel be returned to Sarah very soon. On May 28, 2021, when I first spoke with Sarah, she told me that she did not have Samuel, and she did not know who did. I asked her a series of questions about the people in Samuel’s life and about the court orders currently in place. After Sarah explained her story from the beginning, I felt this would become more a fight for justice than a return of Samuel to his mother.
The First System Failure: On January 18, 2020, Sarah’s mom dropped Samuel off with Dalton’s mom for a weekend visit. Dalton refused to return Samuel on January 20, 2020. On January 24, 2020, Sarah went to Dalton’s current address in Katy, escorted by a Precinct 5 Constable. While there, the deputy called the Harris County District Attorney’s office to ask if they would accept charges against Dalton for interfering with child custody. The District Attorney’s office declined, and Samuel remained with Dalton. That same day, Sarah
filed a Habeas motion to have the court return Samuel to her, and that is when Dalton began moving Samuel from place to place.
The Second System Failure: Then approximately six weeks later, the entire world stopped because of the Covid-19 Global Pandemic, and no one knew how or what to do when the courts shut down. Over the next year, Sarah’s cases would see minimal movement through the respective court systems due to Covid. On May 31, 2020, Sarah was finally allowed to see Samuel again at his fifth (and sadly now final) birthday party. According to Sarah’s mother, Sarah asked the process server to be there as well to serve Dalton, but again she was told no, due to Covid concerns.
The Third System Failure: Sarah and her mother attended Samuel’s birthday party. When Samuel saw Sarah after so many months of being kept apart, he said, “I knew you would come for me,” and it was at that moment Sarah decided to try to sneak out the side door of Dalton’s mother’s home
and take Samuel home where he belonged. As she was attempting to leave with Samuel, Dalton came out of his mother’s house, jumped in front of Sarah’s car near the street, and claimed Sarah “ran over him.” Sarah remained at the home until police arrived, and when she tried to explain the situation, police arrested her for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. Once again, Samuel was not saved and remained with Dalton. The Galveston County DA issued a protective order and a no-contact order for Dalton against Sarah. It specifically excluded Samuel, so communicating with Dalton and his family concerning Samuel was granted. That day two other very telling things also happened. Theresa said to Sarah’s mother while cursing at her, “I wish I had my bat so I could beat Sarah with it,” and Dalton told Sarah, “You will never see or speak to Samuel ever again.” That was how Samuel’s very last birthday party unfolded. He did not get to go home with his mom and instead watched her go to jail. On June 4, 2021, after many story changes by Dalton, the admission that one of the witnesses did not see what happened, and Samuel’s murder, the Galveston County DA dismissed the case against Sarah, citing the cause as being “In the Interest of Justice.”
The Fourth System Failure: Through our conversation, I asked Sarah about Dalton and his fiancé, and she stated that all she knew about her was that her name was Theresa Balboa. I immediately searched for criminal records and found a protective order and no-contact order for a domestic violence incident on November 29, 2020, where Balboa allegedly choked Dalton. I sent it to Sarah and asked if she was aware of the protective order extended to every Dalton family member, including Samuel. She stated it was the first time she had ever been made aware of it. It is important because Texas has a law that requires parents to notify each other and the court of protective orders that would affect the children. Through a further search on social media, I was able to find a Facebook post titled “She Said Yes,” announcing their engagement on January 2, 2021, in violation of the two court orders.
The Fifth System Failure: Dalton would drag Samuel around from place to place and from person to person for the next year, causing Samuel to change schools multiple times. The last day that Samuel attended school in person was April 30, 2021, and he did not switch to virtual school or unenroll; however, no one from the school ever reported anything to law enforcement. On May 24, 2021, Dalton and Sarah finally had a court date, but Dalton’s attorney withdrew, citing “Just Cause Exists,” causing the case to reset once again. At the time of this court date, Samuel had been dead for weeks, and his little body had been stuffed in a Rubbermaid plastic tote and hidden away in a storage unit in Webster.
EquuSearch and Tim Miller: On May 31, 2021, Tim Miller of Texas EquuSearch, searched the field near the apartment where Theresa Balboa stayed with Samuel Olson and her ex-boyfriend, Benjamin Rivera. That is when things started to unravel for Balboa in this case. Tim Miller told Nancy Grace that he forced Theresa Balboa to give the news inter-
views. Miller stated he knew she was lying and said, “This is going to end today.” He also stated to Nancy Grace he saw Theresa Balboa, Dalton Olson, and Benjamin Rivera talking on the other side of the complex. He confronted them again and asked Dalton why he would leave his child with someone he did not even know (Rivera) and then told him Theresa was responsible. Miller stated that Dalton hit the ground crying and saying, “But you don’t understand--Sarah ALMOST ran me over,” to which Tim replied, “I don’t care what Sarah ALMOST did. Your son isn’t ALMOST missing.” Immediately following this conversation, Theresa went into the apartment to change clothes, came out, said she would pass out more flyers, and disappeared. According to court records, she met up with an acquaintance, Dylan Walker, in the parking lot of the Walmart in Cleveland, TX, had him bring her back to the storage unit in Webster, TX, where they loaded up the tote containing Samuel’s body. Walker rented a room at the Best Western in his name and, after a few hours, left Theresa and the tote containing Samuel’s body in Room 106. He drove back home and later called Crime Stoppers. In the early morning hours of June 1, 2021, authorities arrest Theresa Balboa in the room with Samuel’s body still in the tote. Authorities took her into custody on bonds totaling $600,000.00. Benjamin Rivera is arrested on June 23, 2021, for his part in helping conceal the body of Samuel Olson and released on a $100,000.00 bond. The district attorney’s office announced they believe they have found the murder weapon and are awaiting test results to confirm.
The Organization: In February of last year, after about a year of working cases involving missing and exploited children, I started my organization called Runaway 2 Victim. The primary focus is working with other non-profits and law enforcement to locate and recover missing runaways and trafficking victims. Once recovered safely, I advocate for the children by getting resources such as free counseling and rehab services, triad meetings, mental health meetings, access to amicus attorneys, and help to navigate the juvenile justice programs. I primarily work with missing teens and trafficking victims.
The Mission: We, as a society, need to work together to change laws that are putting children at risk. Samuel Olson was one of the many murdered in Harris County by a person arrested for a violent felony and let out on a Personal Bond (meaning they did not have to pay to be released). As if that is not alarming enough, approximately 46 children have lost their lives in Harris County in the last 24 months. My mission is to seek Justice in Samuel’s case and help other families affected by child murders connect with lawmakers about passing new legislation to protect children. No child should ever be injured or murdered by someone where there was a protective order. For more continued coverage, go to www.houstonintown.com.
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The
GAME
Rudy Tomjanovich played collegiately at the University of Michigan where he holds a rebounding record and averaged over 30 points a game in his last year. The 6’ 7’ forward was drafted with the second overall pick in the NBA draft. He played eleven seasons and was a five-time All-Star, but is probably best known as a coach of the Houston Rockets winning back-to-back titles in 1994 and 95. Joel Blank: The man, the myth, the legend, the man that is long overdue going to the Hall of Fame very soon has decided to block out some time for us. He is sitting in boxer shorts and a tank top, no doubt somewhere in Florida. Coach, always great to catch up with you. No better time than coming up on the heels of this massive moment with you finally getting into the NBA Basketball Hall of Fame. Congratulations and your thoughts as we get closer to that day. Rudy Tomjanovich: Joel, it’s always a pleasure for me to be with you and on your show, but if it’s OK, I don’t have the boxers on. Joel Blank: Hey, coach, whatever makes you comfortable, it’s retirement years. Rudy Tomjanovich: That’s right. That’s right. Well, I didn’t know I’m back working again, so. Joel Blank: That’s right. The Timberwolves. Rudy Tomjanovich: That’s right. Joel Blank: Everyone in Houston from the organization itself and all the players, Bull and Mario and so many of the guys lobbying for you. When you finally got that call and knew that that day was coming. Rudy Tomjanovich: Yeah, you know, waiting for this to happen was very interesting because I didn’t really think about it until, you know, that time of the year when I would start getting calls about how I felt and things like that. But all the people who spoke up for me. I cannot thank them enough for making me feel so good. And, you know, my players. But then the brotherhood of coaches, Coach Mike D’Antoni, Scot20 | HEIGHTS | July + August 2021
INTERVIEW WITH HOUSTON ROCKETS COACH
Rudy Tomjanovich
ty Brooks, and Jeff Van Gundy, as you know, spoke up for years. And I have a lot of gratitude for those guys. Joel Blank: Now, Rudy, back in the day we were a family. You let Worrell and myself and guys sit in with the team on the meetings. And I remember you grilling me about Clyde because I had worked with him before you made that trade and said to me I’m thinking about making a move that’s going to affect my team. Rudy Tomjanovich: Well, absolutely. Chemistry is so important, and if you wind up bringing in somebody that you’d never know if guys have a past with somebody that usually you do, but, you know, anything can happen with a big trade like that. You got to talk to your main guy. And of course, Clyde was just a perfect fit. Joel Blank: Because you now have time to reflect and we did it back when we celebrated the 25th anniversary of the titles are there certain things that happened that stick into your mind and say, if that doesn’t happen, maybe we don’t
win that one or we have as much success? Rudy Tomjanovich: Yeah, there were things like that, you know. You know, I thought a very pivotal situation was the first game in Orlando. During the regular season, they had owned us. They pretty well took care of us easily. And then they were doing it again. And we hung in there. We hung in there. And if Kenny doesn’t make that shot, put us in overtime, you know, we might not be talking about, you know, back to back. And we love the kiss of death shot from the corner with Mario. But that shot that Kenny made was just as big. And a lot of people don’t talk about it now. Nick Sharara: I don’t know if you’ve heard the news, but long-time broadcaster of the Houston Rockets Bill Worrell will call his final game this season. Your thoughts on Bill Worrell and B, should Vernon Maxwell take his spot? Rudy Tomjanovich: Could what could what Nick Sharara: Could Vernon Maxwell take his spot as the broadcaster?
Rudy Tomjanovich: Could take his spot? Yeah. Oh, cool. I thought you said kick his butt. Joel Blank: We already know the answer to that coach. Rudy Tomjanovich: Yes. Bill’s a tough hombre. I’m telling you, I love Bill. He’s had a great career. I’m looking forward to seeing you and I’ve seen him a couple of times when he comes to Joel Blank: That’s what you call him. You had nicknames for all of us. Nick Sharara: Coach, do you have an angry moment from the Dream that you’re willing to share with us that perhaps nobody else knows about? Rudy Tomjanovich: Yeah, not that I can think of, I mean, he was very competitive. He did not like to be out of the game in the fourth quarter. And, you know, I had to rest some because we are going to him so much. So he was always anxious to get back in there, you know, and I hear him and he’d be talking to the assistant coaches, you know, “come on. Come on.” Joel Blank: Now, with Rama-
dan wrapping up, the other thing that I always say that’s ironic that people don’t realize is the fact that Hakeem he wouldn’t take water, he wouldn’t take quench gum, he wouldn’t do anything to help him through. And he’s putting 40 minutes in and he’s putting 30 and 15 on good teams. And we were just in complete awe of what he was able to do. Rudy Tomjanovich: Yeah, you’re absolutely right. I have to admit, I took him for granted in that kind of situation. What he did was truly amazing. And, you know, I’m feeling even luckier when I think about all the obstacles he had to go through to get this stuff done. Joel Blank: So, Coach you grew up in the University of Michigan and all of that, but now you are going to be a legendary son of the city of Houston, Describe the love affair between you and the city of Houston which is pretty amazing. Rudy Tomjanovich: Yeah, it truly is, and I didn’t know what the state of Texas was about before I got here because I was one of those Yankees, you
know, saying y’all and how’s your mom and them down here? And it was different. But it took a week for me to find out how warm the people in Texas and Houston are. It’s my home. I’ll always be connected there. But I really want to thank the fans for being there for us. You know, we went through Choke City and we still had fans pulling for us. And when we pulled to the airport and there were thousands which surprised the hell out of everybody, it was a feeling I cannot, I don’t have the words and we just couldn’t let those fans down. And when I’m up there, you know, receiving this honor, they are with me, it was a complete community and, you know, just a fantastic experience for me to go through the whole Houston experience. Joel Blank: Well, thank you, buddy. And we’ll have to do this more often. Hit ‘em straight. Take care of the dogs and the family. And again, you’ve done us all proud. Rudy Tomjanovich: Always my pleasure.
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| HEIGHTS | 21
Financial
FOCUS Prepare Financially For A Disaster
H
earing the first tornado siren of the season or tracking a hurricane’s path as it approaches the coast is a sobering reminder that Texans are vulnerable to natural disasters that leave damage and disruption behind. We’re taught to prepare—buy a weather band radio, create an evacuation plan, locate a safe place to shelter, stock up on essential supplies—but we may not be as ready for the financial stresses a disaster could bring. Prepare now to financially weather a natural disaster. ments, you could need funds to live on and begin to recover. That’s why financial experts suggest that you maintain an emergency fund equal to at least six months of living expenses in an account that is liquid and easily accessible, such as a money market account.
Keep cash on hand.
Maintain a robust emergency fund.
A significant disaster could displace you from your home or business for weeks, even months, and damage or destroy your personal property and vehicles. While you wait for insurance pay-
22 | HEIGHTS | July + August 2021
By Evans Attwell Senior Vice President Frost Bank
In the wake of a disaster, large sections of your community could lose power, leaving you in the difficult position of paying cash for virtually every daily essential. Local ATMs may also be inaccessible because of damage or simply out of cash because of heavy use. To prepare yourself for these possibilities, keep enough cash in a safe place in your home to pay for a few days of necessities, such as food and gas.
Review insurance coverage regularly.
Store documents safely.
With the help of an insurance professional, examine your insurance policies—homeowners or renters, auto, and business property. This review will help ensure you have the right type of coverage for risks you are likely to face and the right amount of coverage for the value of your property, and will prevent unpleasant surprises if you need to file a claim.
Would you like to talk to a financial professional? Contact Evans at 713.388.1367 or evans.attwell@frostbank.com.
Storing valuable hard copy documents in your home is convenient, but storage in a bank safe deposit box increases the likelihood your documents will survive anything Mother Nature brings your way. Store birth certificates, marriage and family records, adoption papers, wills, property deeds, insurance policies, passports, Social Security cards, immunization records, bank account and credit card information, and contracts in your safe deposit box.
Investment and insurance products are not FDIC insured, are not bank guaranteed, and may lose value. Brokerage services offered through Frost Brokerage Services, Inc., Member FINRA/SIPC, and investment advisory services offered through Frost Investment Services, LLC, a registered investment adviser. Both companies are subsidiaries of Frost Bank. Investment management services, financial planning and trust services are offered through Frost Wealth Advisors of Frost Bank. Additionally, insurance products are offered through Frost Insurance. Deposit and loan products are offered through Frost Bank, Member FDIC. Frost does not provide legal or tax advice. Please seek legal or tax advice from legal and/or tax professionals.
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Unmatched service. Sound advice. And peace of mind knowing your money is well cared for. Now, how can we help you today? Visit us at our River Oaks Financial Center, 2443 Westheimer or call at (713) 388-1059.
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July + August 2021
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Houston Real Estate is
713-320-6453 David.Young@Compass.com www.youngrealtyhouston.com Proven Performance – Year After Year Over 18 years experience working with buyers and sellers of residential real
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