Inside Today: From Past to Present: A journey through time with Anne Sloan
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Saturday, April 13, 2024 • Vol. 69 • No.15
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Houston ISD teachers protest with sickout By STEFANIE THOMAS editor@theleadernews.com After months of upheaval since the school district takeover, some Houston Independent School District (HISD) educators are reaching for more extreme measures to have their voices heard, speaking out against what they describe as a fear-based culture and policies. “On Thursday, April 4th, 2024, more than 100 teachers from at least 35 Houston ISD campuses scheduled doctors’ appointments and called in sick, despite being under threat of being pun-
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ished for using their allotted sick leave,” said a media statement announcing the sickout that morning. “Today’s actions by teachers highlight the ongoing concerns about hostile learning and teaching environments created by Houston ISD’s takeover superintendent, Mike Miles, and his reform policies. Teachers and students alike have experienced a culture of fear regarding punishment and reprisal throughout the district’s campuses.” Among numerous allegations against Miles and his administration, the statement also included a list of demands for change.
Here are some of the allegations teachers, many of them speaking anonymously, launched in the media statement: • “Teachers and students alike have experienced a culture of fear regarding punishment and reprisal throughout the district’s campuses” • “The superintendent has created a toxic environment for students, teachers and parents” • “Mike Miles’ administration has intimidated teachers to stay silent See HISD P. 5
THE GOLDEN YEAR
INSIDE.
File photo
Houston ISD Superintendent Mike Miles
EQ Heights faces uncertainty as property goes up for sale By LISA MORALES The Leader News Contributor
Mais Oui, s’il vous plaît: Magnol French Baking to open in the Heights
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Watermark at Houston Heights facility undergoes ownership change, rebranding
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Photo courtesy of HHA
The Houston Heights Association 50th Anniversary Celebration features a community picnic at Marmion Park April 13.
Houston Heights Association celebrates 50th anniversary By STEFANIE THOMAS editor@theleadernews.com
Lace up your running shoes for the Run the Grove 5K & Kids Fun Run
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Introducing Snapshots: The community’s story in pictures
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The community is invited to celebrate the Houston Heights Association’s 50th anniversary at Marmion Park on Saturday, April 13, from 10-11:30 a.m. The event will conclude just in time for everyone to join in the Heights Home Tour. Several prestigious awards will be presented, including the 2023 Citizen of The Year Award, the Corporate Citizen of The Year Award, and the Marcella Perry Award. Special recognition will also be given with awards such as the President’s Award, Family Spirit Award, Legacy Award, Pioneer Award, Rising Star Award, Spirit of the Heights Award, and the Tireless Champion Award. Honoring Volunteers Prior to the public event at Marmion Park on Saturday, the HHA hosted a private event to recognize the volunteers who are opening their homes for
Barter fair scheduled for April 27
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THE INDEX. People ���������������������������������������2 Topics ����������������������������������������4 Classifieds ���������������������������������6 Local Culture �����������������������������8
the 2024 Houston Heights Association Spring Home Tour, scheduled for April 13-14. This year’s honorees, the owners of the six homes to be featured, are: • Brett and Renee Zamore • Jeff and Rachel Spalding • Katie and Mike Beirne • Kate and Adrian Wong • Star and Jack Massing • Sameera and Ashish Mahendru HHA Executive Director Emily Guyre said opening one’s home to hundreds of strangers is no easy feat. Considering that the annual home tour is one of the most important funding events for the organization, and a frequent catalyst for real estate transactions in the area, Guyre said the HHA is deeply grateful for these neighbors’ participation and community spirit. Guyre said the association is also thankful for, and recognized, the docents conducting the home tours, volunteer guides who are graciously offering their time to ensure the event’s success.
Founding Vision and Motivation Guyre reflected on the association’s inception, which stemmed from a collective desire to rejuvenate the oncedeemed undesirable neighborhood. “The civic association formed by the founding members aimed to revitalize the community, make it a desirable place for families, improve schools, and restore the neighborhood’s former glory,” she said. “The founding members, numbering around 15, were pioneers and pillars of the community, recognized for their significant contributions.” Transformative Projects and Initiatives The HHA’s impact is evident in its numerous projects, including the creation of Marmion and Donovan Parks, the preservation of the Heights Library, and the restoration of historic structures listed in the National Register. These efforts have not only
See ANNIVERSARY P. 7
EQ Heights, a cherished community hub nestled in the heart of Houston Heights, faces an uncertain future as the building it leases, along with the adjacent building, has been listed for sale. Equilibrium Social House, or EQ Heights as it is more commonly known, is the quintessential Heights locale with wraparound outdoor patio seating and a comfortable, home-like vibe on its interior. Read a book, listen to live music, or work remotely, all while sipping delicious coffees and teas that can be customized to your liking. Owner Kevin Blasini, in a heartfelt Facebook message to the EQ Heights family, expressed both gratitude for the community’s unwavering support and hope for the café’s continuation. “We have some important news to share with our amazing community. The current owner of the building which EQ HEIGHTS leases has decided to put the property and the property located next door at 1034 Heights Blvd. up for sale,” the post said. “While this brings some uncertainty about the future, please know that Kevin, the current owner of EQ Heights Social House is actively monitoring the situation, including the lease and potential to purchase the structure.” The two-building property, located in historic district with each building built in 1920 and around 1450 sqft. in size, is currently listed for sale at $1.9 million. The second building currently houses a law office. Both tenants occupying their respective space on a month-to-month lease, according to the listing. Blasini’s journey with EQ Heights began See EQ HEIGHTS P. 5
Photo courtesy of EQ Heights
The property that is currently home of EQ Heights and an adjacent law office, has been listed for sale at $1.9 million. The move spells an uncertain future for the beloved neighborhood cafe.
Driving Change: Reagan Golf Tournament Bulldog Classic tees off under new leadership May 13 By STEFANIE THOMAS editor@theleadernews.com After three decades of service, the John H. Reagan Golf Tournament for Scholarships is undergoing a transition in leadership. Established in 1990 by Joel W. Sturdivant, Coach Lee Roy “Duck” Ashmore, and Joe Paul Wright, the tournament has been a cornerstone of support for graduating seniors from
Heights High School (formerly Reagan High School), providing over $700,000 in scholarships to help them pursue higher education. Stephen Marmion, an alumnus of Reagan, shared insights into the history and impact of the tournament. “Since its inception, the John H. Reagan Golf Tournament for Scholarships has been instrumental in supporting our community’s youth, empowering them to
pursue their academic dreams,” he said. Stepping into the role of leaders are Dr. Rolando “Rudy” Trevino and Dr. Melanie Rodriguez, both graduates of Reagan in 1996. Joining them are Connie Berger, Jessie Hamlin, and Ivonne Martinez Aguirre. All board members have deep ties to Reagan and a shared dedication to the tournament’s mission.
Dr. Trevino, reflecting on his journey from scholarship recipient to board member, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to give back. “Since 1996, I have been blessed to be one of the founding scholarship recipients and part of the Reagan Alumni Association. Almost 30 years later, we are collectively living out their legacy See BULLDOG P. 7