Inside Today: City celebrates White Cane Safety Day with expo, march Page 2
Flower & Gift Shop
Covering the Heights, Garden Oaks, Oak Forest & the neighborhoods of North Houston
10570 NW Frwy ❖ 713-680-2350
Saturday, October 19, 2024 • Vol. 69 • No. 42
ABOUT US
Heights community grieves loss of local mom, unborn child, at center of capital murder case
713-371-3600 news@theleadernews.com www.theleadernews.com Facebook/FromTheLeader
By STEFANIE THOMAS editor@theleadernews.com
you’re reading this, so are your potential customers call today to advertise!
713-371-3600
INSIDE.
The Houston Heights community is mourning the recent loss of a beloved mother, daughter, sister, and neighbor – allegedly at the hands of her own husband. Christa Bauer Gilley, 38, and her husband Lee Mongerson Gilley, 38, owned their house on Allston Street in the Heights for more than seven years. They raised their young family there,
with two young children and another on the way. At the time of her alleged murder on Monday, Oct. 7, Christa was reportedly 8 weeks pregnant. Local media reports indicate Christa was a respected nurse at a local hospital while, according to court records, her husband worked as a self-employed software consultant.
WHAT DO POLICE SAY HAPPENED? Houston Police allege that Christa
was strangled by her husband, Lee Gilley. A capital murder charge (multiple murder, due to Christa’s pregnancy) has since been filed against him in the 497th State District Court. According to HPD investigators, police officers were initially dispatched to the Gilley home around 11:30 p.m. on Oct. 7 when Christa’s husband called 911 to report a suicide, allegedly telling authorities he found his See GILLEY P. 5
Photo courtesy of Christa Gilley’s family
Christa Gilley was a beloved family member, friend, and member of the Heights community.
Dessert Dive FROM CLASSICS Red expands sweet with TO CONTEMPORARY newlegacy Oak Forest location
By LISA MORALES The Leader News Contributor Local housing market data for September by zip code
Page 3
Keep old pumpkins out of the landfill — drop them off for composting instead
Photos by Pin Lim
The cast of “Lucia di Lammermoor” featuring soprano Oriana Geis Falla (September 2024).
Page 4
Opera in the Heights unveils ambitious season of bold new productions and rising stars By RUBENA GRACIA The Leader News Contributor
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month
Many residents of the Heights know that there is a cultural gem on Heights Boulevard – Opera in the Heights. Since 1996, the company has presented approximately 350 performances and has gained national notice, for its significant role in nurturing young talent and delivering high-quality productions. Opera in the Heights (OH) is a professional regional company that brings affordable opera to the Greater Houston Area, offering fully staged operas with orchestra that are presented in the original language with English surtitles projected on two monitors.
Page 5
Aduriz Ramen opens first Texas location in the Heights
Grand Ambitions
Page 6
Conductor and General Director Mr. Eiki Isomura spoke with the Leader at Lambert Hall. He wants
Red Dessert Dive, a cozy dessert haven beloved by locals, has sweetened the Houston food scene once again with the opening of its second location near the Heights, in Oak Forest. Known for its delectable made-from-scratch treats, high-quality ingredients, and a unique pairing of desserts with craft beer, wine, and coffee, Red Dessert Dive has quickly become a cherished spot for dessert lovers. Owner and founder Jessica Lusk, inspired by a mix of passion and family tradition, reflects on the journey of turning a dream into reality. “Red is an actual dream come true,” she said. “I literally eat desserts for a living!” The name “Red” is a tribute to her grandmother, affectionately known as “Mamaw” Stella, a fiery redhead whose unforgettable desserts became the inspiration behind the bakery. “My Mamaw made me love eating desserts,” Lusk said. Though the baking is handled by her talented chef and now business partner Ashley, the spirit of Red’s family heritage is baked into every dessert. The decision to open a second location was born out of necessity, with See RED DESSERT P. 2
Tenor Brian Vu, baritone Adam Richardson, bass-baritone Griffen Hogan Tracy, and baritone Kellen Schrimper in “La Bohème” (April 2024).
the public to know that this is an ambitious season and shows the aspirations of the company. He also wants to expand the definition of what an opera company is, and how artists, including designers, librettists, and
crew, are supported. Isomura said he wants to continue providing important role debut opportunities for emerging opera singers, which is at the heart of See OPERA P. 3
Lemon Blueberry Cake - Red Dessert Dive offers cake made from scratch by the slice.
Autonomous Aid: Expectant moms receive crucial food deliveries via self-driving cars BEAR’s Stetsons $ Stilettos gala raises record amount for CPS kids
Page 8
THE INDEX. People ���������������������������������������2 Topics ����������������������������������������4 Classifieds ���������������������������������7 Local Culture �����������������������������8
By STEFANIE THOMAS editor@theleadernews.com If you happen to see cars named Cheese Blintz or Firefly or Flower on the road in the next few weeks, no need to worry! In an innovative move to combat food insecurity in local communities, including the Heights and Garden Oaks/Oak Forest, the Houston Food Bank, in collaboration with autonomous vehicle (AV) company Cruise, has launched a new program aimed at supporting expectant mothers facing
We empower people to thrive. S TE LL A R . BA N K NM L S # 4 5 1 3 1 2
food insecurity. The initiative, part of the Food Rx program, uses Cruise’s autonomous vehicles to deliver produce and non-perishable food items directly to the doorsteps of new and expectant mothers in need. The pilot program will see Cruise deploy AVs with safety drivers to complete 180 deliveries, providing an estimated 6,000 meals to at-risk mothers across Houston. The program serves high-risk and expectant Photo courtesy of Houston Food Bank mothers through partnerships with Houston Food Bank volunteers pack and load boxes containing food to be delivered via See AUTONOMOUS VEHICLE P. 5
autonomous vehicles to pregnant and at-risk women in the area, including clients in the Heights and Garden Oaks/Oak Forest.
Allegiance Bank and CommunityBank of Texas have come together as Stellar Bank. While our name has changed, our commitment to serving our customers and supporting our local communities will stay the same. We look forward to a bright future together.
2222 North Durham | 281.517.8760 Margaret Vandever, Bank Office President Cecilia Rodriguez, Office Manager