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State expanding vaccine eligibility to all adults By Stefan Modrich news@theleadernews.com All adults will be eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccine in Texas beginning Monday, March 29, according to a Tuesday news release from the Texas Department of State Health Services (TDSHS). TDSHS officials said they expect vaccine supplies to increase next week. The decision comes a week after the state moved into Phase 1C of its vaccination rollout plan, opening up vaccination clin-
ics to people age 50 and older. Healthcare workers, first responders, school employees and people with preexisting medical conditions are among those who already have been eligible to receive the vaccine. Harris County residents can visit readyharris.org or call 832-927-8787 to sign up for a vaccine waiting list. Houston residents can contact the city’s COVID-19 Call Center at 832393-4220 or visit houstonemergency.org/covid-19-vaccines/, although the city’s waiting list is currently closed,
according to its website. “You don’t have to wait to sign up for our waitlist,” Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo wrote Tuesday on Twitter. “Do it now at http://readyharris. org.” TDSHS is still prioritizing the elderly in its vaccination plan, directing vaccine providers to accommodate people 80 years old or older first when scheduling appointments and immediately moving them to the front of the line even if See Vaccine, P. 4A
Photo by Adam Zuvanich Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo, right, speaks in March 2020 about the impending arrival of COVID-19 to the Houston region. Starting Monday, March 29, 2021, every adult in Texas will be eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccine.
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INSIDE. Photo by Adam Zuvanich Simone Farath, a 5-year-old Heights resident, jumps off a playground structure Tuesday at Donovan Park. The popular park at Heights Boulevard and 7th Street reopened Monday after being closed for a year because of safety concerns related to COVID-19. ARTcade games. An interactive exhibit resembling a video arcade is new in Sawyer Yards.
Heights playground reopens to public
Page 7A
By Adam Zuvanich azuvanich@theleadernews.com
Wash it down. Pacific Coast Tacos is among the new eateries on Washington Avenue.
Dena Honeycutt used to take her daughter to Donovan Park a few times per month. Tuesday’s visit was their first in a year, so 6-year-old Emma made the most of it. She and her friend, Elizabeth McReynolds, smiled and laughed as they darted around the beloved Heights park, which measures 37,505 square feet and consists mostly of wooden playground equipment. They spent some time on the swings, went headfirst down a slide and walked all over the train-like structure at the front of the park, among other adventures on a sunny spring evening. “My daughter’s ecstatic. She’s been running around for the last hour,” Dena Honeycutt said. “I don’t know if I’m going to be able to get her home.” The Honeycutts are among many Heights families who have enjoyed being reacquainted with Donovan Park, which reopened Monday after being closed since March 25, 2020, because of safety concerns related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Executive director Emily Guyre of
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Local HISD teacher earns high marks Teaching elementary students is not an easy gig for Adam Blair, who said he sometimes wonders whether he can keep doing it. The last year has been especially difficult as schools and families cope with the COVID-19 pandemic and teachers toggle between in-person and virtual lessons while worrying about the health of their students, themselves and their own families. But when children and their parents express appreciation for the work he does at Wilson Montessori School, a Houston ISD campus in the Montrose area, Blair said his longtime job doesn’t seem so much like work. So the 38-yearold Lindale Park resident continues pouring his time and energy into his profession. Blair, who for the last 10 years has taught fourth, fifth and sixth graders at Wilson, recently received the Ashley HomeStore Red Apple Award from the furniture store and Houston television station KHOU. He was nominated by parents of the students he teaches, one of whom said Blair meets kids’ social and emotional needs along with helping them grow academically. “The parents and the students always give me a reason to come back,” Blair said. “What really mattered to me was hearing the parents just stop and See Blair, P. 5A
Photo by Adam Zuvanich Abigail Taylor, left, and Elle Goldsmith, both 1-year-old Heights residents, play on the wooden train Tuesday at Donovan Park.
Contributed photo Lindale Park resident Adam Blair, a teacher at Wilson Montessori School, sings during a concert for students a few years ago.
See Donovan, P. 5A Hot commodities. It’s a good time to be a seller in the local real estate market.
Scarborough soccer squads fight through obstacles
Page 1B
By Landan Kuhlmann landan@theleadernews.com
THE INDEX. Church....................................................... 4A Classifieds.............................................. 5A Coupons. ................................................. 3B Food/Drink/Art................................... 7A Opinion. ................................................... 3A Public Information......................... 2A Puzzles...................................................... 3A Sports. ....................................................... 4A
Contributed photo Scarborough High School soccer player Roger Oyuela dribbles the ball during a game earlier this year.
Scarborough High School boys soccer coach Brandon Williams knows the challenges that are presented to his players both on and off the pitch, even under normal circumstances. And given that the 2021 season presented pandemic-induced obstacles as well, he said the Spartans’ successful season is that much sweeter. “A lot of these kids are coming from economically challenged backgrounds, where COVID really hit them financially – that was along with de-
manding schoolwork in the new (remote learning) environment,” he said. “Then on top of (that and everything else), athletics was extremely challenging for a lot of my players.” Despite that, however, the Spartans entered Thursday’s Class 4A bidistrict playoff matchup against Stafford on a high note. They are coming off the program’s first regular-season district championship since 2015. Williams, who is in his fourth season at the helm, had made the playoffs each of the previous two seasons, and finished second in the district multiple times before this season’s triumph.
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“That was a big reward for all the hard work and dedication they’ve given this season,” he said. The Scarborough girls team has had a fruitful season as well as was scheduled to play Columbia at 5:30 p.m. Friday at Bay City High School in its own Class 4A bi-district playoff. Many of the boys team’s seniors, Williams said, have made the journey alongside him over the last four years as he tries to build the Spartans into a state contender. And the groundwork certainly appears to have paid off as See Soccer, P. 5A
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The Leader • Saturday, March 27, 2021 • Page 2A
Man charged in fatal Inwood crash Heights-area burglary By Landan Kuhlmann landan@theleadernews.com Houston police have arrested a man in connection with a fatal car crash near Greater Inwood last week. The Houston Police Department said 36-year-old Eric Ross has been charged with manslaughter in the 178th State District Court in connection with the incident. The victim, 70-year-old James Ojoch, was pronounced
Ross
dead at an area hospital, according to HPD. HPD said Ojoch was pulling out of a private driveway at 6500 West Little York Rd. at 1:20 p.m. March 18, when Ross’ vehicle allegedly struck his car at a high rate of speed while heading east on West Little York. The collision pushed Ojoch’s car into another vehicle that was waiting for a stop light, police said. The driver of the other car was uninjured, according to HPD.
Road rage suspected in shooting incident By Landan Kuhlmann landan@theleadernews.com Houston police said a road rage incident may have led to a shooting near Acres Homes last week that left a man hospitalized. The victim, 20-year-old Jose Lopez, was taken to an area hospital in stable condi-
tion, according to the Houston Police Department. According to police, Lopez pulled out into traffic in front of a white Chevy pickup truck at 8200 Wheatley St. around noon last Saturday, March 20. Police said the suspect then followed Lopez in his truck and fired multiple gunshots, striking Lopez in the head.
Lopez then drove himself to HPD’s North Patrol Station at 9455 West Montgomery Rd., where he was then taken to the hospital, according to police. Anyone with information in this case is urged to contact HPD’s Major Assaults & Family Violence division at 713308-8800 or Crime Stoppers at 713-222-8477.
Houston police are attempting to determine the cause of death of a man who was found outside a house in Acres Homes earlier this month. The Houston Police Department said in a news release that officers responded to a home at 838 Green Meadow Ln. around 9:30 a.m.
By Landan Kuhlmann landan@theleadernews.com Police are looking for a man suspected of stealing a welding machine from a Heightsarea business last weekend. According to the Harris County Precinct 1 Constable’s Office, deputies responded to the 500 block of North Loop West near the Heights last Saturday, March 20 in response to a burglary call. Precinct 1 said a business owner told deputies a suspect went through an open window, took a welding machine and then pried open a gate on the edge of the property before heading east toward a nearby Starbucks. The suspect is described as a Black male standing 6-foot-
By Landan Kuhlmann landan@theleadernews.com Local law enforcement is searching for a man they say exposed himself to an area woman earlier this month. According to the Harris County Precinct 1 Constable’s Office, the woman told investigators she was walking her dogs at the intersection of 14th Street and Arlington Street in the Heights on March 14 when a Hispanic man in
his early 30s drove by her in a gray Toyota 4Runner. The constable’s office said the woman told police the man then drove past her with the driver’s side door open and no pants on, exposing himself to her, before driving away. The man also had acne scars on his face, according to the constable’s office. Precinct spokesperson Kevin Quinn said the case remains under investigation.
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1 or 6-2 and weighing about 170 pounds based on surveillance video from the scene, according to Precinct 1. Police said the suspect was wearing a dark blue hoodie, dark long socks and black shoes with a white logo on the side.
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March 12 to find the victim, 35-year-old William Satterfield, unresponsive outside the home. Police said Satterfield was pronounced dead at the scene, with the presence of some concrete mix on his upper body. Anyone with information in the case is urged to contact HPD’s Homicide division at 713-3083600 or Crime Stoppers at 713-222-8477.
Police searching for suspect in indecent exposure case
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THE TOPICS. The Leader • Saturday, March 27, 2021 • Page 3A
Hope springs eternal, especially this spring By Betsy Denson betsy@theleadernews.com
R
ecently, my husband made the observation that our youngest had spent a tenth of her life in a pandemic. Not being much of a math person, I had not thought of it that way, but it resonated. We’ve been at this thing a long time. I asked my daughter what she thought she would remember most about the past year and she said probably the disruption of her last year in elementary school and first year in middle school. When I ask myself the same question I’m still unsure. Masks are up there. I don’t think I miss physical contact as much as seeing someone’s mouth move when they talk. I’ve gotten over the disappointment of all the missed or cancelled events (both ordinary and milestone) because literally everyone is in the same boat. Also, there isn’t much that surprises me these days. I’ve said that if a giant chicken came down from the sky and started pecking at us
Betsy Denson
all, I wouldn’t be shocked. I almost mean it. Lately, though, I’ve been experiencing a sentiment that has been pretty dormant – optimism. Maybe it’s the extended daylight and spring weather. Maybe it is the stuff that is actually blossoming in the yard after Snowmageddon. Maybe it is the fact that I’ve had the first dose of the vaccine and dose No. 2 is coming up. Whatever it is, I’m feeling hopeful. That doesn’t mean I’m pretending that the new virus variants don’t exist or that the pandemic is over,
because it’s not and may not be for a while yet. But I’m doing what I can to keep me and my family safe. I’m making plans and reservations. I’m dreaming and scheming again about the future, even if it looks different. It is fun to talk to other people who are, too. For last week’s paper, I spoke to Ramon Soriano, the owner of La Calle Tacos who is opening a location of his restaurant on Ella Boulevard after another space pulled out because of COVID. He will open two restaurants at about the same time because both the plans and the timetable for the original buildout at his Midtown location changed due to the pandemic. Two new restaurants in a handful of months? That’s optimism and I love it enough to be the first in line for some Mexico City-style street tacos this fall. Then there is the housing market. I talked to real estate agents for this week’s paper about trends in the area and the consensus is that most homes are moving fast. Real estate agent Eileen Hartman said March will be her busiest month in 25 years.
The artful dodger To: Gov. Greg Abbott From: Agent Slime Ball Re: Operation Evade As per your instructions, I have toured Texas to determine your chances to be elected President in 2024. True, you “are just looking into it,” according to a press release from your campaign manager. My first step was to run man-on-the-street polls. Fully 2 percent said, “He’s my candidate.” Another 5 percent said, “I’ll vote for Abbott if I can find the one place in my county where I can vote.” An even 10 percent asked if your running mate was Costello. The rest of those polled variously said, “You’ve got to be kidding,” “Get out of my face,” or “That’s fake news, right?” UT students noted that, although you were a graduate of UT, you didn’t take a stand on keeping “The Eyes of Texas,” nor whether campus statues of Confederates should be removed, and refused to say if higher education is necessary. I also polled the Aggies, but found they thought “herd immunity” meant their cattle were safe. I found strong support for your candidacy among those with tattoos and who refuse to wear masks or shoes. Speaking of masks, some Texans say your handling of the Covid-19 pandemic was “indefensible.” Restaurant managers feel you were wishy-washy on the rules. “His indecisions make Hamlet look like George Patton,” said one. “I’ve seen better flip-fops on the beach,” said another. Many restaurant owners noted their bartenders have taken to drinking heavily. I tried to poll school teachers, but most were in ICUs with the virus. When asked if you should run for president, health care workers often just cried. I have yet to find your own medical experts, but three of the four of them said you never asked their advice on re-opening Texas. Being one of two states to open up most businesses 100 percent and making masks optional has drawn condemnation from the so-called “experts.” CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky warned state officials against lifting public health restrictions too quickly. She said, “I am really worried about more states rolling back the exact public health measures we have recommended to protect people from Covid-19.” More at home, your re-opening order has led to many fights between clerks and customers. But bored doctors in hospital emergency rooms say, because of the angry interpretation of your vague orders, business is booming. It seems they have had little to do this past year. President Biden struck a historical note in saying such actions were “Neanderthal.” Companies including General Motors, Toyota, Target, and Macy’s say their employees in Texas will keep face masks on at work. So are several of our largest cities – including Austin, which is being sued by our
Lynn Ashby Columnist
under indictment attorney general, Ken Paxton, to get with the governor’s program. The Houston ISD along with several other major school districts rejected your order. Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner called the action “a national embarrassment.” Comments like “RIP Texas” and “I HATE IT HERE” started trending on Twitter. A Dallas health care worker died from Covid-19. Her daughter invited you to the funeral. Don’t go. Other true Texans congratulated your patriotism because your call for freedom came on March 2, Texas Independence Day, although they did not point out that Texas has more pandemic deaths than any other state, and has the next-to-lowest vaccination rate, better than the Mariana Islands. You scored some points when you went to the border and declared: “The Biden Administration is recklessly releasing hundreds of illegal immigrants who have COVID into Texas communities.” Also, in a tweet: “The Biden Admin. must IMMEDIATELY end this callous act that exposes Texans & Americans to COVID.” The “hundreds” you referred to appear to be 108 immigrants who crossed the border between Jan. 25 and March 1 and were tested positive and held, for an average of about three positive cases of COVID-19 per day. According to The New York Times and The COVID Tracking Project, in that same time period, Texas as a whole recorded more than 400,000 new cases. But who’s counting? Cynics claim that your ordering this huge change in our lives is simply a distraction from the disaster of the 2021 storm that occurred on your watch. OK, so 14 million Texans had to deal with no power, no heat in 11 degree weather, 57 deaths and counting and total misery whose effects are still being felt. No matter. The bars are open! You proclaim constantly and accurately, “It wasn’t my fault,” which would make a good bumper sticker for your presidential campaign. You charged the fault mainly lay with ERCOT. Just don’t mention that you appoint the Public Utility Commission which regulates ERCOT. You also blamed power companies, phases of the moon, the press and, of course, the tree-huggers. You said on -- where else? -- Fox News, “This shows how the Green New Deal would be a deadly deal for the United States. Our wind and our solar, they got shut down and they were collectively more than 10 percent of our power grid, and that thrust Texas into a situation where it was
lacking power on a statewide basis.” Experts disagreed, to put it mildly. Your efforts on TV to distract Texans failed to reach millions of your constituents. They didn’t have electricity or the cable. There are many Texans who feel you are vulnerable even for re-election as governor. Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo is one. And asked whether his interest in running for governor was sincere, Matthew McConaughey said, “It’s a true consideration.” Beto O’Rourke might run, and no doubt several others are quietly taking their own polls to test the waters --- where there is water. Some might object that you live in the Texas Governor’s Mansion. So did Edward Clark, Francis Lubbock, Andrew Hamilton, Pendleton Murrah and several others. They were not only governors, but Confederates. Finally, I suggest you stop saying, “The Buck Stop Here.” Even Buck disapproves. Ashby deflects at ashby2@comcast.net
Realtor Ashley Day said vacation homes are also trending, with those who can afford them. “People are flocking to the Galveston, Austin, Florida and Colorado markets,” Day said. “Places they can easily drive to but still get away.” Hopeful people buy houses. Summer day camps and classes are advertising again. There are virtual options available, but unlike last summer, there are just as many in-person choices. I am assuming this is due to demand and a decreasing county positivity rate. This week also marks the secondto-last grading cycle for Houston ISD and it was another opportunity for students who were virtual to return to in-person learning. In late January, more than 40 percent of HISD students were back in classrooms for learning. Anecdotal evidence from my kids excited to see more new faces back on Monday seems to indicate that the number is trending up. The governor’s ending of the statewide mask order did deter some parents I spoke with, but most said they lean toward sending their kids back for the end of the year. If out-
door graduations are the thing this spring, I am totally on board for that. It’s hard not to be hopeful when the sun is shining, and the vacation feel of summer – even if you don’t get the summer off – is approaching. Recently, I went to the Memorial Park loop to get my steps in and as you might have noticed it is always packed, exercise-before-bathing suit season being the most hope-filled endeavor. On the trail, I passed the underconstruction Land Bridge, part of a $70 million project that also re-introduces native prairie and wetlands to the area. It is a large, extremely optimistic undertaking and seems to me very fitting for the times. When it is complete in late 2022, I wonder what the new normal will be? A meme that came across my feed the other day also resonated for me right now: “Sometimes when you are in a dark place you think you’ve been buried, but you’ve actually been planted.” - Christine Caine Spring has finally sprung. Be glad in it.
THE READER.
Email us your letters: news@theleadernews.com
Get-out-of-detention card
neighborhoods. Deed restrictions in Oak Forest already limit the number of stories allowed (although they are enforced in a loosey-goosey manner). We could also limit the amount of each lot that can be covered in deed restrictions. The city can imposed detention requirements, but there is no point to rules that can be bought off. Such action allows politicians to give lip service to concern for long-time residents while deliberately leaving them vulnerable to disaster. Katie McDonald
Dear Editor: The onset of drainage issues in Oak Forest can be traced back to one action by the city about 15 years ago. At that time, the city had sewer cleanouts redone with large domed manholes on grade with existing slabs of original homes like my own. They are ugly but they are also a massive problem which I did not know enough to identify until long after the damage was done. City building codes require slab foundations be 12” higher than the nearest clean-out manhole. You can see new home slabs a full 12 inches above the slabs of older homes next to them. So if you have wondered by truck-load after tuck-load of dirt is brought in to empty lots before that new house goes up, that is why. Builders can either pour 14-20 inch slabs of cement, or they can create the less expensive dirt hills upon which to build. I watched as 21 loads of dirt were loaded into the lot across the street. A lovely home was built and I have wonderful neighbors there, but the point is that these hills are throughout the neighborhood and they have massively changed the local topography and drainage patterns forever. Every person in an original home WILL eventually be flooded out. Get flood insurance now! The city ought to buy it for us, since they caused the problem. The city may pass detention regulations, but if they are willing to take money in lieu of protection for the original homes, flooding is still inevitable. The city caused this, possibly at the direction of their pals in real estate development (who have always owned City Hall), but the city does not care if we flood. They have alternative motives: 1) if we get flooded out their pals can buy our land cheap and sell at huge profits, and 2) the city gets more tax value from the newer, larger homes. There are a couple of ways we can protect our
Lathan’s departure another strike against HISD board
Dear Editor: I think perhaps before you weigh in on HISD issues you might want to interview more people. The board vote against Lathan in November was along racial lines. All 3 African-American board members voted in support of giving Lathan the job. Two of the votes were from recently elected candidates : Blueford-Daniels and Allen. Wanda Adams was the other vote. The votes against Lathan (6 in all) included two newly elected board members and 4 previously elected board members. I have been following the board pretty closely for many years. Lathan had a rocky relationship with many members of the board. She actually withheld information and was not forthcoming. I think she may have improved over time. This made it difficult for the board to do their job. If you check on her performance in Peoria, she was not liked there. Again, she resigned before she was terminated. Here is what a Peoria community paper had to say. http://thecommunityword.com/online/ blog/2014/08/31/its-time-for-lathan-to-go/ It is much more difficult to get information from HISD under this administration. Administrators are told not to respond. Not to talk to reporters. Debbie Hall
the leader Puzzlers. Answers found in this week’s Classified section
SUDOKU
aCrOss 1. Characters in one inch of tape 4. In a hold 9. Jewish mystic 14. A way to souse 15. A small sharp knife 16. Frogs, toads, tree toads 17. Brew 18. Rowdy carouser 20. Poetries 22. __ salts, remedy 23. Expect eagerly 24. Obstructing the view of something 28. Denotes three 29. Expression of uncertainty 30. Greek portico 31. Bureau 33. Electric battery 37. Vapor density 38. Radioactivity unit 39. Strive to equal or match 41. Cologne 42. Carrier’s invention 43. Highest in degree or quality 44. Female horses 46. Serbian 49. Publicity 50. Actress Lupino
51. Supporting structures 55. Jobs 58. Indian founder of Sikhism 59. Capital of Zimbabwe 60. Woman of charm and good looks 64. Order 65. Draft animal in desert regions 66. Unaccented syllable verse 67. Fail to keep pace 68. Sheath or shirtwaist 69. Moss stalks 70. __ Lilly, drug company
dOwn 1. Exclamation of praise 2. 200 island Pacific nation (alt. sp.) 3. Repeated 4. Hungers 5. School of Business, UCB 6. Bobby __, NHL champ 7. Lease 8. More parched 9. Medieval merchant guild
10. Negative ions 11. Top 12. One of the Gershwins 13. Dekalitre 19. Imitate 21. Gentlemen 24. Dawn 25. A citizen of Chile 26. Bright stars 27. Codfish genus 31. Extremely unrefined 32. Diacritical mark 34. Correspondences 35. Indicates position 36. Small cup 40. 12th Greek letter 41. Capable of being eliminated 45. 12th Jewish month 47. Rechristen 48. In a way, imputes 52. Hydroxyls + 2C 53. Follows sigma 54. Vegetable shrubs 56. South African village 57. Monetary unit of D.R. Congo 59. First Chinese dynasty 60. Divides evenly into (Math) 61. Household god (Roman) 62. Pakistani rupee 63. American time
WORD SCRAMBLE
Page 4A • Saturday, March 27, 2021 • The Leader
BASEBALL/SOFTBALL ROUNDUP
St. Thomas, Waltrip score wins on baseball diamond By Landan Kuhlmann landan@theleadernews.com
It was a week full of many victories for local baseball squads, with several of them making it through last week mostly unscathed thanks to some standout performances. St. Thomas defeated Kinkaid 5-4 on March 20, then beat Beaumont Kelly 9-8 Tuesday night. Eddie Villegas had a double and two RBIs, while Max Chung started and got the win on March 20. Bradley Batterson had three RBIs against Kelly for the Eagles, who improved to 10-6-1. They were slated for a rematch against Kelly on Thursday and a Saturday tilt with St. Pius X also on this week’s
schedule. St. Pius X, meanwhile, split four games during the Sulphur SPOT Classic in Louisiana last week. The Panthers beat St. Louis Catholic 8-3 and Sulphur 7-6 on March 18, then lost 10-1 to Sam Houston on March 19 and dropped a 12-5 decision to Vandebilt Catholic on March 20. Kyle Winkler homered for SPX against St. Louis Catholic, while Trent Caram and Austin Brown each had two hits against Sulphur. Austin Hunter homered against Sulphur, while catcher Carson Hintz hit a two-run homer and threw out three would-be base stealers against Vandebilt Catholic. The Panthers then dropped a 4-3 decision to Concordia Lutheran Tuesday night in its
district opener, falling to 10-6. Lutheran High North dropped a 13-0 decision to Tomball Rosehill Christian. In public school action, Waltrip bounced back from an 11-0 loss to Second Baptist on March 15 with a pair of wins on March 17 to close their week. The Rams (6-5, 2-0 district) beat Second Baptist 4-1 in a rematch, then took down Houston Christian 7-3 that same day. The Rams were scheduled to face Manvel on Friday. Scarborough defeated Wheatley 14-6 on March 16 to improve to 5-6 overall and 4-0 in District 23-4A. The Spartans were scheduled to play Mickey Leland College Preparatory on Wednesday night.
Softball The Heights Lady Bulldogs dropped their only game last week, an 8-0 decision at the hands of Shadow Creek. Leticia Flores had two hits for Heights (9-3, 6-0), which was scheduled to face Homeschool Christian Youth Association on Tuesday night. St. Pius X snapped a twogame losing streak with a 15-0 win over Incarnate Word Academy Tuesday night to open district play. Emily Dear and Victoria Hunter each had three hits, while Dear and Jennifer Schmalz had three RBIs apiece. Lutheran High North was scheduled to play Covenant Christian on Tuesday night.
Photo from St. Thomas High School Twitter St. Thomas’ Will Rizzo winds up to throw a pitch March 10 against Clear Springs. The Eagles won both of their games last week.
American Legion seeks students for civics programs By Adam Zuvanich
azuvanich@theleadernews.com
American Legion Post 560 in Garden Oaks is hosting an informational session from 2-3 p.m. Saturday for high school juniors who are interested in participating in prestigious statewide programs that teach students about
American citizenship and government. Both the American Legion Texas Boys State program and Texas Bluebonnet Girls State, which is sponsored by the American Legion Auxilliary, will be held virtually this summer because of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Boys State session is scheduled for June 27July 2, while Girls State will be held
from June 20-25. The local legion post at 3720 Alba Rd. selects students each year to participate in the programs, in which participants receive video presentations from elected officials and learn about civic responsibility and the traditions of the United States and its government. Part of the program consists of
creating a simulated government in which participants are split into fictional political parties and vie for elected and appointed positions. For more information or to RSVP for Saturday’s informational session in Garden Oaks, call Post 560 Commander Irene Infante at 713-385-2218.
Turner tabs Finner as new police chief By Adam Zuvanich azuvanich@theleadernews.com
Troy Finner, a 31-year veteran of the Houston Police Department, has been selected by Mayor Sylvester Turner as the city’s next police chief. The city said in a news release that Finner, whose appointment was expected to be confirmed this week by the Houston City Council, plans to take office April 5. He is set to succeed Heights resident Art Acevedo, who has served as Houston Police Chief since late 2016 and is leaving to lead the police department in Mi-
ami, Florida. Finner is a Houston native, having been born in the Fifth Ward, grown up in the Hiram Clarke neighborhood and graduated from Madison High School. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Sam Houston State University in Huntsville and a master’s degree from University of Houston-Clear Lake. “I am grateful to Mayor Turner for this opportunity to lead the men and women of the Houston Police Department,” Finner said in a statement released by the city. “I have spent my entire career
roles and divisions since joining HPD in 1990, including the Office of Public Affairs and Internal Investigation Command. He currently serves as Executive Assistant Chief and oversees HPD Field & Operations Support, the Traffic Enforcement Division, Emergency Communications Division, Mental Health Division and Gang Division. Turner said Finner embraces the use of technology and data-driven analysis and has a leadership style “best described as quiet with a strong demeanor.” “I am confident Chief
Finner
preparing for this moment, and I will not let down the mayor or the people of Houston.” Finner has served in several
Finner is the right person for the job at this time,” Turner added. “I have asked him to stay focused on relational policing and bridging the gaps in trust and communication between Houstonians and our police department.”
By Adam Zuvanich Houston City Council member Abbie Kamin, who represents the Heights, Garden Oaks and Oak Forest areas as part of District C, gave birth to her first child on March 13 and is on maternity leave. Kamin and her husband, Houston attorney Matthew Hansel, named their son Slade Lester Kamin Hansel. Kamin thanked community mem-
bers for their support and well wishes in a news release from her office, which said she is Houston’s first city council member to be pregnant and give birth while holding office. “Women’s equity has always been at the forefront of policy for me, but going through both pregnancy and becoming a new mother while holding office, and in the middle of a pandemic, has given me a whole new perspective on the strength of all of the incred-
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ible women and mothers who work at the city,” Kamin said in a statement. Kamin said March 17 that she would be spending the “next few weeks” on maternity leave to recover from giving birth and spend time with her newborn son. Her office remains open for constituents, who can call 832-393-3004 or email districtc@houstontx. gov for assistance.
For those who do not have the option to register online, TDSHS will launch a toll-free number to provide assistance making an appointment with a participating provider or to aid in locating another provider that has the vaccine available. As of Monday, Texas had administered more than 9.3 million doses of COVID-19 vaccine. More than 6 million of those people have received at least one dose and more than 3 million are fully vaccinated, according to TDSHS data.
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supply increases,” Imelda Garcia, TDSHS associate commissioner for laboratory and infectious disease services and the chair of the Expert Vaccine Allocation Panel, said in a news release. “As eligibility opens up, we are asking providers to continue to prioritize people who are the most at risk of severe disease, hospitalization and death – such as older adults.” People can continue to find additional providers though the TDSHS Vaccine Information page at dshs.texas.gov/covidvaccine.
A Good Friday fish fry is scheduled for 5 p.m. April 2 at American Legion Post 560, located at 3720 Alba Rd. in Garden Oaks. Meals are available for dinein or takeout and cost $12 per plate. They will include fried fish, French fries, coleslaw and hush puppies. Beverage specials also will be available.
For North Central Houston Now Forming for details, email our host: chuck@krstor.com Learning to walk in the power & authority of Jesus
Vaccine, from P. 1A they show up without an appointment. TDSHS also said it plans to launch a website to allow people to register for a shot through some public health providers, and the public can use it to enroll in the Texas Public Health Vaccine Scheduler to identify upcoming vaccine clinics hosted by TDSHS or a participating local health department and to be notified when new clinics and appointments become available. “We are closing in on 10 million doses administered in Texas, and we want to keep up the momentum as the vaccine
From Staff Reports
NEW KEVIN ZADAI WARRIOR FELLOWSHIP HOME BIBLE STUDY
Local council member becomes mother azuvanich@theleadernews.com
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GET Palm Sunday Praises OVER IT! the people. God’s truth, while By Pastor Will Cover
t goes without saying, but I’ll say it anyway: “we have all made mistakes.” As Alexander Pope so aptly put it: “To err is human, to forgive, divine.” We should remember this the next time we make a mistake. Most certainly, we must learn from our mistakes, and hopefully not continue to repeat them, but we should also forgive ourselves. While it can be hard enough to forgive others for their mistakes, it can sometimes feel almost impossible to forgive ourselves. We sometimes cannot bring ourselves to forgive something we’ve done, and we may punish and harangue ourselves for years, or even decades, over youthful indiscretions. In addition, some of us may not be able to forget the sins of our past. And although that may prevent us from repeating them, we must be charitable and forgive ourselves, just as we should forgive others. So, we should make a real effort in the coming days and weeks to forgive the offenses of others as well as our own. Sometimes, it helps to just forget about them; that is, to try to put them out of our mind and stop repeatedly mulling over them. One of the reasons we use the phrase “forgive and forget” is because sometimes that is the only way to forgive, i.e., by forgetting. But far better, and more divine, is to be able to forgive even while remembering the offense. So, we should let go of those unforgiving, vindictive, shameful feelings about the past, and get over it! Corrie ten Boom, who survived incarceration in a Nazi prison camp said, “Forgiveness is to set a prisoner free, and to realize that the prisoner was you.”
Arise Baptist Church 803 Curtin St. Houston TX 77018 713-659-9697 • www.arisebaptistchurch.org
T
his Sunday is known as Palm Sunday. This was one week before Jesus arose from the grave. It is fascinating to think that one day Jesus was coming into the city and the people were cheering and praising Him as the King of Israel, and just a week later they had crucified Judge not, and you will not be judged; condemn not, and you willHow not be condemned; him. could forgive, this change and you will be forgiven... come about so rapidly? The R.S.V. Luke 6:37 reality is that the religious leaders of that day hated Jesus because he was a threat to their leadership and power. He was the Son of God and he taught the people truth with authority because He was God. The religious leaders, while they claimed to teach truth, had twisted the truth to make it something that they could use to wield power over
God compares it to a sword, is not for me to use to subjugate other people. Rather, the truth of God’s Word brings freedom to all who will believe. We should all worship Jesus Christ as our King. He is our Creator and he is also our Savior. It is through his death, burial, and resurrection that we can have eternal life. The religious leaders of Jesus’ day were looking for answers in religion and good works. Good morals won’t cause God to be pleased with you because there aren’t enough good works that we can do to pay for the times we have broken God’s law. Our only hope is in King Jesus. I hope as you contemplate what Jesus did for you that you will praise Him this Palm Sunday. If you are looking for a place to worship you are invited to join us this week.
The Leader • Saturday, March 27, 2021 • Page 5A
Soccer from P. 1A
Donovan from P. 1A
the Spartans went 13-0-1 in the regular season to clinch the long-awaited District 234A title and seek the first area-round playoff appearance in Williams’ tenure. “We’ve been on the cusp of doing great things (for years), and this year we were finally able to win,” he said. Like many programs, however, Scarborough’s season was not without its obstacles - such as the aformentioned financial challenges or the virus forcing Houston ISD to utilize remote learning for a period at the beginning of the school year. “A lot of challenges for high school sports around here is just getting those kids eligible to play,” Williams said. “We could have the best players and the best tactics, but if they’re not doing what they need to do in the classroom then it doesn’t matter.” Williams wasn’t alone within the Scarborough soccer program in battling through issues related to the coronavirus’ impact. The Lady Spartans and fourthyear head coach Edward Bradley had multiple players come down with COVID-19 during the course of the season, forcing them to play shorthanded at times. But even though the Lady Spartans fell short of a sixth straight district championship, Bradley said the bar has
still been set to reach those heights again. He also said this season has epitomized the reason future success remains possible. “This has been one of the most tumultuous years I’ve had coaching. … It shows why this program had been champions before. They just have so much heart and a lot of pride,” he said of a regular season that saw his team finish 8-2-3 overall and 8-13 in 23-4A. “We played the last two games (in the regular season) short on players – but the girls still wanted to go out there, represent the school and try to win those games.” Both coaches were highly anticipating their first-round playoff games, because they said the best is yet to come. “They’ve always been a really talented bunch,” Williams said of his team’s seven seniors. “They’ve worked well throughout the years and grown together.” Bradley and the Lady Spartans are looking to earn a fourth straight area-round berth. “There’s no excuses on our part – that’s always been our mindset, despite everything. We showed why we’ve been a championship-level team in this district,” Bradley said. “We’re finally healthy now – that’s really the big thing for us. I like our chances.”
SOCCER PLAYOFF SCHEDULE
BOYS THURSDAY Class 4A bi-district: Scarborough vs. Stafford, 5: 30 p.m., Delmar Stadium Class 5A bi-district: Waltrip vs. Richmond Foster, 7:30 p.m., Foster High School FRIDAY Class 4A bi-district: Washington vs. Brazosport, 7:30 p.m., Hopper Stadium Class 6A bi-district: Heights vs. Jersey Village, 7:30 p.m., Jersey Village High School GIRLS THURSDAY Class 4A bi-district Washington vs. Sweeny, 7:30 p.m., Barnett Stadium FRIDAY Class 4A bi-district Scarborough vs. Columbia, 5:30 p.m., Bay City Class 5A bi-district Waltrip vs. Angleton, 7 p.m., Delmar Stadium
the Houston Heights Association (HHA), which owns and manages the 25-year-old park at the northeast corner of Heights Boulevard and 7th Street, said the neighborhood nonprofit decided to unlock the gates in correspondence with a similar move by the City of Houston. The Houston Parks and Recreation Department had previously announced that Monday was the day it planned to reopen outdoor amenities such as playgrounds, exercise stations, tennis courts and baseball and softball fields at its city parks, which otherwise have remained open throughout the pandemic. Depending on COVID-19 case numbers in Houston, which have mostly been on the decline since January, the city plans to reinstall basketball rims and open more sports fields and courts next Monday, March 29. “From the beginning, the (HHA) board had decided we were going to follow the City of Houston protocols,” HHA board member Idalia Guerra said. “I think a lot of people weren’t aware that even though a lot of recreational parks were open, the playgrounds were not open. Since Donovan Park is a playground, we wanted to make sure we were being safe and following orders.”
Photo by Adam Zuvanich Emma Honeycutt, foreground, and Elizabeth McReynolds followed each other down a slide Tuesday at Donovan Park.
Guyre said the HHA “felt like it was time” to reopen the park this week, with community members having frequently asked about its status. Donovan Park also got some recent upgrades in consultation with Nick Pagel, a Candlelight Estates resident and the owner of Imagination Woodworks. Guerra said the HHA spent nearly $9,000 to lay new mulch throughout the playground, replace the swings and the
trash cans and improve the park’s drainage system by cleaning out its inlets. Early last year, before the pandemic hit Houston, a capital campaign called “Reimagine Donovan Park” was launched with the goal of raising $1 million to redesign and rebuild the park. But Guyre said the pandemic and corresponding economic downturn impacted the initiative and the HHA in general, adding that the fundraising campaign for the park is “on hold.” “We are in the regrouping phase,” she said. “The park will be reimagined one day.” For now, the HHA and the neighborhood it serves are glad Donovan Park is open again and with some improved amenities. Guerra, who has two young daughters, said the playground “has a special place in everyone’s heart in this community.” Honeycutt said the yearlong closure was “really hard” for her and her daughter, Emma, who tried to make up for lost time on Tuesday. So did several other kids who call the Heights home, including sisters Natalie and Simone Farath. “We love it,” said their mother, Laura Farath. “It’s our favorite.”
Blair from P. 1A say, ‘Hey, thank you so much for what you’ve done.’ That means more than anything.” Meyerland resident Lauren Topek, whose daughter, Ella, is a fifth-grade student in her second year with Blair, said he keeps kids engaged with a sense of humor, creativity and compassion. She also said Blair has fostered a sense of stability and continuity at a time when 12 of his students report to campus every weekday and 14 participate online. Blair teaches math, science and history to all of them at the same time, live-streaming his lessons to those who have chosen to complete their schoolwork remotely. Topek said he also takes an interest in the lives of his students and their families, getting to know them and their specific needs outside of school. Topek said her daughter, who participates in virtual learning, frequently gets migraine headaches and had to be hospitalized twice earlier this year. Blair reached out to see how Ella was doing, Topek said, and then helped her get
caught up with her schoolwork while also making her feel included with the rest of the class. “For a kid to be in the hospital and during COVID – you can’t have visitors, friends can’t come, grandparents can’t come – to know your teacher is not just thinking about you but is really concerned about you and cares for you meant a lot for us,” Topek said. Blair said he and the other adults in his students’ lives have a responsibility to care for them socially and emotionally as well as academically. He said he also practices trauma-informed teaching, a mindset by which educators foster stable, nurturing relationships with students to help them heal from traumas they may have experienced. Blair said his approach was shaped by his experience with his eldest daughter, Kinsley, who was adopted when she was 4 years old and did not speak for a few years after that point. Blair said Kinsley’s teachers at the time ques-
tioned her intellectual capacity and that doctors diagnosed her with developmental delays. But with consistent nurturing from his wife, Randi, and others, Blair said Kinsley started talking and eventually blossomed. The oldest of five Blair children, she now is set to graduate from HISD’s Energy Institute High School and has received a scholarship to attend Worcester Polytechnic Institute in Massachusetts. “I think about my daughter a lot when I meet new children,” Blair said. “I consider, ‘When they turn 18 years old, who but me (will have influenced them)?’ Hopefully a lot of adults will try to pull greatness out of them. I try to use every opportunity that I can to just pour into them.” Project-based learning is a favorite of Blair’s, who provides students with a problem as well as a means to solve it. He said one such project was called “Be the Change,” in which a Wilson student was bothered by speeding in his neighborhood, counted the
number of drivers who rolled through stop signs over a period of a couple weeks and then presented the data to his homeowners association. Blair said he also likes to make music with his students, having once won an HISD contest for creating a jingle related to nutrition. Singing and songwriting are part of his class, and a few years ago Blair performed in a school concert called “Scientists are Superheroes.” “I don’t want to be bored,” he said. “I don’t want them to be bored.” Along with keeping students entertained, Topek said Blair makes them feel like they’re part of a family, whether they’re participating in person or virtually. She also said the parents of Blair’s students displayed a similar sense of togetherness to help him get some recognition. Topek said nominating him for the Red Apple Award was a “class effort.” “Everybody feels such love for Mr. Blair and what he does for our children,” she said.
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The Leader • Saturday, March 27, 2021 • Page 7A
Art Valet: Fresh Arts launches new residency Mitch Cohen Art Columnist
In the art world, getting an artist residency is like winning the lottery. The artist gets some money, space and the freedom to create. In almost all cases, the sponsor of the residency is a prestigious organization giving the artist credibility as a resident. Last week I mentioned the new Space Taking Artist Residency by Fresh Arts, a nonprofit that focuses on the success of artists. The name “Space Taker” is a reference to the organization’s former name, Spacetaker. Fresh Arts launched the residency on March 13 with a six-week program providing artists with a 1,800-square foot gallery
space at Sawyer Yards; a $2,400 honorarium, marketing, mentorship and project support to be an incomegenerating opportunity for creatives. Just getting the space at Sawyer Yards would be enough for many artists, but Fresh Arts’ new program also serves as a launchpad for residents to try new methods of engagement with the public while measuring short- and long-term impacts to further bolster each artist’s career. In an email, Fresh Arts Executive Director Marci Dallas gave me some of the background to creating this really cool residency. “This program was created in response to the devastating year that artists have had as a result of the pandemic - according to a survey by Mid America Arts Alliance, one in five Houston artists lost 100 percent of their income and more than half of artists have lost
Photo by Gisele Parra A visitor checks out the ARTcade by Koomah exhibit.
51 percent or more of their income,” Dallas said. Three proposals out of 77 were selected from Houston artists based on artistic value, programming and adaptability to COVID-19 safety
measures. Multidisciplinary artist Koomah, movement artist Y.E. Torres and performance artist Stacey Allen are the inaugural residents. ARTcade by Koomah, in collaboration with the artist
collective The Locas, premiered on March 13. ARTcade is a 1980s-style mock video game arcade and immersive interactive art experience created to incite a youthful excitement around viewing and purchasing local art. Torres’ Renegade Telegram debuts in May and is a site-specific performance installation featuring costume creation, specialty performance, live music, workshops and a series of short dance films featuring “the fringe and emerging art forms of flow arts.” Allen’s A Single Thread Weaves a Future begins in July and will explore time and sustainability via the mediums of photography, dance/movement, fashion and literature, drawing inspiration from Black women who revolutionized the Houston community. Torres summed up nicely why opportunities like the Space Taking program
are important for artists in Houston. “Due to the loss of revenue from a lack of performances, public events and teaching work, opportunities such as this Space Taking program create a safe and much-needed opportunity for creatives, professional and emerging artists to work collaboratively while sharing their artistry with those confined to their home spaces,” Torres said. “In addition, these opportunities give both established and emerging artists a chance to come together to produce new work and expand their audiences.” Find more information at fresharts.org. 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.
Review: Fat Cat mixes up purrfect ice cream By Zarah Parker zarah@theleadernews.com
With the weather being so nice the last week, I’ve been getting outside more and more. The wind might still have a coolness to it, but I don’t think I’m wrong in saying it’s time to enjoy ice cream outside again. Which I did when I stopped by the new Garden Oaks location of Fat Cat Creamery. Currently, it’s kind of lonesome in the Stomping Grounds development, but that will soon change as other businesses open in the neighboring spaces. I’ve visited the Heights location of the ice cream parlor in the past, and while the quality of ice cream is the same, I favor the Garden Oaks location for anyone taking kids to grab ice cream. The green space in the middle of the development is gated. If the kids want to play, there’s not much worry of them running into the parking lot. Fat Cat Creamery is a small-batch shop that uses local ingredients to craft five signature flavors and various seasonal, rotating flavors. While fresh scoops are
Photo by Zarah Parker Pictured is a scoop of Amaya Coffee & Cream on top of a scoop of Whiskey Butter Pecan, as well as a small scoop of Hardcore Chocolate, aka Chocolate Wasted from Fat Cat Creamery.
available, so are pre-packaged containers that are easy to grab on the go. There’s even sorbet “push-ups,” which I’ve tried before. The sorbet was airy and a little icy, but a nice treat that would be a lessmessy option for a kid. During my recent visit, I took the server’s recommendations. I was instantly on board when they suggested the seasonal flavor Whiskey
Butter Pecan, a brown butter and brown sugar ice cream made with rotating whiskeys (there’s no alcohol once the ice cream-making process is done) and toasted pecans. The next ice cream that was suggested to go along with the Whiskey Butter Pecan was a signature flavor, Amaya Coffee & Cream, which is made with freshly roasted coffee beans from Amaya Cof-
fee cold-brewed into the ice cream. I may be an avid coffee consumer, but I tend to stay away coffee-flavored treats. I was glad I took a chance with this one. Individually, both ice creams had a soft flavor profile. The flavors were strong enough to be the main attraction, but not overbearing. With the Whiskey Butter Pecan, the whiskey meshed with the subtle butter in a great way. The coffee was definitely the first thing I tasted with the Amaya Coffee & Cream, but the cream really brought it down to a level where I could enjoy it. It was like iced coffee that has cream in it, which offset any bitterness the coffee may have had. The best part of both scoops was how creamy they were. And as someone who pretty much never mixes ice cream favors because I don’t like two flavors melting into one another, changing how everything tastes, I thought these flavors being recommended together made for a really great combination. Like eating dessert with a cup of coffee, only the cup of coffee is poured into the des-
sert. Another seasonal flavor I tried was the Hardcore Chocolate, aka Chocolate Wasted, which is a chocolate ice cream made with 68 percent dark chocolate. The chocolate was rich and reminded me of brownie batter, but sweeter. Definitely a must for chocolate lovers. I look forward to warmer winds and more ice cream.
Fat Cat Creamery Address: 1225 W. 34th St., 1901 N. Shepherd Dr. Hours: Noon-10 p.m. Monday-Thursday, noon-11 p.m. Friday, 11 a.m.-11p.m. Saturday, 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Sunday Pricing: $3.85-$9.85 Kid-friendly: Yes Alcohol: No Healthy options: No Star of the Show: Amaya Coffee & Cream
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Is the Heights really walkable? Zarah Parker Managing Editor
The appeal of the Heights as a neighborhood might be different for everyone. For me it’s the expansive and continually growing restaurant scene. The parking, or lack thereof, at many Heights establishments is and isn’t a problem, nor is it a new topic of discussion. Regardless, something I’ve heard to combat the parking issue is the walkability of the neighborhood. If you live in the Heights, chances are there are plenty of restaurants or bars you can walk to without a problem. But one afternoon as I was leaving my brother’s business, which is situated on 20th Street in between Durham and North Shepherd drives, to grab lunch
with him, I wondered if the walkability of the neighborhood was really a plus or just something that was used as an excuse. I’ve always admired the Heights because of how many people walked and biked everywhere. It made the neighborhood homier in a way. Yet when I was grabbing lunch with my brother I realized that if you were going to depend on walking to your favorite Heights spots, you had to live specifically near them. From my brother’s business locale, we could easily grab lunch from Mellow Mushroom, Velvet Taco, The Burger Joint and The Taco Stand. Hitting 19th Street or 18th Street near Shepherd for its selection of restaurants would be pretty easy, too. Even though many of those restaurants are great places to eat, it wouldn’t be long for it to take walking to the same
places to get old. Walking much further wouldn’t necessarily be out of the question, but I doubt it would happen often if it was easier to jump in the car. When I think of the Heights I imagine it as one neighborhood with different pockets of restaurants and bars, built in a way that is really for the people who live nearby. Which sounds like a normal neighborhood, yet, I think it’s really unique to the Heights. For example, I don’t live in Memorial, but I often am in that part of town. I’m often in other parts of town in general, but it’s only the Heights that feels like a community for itself. And I don’t think that’s a bad thing. As someone who doesn’t live in the Heights, I’m looking at this from an outsider’s perspective, but as someone whose primary work revolves around the neighborhood, I’m
there a lot. Since that’s the case, many times before I go to a new place in the Heights, I go to Google Maps and check out the parking situation. When it’s limited parking, I go out of my way to visit a place during non-busy hours. I do think what walkability the Heights has is still a plus for the neighborhood. You’re more likely to spot me walking in the Heights than in Memorial. I just think it’s time to be more realistic about the whole “but you can just walk everywhere” statement I often hear about the Heights. It’s needs to be reworded: “If you live in this part of the Heights, you can walk to these specific places.” Of course, there are people who want to walk across the whole neighborhood. To each their own, I suppose.
H-E-B resumes ‘Quest for Texas Best’ contest By Landan Kuhlmann landan@theleadernews.com
H-E-B, which has Heights-area locations at 2300 N. Shepherd Dr. and 3663 Washington Ave., has resumed its “HE-B Quest for Texas Best” search. The annual contest samples food and beverage products from around the state to see which ones win the honor of being featured at all of the Texas grocery giant’s stores. H-E-B said suppliers and manufacturers who want to enter the contest must submit details about their products at
heb.com/quest by April 7. Qualified participants will compete for a combined $70,000 in cash prizes as well as the opportunity to feature their product on H-E-B shelves. “We have the opportunity to connect with even more Texas-based innovators each year, which helps us further curate rich and robust offerings for customers,” James Harris, H-E-B’s director of diversity, inclusion and supplier diversity, said in a news release. Following the entry deadline, products will be narrowed down to a top 20 by H-E-B’s business development
managers, and those products will be presented before a panel of judges Aug. 24-26 at the San Antonio Food Bank. H-E-B said products must not be available at any other large chain or retailer, and the vendors must be willing to sell exclusively to H-E-B. All products must also be packaged in Texas. The grand prize-winning product’s manufacturer will win $25,000, while first place will win $20,000. H-E-B will award $15,000 to the second-place winner and $10,000 to the third-place winner.
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Page 8A • Saturday, March 27, 2021 • The Leader
Churro, hot dog trailer opens on North Shepherd By Zarah Parker zarah@theleadernews.com
Churros, dawg!, a churro and refresqueria food trailer, began serving the neighborhood Friday at noon at 3401 N. Shepherd Dr. “We decided to elevate churros to a gourmet-style similar to gourmet donuts,” said Dan Nguyen, who owns the food trailer along with his wife, Marley. Along with churros, the food trailer specializes in artisan hot dogs, hence the name “Churros, dawg!” The specialty churros on the menu come with various toppings, like the Strawberry Clouds, which is a churro
topped with strawberry shortcake crumble, fresh whipped cream, sliced strawberries and strawberry drizzle. “We make everything fresh,” Marley said. “There is hardly anything in our truck that we buy. We make the whipped cream, syrup and more. Everything is made with love.”
The couple, who is from Pearland, has family connections to the owners of the shopping center at West 34th Street and North Shepherd, making the space an ideal launching pad for their new business. After Friday, Churro, dawg! will operate from 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday.
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Food briefs: New on Washington Avenue By Zarah Parker zarah@theleadernews.com
Pacific Coast Tacos, 6329 Washington Ave., opened its second location early this month. The menu features a blend of flavors from the West Coast of the U.S., down to Mexico and South America, reflecting cultural influences of Thailand, Korea, Vietnam, Hawaii and French Polynesia. Also, Fort Worth-based concept The Cookshack opened at 4015 Washington Ave. last month, according to its Facebook page. The Cookshack says it is known for spicy hand-battered chicken and applewoodsmoked ribs. Sides include French fries, mac and cheese, Texas caviar, coleslaw and more. Nara Thai also recently opened in the area at 4601 Washington Ave.
New Heights restaurant brings El Paso flavors The 915 is a new concept by chef Vanessa Lomeli. The restaurant, named for El Paso’s area code, operates at 2914 White Oak Dr. According to CultureMap, The 915 opened March 23 for takeout or delivery. Dine-in service will be added later. The restaurant offers a twist on Tex-Mex staples. Ramen on Shepherd Drive The Los Angeles-based chain Rakkan Ramen is set to open at 600 N. Shepherd Dr. Ste. 515, in the M-K-T development early next month, according to Eater Houston. The Japanese restaurant is known for its vegetable broths and pearl ramen, which is made with Japanese rock salt and white soy sauce.
Lowell Street Market’s new tenant Kale Me Crazy, a superfood café, will open a location in the Heights in the Lowell Street Market where Sing used to be. The 718 W. 18th St. location will offer juices, smoothies, salads and wraps.
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La Lucha’s crawfish boil La Lucha, 1801 N. Shepherd Dr., is hosting a crawfish boil Sunday from 11 a.m. until the mudbugs are gone. The restaurant will be offering classically prepared crawfish at cost with a splash of Tabasco pepper mash from Avery Island. Sides are available for purchase, including boiled potatoes and corn, roasted garlic and sausage. Guests can also choose from a variety of scratch-made sauces including green harissa, white remoulade, kimchi aioli and smoked oyster mayo.
Photo by Andrew Thomas Lee Customers enjoy the patio at La Lucha, 1801 N. Shepherd Dr. The restaurant is hosting a crawfish boil at 11 a.m. Sunday.
This socially-distanced event is a beautiful and meaningful part of our community’s Easter celebration.
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LEADER LISTING The Leader • Saturday, March 27, 2021 • Page 1B
Real estate agents talk tips, trends, hot areas By Betsy Denson
listings in Katy – and that market is just as tight as the Heights. Multiple offers like we don’t see here in our neighborhood.” But the housing values in the Heights still reign supreme. “It offers so much, and those prices have increased to a new level I’ve never seen,” Hartman said.
betsy@theleadernews.com
With all the activity in the residential real estate market, The Leader wanted to talk to some local realtors about what they are seeing as well as what might happen in the months ahead. Re/Max realtor Kristi Kolmetz said right now it is a seller’s market. “We are seeing multiple offers, many well over asking (price), on properties that are under $1 million and priced correctly,” Kolmetz said. Martha Turner Sotheby’s Eileen Hartman said this March is shaping up to be her busiest in 25 years. “A combination of low inventory and interest rates ticking up have put sellers in a wonderful position to sell,” she said. Kolmetz added that buyers are having to get creative to win out. “That can include higher earnest money, higher option money, waiving appraisal and financing contingencies (and) larger down payments,” she said. Still, many aspiring homeowners remain disappointed. “Most buyers go through numerous properties (and) offers and still end up not being ‘the chosen one’ that a seller chooses to go with,” Hartman said. Led Well Realty’s Ginny Ledwell said the homes selling for top dollar are well-maintained and staged well. “I have found that buyers today just don’t have the same patience and time for the ‘elbow grease’ that homeowners used to,” Ledwell said. “Today’s buyers want movein ready and clean with a modern floorplan.” She said offering a paint and/or floor allowance is not as effective as it used to be. “You have to paint a better picture for buyers now and anything that looks like a project or repair can scare them off,” Ledwell said. Compass’ Ashley Day added that pools have become a hot commodity and are sought after by buyers. As far as the look inside the
Photo by Adam Zuvanich Two neighboring Heights homes on Munford Street are among the recent listings for local realtor Ashley Day.
homes Day is showing? “Mixed metals are in, fun backsplashes, color in the kitchen such as dark blue or green cabinets, and splashes of color and fun wallpaper,” she said. Hot neighborhoods Ledwell said the Heights and the Garden Oaks/Oak Forest areas remain sought after. “Anything under $850,000 that has above 1,800 square feet, a decent floor plan and is move-in ready with a yard is flying off the shelves with multiple offers,” she said. Several realtors mentioned a nearby market as particularly active. “Katy has gone wild,” Amanda Cruser of Bernstein Realty said. Added Hartman: “I’ve had a few
Homes are selling faster than usual across the area.
Photo by Adam Zuvanich
Tips and trends Cruser cautioned buyers to make sure they have enough time during their option period to get an inspection completed. “Inspectors are very busy, and you may need more time than expected to schedule, complete and have a report in hand,” she said. “Seven days used to be enough time, but 10 is a safer bet for now.” Ledwell advises sellers to put in the work to get their house ready. “If it doesn’t show well, and your pictures are not professional-looking and don’t tell the correct story for your home, you will leave money on the table,” she said. “Virtual tours really do help as well, even if it’s your agent doing it from his/ her phone.” As for buying trends, Cruser has noticed an uncommon one. “As the market started to recover after the first few months of lockdown, I’ve had more buyers looking for rural properties than ever before,” she said. “The septic inspector - who would be involved almost exclusively in rural property purchases - said this fall that he was the busiest he’d ever been in 20 years of business.” Day added that she has seen a lot of interest in vacation homes. “People are flocking to the Galveston, Austin, Florida and Colorado markets,” she said. “Places they can easily drive to but still get away.” Day also offers some parting advice that may be obvious, but worth heeding – finding a seasoned and well-respected real estate agent to help you. “The Leader reader area has tons of fabulous agents and brokers -please stay local,” she said.
Real Estate Roundup
MarqE redevelopment plans better utilization of outside space By Betsy Denson betsy@theleadernews.com
Beginning in May, the MarqE redevelopment on Interstate 10 will proceed in various phases through 2022 with the goal of better using its outdoor space, according to Lisa Brown with Connect Texas. “MarqE has long served as a dynamic destination for family-friendly shopping and dining available in our city,” said Justin Levine, vice president at real estate development company Levcor. “Modernizing the functionality of MarqE will create a betterconnected environment for our guests and retail partners, while updating the aesthetics will create a fresh and inviting center for locals and visitors alike.” The addition of shaded structures will bridge buildings, and existing storefronts will be updated. There will also be new outdoor art and play structures incorporated throughout the redevelopment. WiFi will be added to outdoor conversation areas. In addition to the planting of canopied trees and flower beds, a new two-level building with almost 49,000 additional square feet of retail/restaurant/entertainment space will also be built to house additional retailers. Chloe Dao to open mini studio in M-K-T mixeduse project Multiple news outlets reported last month that fashion designer and “Project Runway” Season 2 winner Chloe Dao will open a mini design studio in the M-K-T mixeduse redevelopment at 600 N. Shepherd Dr. Dao, a Houston native, also owns the Chloe Dao Boutique in Rice Village. According to the M-K-T website, the studio will feature a curated selection of cocktail and evening wear and will showcase the design process from idea to mood board to sketches to the final product.
Contributed photo McAlister’s Deli recently opened a location in Garden Oaks.
Jennifer M. Solak Attorney & Counselor at Law
ESTATE PLANNING PROBATE BUSINESS LAW Contributed photo The MarqE redevelopment on Interstate 10 is in the process of sprucing up its outdoor space.
713.588.5744
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Dao’s Safely Sip masks — a style of facemask for drinking on the go — will also be available for purchase. McAlister’s Deli opens in Block 14 McAlister’s Deli, which started in 1989 in Oxford, Mississippi, has opened a second in-town Houston location in Garden Oaks. The 3,100-square foot restaurant with a drive-thru pickup window for preorders is the first business to debut in Block 14 at Garden Oaks, a new center at 3201 N. Shepherd Dr. developed by Houston-based Gulf Coast Commercial Group, Inc. According to Gulf Coast President Tom Lile, “We’re thrilled to unveil Block 14 at Garden Oaks in tandem with the launch of McAlister’s Deli, a brand we feel will resonate well in the Heights area – and that reinforces this center as a hub for daily convenience needs in this sought-after neighborhood.” Leadership change at Martha Turner Sotheby’s
The Houston Chronicle reported that Martha Turner Sotheby’s International Realty, with a Central Houston office at 1717 W. Loop S., has named Robin Conner as president. Outgoing President Marilyn Thompson is retiring after 30 years with the company. Conner, who started at Martha Turner in 2004 as a sales associate, will supervise 300 independent sales agents from Sotheby’s six offices. She was formerly a senior vice president, heading up the sales team, marketing and branding. “Robin Conner was a natural choice to assume the role of president and will be an invaluable asset to the company,” Sotheby’s International Realty CEO Philip A. White said in a news release. “Robin is known for her integrity, and sales associates can rely on her unerring judgment, guidance and optimism. Marilyn Thompson has put a strong team in place, and I’d like to thank her for her unwavering leadership and invaluable contributions.”
C E L E B R AT I N G
LUTHERAN SCHOOLS WEEK MARCH 8-12, 2021
During D i L Lutheran th Schools week, Our Savior Lutheran School students partnered with Kids Meals Inc. to provide snacks and meals to area children in need. OSL students were encouraged to participate in this weeklong service project by donating non-perishable lunch pack items and decorating paper lunch bags for the children. Kidsmealsinc.org
Our Savior Lutheran School 500 W. Tidwell Houston, TX 70066
www.oslchool.org A Classical Christian Education
Page 2B • Saturday, March 27, 2021 • The Leader
Local housing markets continue strong start to 2021 By Landan Kuhlmann landan@theleadernews.com
February was another strong month in the Houston housing market, and several local neighborhoods followed suit, according to a recent report from the Houston Association of Realtors (HAR). Four of the six local markets saw year-over-year sales increases for February, according to the most recent data from HAR, with the 77091 zip code more than tripling its February 2020 output. On the pricing front, the average homebuyer paid more for a house in all six markets compared to last February, while the median price saw a year-over-year increase in four of the six local neighborhoods. 77018 The zip code including Garden Oaks, Oak Forest and part of Independence Heights was one of only two local markets to stay stagnant or see a minor downturn in year-over-year home sales. Agents saw 48 homes come off the market last month, compared to 48 the previous February. Yearto-date, however, 101 homes have been sold here – 14.8
percent ahead of last year’s pace through the same period. Pricing-wise, the average home went for 5.4 percent more ($510,912) than last February, while the year-overyear median price dipped slightly from $400,000 down to $398,000. 77091 An area that includes Northside as well as parts of Greater Inwood and Acres Homes was the biggest riser last month. According to HAR, the 20 homes sold more than tripled the output from February 2020, when just six homes came off the market. The area has seen 36 sales through the end of February, more than doubling last year’s mark of 17 during the same period. Average home price rose 29.1 percent year-over-year to $283,379, while the median price in this area was up 46.3 percent to $292,498. 77092 In the area that includes Central Northwest and another portion of Greater Inwood, home sales saw a modest year-over-year February increase, with 24 homes sold
last month compared to 23 the year before. Through the end of February, the 43 homes sold there was a 30.3 increase compared to the same period in 2020. On a pricing front, the average price of $333,237 for a home in this market was up 18.4 percent year-over-year, while median price rose 19.1 percent up to $321,675. 77008 In the Greater Heights, yearover-year sales boomed more than almost any local market. There were 79 homes sold last month, and that 61.2 percent spike compared to last February was the second-biggest jump in the area. Through the end of the month, there have been 144 homes sold here – a 56.5 percent jump from the same period last year. The average price for a home in the Heights was up 8.1 percent from last year to $549,809, while median price spiked to $520,000 – a 28.1 percent increase. 77009 On the eastern edge of the area, the zip code including
Woodland Heights and Northside held steady from February 2020, with last month’s output of 43 homes sold matching last year’s mark. Year-to-date, however, the area has seen 72 homes come off the market, which is 7.5 percent ahead of last year’s pace. The average home went for $492,498 there last month, which was a 17.2 percent year-over-year rise compared to last February’s mark of $420,563. Median price ended the month at $420,000, a 6.3 percent jump from February 2020. 77007 The southern edge of the area saw a modest year-overyear jump in home sales, with 66 homes coming off the market last month compared to 61 the previous February. There have been 110 sales so far this year, which is 3.8 percent ahead of last year’s pace through the end of the month. In terms of price, the average homebuyer paid $550,049 for a house there last month, which was a 16.5 percent yearover-year spike. Meanwhile, the median price saw a 1.1 percent dip down to $439,950.
REALTOR SHOWCASE Inderrieden, IndyQuest meet clients where they’re at By Landan Kuhlmann landan@theleadernews.com
Broker/Owner Creston Inderrieden and his team at IndyQuest Properties know the home buying and selling process can be a stressful one – especially during a period of uncertainty with COVID-19. So now more than ever, Creston said his team strives to come to the customer, going above and beyond for any of their needs. “When you meet people’s needs where they are at, you are able to develop deeper relationships,” Creston said. “It’s really meaningful to me that we are able to help them through those junctures in their lives in a way where they see how we are loving, serving and caring for them.” It seems as though that mindset has paid dividends. For more than 15 years, Inderrieden has served home buyers and sellers in Garden Oaks, Oak Forest, The Heights and other neighborhoods of North Houston. He and the additional 22 agents in his charge now also serve Sugar Land, Katy, and The Woodlands, but primarily focus on the local area. And despite the pandemic, he said 2020 wound up being the company’s best year in terms of sales, while their 2021 pace is already ahead of last year. “The value of homes has increased (during the pandemic), so people are more interested in that home office, a pool and more,” he said. “All those things are certainly increasing the value of certain homes.” Along with his wife Holly, Creston and their team at IndyQuest
Creston Inderrieden Properties have remained dedicated to their mission of loving, serving and caring for their clients for more than a decade for their work in Houston and its surrounding suburbs. The team at IndyQuest has been consistently ranked in the Top 30 out of more than 41,000 agents by the Houston Business Journal. The reason for their increased business, and for any accolades
they might receive, is based primarily on one thing according to Inderrieden. “We always treat the client like family. We have an adage in our business to love, serve and to care for people. I put my clients’ needs above my own, and even talk them out of certain homes, and I try to give them expert advice,” he said. “All the time we tell people that we don’t want you to view us a salesperson – but rather as a trusted advisor. I’m there merely to help give them good advice so they can make a good decision.” With a business background in finance and capital projects consulting, Creston lends his personal knowledge and expertise to help his clients understand the value of their real estate investments. Combine his negotiation skills with his business acumen, and he said he’s able to understand a client’s needs and is prepared to help all his clients have seamless transactions from offer through closing. Whether it’s sitting down with a buyer before the process and laying it out, talking them through the home stretch or conducting business virtually due to concerns over COVID-19, Inderrieden knows the client is the priority. “People realize that after 15 years in the business, we have a very good reputation for being straight shooters. It’s important that we are not there to try to sell people anything, but to give them expert advice.” To buy or list a home with Creston Inderrieden, email creston@indyquest.net or call 713-301-4054.
Julie O’Neill
Creston Inderrieden, Broker
713-301-4054 creston@indyquest.net
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The Leader • Saturday, March 27, 2021 • Page 3B
Can you trim your dog’s nails yourself?
Dear Tabby, We are trying to save money and one place that we’re cutting back is on dog grooming. We’ve been doing well with bathing our dogs ourselves, but cutting their nails is still daunting. Any tips on making this chore easier on both us and our dogs? Trepidation About Nail Trimming in Timbergrove Dear Trepidation About Nail Trimming, The idea of cutting your dog’s nails yourself can feel a little scary--especially if you’ve never done it before. For a lot of dogs, their nails are dark in color, so it’s hard to see where the “quick” is on the nail. The “quick” is a heavily nerved, vascular structure in the dog’s nails that can be painful if cut. So, it’s wise to exercise caution when attempting to cut your dog’s nails yourself. But, the good news is that it can be a relatively easy task and it is made that much easier by teaching your dog to tolerate the chore. Choose your clippers Make sure you know how the clippers you’re planning
to use work before you try them on your dog. There are several different types of clippers on the market, so choose the one that seems easiest for you and your dog to tolerate. The guillotine style clippers have a hole that the tip of the nail goes through and a blade that comes up to slice through the nail. Scissor-type clippers operate just like the scissors that you’re used to using on paper and sometimes require a bit more experience. Some people also swear by a Dremel-style grinding tool that files the nails, as opposed to cutting. Start slow If you’ve never tried to cut your dog’s nails before, the key is to start slowly. You’ll want to slowly introduce the nail clippers to your dog and get your dog used to having his feet handled. Many dogs don’t like their feet touched, so this might be a stumbling block for you. But, if you approach this task slowly, knowing that you probably won’t be able to get all of his toenails cut on the first try, you and your dog will handle the situation much better. Have treats handy You’ll also want to reward your dog with treats while you introduce him to the clippers and the sensation of having his feet handled. Pick up your dog’s foot and put the clippers
near his foot (without actually using the clippers) then give your dog a treat. You might want to repeat this action a few times over the course of several days before you even attempt to clip his nails. It’s also a good idea to choose a time when your dog is tired or worn out from exercise to try trimming his nails. He might feel more relaxed and maybe won’t care as much about what you’re doing to his feet. When you’re ready to finally clip his nails, err on the side of leaving the nails longer, rather than shorter so that you don’t cause pain to your dog. It doesn’t hurt to have some clotting powder on hand to stop the bleeding, in case you accidentally hit his quick. Above all else, be patient with your pooch and understanding that this might not be easy or enjoyable for either of you. And, if all else fails, some services are worth it when dealing with the grooming of your dog. If trimming your dog’s nails proves to be too stressful for you and your dog, consider looking for more reasonably priced nail trimming or stick a few extra dollars aside in your budget each month to cover the cost. It might be worth the extra expense, if it means causing less stress to you both!
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Pet of the Week Meet Biscuit This 4year-old Labrador/Rottweiler mix needs a special home where his people will be patient and willing to polish this boy into the true gem that he is. Biscuit needs a home where he will be the only pet and with older children only. He would really love a home where his people were around a lot during the day, too. Biscuit is a very special boy who is long overdue for his new beginning. To learn more, go to www. cap4pets.org.
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Page 4B • Saturday, March 27, 2021 • The Leader
Small business marketing not getting easier By Jonathan McElvy
owners do not have. Here’s even more evidence of the shift of small business marketing on digital and social channels. The National Federation of Independent Businesses releases a “Problems and Priorities” survey of small businesses every four years. Businesses are asked to rank the biggest problem (#1) down to the easiest problem (#75). You won’t be surprised what ranks first: Health Insurance for Employees. That’s a nightmare in its own right. But follow the trend of another category in the survey: “Ability to Cost Effectively Advertise.” In other words, they’re asking if small businesses can obtain new customers through advertising at a price that has a good return on investment. The lower the number, the harder it is for small businesses.
jonathan@mcelvypartners.com
Editor’s note: This is Part I of a threepart series on marketing for small businesses. The digital and social media revolution has made small business marketing a living nightmare. Disagree? Of course there are some who do. They are wrong – all of them – but that doesn’t mean they’ve always been wrong. There was a time when using the internet (Google) or social media (Facebook) was a sure bet for small busiPhoto by ness marketPatric Schneider ing, and the Jonathan McElvy is reasons are the CEO of McElvy as clear as the Partners, which serves numbers. small businesses. During the Great Recession of 2008-09, more and more Americans began using the internet and social media on a daily basis. And with the release of the iPhone 4 on June 24, 2010, consumers could now carry the platforms on a mobile-friendly device wherever they went. Easy small business marketing If you owned a small business in 2010, and you were just friendly enough to share pictures and information with your Facebook network, you felt like you had the world at your fingertips. You didn’t need to buy expensive print or TV ads any longer. Instead, you just posted to your followers, asked them to share, and the phone immediately rang. The correlation with the decline of newspaper revenue is astounding. In two years, from 2008 to 2010, national newspapers lost $5 billion in revenue. Guess where it went? The same happened with Google. If you had a good website in 2010, and you understood a little bit about keywords, and if you had one of those easy-to-remember URLs, then you appeared somewhere near the top of Google in your business category. The actual numbers These numbers are almost too big
2008 – 28th of 2012 – 37th of 2016 – 46th of 2020 – 40th of
to comprehend, but we can try anyway. In 2008, Facebook says it had a total of 100 million users. By 2020, last year, it reported 1.69 billion users. Just between August 2008 and December 2010, Facebook added 508 million users. If traffic isn’t your thing, maybe revenue is. In 2008, Google’s annual revenue was $21.8 billion. Last year, it was $181.7 billion. That’s annual revenue growth of about 72 percent a year. How it impacts small business When many small businesses made the switch to digital and social media marketing, shunning traditional outlets, they entered at a time when Facebook and Google revenue was on a slow incline. (Don’t forget, Facebook didn’t even become profitable until 2012.) Here’s a real-life example: If you owned a tire shop in 2010, and you had a strong Facebook page, and you posted specials consistently, and you interacted with your followers, you were almost guaranteed to show up in feeds and be seen by plenty of people. There was no real expense to you – you weren’t buying ads or boosting posts. You just messed
around on the site and caught plenty of attention. Because you were one of a (relatively) small group active on the website, you got a lot of traction just by your consistent activity. Then, more and more people heard about your success on social media, right? The supply-demand side of digital and social took over from there. More tire stores joined. They produced even better content than you, forcing you to improve yours yet again. They spent more time on the site, so you spent more time there, too. Pretty soon, Facebook had you in a posting match with your competitor, until another dozen competitors came along. And that’s when Facebook introduced boosted posting. Then they introduced Facebook advertising. They started to extract real money, and you paid them for the audience you reached (which, as you’ve learned by now, doesn’t usually convert into leads, much less sales). It’s the same for Google. As more and more small businesses found better URLs and understood SEO and created more dynamic websites, the more you slipped in the rankings. That led you to spending more on your website until you finally broke
down and bought some Ad Words. And then those Ad Words became more and more expensive. And there’s the problem If you want to know why small business marketing is not getting easier, that’s the reason. And if you don’t believe me, just consider some raw data. In our company’s inaugural Small Business Sentiment Survey, we asked small business owners to select the area of business where they need the most help. Among five choices, “Marketing/Website” ranked first, with 40 percent. A group called SEMRush published another survey earlier this year and, in regards to digital marketing, asked small businesses to rank their most important challenges. The top result was a “Limited Marketing Budget” – 67 percent gave that as the answer. The second-highest answer was “Organic traffic requires a lot of effort and patience,” and 60 percent gave that as the most important challenge. In other words, small businesses are quickly learning that, in order to be successful in digital and social marketing, they need money and a lot of time. And it just so happens those are two things small business
75 75 75 75
Here’s what those numbers show: For eight straight years, from 200816, small business owners felt advertising was getting cheaper and better. But in 2020, for the first time in 12 years, that number headed in the other direction, and businesses said it was now getting harder. And here’s one more statistic from the same survey. Another category asks business owners to rank Using Social Media to Promote Business – a category they opened in 2012. Here’s how those rankings play out: 2012 – 70th of 75 2016 – 64th of 75 2012 – 57th of 75 In other words, every four years, social media promotion is getting harder and harder for small businesses. The misnomer that small business marketing is getting easier because of technology is wrong. Every year, every month, it gets more and more difficult. In the second part of this series, we’ll put real dollars to the problem and explain the world of changing algorithms, the cost of SEO, the brutal experience of losing social media ranking, and the amount of time it now takes to effectively use social and digital channels to promote your business.