The 08-23-2025 Edition of The Leader Heights

By BETSY DENSON The Leader News Contributor

Houston Independent School District recently announced what Superintendent Mike Miles called a “historic achievement,” with 74 percent of schools earning A or B ratings and zero F-rated campuses. HISD’s press announcement said this represents “a remarkable transformation from just two years ago, before the start of HISD’s

transformation, when just 35% of the district’s schools earned this distinction.”

The district says preliminary ratings show that 197 schools have achieved A or B ratings compared to 93 schools two years ago. One of the major changes since the state takeover has been the implementation of the New Education System (NES), which now operates in about 110 schools with standardized curricula. The system

will expand to approximately 150 schools by 2026-27, covering over half the district, according to Houston Public Media.

Miles described the recent state ratings as proof of “what Houston’s students are capable of achieving when given the opportunity and support they deserve.”

But interviews with some local parents present a different perspective on educational quality in their schools, raising

questions about what these improved ratings reflect.

“I wish I could find anything to list under the ‘improvement’ category under the TEA takeover of HISD,” said Lorri White, a Heights parent whose child attends a magnet high school. “Well-trained teachers with proven pedagogy have been replaced by terrible worksheets and video lessons. Every ounce of joy has been sucked out of school.”

By STEFANIE THOMAS editor@theleadernews.com

Radom Capital has broken ground on its latest Heights project, a boutique multifamily development that will expand the company’s award-winning Heights Clocktower property.

The new Clock Tower Residences, developed in partnership with Asana Partners, will bring 214 new residential units, four live-work spaces, and a neighborhood-focused food and beverage concept to the area. The project, located at the intersections of 23rd Street, North Shepherd and Lawrence Streets, marks Radom Capital’s 15th development in the Heights.

“Clock Tower Residences brings our team’s design philosophy home—creating spaces that feel personal, layered,

By STEFANIE THOMAS editor@theleadernews.com

Donovan Park, a treasured landmark at 700 Heights Boulevard and a centerpiece of the Heights community, is preparing for its next chapter. Nearly 30 years after neighbors first came together to build the whimsical wooden playground, the Houston Heights Association (HHA)

has launched the Reimagine Donovan Park campaign, a multi-phase initiative to rebuild and revitalize the beloved park.

As a privately owned park, Donovan Park receives no City of Houston funding. The HHA has maintained and supported the park entirely through community donations, sponsorships, and volunteer events. Now, leaders

say, it’s time for the community to come together once more.

“Donovan Park is more than just a park to me, it’s a place where parents gather and get to know each other, where neighbors become friends, and where kids can run, play, and explore while feeling safe and free,” said

Behind the Rating Improvements

While HISD publicizes dramatic progress, there are parents who question whether the gains reflect what’s happening in their children’s schools. At Frank Black Middle School, parent Beth Caldwell has tracked significant changes alongside the district’s reported gains.

By STEFANIE THOMAS editor@theleadernews.com

A trio of copper wire thieves disguised themselves as utility workers in northwest Houston, but now face felony charges filed by the Office of Harris County Constable Pct. 1 Alan Rosen.

The suspects allegedly targeted an industrial park in the 6800 block of Portwest Drive, backing a white pickup truck with flashing lights up to a business and using a heavy chain to rip yards of copper wire from the building. Authorities say the theft left $45,000 in damages and temporarily cut power to the site, halting business operations.

“This trio is a menace to honest, hardworking business owners,” Rosen said. “What makes this even worse is they disguised themselves as the type workers that are often doing crucial work in society.”

According to Pct. 1 Constable’s Office officials, copper thieves do many more thousands of dollars in damage to their victims than they get by illegally selling the stolen wire to scrap yards.

Suspects Identified

The individuals charged in the fake utility truck incident are Miles Wayne Hensley, 38; Chad Johnson, 55; and Moriah Joy Carroll, 32. Court records show Johnson has been arrested more than 55 times, with over a dozen prior convictions for copper-wire theft. In July, he was sentenced to four years of deferred adjudication, but authorities allege he committed the Portwest Drive crime

less than four weeks later.

Johnson, who stands 6-foot4 and has a distinct limp, and his alleged partners in crime, Hensley and Carroll, remain wanted. Investigators believe the suspects may be tied to similar crimes in the area.

The Constable’s Office asks anyone with information about their whereabouts to contact Detective Joseph Bowden at joseph.bowden@cn1.hctx.net.

“Someone knows where these folks are hiding,” Rosen said. “Someone has an opportunity to step up and do the right thing. If you see them, let us know.”

41 teachers in the 2024-2025 year alone, on top of significant losses the previous year.

“We lost our beloved principal in 2023. Since then, we have had multiple different principals. Each with different priorities and agendas,” Caldwell said. She believes the constant leadership turnover has driven away many of their best teachers to other districts.

At Harvard Elementary in the Heights, an International Baccalaureate school that returned from an atypical B to an A rating, parent Quynhthy Bui, who has two children at the school, doesn’t put stock in stats. “The rating has nothing to do with the quality of the school,” she said. She believes that the B rating was used as justification to terminate the previous principal, though she supported the interim principal who followed.

Bui describes additional disruption at the Heights school last year with the departure of teachers and the school’s beloved librarian, Dahnya Garcia Giampietro. Ms. Garcia, as the students referred to her, was reportedly let go for exceeding sick leave, despite community rallies at board meetings to

Other Copper-Theft Cases

In another recent case, a bystander confronted two thieves as they loaded stolen wire into an SUV outside a northwest Houston office building under renovation. The pair, posing as contract workers, are accused of stealing about $300,000 worth of wiring and equipment.

“That doesn’t look like your stuff,” the woman can be heard saying on video as she recorded the theft.

Justin Scott Franklin, 41, and Christina Marie Pivirotto, 41, were later arrested and now await trial.

She notes that NES elements, like shorter time blocks, timers and exit tickets, have been “creeping into” the school at times despite it not being officially designated as a New Education System campus. This year, the family returned to a school where Bui says onethird of teachers are new, and she’s watching for signs of any further erosion in the IB program’s project-based learning.

Different Perspectives on District Progress

The concerns of students, which they feel have gone unaddressed, are spurring them to speak out. University of Houston student Kylie Mavris, who has helped Community Voices for Public Education organize HISD students, recently participated in a press conference titled “From Struggle to Strength: HISD’s Next Chapter” to demand a return to local control. Her advocacy is driven by her work with current HISD students.

“I would say the biggest challenges that students have been facing has been the unengaging curriculum featured in the classrooms,” she said. “At least the students I work with are not working well with the format of the NES curriculum. The constant daily quiz-

save her position, according to Houston Chronicle reports.

“We lost a lot [of teachers] that we really liked,” Bui said.

and shaped by a hospitality-minded sensibility,” said Evan Peterson, Principal at Radom Capital. “The project is a natural evolution of our firm’s commitment to placemaking and architecturally differentiated projects.”

Crafting Spaces with Purpose

The seven-story development will rise directly across from the Heights H-E-B and within walking distance of popular restaurants, parks, and retail destinations. Design firm Cobalt Office is overseeing the building’s architecture, while Farouki Farouki is creating interiors with “warm, tactile” finishes.

Landscape architect CultivateLAND is crafting sustainable exterior spaces, including amenity decks and a walkable ground floor intended to connect with the surrounding neighborhood.

Plans for the property include resident lounges, coworking spaces, media

rooms, and a wellness center. Outdoor amenities will feature a yoga deck, resort-style pool, and landscaped gathering areas. A ground-level food and beverage concept will also welcome the wider community.

Partnership and Vision

The development represents the first ground-up joint venture between Radom Capital and Asana Partners, who already collaborate on the adjacent Heights Clocktower historic landmark.

“Clock Tower Residences is a natural extension of our long-term commitment to the Heights and continued partnership with Radom Capital,” said Brittain Hughes of Asana Partners. “The project adds a boutique, elevated residential option to this landmark location and creates more opportunities to experience the dynamic neighborhood.”

The project is being built by Cadence McShane and financed by Veritex Bank. Completion is slated for 2027.

Business leaders, however, see genuine progress worth celebrating. Cary Wright, CEO of Good Reason Houston, and Steve Kean, President of the Greater Houston Partnership, recently wrote in a Chronicle OpEd that HISD’s improvements represent a “historic turnaround” that is “rewriting the story of public education in Houston.” They noted that 35,000 Houston students were previously enrolled in failing schools, and “today, that number is zero.”

Mavris said the students she talks to share a decreasing enthusiasm for learning, and don’t feel like some of their new teachers measure up to those who left.

In the OpEd, Wright and Kean point to Good Reason Houston data that only 17 percent of HISD graduates are currently on track to earn a living wage by age 25, which has driven urgency to make changes. They argue the rating improvements demonstrate “what’s possible when urgency meets excellence,” particularly important in a district where 80 percent of students are economically disadvantaged.

When Ratings Meet Reality

Love Elementary illustrates the tensions behind rating changes, dropping from a B rating in 2024 to a D rating in 2025, according to state data. The Heights-area school experienced significant leadership turnover, losing two principals in 16 months after both resigned under district pressure to implement reforms, according to

zes, learning in excerpts, and multiple choice worksheets, are not conducive to a positive learning environment.”

Houston Public Media reports.

Community organizers said a large majority of parents had opposed the district’s New Education System at a January 2024 meeting. Despite this community opposition, the rating decline now makes the school eligible for the very reforms its community had rejected.

Frank Black Middle School is not an NES school and has maintained a B state rating, but Caldwell says the student experience is deteriorating. She refers to new “DOLs” (demonstrations of learning), five-minute daily quizzes originally designed to help teachers identify struggling students, which now make up a significant portion of student grades.

“If your student fails the DOL, the teacher should circle back and help the student,” Caldwell explains. “Instead, the teacher uses the DOL to record a lower grade.”

An Oak Forest resident, whose son attended Stevens Elementary, said she witnessed the disconnect firsthand. She didn’t want to use her name because she likes many things about the school and values the strong PTO and school community. Despite Stevens receiving a C rating this year, she believes her son’s education there was better when it was rated an F. She said her son’s STAAR scores dropped from near “masters” level in math to “approaches” as the school implemented district mandates.

“When district officials would visit the campus, the students who would normally need additional support would not be sent to the classrooms, or Team Center, for support,” she said.

What Parents Say They Want

Board member Angela Lemond Flowers stated in HISD’s release that “these ratings represent real opportunity for families who have waited too long for great neighborhood schools.”

Yet for the 20-plus parents

The Leader spoke to, both in the Leader area and around the city in schools rated D through A, there was a common thread: they don’t feel like they’re getting the education they want for their children. And they don’t feel heard. They want more counselors, librarians, and qualified teachers. They’re concerned about large class sizes and prefer hands-on activities and books to worksheets and slide shows. They also want school spirit and arts programs back.

Carly Trevino, who transferred her three children out of HISD after two years, described the difference: “In just one week of school, I have seen a vast improvement in their overall views of school. They actually look forward to going.”

Whose Vision Is The Priority?

Sue Deigaard, an HISD elected trustee whose board was told it would serve in an advisory capacity to the board of managers - though she says that hasn’t been the realitysaid the disconnect between positive official statistics and negative lived experiences might stem from whose vision is being prioritized. Deigaard noted that while state standards must be met, the incongruity could be in the district’s implementation.

“Who represents the vision and values of the parents? What is happening now is the superintendent’s vision for the

district. Does that align with the parents’ vision? Is the parents’ vision for what they want for their kids higher?”

Regarding families leaving the district, Deigaard noted that while enrollment challenges were always anticipated due to demographic changes, the decline has accelerated since the state takeover. According to a Baker Institute analysis, HISD enrollment has declined by about 40,000 students overall over the past decade.

The district lost nearly 7,400 students in 2024-25 - its steepest decline since COVID - with NES schools dropping 12% versus 6.5% at non-NES schools, according to data from the Houston Chronicle and Houston Public Media.

“It’s odd to me that the NES schools had a greater decline because those campuses are in communities where access to non-HISD choices like private school or transferring out of the district are often less financially accessible for the families in those schools,” Deigaard said.

She advocates for a comprehensive study of demographic trends to determine whether the decline exceeds expected population shifts and where thousands of students actually went: “It’s a lot of kids to just disappear.”

Author’s Note: The Leader is committed to presenting a complete picture of the HISD experience. We are actively seeking to speak with more parents across the district, particularly those who may have different perspectives on the changes under state oversight. If you are an HISD parent whose experience differs from those featured in this story, we want to hear from you. Everyone’s voice matters. Please reach out to editor@theleadernews.com.

BrainAbouts expands mental health prevention education across HISD

COMMUNITY REPORTS

The John Fontaine Jr. Charity (JFJC) has announced the full onboarding of Houston Independent School District (HISD) into BrainAbouts®, a neuroscience-based prevention education program for PreK–12 students. This expansion marks a major milestone in JFJC’s mission to equip every student with tools for safer decision-making, emotional regulation, and long-term well-being.

In a move to ensure equity and access, BrainAbouts will continue to offer its program free of charge to schools with no or low budgets for mental health prevention education, ensuring that cost is never a barrier to essential support.

With HISD’s adoption, BrainAbouts will now reach more than 270 schools and impact over 180,000 students across Houston. This wide-scale rollout strengthens the district’s commitment to

equipping students, educators, and families with resources that promote mental health, resilience, and safe decisionmaking.

“BrainAbouts blends evidence-based learning with compassion,” said Dr. Teandra Gordon, Chief Education Officer at BrainAbouts. “We’re empowering schools to address prevention and mental health education upstream, before issues escalate, by helping students build lifelong skills.”

New for 2025 Early Education Curriculum (PreK–2nd Grade) – This curriculum introduces 12 core character traits, such as empathy, respect, and responsibility, while fostering foundational brain development and early decision-making skills.

Tier 3 Intervention Curriculum (Grades 6–12) –

In collaboration with and endorsed by Dr. Anna Lembke of Stanford University, this specialized track supports

students at greater risk or currently engaging in high-risk behavior, through interactive modules, real-world scenarios, and guided reflection tools.

The JFJC is committed to preventing high-risk behaviors

so that no family has to expe-

rience the tragedy of losing a loved one. Through education, support, and open minds, JFJC helps children, adolescents, and the adults in their lives avoid high-risk behavior

and make safer, healthier decisions. BrainAbouts equips students with the knowledge and tools to resist high-risk behaviors and mental health, while empowering the adults around them to offer meaningful sup-

port. Grounded in prevention science and mental health research, BrainAbouts delivers engaging, age-appropriate content on more than 30 highrisk topics, from substance use and peer pressure to emotional regulation and digital safety.

“HISD’s adoption of BrainAbouts is a powerful step toward ensuring every student has access to high-quality prevention education,” said René Zamore, Executive Director of JFJC. “Our partnership underscores that mental health support is not a privilege - it’s a necessity.”

Accessible 24/7 through a secure online portal, BrainAbouts provides videos, activity guides, and discussion tools for educators, students, and caregivers. Its flexible design integrates easily into schools of all sizes and budget levels, bridging prevention and intervention with both compassion and science. For more information about the program, visit www.brainabouts.org.

Hermann Park Golf Course to undergo major renovation

COMMUNITY REPORTS

Revitalized course will preserve public access, promote sustainability, and benefit Houston’s parks

The Astros Golf Foundation and Hermann Park Conservancy, in partnership with the Houston Parks and Recreation Department (HPARD), are proud to announce plans for a major renovation of the Hermann Park Golf Course and walking trail. This collaborative effort will breathe new life into one of Houston’s most beloved public courses while advancing environmental sustainability, honoring community history, expanding golf course amenities, and generating lasting benefits for parks citywide.

The project is jointly funded by the Astros Golf

Foundation and Hermann Park Conservancy. Upon completion, it will offer expanded and enhanced experiences for Park visitors while creating new revenuegenerating opportunities for HPARD to support and sustain the capital investment over the long term.

“This is another example of improving quality of life through collaboration. Parks belong to the people of Houston, and I am excited about this collaboration to improve the Hermann Park Golf Course, while preserving public access,” said Mayor John Whitmire.

“This course has long been a place where Houstonians of all walks of life can come together,” said Cara Lambright, President and CEO of Hermann Park Conservancy. “We’re proud to partner with the Astros Golf Foundation and the City to preserve that

spirit, elevate the playing experience, and deliver environmental improvements that will strengthen the entire park.”

Sustainability is a core focus of the renovation. The project will improve drainage and reduce dependency on potable water by capturing stormwater runoff for reuse.

Significant oak trees will be transplanted and relocated along the two-mile walking trail that encircles the course – a well-loved path that currently lacks shade and is too exposed to nearby roads. Plus, other trees will be relocated to various areas on the course.

“This isn’t just about creating a better golf course—it’s about creating a better park,” said Giles Kibbe, President of the Astros Golf Foundation.

“Our team is committed to honoring the character of Hermann Park and we are very excited to continue Jim Crane’s vision of providing first-class golf experiences to everyday golfers and kids in the Houston area.”

The course renovation will align with Hermann Park’s master plan that was informed by environmental specialists and the broader community. The City of Houston will retain full ownership of the golf course, and HPARD will directly benefit from the future revenue it generates.

“I want to thank the Mayor for his commitment to our greenspaces and for making sure this was done transparently and with Houstonians’

best interests at heart,” said Kenneth Allen, Director of the Houston Parks and Recreation Department.

“We’re investing resources to revitalize this public asset that has long served our community, and with the help of Hermann Park Conservancy and the Astros Golf Foundation, we’re ensuring it remains a modern, sustainable, and inclusive public amenity for generations to come. This is what great partnerships look like.” Construction is expected to begin soon, with the full project spanning approximately two years. Updates regarding public access and course progress will be communicated as the project advances.

Houstonians can visit hermannpark.org/golf for ongoing updates and Frequently Asked Questions.

THE DEN – A fine night to relax. A cheap cigar, cheap brandy and, in the background, The Best of the Highlanders. (I love bagpipe music.) And now…Odd. Someone is ring ing my doorbell. I open it to see a man in a trench coat, collar turned up, hat pulled low, dark glasses. He glances furtively around and whispers, “Michael lost his diesel.” Huh?

“The mongoose is in Detroit.” I start to close the door. “Wait,” he says. “Isn’t this 505 Toxic Dump Drive?” Wrong. “That’s across the street. The Machiavelli house.” He frowns. “Then I’ll have to kill you.” Oh, Lordy, it’s him again, the town conspirator.

THE TOPICS.

To inspire, you must conspire

Lynn Ashby Columnist

“Look, Grassy Knoll, if that is your name, you keep hatching these ridiculous conspiracies and just because you want to believe them, you keep spreading these twisted stories, thinking other gullibles will buy in. You probably think Joe Biden stole the 2020 elections.”

“Other gullibles?” He pulls out a paper. “’Eightytwo percent of the country understands that the 2020 presidential election was rigged.’” That’s straight from Donald Trump himself. Said it on March 2, 2021, during a rally in Greensboro, North

poll found 69 percent of respondents believed there was widespread voter fraud in the 2020 election. Their information source was Fox News. I rest my case.” I slam the door shut but begin looking into the conspiracy theories, which are growing. Remember the black helicopters? In the 1960s, the John Birch Society said that a United Nations force would arrive in black helicopters to bring the U.S. under U.N. control. Speaking of aviation, there was the Malaysia Airlines flight that disappeared in the ocean off southeast Asia in March 2011. No, it was not hijacked and flown to Africa, no matter what some conspirators, with too much time

on their hands, may think.

Perhaps the greatest and most long-lasting they’re-hidingthe-truth conspiracy is who shot JFK? More than 2,500 books have been published in whole or part on the Kennedy assassination. The best sellers contend the real assassins were sent by the CIA, Fidel Castro, or Lyndon Johnson. Then we have the Martin Luther King, Jr. assassination which generated “The Plot to Kill King” and similar fabrication.

Why are there so many conspiracy theorists? One guess: Money. Alex Jones’s website, InfoWars, has made him a fortune, but then he claimed the Sandy Hook Elementary School murders of 26 children and teachers were a “false flag” attack by the government, that “no one died” the victims were “child actors.” Jones was successfully sued for defamation for $1.3 billion by the victims’ families. Then we have Glenn Beck whose paranoia and conspiracies include the Boston Marathon Bombing cover-up. Both Jones and Beck could do their radio shows and social medial rants from anywhere. Where to find the most comfortable place with like-minded conspiratorial souls? Both chose Texas – Dallas and Austin.

STAFF REPORTS

Sales activity increased across all housing segments

The Greater Houston housing market experienced a summer shift in July, with growing inventory and steady demand helping to stabilize prices. It has created a more balanced and sustainable market heading into the second half of the year.

According to the Houston Association of Realtors' July 2025 Housing Market Update, single-family home sales increased 9.2 percent year-overyear. A total of 8,300 homes were sold compared to 7,601 last year, when Hurricane Beryl temporarily halted market activity for several days.

July marked the largest year-over-year decline in home prices since 2023. The median price was down 3.1 percent to $339,000. The average price was $434,664, which is 1.9 percent below last year’s level.

Active listings reached an all-time high in July, exceeding 40,000 available homes in the Houston area. This represents a 38.2 percent increase from the same time last year. The average list-to-sale price ratio has held steady at approximately 94 percent over the past year.

“The rising inventory levels have led to modest price adjustments by sellers,” said HAR Chair Shae Cottar with LPT Realty. “While some homeowners are adjusting their expectations, many homes are still attracting solid offers. This is a good indicator that the Houston market continues to be in a relatively healthy and balanced spot.”

Housing Market

Overview

July marked the third consecutive month of growth for

Such fakes are not harmless.

On Oct. 30, 2016, a Twitter account claimed that the NYPD had discovered a pedophilia ring and sex trafficking linked to members of the Democratic Party, based in the basement of Comet Ping Pong, a restaurant in Chevy Chase outside Washington. The report also claimed that the restaurant was a meeting ground for satanic ritual abuse. On Dec. 4, 2016, Edgar Maddison Welch from Salisbury, North Carolina, arrived at Comet Ping Pong where, he believed, the children were being held in a network of tunnels. He made his way to the kitchen, shot open a locked door, and discovered cooking utensils. He found no captive children in the restaurant’s basement; in fact, Comet Ping Pong doesn’t even have a basement. Uh-oh. My doorbell rings again. “The eggplant grows in the spring. Jeffrey Epstein didn’t commit suicide. He was murdered by the Secret Service. That’s why Ghislaine Maxwell will be pardoned,” Grassy Knoll whispers. I question him about the Epstein client list, that conspiracy promoters on the far-right had been telling us was deliberately hidden. Attorney General Pam Bondi said it was “sitting on

my desk,” then all of a sudden there was no such list. Grassy Knoll smiles. “And what about Hillary Clinton leading the attack at Benghazi? And why did the press not tell us about Joe Biden’s senility? That was a massive cover-up conspiracy by the left-wing fake news.”

I have to stay calm. “The day you could walk into the Oval Office and question Biden’s mental capacity is the same day a reporter could. A reporter’s chance? Zero. You saw the same Biden that the press did, every rare news conference, every speech, every public appearance. Jake Tapper only got his sources after their boss left office. And I suppose COVID-19 was deliberately hatched in a lab by the Chinese to kill Americans.”

“Who told?” I thought of informing my paranoid and uninvited visitor that I know Trump and others have claimed, without evidence (it’s always without evidence), that COVID-19 started in a Chinse lab. U.S. intelligence agencies have categorically said there was no chance that the virus was engineered in a lab. On the other hand, at the summit in Helsinki Trump said he believed Putin over Trump’s own intelligence agencies, so why bother?

the Greater Houston real estate market with strong buyer demand. Total property sales were 9.0 percent above where they were in July 2024. The boost in sales activity was accompanied by a 7.2 percent increase in total dollar volume, which topped $4 billion.

Active listings, or the total number of available properties, rose 31.1 percent to 61,144 units, which surpasses the previous record set in June of this year.

Single-Family Homes Update, Citywide

Single-family home sales in the Greater Houston area were up 9.2 percent year-over-year in July. A total of 8,300 homes sold compared to 7,601 last year when Hurricane Beryl brought activity to a standstill for several days. Pending sales experienced a notable 32.2 percent jump, which is an encouraging sign of continued buyer interest. The median home price in July was $339,000, which is 3.1 percent below where it was during the same month last year. The average price also declined, down 1.9 percent to $434,664. The price per square foot was $180, which is unchanged from last July.

Active listings for single-family homes reached 40,112, which is up 38.2 percent compared

to last July. Months of inventory grew from 4.2 months to a 5.5-months supply this year, which marks the highest level since June 2012. That figure exceeds the current national inventory of 4.7 months, as reported by the National Association of Realtors. Days on Market increased from 45 to 50 days.

Broken out by housing segment, single-family home sales in the Greater Houston

area performed as follows:

• $1 - $99,999: increased 26.3

percent

• $100,000 - $149,999: increased 39.1 percent

$150,000 - $249,999: increased 25.5 percent

$250,000 - $499,999: increased 6.0 percent

$500,000 - $999,999: increased 0.5 percent

$1M and above: increased 7.5 percent HAR also breaks out sales

figures for existing singlefamily homes. In July, existing home sales increased 8.8 percent year-over-year, with 5,963 closings compared to 5,479 a year earlier. The average sales price declined 2.4 percent to $446,483, while the median price was down 2.6 percent to $341,000.

Houston Real Estate Highlights in July Single-family home sales

“You know that Barack Hussein Obama couldn’t be president because he was born in Kenya.” Is that yarn still being trotted out? Obama finally had to produce his birth certificate. He was born in Hawaii. Obama’s parents were in Kenya but sneakily placed notices in both Honolulu newspapers announcing his birth. But an old high school buddy sent me a photocopy of Obama’s birth certificate from something like the Royal Hospital in Nairobi signed by a doctor. There were problems including the fact that the hospital wasn’t even founded until years later and there was no such doctor.

“Good night,” I say and start to shut the door. Grassy Knoll replies. “Good night, Elvis.” Ashby conspires at ashby2@ comcast.net

Editor’s note: This column and its contents do not necessarily reflect the views of The Leader News, its staff, or its publisher. The Leader News welcomes opinion articles on matters of interest to Greater Heights residents at editor@theleadernews. com. Publication is at the discretion of the editor.

increased 9.2% year-overyear; Days on Market (DOM) for single-family homes went from 45 to 50 days; • The single-family median price declined 3.1% to $339,000; The single-family average price was down 1.9% to $434,664; • Single-family home months of inventory

City welcomes new recycling trucks

COMMUNITY REPORTS

New Fleet will Improve Recycling Services for Houstonians

Mayor John Whitmire and the Solid Waste Management Department (SWMD) welcomed the arrival of the first nine of 31 new recycling trucks On Aug. 18, a major step toward improving ontime collection and service reliability.

The new trucks replace older vehicles that have been in service beyond their expected lifespans. With these modern, more efficient trucks, there will be less breakdowns during routes, while improving service completion, delivering more reliable collection throughout the city.

The remaining recycling trucks from this order will arrive over the next several weeks. Built with a heavy-duty drive train and robust refuse collection body, these trucks are designed for improved reliability and reduced maintenance costs. These trucks will be dedicated to recycling collections in white paint instead of the traditional blue.

“Recycling and garbage pickup are important qualityof-life issues and among my top priorities. I understand the frustration of Houstonians with the unreliability of these services. We are replacing old vehicles, and this investment will enhance service. We are

committed to improving both service and operations as we modernize the solid waste fleet,” Whitmire said.

“We are investing in better equipment to deliver better service,” said Larius Hassen, Director of Solid Waste Management. “These new trucks are here, and this is just the beginning. They will help our drivers' complete routes on time, work safely, and provide residents with the dependable collection service.”

Solid Waste Management Department deployed the new trucks immediately, with residents seeing the vehicles on collection routes that same day.

P.

Idalia Guerra, Chair of the Reimagine Donovan Park campaign and former HHA President, in a recent HHA newsletter. “Now, I’m excited to share we are working on Reimagining Donovan Park, and I’m honored to lead the charge.”

The revitalization effort will roll out in two phases: first, the creation of a conceptual master plan, expected to be unveiled in summer 2026, followed by construction and improvements to the park.

Community Engagement and Fundraising

To ensure the project reflects neighborhood needs, HHA is inviting residents to take part in upcoming community engagement meetings: • Aug. 24, 10:00 a.m. Donovan Park Aug. 27, 6:30 p.m. –Historic Houston Heights Fire Station

The campaign has already hosted a successful Mahjong tournament fundraiser this spring and will hold its signature Dining for Donovan Park Gala & Auction on Oct. 15, featuring a fourcourse dinner and wine pairing by Heights resident and renowned chef Aaron Bludorn. Tickets go on sale in September, with all proceeds benefiting the park campaign.

Art Contest and Community Spirit Residents are also encouraged to participate in a Donovan Park Art Contest, with entries due Sept. 1. Artists of all ages can submit non-digital artwork inspired by their memories at the park. The winning piece will be featured permanently in the revitalized space, and top submissions will be included in a commemorative coffee table book.

Email a high-quality photo or scan of your art to donovan@houstonheights.org.

“We’re so excited to build something wonderful—together,” Guerra said. Donovan Park was born from activism and grassroots energy. In the mid-1990s, neighbors banded together to save the land from becoming a truck stop, raising funds and building the park with their own hands. Today, the HHA hopes to tap into that same spirit of collaboration. Local businesses are stepping up as well. Bumble Bee Blinds of Houston Heights, a Platinum Sponsor, has pledged contributions to the campaign for every order placed or Google review submitted through Aug. 30. For more details on donations, volunteer opportunities, or HHA membership, visit www.houstonheights. org or email donovan@houstonheights.org.

METRO adds more Red Line rides for Texans game days

COMMUNITY REPORTS

Beginning Saturday, Aug. 16, for Texans preseason kickoff,

This

Event Service will mean

and departing NRG Park and is designed to meet the needs of higher ridership during game days, ensuring a smoother, more convenient travel experience for customers. Fans can count on METRO to get them where they need to go before, during, and after the game. METRO’s team will be live monitoring service throughout the day to ensure trains are running at the frequency needed to accommodate demand. Adjustments will be made in real time to keep service running efficiently and minimize wait times.

(1604 West Bellfort Ave.). Every passenger in a vehicle receives a roundtrip wristband to ride the METRORail Red Line for that fixed price. From Fannin South, it's just one stop to the Stadium Park / Astrodome station. The $25 parking rate applies to all vehicles that park at Fannin South Transit Center during those dates, even if you’re not attending the event.

Parking at Fannin South Transit Center During all home Texans’ games, fans can park and pay $25 (credit or debit card only) at the Fannin South Transit Center

Bus Options Near NRG Park For those taking local bus service, three METRO routes stop within walking distance of NRG Park:

offer

reliable way to get to the game, with convenient drop-off points near the stadium. Whether you’re heading to NRG Stadium to cheer on the Texans or returning home after the game, METRO’s Special Event Service offers a reliable, affordable, and stress-free way to travel, without the hassle of traffic or parking. For more information, including trip planning tools, visit RideMETRO. org/Texans.

Houston SPCA hosts Clear the Shelters Pet Adoption Event this Saturday

COMMUNITY REPORTS

Adoption Packages are Half-Off Dogs, Cats, Puppies & Kittens, Plus Free Gifts and Family Fun

The Houston SPCA is hosting the Clear the Shelters Pet Adoption Event on Saturday, August 23 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., offering a day filled with adoption specials plus free family-friendly activities, giveaways, and gifts for pet adopters. All dogs, cats, puppies, and kittens will be 50% off their adoption packages for one day only. That includes the pet adoption, microchip, spay or neuter surgery, up-to-date

and

The Holdsworth Center: Nominate your favorite teacher for a free weekend retreat

COMMUNITY REPORTS

The Holdsworth Center, a nonprofit dedicated to building stronger leaders for Texas public schools, is inviting the Houston community to nominate a teacher for a weekend retreat at the Center’s Campus on Lake Austin, a one-of-akind place designed exclusively for educators.

The back-to-school gift teachers really want? Nominate them for a free retreat at The Holdsworth Center. Nominations are open from August 15-29 and can be found online at Teacherretreat.org.

From the pool of nominees, 150 teachers will have the opportunity to attend Oct. 10-12. The retreat is free for teachers, thanks to generous sponsors like H-E-B, Frost Bank, A+ Federal Credit Union, Clean Scapes, MFI Foundation and Raftelis.

“Teachers are the lifeblood

of our public education system and work hard every day to spark students’ love of learning and unlock their future potential,” said Dr. Lindsay Whorton, president of The Holdsworth Center. “The past few years have been really tough for our teachers, and we want to show our appreciation by inviting them to our lakeside campus to refresh, reenergize and renew.”

The weekend is all about them – they’ll have the opportunity to eat great food from Holdsworth’s culinary team, do yoga or Zumba, go to wellbeing workshops or just sit in an Adirondack chair and listen to waves lapping the shore.

With their needs taken care of, they’re able to relax, enjoy time with their peers and learn about ways to manage stress and enhance their well-being.

“The Teacher Retreat has been the single most transformative moment in my 27 years

of education,” said Nicole Dickerson, a teacher in Dallas ISD. “It reminded me that what I do matters.”

Holdsworth founder and H-E-B Chairman Charles Butt built the Campus on Lake Austin as a gift to hardworking educators, who he believes deserve world-class professional development opportunities in a setting that rivals what CEOs and business executives experience.

At the lakeside campus, educators have access to state-of-the-art classrooms, a 300-person lecture space, an open-air amphitheater, walking trails, 186 rooms for overnight stays and a two-story dock classroom.

Since its founding in 2017, The Holdsworth Center has served more than 1,900 educators and 89 school districts across Texas through its world-class leadership programs.

Houston Health Department launches dashboard to track how extreme heat affects Houston area health

COMMUNITY REPORTS

The Houston Health Department (HHD) launched the Houston Summer Surveillance dashboard developed by the Data Science program, the same team previously recognized for work related to the Houston Wastewater dashboard. The Houston Summer Surveillance dashboard is a publicly accessible tool that tracks how extreme heat affects public health and can inform health interventions for heat-related illnesses (HRIs) and other health conditions worsened by heat.

“Extreme heat is becoming increasingly more common, and it is essential to formulate tools and strategies to keep our community safe,” Dr. Loren Hopkins, chief environmental science officer, said.

The interactive dashboard collects temperature and health data in the Houston area

to compile them into visualizations, such as trends over time and location, demographic breakdowns and summaries.

Data fed into the dashboard includes emergency visit data from HHD’s in-house, syndromic surveillance system for healthcare facilities, located in the combined region of Harris, Fort Bend and Montgomery counties, and forecasted Heat Index data from the National Weather Service. As of Aug. 7, there have been 1,630 HRI emergency visits within the region since April 1, 2025.

“This dashboard is one segment of the work that the HHD is conducting to understand the increase in risk of various health outcomes that the Houston community may experience due to extreme heat,” Komal Sheth, a senior staff analyst, said. “The data displayed can highlight the populations most burdened by heat-related illnesses and identify hotspot areas or times of day when a cooling center

may be most effective.”

Users can then navigate the dashboard to see trends in emergency visit counts over time, such as by day of week and/or time of day, as well as spatial hot spots and by specific HRI, such as heat stroke, heat exhaustion, etc. Data can then be filtered through categories, such as age or racial groups, and update visualizations to reflect those selections. The dashboard also shows emergency visits for other health conditions and vulnerable groups that are exacerbated by heat, such as acute kidney injury, pregnancy-related complications like pre-term birth, acute cardiac events, stroke and more.

“HHD is currently developing an alert system that, when complete, will issue warnings on high heat days with reminders to stay safe and cool,” said Hopkins.

Another feature includes summaries of how many HRI emergency visits have been

documented overall this summer down to specific dates. Users can then compare data to past years. For example, there were 42 HRI emergency department visits reported on July 29, 2025 compared to 31 visits on the same day in 2024 and 21 visits in 2023. Data is updated every Wednesday at 2:00 a.m. from May through October.

“Because this dashboard is publicly accessible, researchers and organizations in the heat and climate sector, and even the general public if interested, who don’t typically have access to this data can leverage the dashboard to understand the effects of heat on health,” said Senior Staff Analyst Kaavya Domakonda. Dashboard page: houstonhealth.org/ houston-summer-surveillance-heat-related-illnesshri-heat-exacerbated-healthmonitoring

The Garden Theatre brings back the wit and wisdom of Ann Richards in smash hit “Ann”

In celebration of its fifth season, The Garden Theatre has announced it will bring the highly-lauded, audience favorite Ann back to life at MATCH, once again starring well-known, local actress Nora Hahn. Featuring the inspirational story of the life of prolific Texas Governor Ann Richards, the production will have a strictly limited engagement, August 28-31, 2025, at Midtown Arts and Theater Center Houston (3400 Main St.) in the heart of Midtown.

“I cannot think of a better way to begin our fifth anniversary season than with Nora Hahn in Ann,” says Founding Artistic Director Logan Vaden.

“A lot has changed in our world in the last year and a half since we first produced this show. It feels timely that it comes back now.

“Nora Hahn delivers a spectacular performance. So much so that we’ve had audiences asking when they’d see Ann Richards on our stage again!

The first go around, audiences left feeling as if they’d spent the last hour and a half with the real Ann. What a thrill that we get to experience that again, and that a new audience will fall in love with the grit, humor, and determination of the late Governor.”

Ann is a no-holds-barred portrait of Ann Richards, the legendary governor of Texas.

This inspiring and hilarious play brings us face to face with a complex, colorful and captivating character bigger than the state from which she hailed. Written by Emmy

Award winner Holland Taylor, Ann takes a revealing look at the impassioned woman who enriched the lives of her followers, friends and family. After playing throughout Texas to sold-out audiences, the original production of Ann went on to win critical acclaim in Chicago, at the Kennedy Center in Washington, DC, and on Broadway at Lincoln Center’s Vivian Beaumont Theater. The Garden Theatre’s production ran in 2024 starring Nora Hahn. The company is honored to bring this production back to Houston starring Nora Hahn once again. Ms. Hahn has been seen on stages across Houston, including The Garden Theatre, Stageworks, Theatre Southwest, and Country Playhouse. Most recently, Ms. Hahn was seen onstage at The Garden Theatre as Sister Aloysius in Doubt, A Parable, as the first female governor of Texas, Ma Ferguson, in The Bonnie & Clyde, as Clairee Belcher in Steel Magnolias. Supporting Nora Hahn in this theatrical feat, The Garden Theatre has enlisted Debra Schultz as Director and Nicholas White as Technical Director.

Ann will run for five performances only from Aug. 28-Aug. 31, 2025 at MATCH (Midtown Arts and Theater Center Houston; 3400 Main St. Houston, TX 77002). Adult tickets are $30. Student and senior tickets are $25. Thursday’s performance is pay-what-you-can. Tickets are available on the theatre’s website at www.thegardentheatre. org or by calling the MATCH box office at 713-521-4533.

Art Valet: Storming Houston’s Art Scene: David James Strain

David James Strain took the Houston art scene by storm, materializing from thin air with a professional booth display and a consistent body of work on expertly crafted wood panels. That was my impression when Strain joined First Saturday Arts Market in late 2024. Though he claimed to have only been marketing his art for three years, I knew there was more to his story. His abstract surrealistic paintings appeared meticulously planned and executed. I finally caught up with this fascinating artist to uncover the story behind his remarkable work.

Share a bit about your life outside of your artistic pursuits?

Born and raised in Northern California, I moved to The Woodlands, Texas at age 12 when my father’s oil and gas career brought our family south. A lifelong sports enthusiast, I quickly adapted and built lasting friendships, later graduating from The Woodlands High School.

After earning a Fine Arts degree from the University of Texas at San Antonio, I lived in Portland, Oregon, before returning to Houston, working first in art retail and then in the oil and gas industry, both offshore and in marketing. Seeking a more fulfilling path, I left corporate life to attend beauty school, inspired by my wife’s over 20 years in hairstyling. We now run a hair business together. Along the way, my parents’ move to the Middle East opened the door to extensive travel—from East Africa to Thailand to Europe—experiences that deepened my appreciation for life in the United States.

What sparked the beginning of your journey as an artist?

My artistic journey began at the University of Texas at San Antonio, where I initially enrolled as a biology major with plans to become a dentist. After a semester immersed in chemistry, biology, and physics, I realized the sciences weren’t my calling. Each day,

STAFF REPORTS

St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church is inviting women of faith to step away from life’s daily demands and rediscover spiritual renewal at its upcoming Women’s ACTS Retreat, set for October 2–5, 2025, at Circle Lake Retreat Center.

A Pathway to Renewal

The ACTS Retreat—named for its focus on Adoration, Community, Theology, and Service—offers participants an opportunity to deepen their relationship with God through prayer, reflection, and fellowship. Rooted in Catholic tradition, the retreat is designed to meet women wherever they are on their faith journey, whether seeking renewal, healing, or simply a closer walk with Christ.

I’d pass through the art department on my way to class, catching glimpses of students shaping sculptures, painting, and sketching. Having always enjoyed drawing, I was captivated by the energy and creativity in those rooms. That moment became a turning point—I spoke with my parents, changed my major, and fully embraced the path of an artist.

What projects or techniques are you currently exploring in your artwork?

I’m currently exploring a new painting support that’s both lighter and more durable than my usual birch plywood. By combining aluminum and plastic, I can create large, rigid panels that resist moisture— eliminating the warping and bowing common with wood— while significantly reducing weight, making them easier to move, hang, and ship.

What plans do you have for your art career moving forward?

I have big plans for the future, focusing on marketing myself to build a loyal following of collectors and buyers who connect with my work. I value the personal relationships that come from selling directly—visiting a client’s home, hanging the artwork, and creating custom commissions. My ultimate goal is to craft each piece and quickly find it a new home where it can be appreciated and enjoyed.

Where can people view or engage with your artwork?

People can experience my art through my online platforms—Instagram and Facebook—and in person at

“I came with doubts and burdens. I left with peace and purpose,” one retreatant shared of her experience.

Organizers say many participants leave the retreat with a renewed sense of faith, restored relationships, and a greater peace of heart.

Retreat Details

The Women’s ACTS Retreat will take place at Circle Lake Retreat Center, with transportation provided from St. Rose of Lima. The cost is $275, though financial assistance is available to ensure that anyone who wishes to attend can do so.

Spots are limited, and parish leaders encourage early registration to secure a place. A men’s retreat will be announced at a later date.

local art markets and festivals. Some of my pieces are also on display at the AvantArt Gallery in Houston’s Historic Gallery Row. My website, StudioStrain.com, showcases my full portfolio, with details on available works, pricing, dimensions, and installation photos featuring the new homes and owners of my art.

Changing Lives and

Building Community

Beyond the personal renewal, the retreat fosters strong bonds among participants.

Shared meals, small group discussions, and moments of quiet prayer help build lasting friendships rooted in faith.

“The ACTS Retreat isn’t just an event—it’s a turning point,” parish organizers noted. “It transforms hearts, draws people closer to Christ, and helps participants rediscover the joy of living in God’s presence.”

Registration Information

Women interested in attending can learn more or register by contacting the parish office at parishinfo@stroselima. org or calling 713-692-9123. Additional details are available at www.stroselima.org.

What’s an unexpected adventure or accomplishment that might surprise those who know you?

One of my most memorable non-art adventures was a 2-week road trip my wife Lisa and I took through nearly the entire circumference of both islands of New Zealand. We rented a camper van and explored national parks, took

gondola rides through glowworm caves, and even enjoyed a private tour of the southern fjords, where we pulled up crabs, caught blue cod, and had it all cooked fresh for us on the boat. It was an unforgettable experience—full of freedom and discovery—and one we’ll probably never repeat, which makes it all the more special.

David J. Strain joins other artists for the First Saturday Arts Market, 540 W. 19th St. Saturday, September 6, 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. Details at firstsaturdayartsmarket.com. Follow Strain on Instagram instagram.com/davidjamesstrain Cohen is an artist and founder of the First Saturday Arts Market. Visit his website at ArtValet.com.