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Saturday, September 20, 2025 • Vol. 70 • No. 38
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Tree, sign, and memories saved as Garden Oaks braces for major redevelopment at old SEARS site may as the last iconic SEARS location on 4000 N. Shepherd in Houston shut its doors after After years of waiting and 70+ years. For an overwhelming number of residents, the location watching, Garden Oaks residents may soon see new held years of family memories, involvement and tradition. life in this historic retail There have been fears and conlocation. Rumors of Target cerns regarding what would be demoving in, however, have not veloped in its place. Rumors were been confirmed by the brand rampant and grew the longer the structure remained vacant. There In 2020, Garden Oaks and was unrest surrounding the runmuch of the city watched in dis- down condition and safety hazards By STEPHANIE SHIRLEY The Leader News Contributor
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before demolition and the aesthetic eyesore created after. Meanwhile, strategic efforts were underway to safeguard some of the destination’s history by preserving the iconic bus stop, its shading mature oak tree, and the nostalgic SEARS sign lettering. The collaborative endeavors of individuals, community civic organizations, elected officials and Preservation Houston worked tirelessly to make this happen. See SEARS P. 2
Photos by Stephanie Shirley
The ‘Softer Side of Sears’ could take the form of a welcoming Target Circle.
READY, SET, GO!
Tacos A Go Go expands with new Heights home, Memorial/ Tanglewood location By STEFANIE THOMAS editor@theleadernews.com Twenty years after opening its first taco shop in Midtown, Houston favorite Tacos A Go Go is expanding in a big way. This winter, the restaurant will open two new locations: a larger home for its Heights spot at 1102 Yale St. (the former Lola building) and a brand-new restaurant at 2231 S. Voss Rd. (formerly Killen’s STQ) in the Memorial/ Tanglewood area. Both restaurants will include expanded kitchens for fresh tortillas and Fajitas A Go Go family packs, plus something new: the restaurant’s first full bar program, developed with acclaimed Houston bartender and longtime Tacos A Go Go fan Bobby Heugel.
Chefs For Farmers returns with expanded lineup at Autry Park
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Public Meetings: Be part of the Harris County Flood Resilience Plan
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Children assemble at the start line of the Heights Fun Run Kids 1K
Houston Heights Fun Run celebrates 40 years of community spirit Kinzie Yates, who has served as Fun Run Chair for six years, is a big fan of the route: “Heights Boulevard is the perfect backdrop with its wide esplanade, historic homes, and central community feel.”
By BETSY DENSON The Leader News Contributor
Houston Public Library turns up the volume for Hispanic Heritage Month
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Wild Tunes concert benefits shelter animals, soothes through music
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A Dream of Margaritas and Mezcal
Photo courtesy of Houston Heights Association
When the Houston Heights Fun Run began in 1985, organizers might not have imagined that more than a thousand participants would still be traversing the iconic Heights Boulevard for the run 40 years later. This year’s event, scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 11, at Marmion Park, marks a significant milestone for one of Houston’s most beloved neighborhood races. “Forty years ago, they started this idea that’s still interesting and exciting for neighbors to participate in,” says Emily Guyre, executive director of the Houston Heights Association. “It just helps us understand that our mission is standing the test of time, that people want to come together and get outdoors, and celebrate movement.” What makes the Houston Heights Fun Run special isn’t just its longevity. It’s the consistency. The course has remained unchanged since its inception, running along Heights
A Participant’s Perspective
For Lisa Wickliffe, who has been coming for close to 10 years, the beauty of Heights Boulevard is the draw. “We love the route with all of the trees,” she says, adding that she and her companions head to breakfast at a nearby restaurant each year after the run. Wickliffe was initially drawn to the race because her sons lived in the Photo courtesy of Houston Heights Association Heights and she had grown to love the Run or walk, just move. The Heights Fun area. She also witnessed the event’s Run offers participation options for people evolution over the years. of all ages. “It used to be at the end of May, beBoulevard from 18th Street down to ginning of June, so it was our last walk 5th Street and back. For the 10K participants, they sim- of the season. Now that it has moved to October, it is one of our first of the ply complete the loop twice. season,” she said. “We definitely prefer “It’s a course that a lot of people the October date.” use for qualifiers because it’s pretty See RUN P. 3 flat,” Guyre explains.
“I’ve always wanted to have a real bar inside Tacos A Go Go,” founder Sharon Haynes said. “With margaritas, mezcal and Mexican cocktails. These two locations have the space for it, and when Bobby offered to help, we knew it was meant to be. Now we can offer an even better experience for our loyal fans: room to make fresh tortillas every day and serve Fajitas A Go Go family packs, along with a fun bar experience.” Heugel, a two-time James Beard Award finalist known for Anvil Bar & Refuge, The Pastry War, and Better Luck Tomorrow, will design the cocktail program around Mexican spirits See TACOS P. 3
Photo courtesy of Tacos A Go Go
Tacos A Go Go will move to the former Lola location in the Heights.
A Tale of Two Bridges expands Shade Project, invites community to “Sip & See” Meow Wolf Houston hosts The Rocky Horror Picture Show with live shadow cast
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By STEFANIE THOMAS editor@theleadernews.com The Heights Hike and Bike Trail is looking greener than ever thanks to the planting of 220 native trees along a 1,300-foot stretch of trail, part of A Tale of Two Bridges’ ambitious Shade Project. Designed to cool Houston’s trails, improve walkability, and create a lasting legacy of greenspace, the initiative has already begun trans-
forming the trail into a more inviting corridor. This milestone builds on a pilot effort in March 2023, when 20 trees were planted near Nicholson and West 8th Street. Just two years later, those trees are providing shade and comfort to walkers and cyclists—proof of how quickly native species can make an impact. The newly planted 200 trees are expected to provide similar benefits within only a few years.
A Community-Driven Effort
The Shade Project has flourished thanks to the support of H-E-B, Rhythm Energy, Livelihood, the City of Houston, and more than 100 dedicated volunteers. Together, they’ve participated in community planting days: • Jan. 25, 2025 – 80 trees planted with local volunteers Photo courtesy of A Tale of Two Bridges • Mar. 3, 2025 – 100 trees planted A Tale of Two Bridges, with the support of volunteers See TREES P. 2
and sponsors, planted 220 native trees along a 1,300-foot stretch of the Heights Hike and Bike Trail.
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