The 3-7-2026 Edition of The Leader Heights

By STEFANIE THOMAS editor@theleadernews.com

A long-anticipated flood mitigation project in Shady Acres is moving closer to construction, with work on the nearly $16.9 million Turkey Gully Paving and Drainage Project expected to begin by fall 2026, weather permitting.

Secured by Houston City Council Member Abbie Kamin, the project is designed to significantly reduce flood risk for hundreds of homes and businesses in the Greater Heights area while delivering major roadway and pedestrian improvements.

The project, now at approximately 90% design completion, was recently the focus of a community forum hosted in partnership with Houston Public Works. Residents gathered to receive timeline updates, review design details and ask questions as the e ort advances toward groundbreaking.

According to project modeling, once complete the improvements will remove 171 parcels from flood risk during a twoyear storm event, 238 parcels during a 10year storm event and 157 parcels during a

100-year storm event.

Flood mitigation will be achieved by diverting runo flows from Turkey Gully to White Oak Bayou, channeling water through W. 25th Street, W. 24th Street, W. 22nd Street, Bevis Street and W. 20th Street. In addition to stormwater improvements, the project includes reconstruction of approximately 2.63 miles of roadway with new pavement, drainage and utility upgrades, expanded and improved sidewalks along Bevis Street and W. 20th Street, and installation of a new tra c signal at the intersection of W. 20th Street and East T.C. Jester Boulevard to replace the existing four-way stop.

Kamin described the project as one of the most significant infrastructure e orts she has secured for District C, emphasizing its impact on public safety, quality of life and long-term resilience.

The Turkey Gully project is part of a broader initiative to strengthen Houston’s stormwater infrastructure and build neighborhood-level flood protection across vulnerable areas of the city.

Residents can follow updates and review project details at engagehouston.org.

By STEFANIE THOMAS editor@theleadernews.com

For a century, the red-brick façade of Heights High School has stood watch over the Houston Heights — a neighborhood landmark as recognizable as the esplanades of Heights Boulevard and as enduring as the generations of students who have passed through its doors.

As the campus turns 100 years old, alumni, families and community leaders are reflecting not only on a building constructed in 1926, but on a living institution that has grown, adapted and persevered alongside the neighborhood it serves.

By STEFANIE THOMAS editor@theleadernews.com

A temporary pedestrian safety island took shape at 20th Street and Nicholson on Sunday, March 1, as Heights neighbors staged a hands-on demonstration calling for safer crossings along the Nicholson rail-to-trail corridor.

The e ort was organized by A Tale of Two Bridges (ATOTB), a neighborhood-led advocacy group focused on improving public spaces and trail safety.

The temporary installation — created using simple materials like sidewalk chalk and posters to illustrate the concept — was fully funded by neighbors and parents of Helms Elementary who are advocating for permanent safety upgrades. “This was fully funded by neighbors and parents of Helms that are calling for better safety measures be in-

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By STEFANIE THOMAS editor@theleadernews.com

After weeks of mounting pressure, neighborhood protests and urgent calls to save a beloved landmark, Arthouse Houston has signed a contract last week to purchase the Garden Oaks Theater — a major breakthrough in the fight to prevent demolition.

But organizers stress that the building is not safe yet.

“Arthouse Houston signed a contract with the owner to purchase the Garden Oaks Theater and re-open it for the community!” the nonprofit announced. “But the theater isn’t safe yet! Our capital campaign begins now with 90 days to raise funds to save it!”

A Narrow Window to Raise $7.1 Million

With the help of a small group of angel donors, Arthouse Houston secured a partial deposit to delay demolition. That deposit triggers a 30-day window — with two possible 30-day extensions — to raise the full $7.1 million purchase price and close on the sale.

The organization’s message is clear: failure to meet that deadline will result in immediate demolition.

“Time is of the essence,” Arthouse Houston stated. “Failure to reach that goal in time will result in immediate

Nunez, founder of ATOTB. According to Nunez, the demonstration is part of a larger campaign aimed at rethinking how trail crossings function across the corridor.

“This e ort is part of our campaign … to convert every trail intersection into a protected crossing: four-way stop, pedestrian island, raised crossing, or other measure to prioritize the corridor at every single intersection,” he said. To date, 482 neighbors have signed a petition

Local officials honor legacy of first African American Harris County Commissioner during 100th Black History Month

STAFF REPORTS

Harris County Commissioner Rodney Ellis, State Sen. Borris Miles and State Rep. Harold Dutton recently paid tribute to the legacy of late Commissioner El Franco Lee during the centennial Black History Month, recognizing the El Franco Lee Statue at the Harris County Jury Plaza and unveiling a sign naming part of U.S. 59 after the late Precinct 1 Commissioner.

“In this 100th year of celebrating Black History Month, we gather to honor a leader whose life shaped Harris County,” said current Precinct 1 Commissioner Ellis, who succeeded Commissioner Lee in 2017. “To me, he was a friend and a mentor. I turned to him when I faced major decisions. His counsel was grounded in experience and in love for this community.”

“This plaza is just the most breathtaking thing I’ve ever

demolition.”

The nonprofit has launched an intensive capital campaign through its Preservation Fund, welcoming contributions from individuals, businesses, foundations and organizations large and small. Donations are tax-deductible, and organizers are urging supporters to act quickly.

“Together we have taken a major step towards preserving and re-opening Garden Oaks Theater,” the group wrote. “Thank you to everyone who made calls, showed up to protest, signed the petition and raised your voices! We wouldn’t have made it this far without you.”

More Than a Building

The Garden Oaks Theater, a mid-century neighborhood cinema, has long served as a cultural anchor for Garden Oaks and Oak Forest. Its iconic neon marquee and vintage façade represent a rare surviving example of Houston’s his-

From 1904 Beginnings to a 1926 Landmark

The story of Heights High begins well before its current campus opened. In 1904, Houston Heights High School was established to serve residents of the then-independent City of Houston Heights, functioning as both an elementary and secondary school. After the Heights was annexed by the City of Houston in 1918, educational facilities shifted to meet a growing population.

A fire in 1924 destroyed the Yale and 12th Street campus, prompting plans for a new high school. In 1926, John H. Reagan High School opened on two full city blocks between Oxford and Arlington, 13th and 14th streets. Students and teachers famously marched down Heights Boulevard to the new campus — a symbolic procession into a new era.

The school was designed by noted architects John Staub and William Ward Watkin, whose work helped define Houston’s early 20th-century architectural identity, including contributions to Rice University’s original campus. With its stately brickwork and symmetrical lines, the new high school quickly became one of the Heights’ most prominent civic structures.

seen in my life. Having my Dad honored in this way, I just want the public to be able to enjoy it and be aware of it. And may it be a staple in Downtown Houston,” said El Franco Lee II, the son of Commissioner Lee. Sen. Miles, who helped Rep. Dutton pass the bill to rename a portion of U.S. 59, said Commissioner Lee was one of our most prolific leaders.

“El Franco is one of our greats,” Sen. Miles said. “He was a giant among men, and this memorial highway will always remind us of El Franco Lee’s presence.” Rep. Dutton called the event a “wonderful occasion” for his best friend.

“Thanks to my commissioner and everyone who has been a part of this because we couldn’t have done this for a better public servant and a better friend,” Rep. Dutton said.

Commissioner Lee—who

toric neighborhood theaters.

“Arthouse Houston’s potential acquisition of the Garden Oaks Theater represents a rare opportunity for Houston to preserve its architectural history and establish this theater as a designated protected landmark, so that it may continue to be a vibrant part of our city as a community arts and film center,” the organization shared.

Supporters say that preserving the building is about safeguarding neighborhood identity as much as saving a structure. Historic photos circulating online — including long lines stretching down the sidewalk for screenings of Jaws — underscore the theater’s role as a gathering place for generations.

Community Mobilization Continues

The contract signing marks a turning point in what has been a grassroots preservation e ort. Residents rallied outside the theater, circulated petitions and contacted city

served more than 30 years in o ce before passing away on Jan. 3, 2016—was recognized for championing senior services, youth programming, and community-based health initiatives.

Commissioner Lee improved the lives of thousands of youths by creating the Harris County Street Olympics. He also established year-round youth programming at three Precinct One community centers, and comprehensive senior programs at seven community centers.

El Franco Lee fought for access to health care, including mental health treatment, and reforms that strengthened our justice system, such as supporting the creation of the Harris County Public Defender’s O ce.

“He built the relationships necessary to move policy and deliver results for Precinct One,” Ellis said. “El Franco was a voice for the marginalized.”

leaders in hopes of preventing redevelopment.

Now, organizers are calling on that same energy to translate into financial assistance.

“We need your support to make this happen,” the nonprofit emphasized, encouraging residents to donate, spread the word and join its newsletter for updates.

The campaign’s urgency reflects the high stakes: a successful close would secure the building’s future under nonprofit stewardship; falling short could mean losing the theater permanently.

For now, demolition is paused — but only temporarily.

As the capital campaign unfolds over the coming weeks, the future of the Garden Oaks Theater rests in whether the community can meet the $7.1 million goal in time to keep its marquee lit for generations to come.

For more information and to make a donation, visit arthousehtx.org/garden-oakstheater.

City of Houston through the Houston Arts Alliance.

build awareness; participants are invited to donate $25 to cover the $23 printing cost per sign.

The March 1 demonstration coincided with Soundscapes on the Trail, a series of five trailside concerts designed to activate the space and encourage community gathering.

“We are coordinating neighborhood action with another program, Soundscapes on the Trail … a series of five trailside music concerts,” Nunez said. “They are aimed at serenading trail users as they pass by and reimagining our trail spaces as places to gather and spend time.”

The concert series is supported by a grant from the

A School Reflecting Its Times

Like many public schools in Texas, Reagan High was initially segregated. It formally desegregated by 1970, marking a significant chapter in its history and in the broader evolution of Houston ISD. Over the decades, the campus has mirrored the changing demographics of the Heights and surrounding neighborhoods, becoming one of the city’s diverse, community-centered high schools.

Enrollment pressures led to the opening of nearby Waltrip High School in 1959, helping relieve overcrowding at Reagan. Boundary adjustments and neighborhood growth continued to shape the student body in the years that followed.

In 2016, Houston ISD of-

ficially renamed the campus Heights High School, restoring a name deeply tied to the community’s earliest educational roots. For many residents, the change signified more than a rebranding — it represented reconnection, renewal and recognition of the school’s original identity within the historic Heights neighborhood.

“The school’s name was o cially changed to Heights High School, restoring a name deeply rooted in community history,” said Ivonne Aguirre, Reagan Golf Tournament/ Alumni Association Board.

“The ‘Heights’ name reflects the school’s original identity and location in the historic Houston Heights neighborhood, honoring the legacy of the original Heights High School that first served students in this community. The

change represented both a renewed commitment to unity and a reconnection to the school’s historic roots.” Modernization Without Losing Character

While the building’s historic exterior remains largely intact, the interior has evolved to meet 21st-century academic demands. A major renovation beginning in 2006 transformed the campus with the addition of a new cafeteria, gymnasium complex, academic and vocational buildings and an expanded library.

Today, the campus includes a teaching theater, auditorium, dance studios, choir and band halls, a piano lab, technology classrooms and a two-story parking garage. Athletic facilities remain central to school life, reinforcing the enduring Bulldog spirit.

The school’s architectural presence has not gone unnoticed. In 2012, the Houston Press ranked it among the most architecturally beautiful high school campuses in Greater Houston, citing its timeless design and commanding neighborhood presence.

A Legacy of Notable Alumni

Over the past century, Heights High has produced graduates who have left lasting marks in medicine, media, business, sports and public service. Among them:

Nunez said the pedestrian island demonstration “was brought to life by Ursula Andreef from Ampersand Urban Design Studio, as well as Friends of the Blvd and Strong Towns HTX.” He added that “these groups routinely work together to make Houston streets and public spaces more welcoming to people.”

Beyond this single intersection, ATOTB is continuing to advocate for broader policy changes and infrastructure improvements along the corridor.

“We are also working with city leaders and institutions to propose policies that can advance Houston’s transition toward a greener future,” Nunez wrote.

Additional upcoming ATOTB events in-

• Red Adair (Class of 1931), legendary oil well firefighter

• Mary Kay Ash (Class of 1934), founder of Mary Kay Cosmetics

• Dr. Denton Cooley (Class of 1937), pioneering heart surgeon

• Dan Rather (Class of 1950), journalist

• Wayne Graham (Class of 1954), longtime Rice University baseball coach

• Martha Wong (Class of 1957), former Texas state representative

• Gwendolyn Zepeda (Class of 1990), author Their stories reflect the breadth of opportunity that has flowed through the halls of Heights High for generations.

Bulldog Bash: A Once-in-a-Century Celebration

To commemorate its 100th anniversary, the Heights PTO and the Alumni Association — organizers of the annual Reagan Golf Tournament — are hosting the Bulldog Bash on Saturday, March 21, at SPJST Lodge 88.

“We invite all alumni from every era to come home and be part of this historic evening,” Aguirre said. “Reconnect with classmates, share the memories that shaped your story, and celebrate a century of Bulldog excellence.”

Organizers describe the evening as more than a party — it is a homecoming across eras. Alumni from the 1940s through the 2020s are invited to reconnect with classmates, share stories and celebrate the school’s enduring impact. Tickets are $35, and sponsorship packages range from Bronze ($250) to Platinum ($2,500), o ering recognition opportunities while directly supporting student programs and campus initiatives. Proceeds from the event, along with live and silent auction fundraising, will benefit current students and academic, athletic and extracurricular programming.

Local businesses, alumni families and community partners are encouraged to donate auction items such as experiences, gift certificates and memorabilia, reinforcing the longstanding relationship between the school and the

clude a March 7 invasive species cleanup near Lawrence Park, a March 8 Soundscapes concert at Yale and 7th Street, a March 21 District C candidate forum at the Historic Heights Fire Station, an April 26 community event at Patterson Park and a May 25 student-led advocacy event along Yale Street.

As momentum builds, organizers say the goal remains clear: safer crossings that reflect how the Nicholson Trail already functions — as both a transportation corridor and a neighborhood gathering space. Find more information and sign the petition at atotb.org/campaigns/safecrossings-on-nicholsonnow/pedestrian-safetyisland.

neighborhood.

“To really make this event truly unforgettable, we are seeking sponsorships and donations for our live and silent auctions,” Aguirre said. “Local businesses, alumni families, and community partners can showcase their support while directly benefiting today’s students and programs. Donations of experiences, gift certificates, memorabilia, and unique items are greatly appreciated.”

Preserving 100 Years of History

As part of the centennial celebration, organizers are also collecting memorabilia spanning the school’s first century. Items can be dropped o at the school o ce and labeled for Ms. Harris, the yearbook teacher sponsor.

“As a special request, we are also asking the Heights community to help us collect 100 years of memories,” Aguirre said. “You can be part of preserving our history by donating yearbooks, Letterman jackets, uniforms or memorabilia, photographs, programs, and other treasured keepsakes. Your contributions will help honor and preserve the rich legacy that began in 1926 and continues today.”

For many families, Heights High is generational — grandparents, parents and children all walking the same hallways decades apart. The 100-year milestone o ers a rare opportunity to gather those threads of history into one shared celebration.

A century ago, students marched into a brand-new school building with optimism for the future. One hundred years later, that sense of forward motion remains.

Heights High School’s centennial is not simply a reflection on the past — it is an investment in what comes next. As Bulldogs gather on March 21 to celebrate, they will be honoring a legacy built over 100 years while helping ensure that the next century of opportunity, resilience and community pride is even stronger than the first. For tickets and sponsorship information, visit heightspto. org/bulldog_bash.

Finding purpose, comfort, and a spirit of advocacy through Poppy’s Run for Life

By STEFANIE THOMAS editor@theleadernews.com

Four years after transforming personal tragedy into public purpose, Heights resident Caryn Honig is preparing for the fourth annual Poppy’s Run for Life — an event that continues to grow in reach, impact and ambition.

The 10K, 5K and 1K run/ walk will take place at 8 a.m. Sunday, March 8, beginning and ending at Hennessy Park and winding through the University of HoustonDowntown campus and along the White Oak Bayou Greenway. What began as a deeply personal tribute has evolved into a movement dedicated to suicide prevention, awareness and education.

Honig founded Poppy’s Run for Life after losing both her father, Morton “Poppy” Honig, in 2022, and decades earlier, her maternal grandfather, Sam “Poppy” Rosen, to suicide. In the aftermath of her father’s death, she struggled to find meaning in her grief. A conversation with her rabbi redirected her focus from searching for happiness to seeking purpose — and Poppy’s Run was born.

Now in its fourth year, the event has raised more than $200,000 to support mental health and suicide prevention programs at the Joan and Stanford Alexander Jewish Family Service and The Montrose Center. Both

organizations provide critical counseling and outreach services, including support for vulnerable populations such as LGBTQ+ youth and adults.

Approximately 450 participants have already registered for this year’s run, with addi-

tional spaces still available. Organizers are also seeking volunteers to assist on race day.

Honig, a University of Houston professor and registered dietitian specializing in eating disorders, has be-

come an outspoken advocate for changing how communities talk about suicide. She emphasizes the importance of language and education in reducing stigma, encouraging people to view suicide as a mental health crisis rather than a moral failing.

Her advocacy extends far beyond race day.

Last year, Honig ran the Boston Marathon, dedicating each of the 26.2 miles to a di erent person who had died by suicide. After inviting members of her community to submit names, she quickly filled every mile with someone’s story — beginning with her grandfather and closing the final stretch in honor of her father. The experience, she said, became a source of strength during the physically and emotionally demanding race.

Despite having a surgically repaired knee, Honig has embarked on an ambitious new goal: running a marathon for suicide prevention awareness in all 50 states within the next two years. She has already completed 18 marathons, often racing every few weeks, including recent runs in Arizona, Florida and

Tennessee. Houston and Boston remain among her favorites, she says, for their electric crowd support and deeprunning traditions. Poppy’s Run for Life has also expanded beyond Houston. A second annual event was recently held in Berkeley, California, and plans are underway to launch a run in Boulder, Colorado, next summer. Honig envisions the initiative becoming a national platform for suicide prevention advocacy. Through sponsorships from community foundations, local families and businesses — including a Houston Rockets–signed basketball donated for fundraising — the event continues to build momentum. What began as a daughter and granddaughter’s tribute has become a broader call to action: to speak openly, support one another and treat mental health with the same urgency and compassion as any other illness.

For Honig, the mission remains deeply personal — but its impact now stretches far beyond her own story. To register, volunteer or donate, visit poppysrunforlife. com.

New COVID-19 report analyzes pandemic’s impact in Harris County

COMMUNITY REPORTS

Harris County Public Health (HCPH) has released a new COVID-19 Response and Surveillance Report detailing the county’s COVID-19 and Long COVID trends from 2020 to 2023. The report highlights continued declines in overall COVID-19 activity alongside a steady increase in Long COVID cases, underscoring the ongoing need for public health monitoring, community awareness, and supportive services.

From 2020-2023, Harris County reported 1,026,688 confirmed COVID-19 cases and 15,030 hospitalizations. Overall, COVID-19 indicators show a downward trend in recent years, even as federal pandemic-era reporting requirements

for hospitalizations and emergency department visits ended in 2023 and 2024. While COVID-19 cases have declined, Long COVID continues to rise, a ecting community members with respiratory, neurological, cardiovascular, and other long-term symptoms. Long COVID often interferes with daily life and may require ongoing care.

Key Findings

Downward trend in COVID-19 activity: COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations, and emergency department visits have declined across Harris County in 2023–2025.

Hospitalization reporting changes: Statewide hospitalization and

emergency department

COVID-19 reporting ended in May 2023, with hospital reporting following in April 2024, impacting future data availability.

• Rising Long COVID prevalence: Long COVID counts continue to increase, reflecting persistent symptoms among community members and continued demand for long-term care, rehabilitation, and support resources.

Public Health Actions

HCPH is strengthening its pandemic response e orts to better understand and address the long-term impacts of COVID-19. Initiatives include:

• Long COVID Monitoring and Self-Reporting:

HCPH has implemented a self-reporting tool and continues to track Long COVID symptoms and trends in partnership with community healthcare organizations.

Improved Data Integration and Dashboards: The department is developing new tools to share accurate, accessible COVID-19 and Long COVID data with community members, decision-makers, and community stakeholders.

Enhanced Communication and Outreach: HCPH is expanding public information resources to help community members understand Long COVID risks, identify symptoms, and access

available care and support.

Harris County Public Health continues to collaborate with local hospitals, city and county partners, and state and federal agencies to ensure accurate surveillance, equitable access to services, and coordinated response e orts.

HCPH encourages community members, healthcare providers, and community leaders to stay informed and work together to support prevention, early detection, and recovery from both COVID-19 and Long COVID. The COVID report isn’t about rehashing the pandemic. It’s about accountability, preparedness, and documenting the capacity built that now supports measles response, TB investigations, and other public health priorities. If

lessons learned and outcomes aren’t captured now, institutional memory will be lost and there’s a risk of repeating preventable gaps during the next emergency.

Residents are invited to join a free and informative webinar designed to inform county leadership, medical partners, and the community at large on the state of COVID-19 in the region. The webinar will be showcasing HCPH’s latest activities and the o cial COVID-19 report, which details the history of the pandemic, local trends, and the current situation. Register at https://bit. ly/COVIDReportWebinar2026. To read the full COVID-19 Response and Surveillance Report, visit publichealth.harriscountytx.gov/Media/Reports.

All Prices are for in-stock items only Sale ends March 24th

THE TOPICS.

Who was that Mosque man?

“Sharia-Free America Caucus.” “No to halal meat. No to celebrating Ramadan. No, no, no.” “Disgusting fake religion” and “wicked devils” who will “go to hell.” Well, so much for Texans helping Texans, we’re all in this together and our o cial state motto: Friendship. Have you noticed, for no particular reason or event, the recent outpouring of Islamophobia and antiMuslim rhetoric? The State Senate is weighing legislation requested by Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick to ensure Texans “are never held under the heel of Sharia law.” Ads for Sen. John Cornyn have touted his fight against “radical Islam.” Texas Republican lawmakers created a “Sharia-Free America Caucus” in Congress. Gov. Greg Abbott has labeled one of the nation’s largest Muslim rights groups a terror organization. Republican Party activists and Texas GOP House members attended a dinner north of Dallas last month that featured Steve Bannon and Glenn Beck. What was the attraction? Its title: “Save Texas from Radical Islam.”

There’s more. The state comptroller’s o ce has banned Islam schools from participating in the state’s voucher program. Worries

COMMUNITY REPORTS

The Houston Museum of Natural Science (HMNS) offers a March lineup that spans the globe. Visitors can reflect on our environmental footprint through the ATACAMA aerial photography exhibition or test their wits in our new, immersive Sleuths & Secrets escape room style adventures. The month also features a “genius” and tasty Pi Day celebration at HMNS at Sugar Land, and a hands-on CSI: Blood Spatter forensics class. From environmental art to crime-scene science, HMNS o ers a diverse world of exploration for every curious mind this month.

Exhibition: ATACAMA

HMNS Hermann Park | Now through Wednesday, August 26

Renewable Energy and Mining in the High Deserts of Chile

ATACAMA, a seminal exhibition by photographer Jamey Stillings, explores the evolving nexus between renewable energy and mining in Chile’s Atacama Desert. Through his distinctive aerial perspectives, Stillings captures dramatic large-scale energy projects, vast mining operations, and the stark natural beauty of a desert often scarred by hu-

LYNN ASHBY Columnist

majority of Texas Republicans support a “ban on Muslims” entering the country.

A hot-button issue is the attempt by Muslims to build EPIC City in far north Collin County, a proposed real estate development designed for Islamic residents. To prevent this, Gov. Abbott signed House Bill 4211 into law to ban residential property developments, like EPIC City, from creating Sharia compounds and defrauding and discriminating against Texans. Though construction has stalled, and continued planning is dead, at the request of Sen. Cornyn the U.S. Department of Justice has launched an investigation into EPIC City. The proposed town would include a mosque, and

we must wonder if it will rival Houston’s own Ahmadiyya Mosque. Despite its motto: “Love For All, Hatred For None!” a man threatened to shoot up the mosque after he was asked to leave; the man was arrested. (There are more than 60 mosques in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, up from around two dozen in the mid-2000s. Texas has 122.)

So why this sudden outburst against Muslims? They’ve been in Texas since 1856, beginning with Arabicspeaking camel drivers brought in by the U.S. Army. The first Muslim elected to o ce in the entire nation was in Texas in the 1990s: Charles Bilal was mayor of Kountze. According to the U.S. Census Texas has 313,209 Muslims, which is 1.1 percent of the state’s total population. Ah, but our Muslims proudly claim 421,972 Muslims and 1.68 percent, and say Texas ranks first in the nation.

This late shrill animosity was a mystery until I came across a New York Times article by David Goodman headlined: “Without a Border ‘Invasion,’ Texas G.O.P. Turns to an Old Enemy, Islam.” (I object to the “old” term – as we can tell, it’s recent.) His article explains that for years now

the Republicans, especially in Texas, have trotted out the fear of an invasion of illegals from south of the border, and the facts certainly show we have had such an invasion, although how many were serial killers, drug lords and terrorists among our gardeners and bus boys is unclear. Nevertheless, we can agree that the fear factor worked. So Donald Trump made good his campaign promise to stop the flow. But be careful what you wish for, GOP. That frightflight doesn’t fly anymore. So what invasion of foreigners can we dread? Oklahomans? They seem nice enough, except they root for the Sooners in the UT-OU games. Louisianans? Don’t take away our Cajun restaurants. Do your Uber car dashboards sport the Ten Commandments? I’ll bet the Astros have several Egyptians disguised as Venezuelans. Leave, Muslims, but don’t tell that to the Coogs, Rockets or Hakeem Olajuwon. I know! It’s that 1.1 percent or maybe even 1.68 percent among us who are trying to do something sneaky and un-Texan, although I’m not sure what evil they are pushing. Maybe vaccines or public schools. This is an old playbook

among demagogues, tyrants and those who need something to turn attention from the real problems they can’t solve or have even created: diversion, and nothing diverts like a red herring enemy. Fear works every time. Right now it’s the imminent threat of Iran, which is one big EPIC City. This diversion neatly ignores such minor kerfu es as Gaza, Ukraine and who is this guy, Je rey Epstein? My favorite diversion was a few years ago when our attention was told to focus on Colin Kaepernick who knelt before football games to protest police shootings. “He’s insulting our flag, our nation and our fighting troops,” wailed Fox News’s Sean Hannity. That hijacking worked. Colin Kaepernick’s career was over, but for a while there we forgot about our insurmountable national debt, choking pollution, and why Neiman’s went bankrupt.

FDR famously warned,

“We have nothing to fear but fear itself.” I fear the Muslims, just like I’m told to. Speaking of quotes, remember German Lutheran pastor Martin Niemöller’s famous observation of the Nazis: “First they came for the Communists and I did not speak out because I

was not a Communist. Then they came for the Socialists, and I did not speak out because I was not a Socialist.” He ends up with the ominous: “Then they came for me, and there was no one left to speak out for me.” First they came for the immigrants. Then they came for the Muslims. But what, if just like the immigrant invasion or the Muslims, who is the new target? Next they come for the journalists. Then they come for their readers and viewers. Then they come for the teachers who don’t display the Ten Commandments. As for the Our World Cup foreign fans who come here. At the airports, check for guns, bombs and prayer rugs. Hakeem Olajuwon and Colin Kaepernick, don’t make any long-range plans -- like tomorrow.

Ashby diverts at ashby2@ comcast.net

Editor’s note: This column and its contents do not necessarily reflect the views of The Leader News, its sta , 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.

man activity. Why are Chile and the Atacama Desert significant?

The copper and lithium in our computers, cars, and smartphones likely come from Chile. As the global leader in copper production and the second-largest producer of lithium, Chile’s environmental practices are directly tied to our daily lives.

Stillings’ interest in the human-altered landscape and his environmental concerns are principal pillars of his work. His imagery elicits a critical dialogue about meeting society’s needs and desires while seeking an equilibrium between nature and human activity. ATACAMA shows how photography can serve as a source of inspiration, motivation, and information, while reminding us that a carbon-constrained future is crucial to a responsible, sustainable approach to life on Earth.

Please Note: Access to this exhibition is included with admission to HMNS Permanent Exhibit Halls.

Event: Sleuths & Secrets

HMNS Hermann Park | Now Available for Booking A most curious, mind-tingling late night adventure at HMNS.

Greenkey Storage-Vanwall 13911 Van Wall St. Houston 77040 will hold an auction at storagetreasures.com. See manager for details, terms, and conditions. Bid deadline is 9:00am - March 27, 2026 for units: 110/Marlon Morales, 203/Jose Quintanilla, 416/Amanda Curtis, 522/Calvin Washington, 527/One Heart International, 607/Zach Mellick, 608/Cintia Amaya AUCTION NOTICE

Are you good at solving mysteries? Can you untangle a web of clues, evidence, history and mystery? Are you looking for an out-of-the-ordinary adventure for you and your family, friends, co-workers or group? Then HMNS Sleuths & Secrets is for you! It all starts when you unlock a series of clues, riddles and objects found in a one of our HMNS Hermann Park exhibit halls for an escape room style experience. We currently have two options listed below to choose from!

In the Morian Cabinet Of Curiosities, you can explore the hall belonging to Ferrante Imperato, a 16th Century resident of Naples, Italy. While many believe he was merely an apothecary who liked to display his collections of unusual specimens, others spec-

ulate that in reality he was a dedicated alchemist. Did he solve the mysteries of transformation? Did he, in fact, turn a lowly base metal into pure gold? Will his specimens lead you to a hidden treasure? In the Hall of Ancient Egypt, can you save the paranoid archeologist from the famed curse of the Mummy? After the discovery of King Tut’s Tomb in 1922 the media popularized the idea of ancient Egyptian curses. Egyptomania swept the globe! Can you escape the curse of the mummy and save the world while working together through puzzles and clues left behind by the archeologist who triggered the curse? Perfect for Young Professionals, family reunions, birthday parties, scout groups, teams, science clubs, student

councils, sorority and fraternity councils and friends. Great for corporate team-building!

Egypt Education at HMNS is generously supported by Apache Corporation.

Event: Pi Day HMNS at Sugar Land | Saturday, March 14 | 10:00 am – 2:00 p.m.

Pi is an irrational number, but there’s nothing crazy about celebrating Math (and Einstein’s birthday). Welcome to Pi Day during Spring Break and learn how Pi is all around us.

Indulge your inner geek with fun math-related activities on this special date— 3.14! We’ll even have pi (with an “e”!) to munch on. It’s a genius idea!

Event: Class - CSI: Blood Spatter HMNS Hermann Park |

Wednesday, March 25 | 6:30 p.m. Delve into the world of forensics. Explore the techniques crime scene investigators use to collect and examine blood spatter evidence. In addition to the classroom presentation, this hands-on class o ers you the opportunity to perform blood spatter experiments and pattern examinations in order to better understand the science. Class taught by Kat Havens, Director of Curriculum and Content. Ages 15+ NO EXCEPTIONS. All minors must be accompanied by a ticketed adult. No refunds. Eligible for CPE credit. For more information and to sea full schedule of events and exhibitions, please visit hmns.org.

Looking to hire good local people? Leader classifi eds get great response and cost less than the daily paper.

Art Valet: Mission Accomplished: 22 Years of First Saturday Arts Market

Last week, we heard from artists about why the First Saturday Arts Market continues to thrive after two decades. This week, as we head into our 22nd anniversary event on March 7, I’m proud to share a special reflection from my cofounder and current participating artist, Carolyn Coates. Her words capture the heart of what we started together.

A bit of backstory first on how we came to co-found what hadn’t been done before in Houston. In 2003 we were married, in our 10th year as artists creating decorative painting, murals and specialized paint finishes for designers, builders and architects. We were actively looking for an outlet to express our creativity outside of our business when the idea of a monthly outdoor art market came to life.

While reminiscing about those first markets, Carolyn reminded me we rented a helium tank (big and heavy, I do remember) and she filled and placed the balloons surrounding the market to get attention from passersby. Marketing was hands-on before social media. We tried it all, too, from flyers to costuming friends and putting them on the corner. Ultimately it was the stars of the event that built our audience, the artists themselves.

Coates paints using primarily acrylics with a focus on ani-

mals and nature with whimsy and storytelling woven into her paintings. No surface or subject is safe from her imagination; fish, frogs, cats and dogs find their image on canvas, wood, tables, doors and lazy Susans. Her color palette is bright and not always true to nature—a blue cow, red sky for example.

She does have a unique perspective on the art market, almost like bookends, having shown her work starting at that first market and returning last fall. I’m excited and honored she agreed to talk about it.

In Carolyn’s Words

“As we celebrate the 22nd year of the First Saturday Arts Market, it has become a truly amazing and necessary event,” Coates said. “When we started the market in 2004, known then as the Yale Street Arts and Flower Market, we had no idea how much it would come to mean to local artists. We, especially Mitch, really wanted to showcase

artists who needed a regular ‘gig’—a fun place to gather, sell art, meet people and fellow artists. All that was accomplished.

“I have returned to show my art, and the level of creativity and variety of art is so amazing,” Coates continued. “The moment I stepped back in to be a part of this local event, I immediately felt inspired and at home. The quality of art has reached an extraordinary level—one to be admired for both value and for being affordable. Every tent has something unique and di erently creative. Having a chance to visit with and meet the actual artist is so fun and a great opportunity to learn about why they create.

“Our original goal is MISSION ACCOMPLISHED! This market is the place to be every month,” Coates said. “I applaud and am so proud of Mitch for keeping this concept alive and for his consistent integrity to the arts community he serves.

“It has evolved under his leadership into the place to be whether you create or support art. The changes from those first years are evident in the quality of the art. If you are an artist, Mitch has your back. While we started together 22 years ago, he has really carried it to the finish line again and again, every month—it has grown into something special, and he is always thinking on his feet to make sure all those

participating have a successful day.”

Thank you, Carolyn! Accolades like these would leave anyone speechless.

Follow Carolyn for her latest on Instagram www.instagram.com/cacoatesart and her website, www.angelwingarts.com.

All the artist profiles are featured on the website artist roster with profiles for each artist showing this month—photos, bios, links, and art previews so you can get a sneak peek before the market. The artwork shown may be more representative than what’s currently available, so follow their links for the latest updates.

The First Saturday Arts Market celebrates its 22nd anniversary this Saturday, March 7, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at

540 W. 19th St., Houston, TX 77008 (@1stsatartmarket | 1stSatArtMarket.com). In case of rain, the market moves to the 2nd Saturday.

Cohen is an artist and founder of the First Saturday Arts Market. Visit ArtValet.com for more.

Houston Latino Film Festival celebrates 10 years

COMMUNITY REPORTS

The 10th Annual Houston Latino Film Festival (HLFF) returns March 18–22, 2026 at Midtown Arts & Theater Center Houston: MATCH Houston, marking a decade of uplifting Latino stories, artists, and communities through cinema.

This year’s festival carries special meaning. What began as a three-day grassroots event in Houston’s East End has grown into a multi-day cultural gathering that welcomes filmmakers, artists, and audiences from across the region and beyond. The 2026 Festival will mark a decade of showcasing films that reflect the diversity, resilience, and creativity of Latino artists. The 10thyear slogan, "¡Houston, Aquí Estamos!" — underscores the Festival’s mission to uplift emerging artists whose voices are often underrepresented in mainstream media.

“When we started this, there wasn’t really a place that was featuring consistent Latino storytelling,” said Pedro Rivas, HLFF Program Director. “Quickly we saw how vital the significance of having Latino representation was in our community, and presenting this opportunity to audiences allowed the Houston Latino Film Festival to grow while staying grounded in its original mission."

“Over the last ten years, what’s made HLFF special is the collaboration between filmmakers, musicians, and visual artists,” said David

Cortez, HLFF Operations Director. “Adding performing and visual arts components isn’t an add-on—it’s a recognition that Latino stories are expressed in many forms. Bringing those disciplines together deepens the audience experience and strengthens the creative community we’ve built here in Houston.”

"Reaching our 10th anniversary is a testament to the power of community and the unwavering belief in the importance of Latino storytelling," adds DaveCebrero Ortega, HLFF Festival Director. "We look forward to honoring the filmmakers, artists, volunteers, community partners, and supporters who have helped build this Festival over the past decade.”

HLFF is dedicated to fostering storytelling from featured artists and creators from Texas, Latin America, Spanish-speaking countries globally, and beyond, as well as the generations they have inspired. The festival has served as a powerful place for filmmakers, community partners, appreciators and supporters over the past decade.

The full 2026 program will include premieres, featurelength films of all genres, documentaries, short film programs, discussion panels, filmmaking workshops, musical performances and more from emerging and established artists. Audiences can also expect special guest filmmaker Q&As, industry conversations, and community-centered events that celebrate a decade legacy while spotlighting the next genera-

tion of Latino filmmakers and creatives.

Inside the 2026 Program:

• AMERICAN PACHUCO: THE LEGEND OF LUIS

VALDEZ - Opening Night Film (Texas Premiere)

- with David Alvarado (Writer/Director) and Daniel Valdez (Actor) in attendance

• ZOOT SUIT - CoPresented by Chicano Boulevard - 45 Year Retrospective with Daniel Valdez (Actor) in attendance

• TAKE IT AWAY: THE RISE AND FALL OF TEJANO HOLLYWOOD

- Co-Presented by Texas

Monthly - with Adrian Arredondo (Director) in attendance

• THE DOG, MY FATHER AND US - Closing Film (Texas Premiere) - with Pablo Arturo Suárez (Director/Producer) in attendance

• BTS (BEHIND THE SCENES) - Throughout the festival, visit the gallery for a visual and experiential exhibition that honors the craft, collaboration, and creative labor behind filmmaking, highlighting the people, process, and unseen moments that make cinema possible. Curated by Raquel Natalicchio from The Open Door Gallery. For updates, announcements, and ticket information, visit houstonlatinofilmfestival.org and follow HLFF on social media; Instagram, FB, & @houstonlatinofilmfestival