Heights - River Oaks - Montrose Edition | August 2024

The e-edition is an exact replica of the newspaper with interactive and searchable articles from all your favorite sections.

Heights River Oaks

Montrose Edition VOLUME 6, ISSUE 5 AUG. 8SEPT. 9, 2024

2024 Education Edition

Recovering from Beryl

More than 50 volunteers gathered at Bualo Bayou Park’s Houston Police Department Memorial on July 20 to help clean up silt left behind by Hurricane Beryl.

SHAWN ARRAJJCOMMUNITY IMPACT

After devastating hurricane, leaders in Houston, Harris County chart path forward

declaration for Texas on July 8 to provide federal assistance for debris removal and emergency pro- tective measures, according to a July 9 news release from the Texas Division of Emergency Management.

winds and rainfall to Houston, leaving trees scattered and 2.2 million CenterPoint Energy customers with- out power. In response to widespread damages, cities issued local disaster declarations and developed debris collection plans. President Joe Biden approved a disaster

BY SHAWN ARRAJJ, WESLEY GARDNER & EMILY LINCKE

As the Greater Houston area recovers from the eects of Hurricane Beryl, ocials in the city of Houston and Harris County are working to restore the communities back to prehurricane status. On July 8, Category 1 Hurricane Beryl brought high

CONTINUED ON 7

Also in this issue

Subscribe to our free daily email newsletter!

Education: Houston ISD explores $4.4 billion bond, encounters community pushback (Page 10)

Government: Whitmire names new Houston Fire Department chief (Page 12)

Leading Orthopedic Care to KEEP YOU MOVING

Whether you’re suffering from simple aches and pains or recovering from a complex injury, our board- certified specialists develop treatment plans tailored to your unique needs. From diagnosis and treatment through physical therapy and rehabilitation, we have the expertise to get you back on your feet and keep you moving. Our orthopedic and sports medicine specialists can help keep your body in motion.

Memorial City

Bellaire

610

Texas Medical Center

Pearland

Houston Methodist Orthopedics & Sports Medicine Houston Methodist Orthopedic Injury Clinic — offering same-day care

20+ convenient locations across Greater Houston

Schedule an appointment: houstonmethodist.org/orthopedics 713.790.3333

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

About Community Impact

Owners John and Jennifer Garrett launched Community Impact in 2005, and the company is still locally owned today with editions across Texas. Our mission is to provide trusted news and local information that everyone gets. Our vision is to build communities of informed citizens and thriving businesses through the collaboration of a passionate team. Our purpose is to be a light for our readers, customers, partners and each other by living out our core values of Faith, Passion, Quality, Innovation and Integrity.

Market leaders & metro team

Reporters Jovanna Aguilar Asia Armour Angela Bonilla Melissa Enaje Wesley Gardner Cassandra Jenkins Rachel Leland Emily Lincke Nichaela Shaheen Jessica Shorten Haley Velasco Aubrey Vogel Carson Weaver Graphic Designers Richard Galvan Ellen Jackson Matt Mills

Rachelle Park General Manager rpark@ communityimpact.com

Martha Risinger Jesus Verastegui Taylor White Ronald Winters Managing Copy Editor Beth Marshall Account Executive Leslie Gonzales Senior Managing Editor Matt Stephens Senior Art Production Manager Kaitlin Schmidt

Shawn Arrajj Senior Editor sarrajj@ communityimpact.com

Jason Culpepper Publisher jculpepper@ communityimpact.com

16300 Northwest Freeway Jersey Village, TX 77040 • 281-469-6181 CI Careers

We've teamed up to bring you more of the stories you care about.

Join CI Patron for exclusive newsletters and swag.

communityimpact.com/careers linkedin.com/company/communityimpact hrmnews@communityimpact.com hrmads@communityimpact.com communityimpact.com/advertising

Proudly printed by

Press releases

Advertising

Email newsletters

communityimpact.com/newsletter

CLOSED VEHICLE Do not leave kids or pets in a To report kids or pets in hot cars, CALL 911

HEIGHTS - RIVER OAKS - MONTROSE EDITION

Impacts

W. 34TH ST.

of-a-kind” 0.925 sterling silver and 14 karat gold pieces. Merchandise includes rings, pendants, wallet chains, bracelets, buckles and belts. • Opened July 2 • 5085 Westheimer Road, Level 2, Houston • www.nightriderjewelry.com 8 Khaadi The clothing store in The Galleria offers fast fashion apparel and ready-to-wear accessories typically worn by men and women in south and central Asia. Pieces include kurta tops, shalwar dresses, trouser sets and 9 Oak + Fort The modern lifestyle brand carries full collections of womenswear, menswear, accessories, jewelry and homeware. • Opened May 13 • 5085 Westheimer Road, Level 2, Houston • www.oakandfort.com 10 Kappa Toys The shop sells toys, books, plush dolls, science sets and stickers. Featured brands include Tokidoki, Nintendo and Pokemon. • Opened May 1 • 5085 Westheimer Road, Level 2, Houston • www.kappatoys.com shalwar scarves. • Opened June 8 • 5085 Westheimer Road, Level 1, Houston • https://us.khaadi.com 11 Gala Design Studio The 10,000-square-foot showroom serves as a marketplace for high-end kitchen, closet and bathroom furnishings, as well as doors, storage systems and

290

610

20TH ST.

W. 18TH ST.

T. C. JESTER BLVD.

W. 11TH ST.

WHITE OAK DR.

W. 6TH ST.

WHITE OAK PARK

WASHINGTON AVE.

MEMORIAL PARK

BUFFALO BAYOU PARK

P K

BUFFALO BAYOU

610

W. GRAY ST.

L I P E S T

WESTCREEK LN.

1 2

527

W. ALABAMA ST.

7 9

8 10

LORETTO DR.

RICHMOND AVE.

288

exterior cladding. • Opened in July • 2222 Westheimer Road, Houston • www.galadesign-studio.com

4 Aero Cocktail Co. The cocktail bar and tequila speakeasy features a curated selection of cocktails, charcuterie boards, pizzas and alcohol-infused desserts. • Opened June 8 • 2031 Westcreek Lane, Houston • Instagram: @aerohtx 5 La La Land Kind Cafe The cafe serves organic craft drinks, such as coffees, matcha lattes, teas and lemonades. On the food side, the cafe has a variety of toasts, chia seed pudding, overnight oats and a selection of pastries. • Opened July 13 • 3502 S. Shepherd Drive, Houston • www.lalalandkindcafe.com 6 Sugar Factory The restaurant, located in The Galleria, offers decorative food and drinks—including rainbow sliders and cocktails served in goblets topped with candies. • Opened July 2 • 5015 Westheimer Road, Ste. 1290, Houston • www.sugarfactory.com/houston-tx 7 Nightrider Jewelry The business, located in The Galleria, handcrafts “one-

Now open

1 Loewe The Spanish luxury fashion house offers small leather goods, women’s ready-to-wear apparel, bags, shoes, sunglasses and home scents. • Opened July 16 • 4444 Westheimer Road, Houston • www.loewe.com 2 Brioni The Houston location of the Italian menswear luxury fashion house marks the second store in Texas, following a recent opening in Dallas. It offers clients ready-to-wear suits and sportswear, and accessories collections. • Opened July 2 • 4444 Westheimer Road, Houston • www.brioni.com 3 Hi, Skin The skin care studio specializes in skin treatments such as facials, injectables, infusion therapy and cryo touch, a lifting and tightening treatment that uses carbon dioxide. • Opened July 25 • 888 Westheimer Road, Ste. 127A, Houston • www.hiskin.care

Bliss Care Transportation The company offers non-emergency transportation services to help individuals access essential services and appointments. Services are tailored to each customer and include flexible scheduling options and transparent pricing. The business does not have a physical location and serves the Greater Houston area. • Opened June 1 • www.blisscaretransport.com

Coming soon

12 Doves Restaurant This boutique dining concept from Wilson Hospitality Group will offer Southern cuisine with an Asian twist, a late night dining and premium beverage program, and a selection of fine wines and signature craft cocktails.

• Opening early August • 3101 Main St., Houston • www.doveshouston.com

13 Hotel Saint Augustine The hotel by Bunkhouse will boast 71 rooms and suites,

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

BY COMMUNITY IMPACT STAFF

an all-day restaurant, a small event space, an intimate lobby bar and a circular courtyard pool. • Opening Nov. 15 • 4110 Loretto Drive, Houston • www.bunkhousehotels.com/hotel-saint-augustine 14 Roll-Em-Up Taquitos The first Texas location of the Southern California- based eatery will offer a menu of five different taquitos, including braised shredded beef, shredded chicken, potato, cheese, and avocado. • Opening date TBD • 2795 Katy Freeway, Ste. 150, Houston • www.rollemup.com 15 On the Kirb The eatery and sports bar offers healthy dishes such as grass-fed filet mignon and wild-caught salmon filet. Classic sports bar options include chips and queso, wings, nachos, burgers and tacos. All food items are made with local produce, organic meats and fresh dairy. • Opening late summer 2024 • 3800 Southwest Fwy., Ste. 124, Houston • www.onthekirb.com 16 Solarium This restaurant will take over the former Holman Draft Hall. The new concept will offer an expanded, “multi-

faceted experience” with a full drink menu and dining service. It will be managed by hospitality company The Kirby Group. • Opening in August • 820 Holman St., Houston • www.thekirbygrouphtx.com 17 SpiderSmart River Oaks The learning center chain offers programs that cater to elementary, middle and high school students across a wide range of subjects as well as test preparation. • Opening in mid-September

Coming soon

• 2055 Westheimer Road, Houston • www.spidersmart.com/river-oaks

In the news

19 Araya Artisan Chocolate The locally-owned will sell gourmet, hand-crafted chocolate curated from a single-origin cacao bean and made in-house in a traditional, small-batch technique. Vegan and dairy-free options will be available as well as macaron boxes, chocolate- covered fruits and nuts. • Opening fall 2024

18 Perry’s Steakhouse The Houston-based steakhouse celebrated its 45th anniversary in July. According to the company’s website, the Perry family opened its first restaurant—Perry’s Butcher Shop and Deli—in Houston in 1979.

• 1997 West Gray St., Houston • www.perryssteakhouse.com

• 312 W. 11th St., Houston • www.arayachocolate.com

“More than furniture installation specialists,

we rethink commercial space to propel high-level success.”

TRANSFORM YOUR SPACES WITH HOUSTON INSTALLATION SERVICES

WE’VE BEEN REDEFINING COMMERCIAL SPACES SINCE 1974! IF YOU NEED ANY OF THE FOLLOWING WE CAN HELP:

• Relocating to a new space or location • Moving to another suite within the building • Removing and disposing of excess furniture • Reconfiguring of your current office space

• Installing of desks, chairs, pedestals or credenzas & more • Hanging of artwork

EXPERTS AT ANY TASK - FLEXIBLE SCHEDULING - SPACE PLANNING SERVICES - CERTIFICATE OF INSURANCE

CALL US TODAY & SCHEDULE (713) 462-7067

HEIGHTS - RIVER OAKS - MONTROSE EDITION

Transportation

BY SHAWN ARRAJJ

Work continues on Hempstead Road

Zooming in

Most of the remaining roadway work is at the underpass, Flores said. Work is now slated to be completed by the end of 2024, he said. In addition to widening the road, the project entails: • Grading, excavation and embankment work • Sidewalks and curb ramps • Storm sewer and culverts • Signals at the intersections of 12th and 11th streets • Three replacement underpass structures at the Union Pacific Railroad intersection • Rail lines connecting to the tracks at the underpass structures • A pump station to pump water out from the underpass during heavy rain events

Officials with the Texas Department of Transportation said a long-running Hempstead Road project is now on track to be finished by the end of 2024. TxDOT began work on the $58.9 million project in 2018, which will widen a section of Hempstead from four to six lanes. Completion was once slated for early 2022. “It is typical to encounter challenges and delays with projects of this magnitude, particularly when considering the coordination of plans relative to working in the vicinity of railroads where utilities need to be relocated,” TxDOT Public Information Office Leo Flores said. The delays have been frustrating for business owners and residents in the area. Kent Edwards, owner of the repair shop Motorcars Limited at 8101 Hempstead Road, said access to his business has been

12TH ST.

11TH ST.

610

WASHINGTON AVE.

limited since February 2023, impairing his ability to sell the property. Cottage Grove resident Katie Niemann said 18-wheeler trucks often get rerouted through her neighborhood during construction, badly damaging streets. “It’s a parade of 18-wheelers, bumper to bumper traffic, down the middle of our neighborhood,” she said. “It’s really damaged a lot of the infrastructure and it’s really unsafe.”

What’s Your

Diabetes Status?

DAWN Center

(832-393-6700)

At Risk

Type 2 DM

Locations: Visit The Diabetes Awareness Wellness Network Center (DAWN)

If you or someone that you know is at risk of developing diabetes, the DAWN center can help. The DAWN Center provides diabetes self-management education and support, along with health-related services, to individuals living with diabetes or at risk for diabetes.

Alief Community Center 11903 Bellaire Blvd. Houston, TX 77072

Acres Homes MSC 6719 W. Montgomery Rd. Houston, TX 77091

Denver Harbor MSC 6402 Market St. Houston, TX 77020

Third Ward MSC 3611 Ennis St. Houston, TX 77004

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

From the cover

Recovering from Beryl

BY SHAWN ARRAJJ, WESLEY GARDNER & EMILY LINCKE

Beryl by the numbers

Local recovery City officials in Houston plan to collect debris from the May 16 derecho storm and Hurricane Beryl in a process that will run through September or October. The combined impact of the two disasters in Houston includes 4.5 million cubic yards of debris. Prior to Beryl, officials collected 1.7 million cubic yards left by the derecho. Houston residents can see the city’s progress on debris collection at: www.houstontx.gov/solidwaste /beryl_strm2024.html

Two-minute Impact

18 people in Harris County have died as a result of Hurricane Beryl. 10 power transmission lines were downed during the storm in the Greater Houston area. 47 water rescues were conducted by Harris County and city of Houston agencies. 2.2M CenterPoint customers in the Greater Houston area were without power on July 8. $28B-$32B is the preliminary estimate of the total damage and economic loss from Beryl in the U.S.

Hurricane Beryl initially formed as a tropical depression over the Atlantic Ocean on June 28 before strengthening into the first hurricane of the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season the following day, according to the National Weather Service. At least 18 people have died in Harris County as a result of Beryl, as of July 24 data from the Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences. Half of the cases were from heat-related issues. Many of Houston’s multiservice centers that were predesignated as cooling areas before the storm hit could not be used because they did not have power, said Tom Muñoz, who was Houston’s director of public safety and homeland security at the time. Randy Macchi, Houston Public Works chief operating officer, said 178 of the city’s 387 wastewater pumping stations lost power at the peak of the outages, though he said Houston’s drinking water remained safe. Moving forward, Houston Mayor John Whitmire said transparency from city department heads will be key in addressing shortcomings. “We can’t go around saying we have a $400 million surplus when we have critical needs,” he said at a July 10 Houston City Council meeting.

Historical peak wind gusts

Historical peak power outages in the Greater Houston area

Hobby Airport

George Bush Intercontinental Airport

Hurricane Beryl (July 8)

2.2M

84 mph 83 mph

Hurricane Beryl (July 8) Derecho (May 16-17, 2024) Isolated thunderstorm (June 2023) Hurricane Harvey (August 2017) Hurricane Ike (September 2008)

Derecho (May 16-17, 2024)

930,000

62 mph

Outages during Harvey totaled 1M

91 mph

Hurricane Harvey (August 2017)

270,000

41 mph

Hurricane Ike (September 2008)

2.2M

82 mph

SOURCES: CENTERPOINT ENERGY, CITY OF HOUSTON, HARRIS COUNTY INSTITUTE OF FORENSIC SCIENCES, NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE/COMMUNITY IMPACT

Zooming in

What readers should know

What’s next?

Hurricane outlook On May 23, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration released projections for the 2024 Atlantic Ocean hurricane season.

Thomas Gleeson, chair of the Public Utility Commission of Texas, said state agencies will work with local utility companies to strengthen infra- structure against future disasters. “I look at every one of these storms as a chance for us to review what we’ve done and try to get better at our preparation, our response,” he said. The PUC is investigating CenterPoint’s response to Beryl. The investigation kicked off July 25 with a hearing on CenterPoint’s resiliency efforts and what officials said the company will enact immediately to improve communication during emergencies. As of press time July 31, CenterPoint had been given an Aug. 1 deadline to launch a new cloud-based storm outage tracker; begin to use predictive modeling and AI technology to identify higher-risk vegetation that could interfere with utility lines; increase mobile generators from four to 13; and adopt a daily press briefing policy before and during named storms. Future requirements involve increasing call center capacity and hardening distribution lines to the latest extreme wind standards.

A number of resources are available in the city of Houston for residents who need food, shelter or who are looking for help with disaster repairs. Food, water, hygiene Houston Food Bank www.houstonfoodbank.org Texas Health and Human Services www.211texas.org Health Care for the Homeless www.homeless-healthcare.org/severe-weather-resources

Hurricane season runs from June 1-Nov. 30

17-25 named storms

8-13 hurricanes with 74 mph winds or higher

4-7 major hurricanes with 111 mph winds or higher

Beryl featured winds of 84 mph in Houston

Shelter City of Houston www.houstonoem.org/pages/response Red Cross www.redcross.org/local/texas/gulf-coast Disaster assistance Federal Emergency Management Agency www.fema.gov/disaster/4798

85% chance of an above average number of hurricanes over Atlantic Ocean

2024

10% chance of a normal season 5% chance of a below average

number of hurricanes over Atlantic Ocean

SOURCE: NOAA/ COMMUNITY IMPACT

SOURCES: VARIOUS AGENCIES/COMMUNITY IMPACT

HEIGHTS - RIVER OAKS - MONTROSE EDITION

LYNDON B. JOHNSON HOSPITAL MAGNET ® -RECOGNIZED FOR NURSING EXCELLENCE

Don’t stop living to do your banking.

Easily manage your money whenever and wherever you want with myTrustmark ® mobile banking. Download the app and enroll today.

trustmark.com

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Education

BY SHAWN ARRAJJ

Education Edition

2024

Readers, welcome to your annual CI Education Edition! This guide features the latest updates and resources about local K-12 public school options in your community, including stories on Houston ISD’s transportation system and a $4.4 billion bond referendum district ocials are considering to place on ballots this November. All of the stories were written by our team of local journalists, and all of the advertisements are from nearby businesses who support our mission to provide free, useful news—show them your gratitude by supporting them. As of press time July 31, the HISD board of managers was expected to vote Aug. 8 on whether to place the bond on the ballot in the Nov. 5 General Election. As district ocials ne-tuned details of the potential bond in July, our team took a look at what it could mean for tax payers as well as what improvements would be funded at schools in the Heights, River Oaks and Montrose area. The story also looks at challenges the district could face in getting the bond to pass, including disapproval among some voters of district leadership under Superintendent Mike Miles, who was appointed by the Texas Education Agency to run the district in 2023. Find all the details about what the bond could include and the key dates moving forward in the story by Reporter Wesley Gardner on pages 10-11.

What's inside

Houston ISD considers $4.4 billion bond referendum (Page 10)

Rachelle Park General Manager rpark@ communityimpact.com

HISD cuts, adjusts bus routes for 202425

The cost

The district will save around $3 million by streamlining routes, part of a broader eort to cut $16 million from annual transportation infrastructure costs, which were $56 million in the 2023-24 scal year. Ocials are aiming to reduce transportation infrastructure costs by: • $10 million by the end of the 2024-25 school year • $16 million by the end of the 2025-26 school year Additional savings are expected to come from improvements to how HISD dispatches and manages buses, according to a July 22 news release. District ocials said new bus routes would be communicated to families by the end of July. Families with questions or concerns about their routes can call the HISD transportation helpline at 713-613-3040.

In an eort to cut costs and reduce the time students spend on buses, Houston ISD ocials announced changes July 22 to bus routes that will go into eect for the rst day of the 2024-25 school year on Aug. 12. The changes will aect the bus stop locations for roughly 3,000 students in the school choice program. Roughly 115 schools are part of HISD’s school choice program, including magnet, dual language and international baccalaureate schools. District ocials estimate roughly 9,000 students rely on the bus system to get to and from campuses, including 6,000 zoned students and 3,000 school choice students. Under the new streamlined system, buses will on average make fewer stops and carry more students, said Alexandra Elizondo, HISD’s chief of public aairs and communications. Students who attend zoned schools and students who are enrolled in HISD special education programs—around two-thirds of students that ride buses—will not be aected by the changes.

Bus route changes

Total routes 2023-24: 2024-25:

508

423

Average length of one-way trip 2023-24: 1 hour 45 minutes 2024-25: 1 hour 15 minutes

30 minutes

Assigned bus stops for roughly 3,000 school choice students: • Were located within a 2-mile radius of their homes in 2023-24 • Will be located within a 3-mile radius of their homes in 2024-25

SOURCE: HOUSTON ISDCOMMUNITY IMPACT

For the remaining 3,000 students enrolled in school choice programs, assigned bus stops will now be located within a 3-mile radius of each students’ home, up from a 2-mile radius last year. Most of those students will be assigned a stop at their zoned high school or middle school, while some students may be assigned stops at community centers or libraries nearby.

HEIGHTS RIVER OAKS MONTROSE EDITION

Education

HISD bond focuses on aging facilities

A closer look

Although Miles said the bond would not result in a tax rate increase, many members of the public have expressed concerns over the proposal due to what they called policy and culture changes that have taken place since the Texas Education Agency appointed Miles to take over the district last June. Several locally elected ocials who spoke during the board’s July 16 workshop raised concerns over the bond proposal’s plan to construct “co-locations,” which would entail merging several elementary and middle schools into single campuses. State Sen. Molly Cook, DHouston, said the inclusion of co-locations has been deeply unpopular with her constituents. For months, community members who have been opposed to the changes implemented by Miles, have concluded their comments at board meetings with the phrase “no trust, no bond.” Several community members continued to share that sentiment during the board’s June 27 meeting. Jamie Ford, a former teacher at Carnegie Van- guard High School who resigned earlier this year, said she couldn’t support the bond because of her mistrust for Miles. “[Miles’] approach has sucked all the joy out of teaching and severed the connections teachers make with their students,” Ford said. “I would not trust him to organize a bake sale, much less a $4.4 billion bond.” Community member Amy Maddux voiced similar concerns. “Trust and transparency have tanked with stu- dents, parents, the community and elected leaders,” Maddux said. Former state Rep. Garnet Coleman, who co-chairs the bond advisory committee, said it would be essential for district ocials to work more closely with community members to regain their trust. Alexandra Elizondo, HISD’s chief of communi- cations and public aairs, said a large portion of the community members the district has engaged with were initially skeptical of the bond, but she said many of them reconsidered their position after seeing the state of the district’s aging campuses.

HISD’s most recent bond—approved in 2012— was a $1.9 billion package backed by roughly two-thirds of voters. According to the district’s website, the bond included roughly $1.64 billion to replace and repair 40 schools across the district, including 29 high schools, as well as $252 million for additional projects. While the bulk of the work included in the 2012 bond was focused on high schools, Alishia Jolivette, HISD interim chief operating ocer, said the potential 2024 bond would emphasize elementary and middle school improvements. Jolivette said there are more than $10 billion worth of facilities, technology and security needs across the district, noting the bond would serve as a rst step toward addressing those needs. “The bond is going to help us address some of it,” Jolivette said. “It won’t address all of it.” $1.1 billion would be spent on health and safety improvements at every campus, including updating heating, ventilation and air-conditioning systems; removing lead from drinking water; and enhancing security infrastructure $1.1B would be allocated toward “future-ready” initiatives, including: $445M in technology upgrades $425M in career and technical education improvements $200M to expand the district’s prekindergarten program by 4,000 students

Houston ISD board managers have until Aug. 18 to decide whether to approve placing a $4.4 billion bond referendum on Nov. 5 ballots. Board managers received an overview of the proposed bond, which would largely focus on upgrading and improving more than 270 campuses throughout the district, during the board’s June 27 meeting. The board is planning to vote Aug. 8 on whether to place the proposal on the ballot. HISD Superintendent Mike Miles said the bond would provide: • $1.04 billion for safety and health initiatives • $200 million for early childhood education • $445 million for technology upgrades • $425 million for career and technical education • $2.27 billion for campus expansions, renovations and rebuilds

Bond at a glance

$2.2 billion would be spent on campus improvements aecting 43 schools, including: • 15 full campus rebuilds • 7 partial campus renovations • 4 partial campus renovations with expansions • 1 co-location serving 2 elementary schools and 1 middle school • 3 co-location rebuilds, combining 3 elementary schools and 3 middle schools

Improvements at local schools

Proposed action key

Elementary, K-8 schools Year built Proposed investment Proposed action

Full rebuild and expansion

Lead abatement Partial renovation and expansion

Safety and security upgrades HVAC improvements

Baker Montessori Browning

1928 $3.25M

1927

$10.74M

Middle schools

Crockett

1980 $3.25M 1928 $2.78M

Field

Year built

Proposed investment

Proposed action

Gregory- Lincoln Harvard

2007 1923 1919 1927

$3.56M $4.33M

Black

1949 $177.98M 1919 $144.37M 1929 $11.65M 1929 $180.36M

Hamilton

Helms

$3.2M

Hogg Lanier

Love

$85.14M

“Folks do understand that school combination plays out exactly the same way as a school closure. I don’t know a single person

Memorial

1926 $5.88M 1928 $2.96M 1928 $4.19M

Poe

High schools

River Oaks St. George Place

Year built

Proposed investment

Proposed action

2006

$2.1M

in my district that would be supportive of that.” DISTRICT 15 STATE SEN. MOLLY COOK, DHOUSTON

Sinclair

Heights Lamar Waltrip

2006 $6.77M

1959 $3.57M 2006 $5.31M

Travis

1962

$3.64M

Wharton

1959 $6.09M

1929

$1.41M

NOTE: BOND PLANS ARE NOT FINALIZED AND DOLLAR AMOUNTS ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE. SOURCE: HOUSTON ISDCOMMUNITY IMPACT

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

BY WESLEY GARDNER

Also of note

What’s next

Funding CTE The Barbara Jordan Career Center is the only career and technology center in HISD. Three more could be built with bond funding.

During the July 16 workshop, several board members questioned whether the $425 million allocated toward the construction of three new career and technical education improvements should be scaled back. Miles said it’s unfair and inequitable for stu- dents to only have one career center—the Barbara Jordan Career Center—serving the entire district. Board manager Cassandra Auzenne Bandy said she understood the need for greater access to CTE programming, but she questioned the cost of keeping the facilities and equipment up to date. “It seems like we are bearing the burden of managing a state-of-the-art CTE facility times four,” Bandy said. Board manager Janette Garza Lindner also questioned the need for four CTE facilities, asking administrators to consider exploring partnerships with local businesses and organizations to provide additional CTE programming.

Aug. 8: Board managers will consider placing bond on Nov. 5 ballot August: Managers will consider approving project management consultant to oversee the scope and sequence of bond September: District ocials will release preliminary project plans and timeline October: District ocials will name members of bond oversight committee, release nal project plans and timeline Nov. 5: Voters will consider approving the district’s bond proposal on Election Day; if approved, district ocials will launch project site feasibility studies Q1 2025: District will issue solicitations for safety, health and security projects Q2 2025: Potential launch of rst projects

HISD district divisions

Barbara Jordan Career Center

North

290

Central

2025

West

610

South

288

3 proposed new CTE centers in bond

$425M total for CTE improvements in bond

SOURCE: HOUSTON ISDCOMMUNITY IMPACT

Full-day Pre-K Needs Full-Day Funding

DID YOU KNOW?

The state requires full-day pre-K but only funds half the day.

Ad paid for by

New! A Community Impact Print + Digital Advertising Package

HEIGHTS RIVER OAKS MONTROSE EDITION

Government

BY MELISSA ENAJE & CASSANDRA JENKINS

Thomas Muñoz named new Houston Fire Chief Houston Mayor John Whitmire announced the replacement of former Houston Fire Department Chief Samuel Peña on July 26. Thomas Muñoz, the city’s former coordinator for the Oce of Emergency Management, will succeed Peña. What happened Peña has served as chief of the Houston Fire Department since 2016. During his tenure, he assisted Houstonians during Hurricane Harvey, Tropical Storm Imelda and Winter Storm Uri. He was also the acting chief during the 8-year legal battle between the city of Houston and the Houston Professional Fire Fighters Association, which led to a nalized agreement in early June. A closer look Muñoz most recently served as the city’s emergency management coordinator and the

City eyes land for convention center

$1.27M approved in public safety projects Harris County commissioners approved allocating $1.27 million in public safety bond funding June 25 for seven projects within the county sheri and re marshal oces. Tommy Diaz, law enforcement command assistant chief, said further planning meet- ings with county engineering ocials will take place by June 2025 for these “long-term investments.” The details Projects being funded include: • Active shooter training facility: $110,000 • Swift-water rescue operations training facility: $100,000 • Academy rearms complex: $30,000 • Training academy expansion project: $280,000

Texas Supreme Court halts income program Harris County ocials were ordered by the Supreme Court of Texas on June 14 to prohibit payments for Uplift Harris, the county’s rst guaranteed income program. Breaking it down Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton led the original lawsuit against Uplift Harris on April 9, seeking a temporary injunction. A state district judge ruled against Paxton April 18, prompting him to le an emergency order with the Supreme Court of Texas. The state’s appeal of the denial of a temporary injunction remains pending in the court of appeals. More than 1,900 qualied families living below 200% of the poverty line will not be given $500 per month for 18 consecutive months as part of the program, pending the outcome of the appeals court lawsuit.

“Local governments exist in part to help the less fortunate among us, and the Supreme Court’s ruling eectively ends

a program that has proven to be highly successful at allowing lower-income folks to lift themselves out of poverty.” CHRISTIAN MENEFEE, HARRIS COUNTY ATTORNEY

Houston City Council approved an ordi- nance July 24 to authorize the acquisition of a plot of land in downtown Houston—currently the location of two privately-owned parking lots—to expand the George R. Brown Conven- tion Center. A building would be built on the land that could include parking, exhibition halls and meeting spaces. Ocials hope to negotiate the price with owners, but can use eminent domain if needed.

Samuel Peña

Thomas Muñoz

acting director for the Mayor’s Oce of Public Safety and Homeland Security. He also served the Houston Fire Department for 24 years, earning the title of assistant chief of homeland security and planning in 2017. Whitmire said he is condent that Muñoz is the best person to lead the city’s re department at this time. “I believe he is the best emergency manage- ment coordinator in the country,” Whitmire said. Whitmire also named Brian Mason, former executive director of Houston TranStar, to head the Oce of Emergency Management.

“[Texas Supreme Court] has stepped in and put a stop to this abuse of power and unlawful use of taxpayer money while the case continues.” TEXAS ATTORNEY GENERAL KEN PAXTON

HOUSTON SUPERSTORE 2410 Smith Street (713) 526-8787

WESTCOTT AND MEMORIAL 5818 Memorial Dr (713) 861-4161

SHEPHERD 1900 S Shepherd (713) 529-4849

FINE EUROPEAN GREENHOUSES, PAVILIONS COMPOSTERS - GERMAN RAIN BARRELS - MORE National Distributor, Locally Owned

Invest in a Daypack The Patagonia Refugio Daypack 30L has a large capacity, helping ensure you have access to any necessary gear. From a short hike to hitting the gym, the right bag makes tackling any activity easier.

VISIT OUR SHOWROOM! 16001 Impact Way, Pflugerville 512-407-8500 • www.exaco.com Regular Hours: Monday-Friday, 10am - 5pm Call for weekend appointments

SHOPLOCAL

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Real estate

Total home sales were down in all five local ZIP codes covering the Heights, River Oaks and Montrose areas when comparing data from June 2024 to June 2023. Residential market data

Number of homes sold

June 2023

June 2024

-58.7%

-23.17%

-15.73%

-8.57%

-30%

610

77008

77006

77007

77008

77019

77098

77007

Median home sales price

77019

June

2023

2024

77006

77098

$567,750 $535,000 $640,000 $719,990 $917,500

$529,900 $535,000 $599,990 $796,500 $1,036,375

77006

288

77007

Homes sold by price point

77008

77019

June 2024

77098

$1 million+

$750,00-$999,999

Average days on market

$500,000-$749,999

-26.83%

-21.21%

-24.24%

+29.73%

-50.88%

$250,000-$499,999

<$250,000

MARKET DATA PROVIDED BY VICTORIA HAWES JAMESTOWN ESTATE HOMES 832-296-1663 VH@JAMESTOWNESTATEHOMES.COM WWW.JAMESTOWNESTATEHOMES.COM

77006

77007

77008

77019

77098

HEIGHTS - RIVER OAKS - MONTROSE EDITION

TOP DOCTORS • HEALTHCARE PRODUCTS • BEST TECHNOLOGY

• Stem Cell/Amniotic Injections • Fungal Toenail Treatment and Laser • Endoscopic Neuroma Surgery • Endoscopic Plantar Fasciotomy • Tarsal Tunnel Decompression • Peripheral Neuropathy Treatment • Peripheral Nerve Decompression/Surgery

• #1 Wound Specialist • Heel Pain Treatment / Plantar Fasciitis • Wart Radiation using Swift Technology • Ingrown Toenail Permanent Correction • Bunion 3D Correction Lapiplasty • Fracture Correction and Repair • Tendon Repair and Achilles • Hammertoe/Curved Toe Correction • Acoustic Wave Ultrasound/Shockwave

• Physical Therapy in Office • Orthotics Custom Molded

REVIEWS

5.0

Hablamos Español 24/7 Assistance

The Woodlands 111 Vision Park Blvd. Ste. 240, The Woodlands, TX 77384 www.Doctorsinc.net 936-273-6000 Monday - Friday 7:30 AM to 4:30 PM PROMOTIONAL CODE FOR FREE APPOINTMENT JAUGUST 2024

CHECK OUT OUR NEW ONLINE STORE RECEIVE $30 OFF FOR INTRODUCTORY OFFER COUPON: JAUGUST 2024

COME IN THIS MONTH AND GET A 3D SCAN AND $150 OFF ON CUSTOM ORTHOTICS AND $200 OFF ON THE SECOND PAIR. ADULTS AND KIDS CODE: JAUGUST 2024 PROMOTIONAL COUPONS YOU MUST BRING PHYSICAL COPY TO REDEEM COUPON

WOUND TREATMENT + FREE CONSULTATION PRIORITY FOR MEDICARE PATIENTS

PROMOTIONAL COUPONS YOU MUST BRING PHYSICAL COPY TO REDEEM COUPON (CERTAIN CONDITIONS APPLY)

Reach out today and we’ll create a care team for you that includes nurses, clinicians, and your primary care doctor — all in one place. Our team will get to understand all the factors that affect your health so they can give you the very best care for your conditions. You get their time, you get their attention, you get the help you need.

Looking for a doctor? Ours are ready to see you now.

• Walk-ins welcome • Same-day appointments • Virtual visits • Extended hours offered at some locations • Medicare accepted at all Village Medical locations

Call 713.589.3999 or scan the code to schedule an appointment today. VillageMedical.com

Three convenient locations to serve you:

Village Medical at Greenway 4120 Southwest Fwy Ste200

Village Medical - River Oaks 4543 Post Oak Place, Ste. 105 Houston, TX 77027 M - F: 8am - 4:30pm

Village Medical - Heights South 600 N. Shepherd Dr. , Bldg 5, Ste. 530

Houston, TX 77027 M - F: 7am - 6pm

Houston, TX 77007 M - F: 8am - 5pm

VM0453-0524

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Events

BY ASIA ARMOUR

the participants’ beliefs in culture and community, health and wellness, and career and education.

August

• Aug. 24, 6-9 p.m. • Free (admission) • 1520 Center St., Ste. 1, Houston • www.meive.art/events

Class of ‘99 Reunion The Rooftop Cinema Club in Uptown Houston honors the class of 1999 with a 25-year reunion party and a showing of the iconic teen movie “American Pie.” Tickets to this 18-years-and-older event get attendees to the movie screening and after party. • Aug. 15, 7:15-10:30 p.m. • $25 • 1700 Post Oak Blvd., 5th Level, Houston • www.rooftopcinemaclub.com Butterfly walk Buffalo Bayou Partnership hosts a discovery tour of local butterfly species. Former director of the Cockrell Butterfly Center Nancy Grieg will lead participants on a 3-mile nature walk starting from Jackson Hill Bridge. • Aug. 17, 9-10:30 a.m. • Free • 3422 Allen Parkway, Houston • www.buffalobayou.org Unbound Closing Reception This is the final opportunity to see a film at Mieve Gallery and Studio chronicling artist Keda Sharber’s immersive art experience. The exhibit aims to challenge

September

Bicycle Rally & Scavenger Hunt Riders can choose to do a 5-mile or 15-mile self-paced bike ride through the Heights. Participants will receive a route with riddles and clues to solve. Winners will be announced at an after party at Marmion Park. • Sept. 7, 8 a.m.; Sept. 8, 3-5:30 p.m. • $12-$20 • 1800 Heights Blvd., Houston • www.houstonheights.org Morning Meditation and Concert for Peace During the Jaipur Literature Festival Houston, the Rothko Chapel will host Indian classical duet Pandit Shubhendra Rao and Maestro Saskia Rao. Musicians will be accompanied by youth poets from Faye School. • Sept. 8, 9 a.m.

Sunset Bingo Expect music from DJ Del Sur, food from Gaspachos Mexican Bites and Kind Ice Cream, and drinks from Money Cat. Prizes include gift cards from several businesses, five pairs of tickets to The Color Factory, a one-day membership to Gent’s Place and a one-night stay at the Hyatt San

Antonio River Walk. • Aug. 23, 6-9 p.m. • $10 (admission) • Levy Park, 3801 Eastside St., Houston • www.levyparkhouston.org

• $15-$20 (pay what you can) • 3900 Yupon St., Houston • www.rothkochapel.org

live your best love life.

know your HIV care options and

Call 281.616.7015 to schedule an immediate appointment.

LegacyHIV.org

HEIGHTS - RIVER OAKS - MONTROSE EDITION

Dining

BY ASIA ARMOUR

The dessert options at Lucio’s include the owner’s take on apple pie a la mode.

COURTESY LUCIO’S

The hanger steak at Lucio’s is served with potato and chimichurri.

COURTESY LUCIO’S

Lucio’s steered by technicality, customer experience Every year since 2016, John Sjoberg said he has worked to make his restaurant, Lucio’s, his own. His family’s personal touch can be found through- out the eatery, which serves French American fare and allows diners to bring their own wines. “This is a scratch kitchen,” Sjoberg said. “I make everything here as the chef-owner.” Respecting the craft What’s special about it? Paintings by Sjoberg’s wife Irina Anikouchine adorn the walls of the intimate space, and she greets each guest personally. The restaurant is named after the couple’s oldest son.

John Sjoberg said he takes pride in the quality and technicality of the food he serves.

ASIA ARMOURCOMMUNITY IMPACT

ALLEN PKWY.

“I built it stone by stone as we went,” Sjoberg said. “I did have an opportunity to take on inves- tors but I chose not to, because I wanted to own our entity and just take it step by step.” Sjoberg said what has always grounded him is the pride he takes in preparing food. “It’s all about quality, consistency and service— that’s my motto,” Sjoberg said. “We work for the customers. I don’t work for me, I just take care of one guest at a time.”

Sjoberg said he constructs each dish meticu- lously and said food is all about technicality. He said favorites at Lucio’s include the scallops served with mushrooms and risotto, a short rib braised in veal stock which takes hours to make, and a whole chicken breast that is made using the French sous vide method of cooking.

DALLAS ST.

905 Taft St., Houston www.luciosbyob.com

BRAND BUSINESS your WITH STICKIES Exclusive front cover placement • Targeted mailbox delivery • Competitive pricing

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM/ADVERTISE (866) 989-6808

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

SCAN TO SEE WHICH DRIP IS RIGHT FOR YOU

Virtually ip through any e-edition! Enhance your experience with hyperlinked stories and ads.

Feel your best from the inside out DISCOVER THE POWER OF IV THERAPY AT THE DRIP BAR. PHYSICIAN-OWNED AND OPERATED.

Offering a range of customized drips tailored to your specific needs. Whether you’re seeking to boost energy, accelerate recovery, enhance immunity, or defy aging, we have the perfect solution. Anti-Aging: Turn back the clock with our Time Machine or Firm drip. Inflammation: Reduce inflammation and achieve glowing skin with our best-selling Glutathione drip. Weight Loss: Conquer your weight loss goals with our Metabolize drip and IM Lean shot. Immunity: Strengthen your defenses with our Shield, Flu Fighter, or post-viral drip. Recovery: Replenish and rejuvenate with our pre/ post-op drip or Soother for anxiety and migraines. Performance: Elevate your athletic performance with our Allstar or Powerpack drip.

Plus, enjoy our comprehensive medical weight loss program and aesthetic treatments like Juvéderm and Dysport.

NEW CLIENTS: $50 OFF YOUR FIRST DRIP Glow and Go: Enjoy $50 off both our Glutathione and Time Machine drips.

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM PRINTARCHIVES Snap or visit

(713) 234-0086 | 2505 W. 11th Street, Suite 400 Houston, TX 77008 | thedripbar.com/houston-heights

HEIGHTS RIVER OAKS MONTROSE EDITION

PACK T A TO C SCH O SCHOOL

Doggy Daycare

Boarding Pet Spa

Patagonia Refugio Daypack 30L $129.00

We are the place for every dog. We are experts in dog management. We create specialized playgroups.

Enjoy $10 OFF!*

LIMITED OFFERS:

1 FREE Townie Bath after your first night of boarding!

2 FREE Days of Dog Daycare!

Advertise in the Voter Guide

(346) 618 - 0368 1216 Durham Drive, Houston, TX, 77007 houstonheights@houndstownusa.com www.HoundsTownUSA.com/houstonheights

ADS@COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM PRINT + DIGITAL PACKAGES | DIRECT MAIL

OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK

BUY ONE SANDWICH get one of equal or lesser value 1/2 OFF Must present coupon; one per person. Cannot be combined with other offers. Expires 9/6/24.

We have Vegan & Vegetarian options

IKESIMPACT

FREE CHIPS + DRINK When you buy one sandwich. Must present coupon; one per person. Cannot be combined with other offers. Expires 9/6/24.

1051 Heights Blvd. (713) 492-2965 Scan to become a rewards member!

IKESIMPACT

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

• Booster Pumps • Gas Lines • Water Treatment Systems • Hydrostatic Test • Generators

• Water Heaters • Tankless Water Heater • Stoppages • Toilets Repipe • Sewer Line Repair

Three course menu $39 $5 goes to Houston’s Food Bank

Reviving the Heart of Our Community Delicious Dining at the Former Harold's Location! We bring you a culinary journey inspired by the rich flavors of the Czech Republic, Germany, Spain, Hungary, Italy, France, and beyond.

Offer Expires 9/15/24

350 W 19th St, Houston, TX 77008, USA www.bluetubatx.com • (713) 955-4612

Custom Closets Garage Cabinets Home Offices Wall Beds Wall Organizers Pantries

Laundries Wall Units Hobby Rooms Garage Flooring Media Centers and more...

Imagine your home, totally organized!

SPECIAL FINANCING FOR 18 MONTHS With approved credit. Call or ask your Designer for details. Not available in all areas.

Terms and Conditions: 40% off any order of $1000 or more or 30% off any order of $700 or more on any complete custom closet, garage, or home office unit. Take an additional 15% off on any complete system order. Not valid with any other offer. Free installation with any complete unit order of $600 or more. With incoming order, at time of purchase only. Expires 2/28/2023 . Offer not valid in all regions. Limited time offer. Terms and Conditions: 40% off any order of $1000 or more or 30% off any order of $700 or more on any complete custom closet, garage, or home office unit. Take an additional 15% off on any complete system order. Not valid with any other offer. Free installation with any complete unit order of $600 or more. With incoming order, at time of purchase only. Discount Expires in 30 Days. Offer not valid in all regions. 40% Off plus 15% off & 18 months 0% financing 40 % Off Plus Free Installation 15% Off PLUS TAKE AN EXTRA

Call for a free in home design consultation and estimate 346 - 230 - 2667 www.closetsbydesign.com CI Follow us

HEIGHTS - RIVER OAKS - MONTROSE EDITION

Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 8 Page 9 Page 10 Page 11 Page 12-13 Page 14 Page 15 Page 16 Page 17 Page 18 Page 19 Page 20 Page 21 Page 22 Page 23 Page 24

communityimpact.com