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Saturday, January 6, 2024 • Vol. 69 • No. 1
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John Whitmire inaugurated as Houston's 63rd mayor in double ceremony By Stefanie Thomas editor@theleadernews.com In a unique and proactive move, Mayor-Elect John Whitmire took the oath of office not once but twice as he assumed the role of the 63rd Mayor of the City of Houston. A private swearing-in ceremony occurred just after midnight on Jan. 1, 2024, at 12:01 a.m. in the Mayor's Office at City Hall, with a subsequent public inauguration on Jan.
INSIDE.
2 at 9:30 a.m. at the Wortham Theater. Expressing his eagerness to start working promptly, Whitmire stated, "I don't want to wait a minute longer than I have to." The earlymorning private ceremony symbolized Whitmire's commitment to swift action and efficiency. The formal inaugural ceremony at Wortham Theater witnessed Whitmire focusing on key issues affecting Houstonians. These include collaborating with the police
and fire departments to enhance public safety, creating a transparent budget, improving city services such as garbage pickup, and addressing homelessness, illegal dumping, and permitting office concerns. Additionally, infrastructure upgrades, particularly in the water system and flooding and drainage, are high on the agenda. Judge Victor Trevino, III, Harris County Justice of the See INAUGURATION P. 4
Photo courtesy City of Houston
John Whitmire is sworn in by Precinct 6 Justice of the Peace Victor Trevino III. Whitmire’s daughters, Whitney Whitmire Jenkins (left) and Sarah Whitmire, hold the bible and prayer book used by Mayor Whitmire’s mother.
DOWN, BUT POPPING BACK UP IN THE HEIGHTS
Theatre Suburbia’s paywhat-you-wish events for January,
Page 3
County poised to launch guaranteed income program,
Page 3
Weekend at a glance,
Page 6
First Saturday Arts Market celebrates 20 years,
Page 8
Since Houston ISD was taken over by the state last June, much of the focus of attention — internally and in news and social media — has been on the 85 New Education System (NES) and NESaligned schools, which have seen the most dramatic changes. But January brings two major activities undergoing adjustments that will impact the entire district. Photo by Carlos Aguilar
After losing its 11 Street location of 46 years last July, Andy’s Home Cafe has now become a regular fixture as a pop-up outside the nearby Shiloh Club on Studewood.
Andy’s Home Café still serving up tradition What a difference a year makes in the gentrifying Heights — Monica Morales and her family’s Andy’s Home Café is a perfect example. Last July, after 46 years, the family sold its cozy, kitschy brick-and-mortar restaurant on 11th Street after redevelopment reduced parking and other critical access to their property, said goodbye to their 14 employees, and set about keeping the beloved TexMex spot alive somehow, somewhere. Fast-forward to New Year’s weekend to find Monica, along with the literal mom-and-pop of Andy’s, Maria and Thomas Morales, and their kitchen stalwart of 20-plus years, Beatrice Moreno. They’re spending a chilly Friday night in a neon-lit, canopied pop-up in the parking lot of the Shiloh Club in the Heights, dishing up generous helpings of their signature chicken and cheese enchiladas with veggiestudded rice and creamy refried beans, and foil-wrapped carne guisada burritos in freshly griddled flour tortillas. Their legendary green salsa is doled out generously in plastic containers. “This mobile kitchen was actually something I had thought about doing to help the business when we still had the restaurant,” explains Morales cheerfully, “and it just turned out to
Page 8
THE INDEX.
Andy's parking lot kitchen has been streamlined and selling out, according to co-owner Monica Morales. Here her mom, Maria Morales (left) and helper Beatrice Moreno prepare an order while Monica takes another. Photo by Charlotte Aguilar
See HISD P. 4 be pre-planning before we needed it. We already had good ideas and some research.” They also found a need. “Talking to customers, I realized it wasn’t just us who were sad about losing a part of our lives. All I heard was ‘Where are you going to be? When are you going to open?’” Michael Rodriguez, a customer of 30 years who picked up an order Friday night, confirmed the appeal. “It’s the food, because there’s nothing like it, and we could feed everyone for $25 — but they’re also like family,” he said. “We went once a week, and the
times we called to pick up food, they knew our voices and what our order would be.” For much of its first four decades, Andy’s was a 24-hour spot — a rarity in Houston — but slowly cut back to regular hours. Even before redevelopment displaced them, the COVID pandemic and access issues from the bike lane construction along 11th Street had made for a couple of tough years, testing the family’s resilience. Even after closing at the end of July, it took a month to get everything out See ANDY'S POP UP P. 4
Driven by purpose, Michelle Briggs, Chair of the Alzheimer's Association's The Longest Day Fundraiser and a prominent Realtor at STRADA, a real estate boutique brokerage, is weaving a tapestry of hope and change. Her voyage through the real estate industry has been more than a professional endeavor—it's
given her the opportunity to be a catalyst for change in the Heights community and beyond, all inspired by personal connections to Alzheimer's Disease. "In my journey through the real estate industry, I've always felt a calling to give back to my community. Recently, I took a closer look at how I can extend my contributions beyond local borders," Briggs said. "This introspection led me to the realization that my
Michelle Briggs is local realtor and chair of the Alzheimer's Association's The Longest Day Fundraiser. Submitted image
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Setting a calendar With a vote by the board of managers designating HISD as a “District of Innovation” in December, the administration can now implement significant changes in the school calendar — and is preparing to do that. Superintendent Mike Miles indicated in a memo last month that he will ask to set the start date sometime between Aug. 7 and 14, a full two weeks earlier than most years. That is expected to create a mid- or late-July start date for teachers and opens up another topic about how or whether they will be compensated for a longer school year with less time off. Plans are for the District Advisory Committee — comprised of stakeholders across HISD — to discuss the calendar at its Jan. 16 meeting and release it for community feedback a few days later. A vote of the appointed Board of Managers, which replaced the elected HISD Board of Trustees, is expected at its Feb. 8 meeting.
Superintendent Mike Miles
File photo
Michelle Briggs: Leading the charge against Alzheimer's Disease with “The Longest Day” Fundraiser By Lisa Morales The Leader News Contributor
Houston’s top baby names of 2023 revealed
District ready to tackle longer calendar, school choice applications in New Year By Charlotte Aguilar For The Leader
Page 3
Real Estate: The most expensive homes sold in 2023,
EYE ON HISD
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impact could be more profound." Briggs’ motivation stems from the significant impact Alzheimer's had on her family, with her Grandma Claire's battle with the disease and the recollection of her Uncle Joe facing dementia, both of which left an indelible mark on Briggs. This personal connection ignited her commitment to make a meanSee FUNDRAISER P. 4
Page 2 • Saturday, January 6, 2024 • The Leader
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Volunteer to Save a Life: BARC launches tiered program From Community Reports BARC, the City of Houston's Animal Shelter and Adoption Center, invites you to volunteer to save a life in the new year and join the shelter's Tiered Volunteer Program, launching in 2024. BARC's new tiered system will offer animal lovers of all experience levels an opportunity to help through four new levels: Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced, and a unique tier, the BARC Buddies, for volunteers who cannot or chose not to handle larger animals in the shelter but still want to assist in other areas. "Our tiered program is here to help make it as easy as possible to jump right in to lend a paw at the shelter by organizing our new and existing volunteers into groups according to level of experience and time donated to the shelter,"
said BARC's Shelter Director Jarrad Mears. "If volunteering is on your New Year's resolution list in 2024, we encourage you to consider helping out
our shelter pets and joining this new program." Interested in volunteering but are either new or completely unfamiliar with animal
handling? Under the tiered system, participants will learn as Beginners from BARC's more experienced volunteers in the Advanced levels, some of whom have been volunteering with BARC for decades. BARC also offers regular training courses established to help participants learn more about our animals. Experienced volunteers are also welcome and encouraged to get involved. BARC's Tiered Program is designed to factor in more than just time dedicated to the shelter. If you’re new to Houston or to BARC but have loads of critter knowhow, then you will be placed in the appropriate tier that best represents your abilities. Sign up today at https://houstontx. gov/barc/volunteer.html or email BARCvolunteers@ houstontx.gov to learn how you can support your local city animal shelter!
Resolve to make a difference in 2024 by becoming a Red Cross volunteer From Community Reports
Need for volunteers grows as climate crisis brings more frequent, intense disasters If community involvement is on your list of new year's resolutions, the American Red Cross, Texas Gulf Coast Region, asks you resolve to make a difference and support your community by becoming a volunteer in 2024. “We’re seeing both the frequency and intensity of disasters increase due to extreme weather,” said Shawn Schulze, Interim CEO, Texas Gulf Coast Region, Red Cross. “Across the country, the Red Cross is responding to nearly twice as many large disasters as we did a decade ago to help people. This uptick in responses means we need more volunteers. The need to help has never been greater.” Visit redcross.org/volun-
teertoday to sign up for opportunities with the Texas Gulf Coast Region. You can help people here in your community or you can sign up to support disaster victims in other parts of the country. HOW TO HELP Locally, 3,636 people volunteer with the Red Cross. In the last year, they responded to many disasters across the state. Our local volunteers are part of the almost 275,000 volunteers across the country whose support enables the Red Cross to provide relief and comfort for disaster victims, lifesaving blood products for patients, emergency support for military families and veterans, and much more. Please resolve to help by volunteering in 2024. DISASTER VOLUNTEERS — Some of our most needed disaster-related volunteer roles include: • Disaster Action Team: Most of the 60,000 emergencies that the Red Cross responds to each year are
smaller disasters like home fires and these are no less devastating to the families affected. As a Disaster Action Team volunteer, you can help comfort and support people in your community by meeting any immediate needs such as food, shelter, clothing or supplies and connecting them to long term recovery services. The Red Cross will supply all the training you need. • Disaster Recovery Care: Casework volunteers provide support to people after disasters to help them get back on their feet. This can include providing referrals to other organizations, serving as an advocate, and issuing financial assistance through a special online system. Volunteers are needed to help both virtually and onsite after disasters. • Disaster Mental Health: Disaster Mental Health volunteers provide mental
health support to those impacted by a disaster. To be qualified, you must hold a master’s degree and a current, unencumbered license as a social worker, psychologist, professional counselor, marriage and family therapist, psychiatrist, school psychologist or school counselor. Current psychiatric nurses with state license as a registered nurse and at least two years’ experience in a psychiatric setting are also qualified, as are retired mental health professionals who were licensed and maintained a license or certification in good standing upon retirement. Volunteers are at the heart of the Red Cross mission and represent 90% of the Red Cross workforce. Visit redcross.org/volunteertoday to sign up for opportunities with the Texas Gulf Coast Region. Your time and talent can make a real difference in people's lives.
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Houston Rose Society features speaker on building garden beds for roses From Community Reports January is the perfect time to prepare and build new beds for your roses. For its Jan. 11 meeting in the Heights, the Houston Rose Society will feature speaker Angela Chandler, who will teach how to select the perfect site for constructing a bed to grow roses and companion plants. Angela owns “The Garden Academy” and teaches gardening and micro-homesteading, Gulf Coast style. She is a lifelong gardener with a passion for learning and for teaching. She and her husband Fred enjoy a half- acre micro-homestead in Highlands, Texas, where they grow vegetables, fruits, herbs, and bee-friendly plants. They have chickens, beehives, and pet goats. Rounding out the family are their two dogs – a Lab mix named Harley, and a little mutt named “Ditch”. She is a member of the
Garden Writers Association, and a retired Texas Master Gardener and Texas Master Naturalist. At The Arbor Gate Nursery in Tomball, Texas, she currently teaches classes, provides a wide variety of horticultural advice, and handles their monthly blog. For more
information and how to contact Angela, go to www.thegardenacademy.com or the Garden Academy Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/ thegardenacademy. The Houston Rose Society's January meeting will be held Thursday, Jan. 11, at 7 p.m. at
St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church located at 1819 Heights Blvd. The meeting can also be accessed virtually from the comfort of your home using a computer, tablet, or smartphone with GoTo Meeting by visiting here: https://meet. goto.com/828142133
The Leader • Saturday, January 6, 2024 • Page 3
Houston Heights luxury living: A list of the most expensive homes sold in 2023 By Lisa Morales The Leader News Contributor The Houston Association of Realtors has collected data showcasing the pinnacle of luxury real estate in the Houston Heights area for 2023. With a total of 3,161 residential real estate transactions across six zip codes in The Leader distribution area, the area witnessed a daily average of 8.66 changes in ownership. Higher interest rates and a shortage of homes for sale led to a decline in sales versus 2022, which saw 600+ more homes sold in the Heights. ZIP CODE 77018 - GARDEN OAKS: $3,525,000 Our list begins with a spectacular property in Garden Oaks, which fetched an astounding $3,525,000.00 in May 2023 after being on the market for 7 days. Boasting 5 bedrooms and 4.2 baths, the 6,572 sq. ft. custom-designed home features multiple porches, oak and slate floors, 12 – 14 ft. high ceilings, and jib-style windows that accentuate the park-like vistas of its expansive 52,545
sq. ft. lot. The residence, including a 660 sq. ft. garage apartment, is complemented by a resort-style heated saltwater pool and spa, patios, and towering heirloom trees. ZIP CODE 77092 BROOK-WOOD ESTATES: $1,050,000 In the Brook-Wood Estates Subdivision, a private wooded retreat sold in September for $1,050,000.00 after 13 days on the market. This home offered 4 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, and 3,242 sq. ft. on an 18,000 sq. ft. lot. Energy-efficient and automated, the house features a private courtyard, 4-car garage and a spacious outdoor pool area with an elevated kitchen and bar. ZIP CODE 77091 HIGHLAND HEIGHTS: $950,000 Zip Code 77091 witnessed a $950,000.00 sale in April notable for its vast 87,120 sq. ft. lot. Although this property had a 2,800 sq. ft. single-family home on it, the property is set for future development with plans for 33 new city homes.
ZIP CODE 77008 TIMBERGROVE MANOR: $2,250,000 A new construction home in the Timbergrove Manor subdivision took the spotlight in this area, selling for $2,250,000.00 in November after 249 days on the market. With 5 bedrooms, 5.1 baths, and 5,222 sq. ft. on a 10,400 sq. ft. lot, this home boasts a Savant smart home system, open floor plan, huge glass expanse sliding doors, and premium appliances. ZIP CODE 77009 WOODLAND HEIGHTS: $3,131,775
A historic home in Woodland Heights sold for an impressive $3,131,775.00 in February after 26 days on the market. Originally built as the personal home of Woodland Heights founder William A. Wilson, this 4-bedroom residence sits on a 20,657 sq. ft. lot, showcasing a subterranean tasting room with climate-controlled wine vault, reception hall, and classic architectural elements alongside modern conveniences.
ZIP CODE 77007 CRESTWOOD: $3,665,000 Topping the list is a magnificent Crestwood home selling for $3,665,000.00 in March after 247 days on the market. With 6 beds, 6.1 baths, and 9,003 sq. ft. on an 11,040 sq. ft. lot, this property is steps away from Memorial Park and features custom steel doors, a one-ofa-king gym, library with wood beamed ceiling, a stunning courtyard, and an outdoor pool. These transactions highlight the diversity of luxury homes in the Houston Heights area, catering to various tastes and preferences in upscale living. With interest rates continuing to drop, the Heights should see an uptick in single-family home sales in 2024.
Lisa Morales is a real estate professional officing on Heights Blvd. Contact Lisa at 713-2401227 or lisa.morales@preproperties.com if considering buying, selling or investing. Editor's note: For privacy reasons, we abstained from publishing photos and/or addresses of the homes listed in this lineup.
Lineup of pay-what-you-wish events supports Theatre Suburbia JANUARY 28, 2024 | 7:00 - 9:00 PM: BRIGHTWIRE, KATY MANNING, AND BOOBYTRAP BRIGHTWIRE
From Community Reports Theatre Suburbia continues its new venture, Back Porch at Theatre Suburbia, with an exciting lineup for January 2024. This events are pay-what-youwish, with all proceeds supporting Theatre Suburbia. JANUARY 14, 2024 | 7:00 - 9:00 PM: BRIAN KALINEC & LIBBY KOCH
Texas Americana singersongwriter Libby Koch is a country-meets-soulful, feistyTexas-songbird, who sings her story with a little twang, some slide guitar, and a lot of heart. Info: libbykoch.com JANUARY 21, 2024 | 7:00 - 9:00 PM: COVER STORY
Brian Kalinec will entertain with his Brian.at.Berkalin Songwriter Series with guest Libby Koch. Brian Kalinec is an awardwinning, Houston-based Americana/folk singer-songwriter. He has been called a combination of Woody Guthrie, John Steinbeck, James Taylor, and Rodney Crowell in the stories he tells. Info: briankalinec.com
A classic rock and roll cover band will get you rockin’ with classic rock that forays into blues, country, and a variety of other genres. The dance floor awaits! Info: coverstoryhouston. com
This Houston-area alt-country trio, folk-rock group will blow your socks off. Speaking of socks, get yours on because you’ll be rockin’ it out on the dance floor! Info: youtube.com/@ brightwiremusic/featured
SINGER/SONGWRITER KATY MANNING Frenetically exasperated and
humorously self-aware, Manning's vulnerable original songs will make you laugh while you cry.
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MATCH presents 7th Annual Family Fun Day From Community Reports FREE FAMILY EVENT FEATURING LIVE PERFORMANCES AND FAMILY ACTIVITIES WHAT: Midtown Arts & Family Center Houston (MATCH) is delighted to announce the 7th annual Family Fun Day. This beloved and free community event has become a cherished tradition for families and will take place on Sunday, Jan.14, from 1-5 p.m. This fun-filled afternoon promises a wide array of activities and performances suitable for all ages with a focus on the younger family members. Attendees can explore MATCH’s four theaters, gallery, and open-air breezeway, where a variety of kid-friendly performances and activities will capti-
vate audiences. WHO: The event will feature participatory musical concerts by Prelude Music, engaging children's theater performances by Main Street Theater for Youth, and dynamic dance displays by The Open Dance Project. In addition to the stage performances, there will be face painters, balloon artists, stilt walkers, bounce houses, and chalk art to keep the kids entertained throughout the afternoon. Come hungry! A variety of foods will be available for sale from food trucks and the MATCH concessions stand. WHEN: Sunday, Jan.14, 2024, from 1-5 p.m. WHERE: MATCH-Midtown Arts & Theater Center Houston, located at 3400 Main Street, Houston, TX 77002. TICKETS: Free and open to the public
IMPROV TROUPE BOOBYTRAP It starts with a suggestion that inspires real-life stories from the women of Boobytrap. What follows is a whimsical, irreverent show made up on the spot. Watch out, or you'll get caught in a Boobytrap. Venue: All Back Porch at Theatre Suburbia evenings are held at Theatre Suburbia located at 5201 MitchelldaleSt., Ste A-3, Houston, TX 77092. Phone – 713.682.3525 | Email: info@theatresuburbia.org
Photos by Pin Lim
MATCH's 7th Annual Family Fun Day will feature live performances for kids.
Harris County launches Uplift Harris website ahead of Guaranteed Income Pilot Program From Community Reports
The pilot will distribute $500 per month for 18 months to 1,928 eligible low-income households Starting in January 2024, Harris County will launch Uplift Harris, a pilot program providing guaranteed income through cash assistance to lowincome households who live in select ZIP codes. Community members can begin learning about the program now by going to the newly launched website to sign up for notifications. Application for the program opens on January 8 and ends on January 26. People can complete the interest form on the Uplift Harris website, https://uplift. harriscountytx.gov/, to receive notifications when the application opens. This initiative, the fifth largest publicly funded cash assis-
tance project in the U.S., will distribute $500 per month to over 1,900 eligible households for 18 months. Applicants selected for the program will receive their first monthly cash award as early as March 2024. “Investing in our hardworking families is an investment in the future of Harris County. Families are working but unable to make ends meet. Nearly four in 10 Harris County residents can't afford a $400 emergency expense. Oftentimes, these families are led by essential workers who keep our county moving, like teacher aides and healthcare workers,” said Harris County Precinct One Commissioner Rodney Ellis, a champion of the initiative. “By providing an income floor through a guaranteed income, Uplift Harris has the potential to significantly improve the lives of thousands of residents by fostering economic stability and prosperity.” Uplift Harris is made pos-
sible by a $20.5 million grant from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). The Harris County Commissioners Court approved the ARPA funding for the program on June 6, 2023. The program will support 1,928 households living below 200% of the federal poverty line, approximately $60,000 for a household of four. Households can be selected for the program through a randomized process if they live in one of the 10 targeted high-poverty ZIP codes or participate in the ACCESS (Accessing Coordinated Care and Empowering SelfSufficiency) Harris County program. The target ZIP codes include: 77026, 77028, 77033, 77050, 77051, 77060, 77081, 77091, 77093, 77547 Applicants from the target ZIP codes above will be randomly selected for the program. Participants in the ACCESS
Harris County program, the county’s initiative addressing multiple needs through a care coordination team from Safety Net agencies, will also be randomly selected. ACCESS Harris County serves the county’s most vulnerable populations (or cohorts) whose needs span multiple public benefit programs, including financial support and assistance. Recipients can use the monthly payments from Uplift Harris to cover essential needs, such as rent, groceries, transportation, housing, utilities, health care, and other necessities. Research demonstrates the positive impact of guaranteed income programs, including increased employment, improved food security and housing stability, better mental and physical health, and more time for parents to spend with their children. “Guaranteed income programs such as Uplift Harris
are being implemented across the country to address the social determinants of health such as economic opportunity and security, which is a known driver of positive health outcomes,” said Harris County Public Health (HCPH) Executive Director Barbie L. Robinson. “We recognize that providing individuals and families an opportunity to address some of their basic needs can be pivotal and life-changing for those experiencing poverty and economic hardship. Uplift Harris represents an innovative way to strengthen communities through creating economic security, which is instrumental to helping our community members achieve self-sufficiency and improved well-being.” The program is administered by a third-party agency, GiveDirectly, and will be subject to rigorous evaluation throughout its duration. HCPH provides oversight and direction for the operation of Uplift
Harris through GiveDirectly. GiveDirectly, an international nonprofit organization has extensive experience in implementing similar programs. "We are thrilled to be working with Harris County on the Uplift Harris program,” said Dustin Palmer, U.S. Country Director for GiveDirectly. “For more than 13 years, GiveDirectly has helped give unconditional cash transfers to people in need around the world, and we look forward to bringing that expertise to support Texans. We know that cash has proven time and again to be incredibly effective in alleviating poverty while providing people the dignity of choice." To ensure equitable access, HCPH has partnered with 12 local nonprofit organizations to promote Uplift Harris in the target ZIP codes and assist eligible individuals with the application process. HCPH
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up to 10 programs, and selection will be handled via a lottery. Applications will close on Feb. 23, with results of the lottery released on March 26. Families will have until April 9 to accept or decline a position. Despite the later start of applications, the process has been “streamlined” after public feedback, according to HISD, so the notification and acceptance dates are substantially unchanged. One factor that could impact parents’ decisions about schools is which campuses will be designated NES in the 2024-25 school year. HISD says that information will be released before the Feb. 23 application deadline.
INAUGURATION, from P. 1 Peace, Precinct 6, administered the oath of office during the private swearing-in ceremony. Following this, Whitmire joined Houston Police Chief Troy Finner in the early morning hours to gain firsthand insights into the challenges faced by the city's first responders, emphasizing his commitment to prioritizing public safety. The formal inauguration at Wortham Theater on Jan. 2 will see the Mayor, City Controller Chris Hollins, and 16 At-Large and District City Council Members being sworn in. Admission to the public event was free on a first-come, first-served basis. An overflow crowd was accommodated with a video feed at the smaller Cullen Theater at the Wortham. Following the inauguration, Mayor Whitmire and city council members convened at City Hall for a
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ANDY'S POP UP, from P. 1
HISD, from P. 1 School choice applications Families wishing to go to one of the hundreds of HISD specialty campuses instead of their zoned schools will be able to start applying on Jan. 18 — about a month later than years past. All fall under the HISD umbrella of “school choice.” They include magnet, career and technology, International Baccalaureate, international academies and dual, specialty and immersion language programs; Vanguard giftedand-talented campuses, early college high schools, and programs focused on fine arts and STEM, as well as samegender academy schools. Each student can apply for
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council meeting at 11 a.m. The Mayor then opened the doors to City Hall at 2 p.m., inviting Houstonians to meet him and share their concerns. Demonstrating his commitment to transparency, Mayor Whitmire said prior to the event, "You will be able to talk to your mayor from day one." In lieu of a traditional gala, an appreciation event for the city's first responders took place at the George R. Brown Convention Center from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m., featuring food trucks and live music. "Houston is a great city," Whitmire said. "But to reach our full potential, we must admit we have problems and then get to work solving them. Everyone will be a part of this journey. We must celebrate our diversity while practicing inclusion. I will listen, I will hear, and I will work with all Houstonians. Let's get to work!"
Photo courtesy City of Houston
HPD Chief Troy Finner and Mayor John Whitmire. Whitmire joined the chief for a ride-along immediately after being sworn in to show his support for police officers and to emphasize that public safety is priority one.
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of the restaurant — the equipment, statues, signs, neon, chandeliers. Finding a new location hasn’t been easy, given rising rents and upscale redevelopment in the Heights, but the Morales family has identified a target radius that would enable their core clientele to continue dining with them, and they’re actively looking. The familiar murals and relics will be part of the new site — and Monica says they’re determined to re-create the signature arches, too. For now, though, the popups are a success. The hospitable Shiloh Club, 1321 Studewood St., which started business in the Heights in the same era as the Morales family, is one of two regular outposts. The Andy’s kitchen serves the enchiladas and carne guisada meals from 6 p.m. until sold-out every Wednesday, and every other Friday (when menudo is about to be added to the menu). The Heights Drive Inn, 6714 N. Main St., hosts on Saturdays. Morales manages an active social media presence to guide customers to the regular pop-ups and to special events, and to keep customers aware of food availability, as well as menu, hours and location updates. Accounts are on
Instagram @andyshomecafe and on Facebook at Andy’s Home Café. It’s just one of several roles she has taken on. “Now I’m behind the kitchen, too,” she says. “This is a different feel for Andy’s. I wanted to make sure the food was going to be the same as what people were used to. We’ve kept in touch with our staff, and a few came to help me figure it out, taking me under their wing, being patient with me. “It’s a completely different style of business. You have to be very prepared and have everything with you. At first, I would forget a spoon here and there, but we’ve come up with a system that works for us. At first, we didn’t have a flow for prep and serving, but now we have a better idea what works and what we should be serving. Keep it simple.” On this night as Monica takes and delivers orders, mom Maria is warming tortillas on a comal, while dad Thomas is chatting with customers as they wait, and Beatrice is dishing up the steaming specialties. Monica beams, bagging up the melt-in-your-mouth tender carne guisada burritos (what most would consider rolled-up tacos), which have always been an Andy’s comfort food staple, from breakfast through dinner.
FUNDRAISER, from P. 1 ingful difference in the realm of cognitive health. At the forefront of her commitment is the Alzheimer's Longest Day Fundraiser, a signature event by the Alzheimer's Association. The Longest Day (TLD) is a unique opportunity for individuals and businesses to create their own fundraising events based on their interests. It has evolved from a one-day happening around the Summer Solstice (a.k.a. The Longest Day) to a year-round initiative, encompassing a range of activities such as sports tournaments, fashion shows, parties, bake sales, and social media outreach fundraisers. All funds raised by TLD go to Alzheimer’s care, support, advocacy, and research. One crucial goal of TLD is Alzheimer’s education. "Public awareness is everything and we engage the community with a lot of heart and sincerity," Briggs said. "It’s how we reach families who do not know about the services that we offer. It’s how we reach communities that do not have access to basic knowledge of Alzheimer’s and other dementias." She explained that many people affected, firsthand or as a caretaker, are not armed with the tools to face this hor-
rible disease that affects over 6 million Americans. “As such, we first and foremost offer our support," said Briggs, who has wholeheartedly embraced the cause, realizing that today’s efforts may impact her own and all our futures. Organizing such a largescale and varied fundraiser comes with its challenges, but Briggs expresses gratitude to partners and committee members who make events like the November 2023 TLD fundraiser "Wine Meets Whiskey" possible. Partner Giant Texas, with its western décor, became an ideal place to host this particular event and, thanks to Jeannie Rankin of Tiffany & Co. who handled budgeting to allow for a visually stunning atmosphere, the fundraiser made a meaningful impact. From the inception, 3 Men Movers, led by Mitch Gonzales, and The Fitzpatrick Group, with Shane Rankin and Luke Jander at the helm, have been steadfast lead partners. Venue selection, budget constraints, and thematic alignment are perennial challenges, but the collective efforts are centered around a cause greater than themselves. The Longest Day, with its multifaceted layers, serves as a celebration of lives well-lived
From Andy’s Home Cafe Facebook
Father-daughter Thomas and Monica Morales by one of the familiar arches and murals at the former Andy’s on 11th Street. They hope to recreate the same feature when they relocate.
“I think I’ve got the roux down for the gravy,” she says. “I asked my customers for feedback at first. I knew I was getting there when one said, ‘I wanted to see if it was still good, and it was even better.’” Before long, the food is completely sold out (a caller inquiring about availability rushing over to nab the last two plates), and Monica doesn’t leave until past 11 p.m. Even if they find a brickand-mortar location in the New Year, she says the family is inclined to keep the pop-ups coming. “It makes us more accessible,” she says. “There’s a different feel and connection to the customers, and we don’t want to lose that.”
In storage, waiting for a new site: Monica Morales said the kitschy decor of the 11th Street Andy’s was carefully removed and stored in anticipation of relocation. Theresa's home-baked cakes in different flavors have yet to make it to the pop-up menu.
and the positive news emerging from Alzheimer’s research funded by the Alzheimer’s Association. When asked about a rewarding moment in her tenure as chair of TLD, Briggs explains, “I’m living it right now! I am so blessed with our growing committee members and how we are working with individuals as well as small businesses to bring awareness to the disease." Among the small businesses, Briggs extends a special thank you to RELTR4U, Small World Travel represented by John Frels and Keith Vassallo, and Clark Boyd with Molen & Assoc. Looking ahead, Briggs plans to widen the reach of the fundraiser beyond Houston and Southeast Texas, aiming for educational and fundraising opportunities in other communities. For those interested
in supporting the cause, Briggs encourages registration for The Longest Day, a process that allows individuals to plan and execute their own fundraisers until August 31 each year. Register at www.alz.org/ TLD As a final note, Briggs extends an invitation to the public and anyone who would like to volunteer to attend a KickOff Party on Jan. 18, 2024, at Patterson Park Patio Bar, from 6-8 p.m. It's an opportunity to learn more about The Longest Day and join hands in the fight against Alzheimer's. The public's involvement is crucial, as every effort contributes to a world where dementia and Alzheimer's are better understood and, ultimately, conquered. Briggs can be reached directly at michelle@reltr4u. com.
Andy’s Home Cafe Facebook page
Submitted photo
Michelle Briggs organizes events like "Wine Meets Whiskey" to raise funds for the Alzheimer's Association. The November 2023 event raised more than $14,000.
The Leader • Saturday,January 6, 2024 • Page 5
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THE TOPICS. Musk be a great school Wanted: Students to attend a brand-new educational institution founded by a genius who is already the richest person on earth but wants to become even richer -- Elon Musk! Yes, you Mr./ Mrs./Miss/Whatever, can attend this brilliantly conceived school in Austin. No, not The University of Texas or Austin Community College, but something better. You will want to know all about this school. Elon Musk, whose worth is estimated at $254.22 billion, has donated $100 million (he calls it “Thursday’s allowance”) to establish a primary and secondary school based on STEM. (That’s science, technology, engineering, and mathematics for you liberal arts majors.) We will initially enroll 50 students who will be selected after a thorough assessment, which means what model of Tesla you own. Eventually, the school will expand to be a full university and will seek accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. We plan to file an IRS application for tax-exempt status. Hey, Elon doesn’t like to pay taxes, which is one reason he moved from California to Texas. We don’t yet know
LYNN ASHBY Columnist
what the tuition will be, but financial support will be provided to those who need it, but forget about any student loan forgiveness. The school plans to serve local students and will also offer remote learning through “distance education technologies.” If the founder’s Space X works out, the distance may be the moon. We don’t yet have a campus, although Elon is eyeing a central location in Austin that has a big tower and several buildings suitable for classes. It has been noted that this location may already be used for a school, but as Elon likes to say, “Everything has a price.” Nor have we decided on a name for our new school. Perhaps Musk University or, since this title is now available, Twitter Tech. Elon suggested X School but this might lead to jokes about the school being “X rated.” Any school in
Texas has to have a football team with a catchy name. We rejected Muskrats in favor of the Musketeers. We are currently in the process of hiring an executive director as well as teaching and administrative staff. Several of the applicants are available since their tenures at Trump University were abolished by the New York State attorney General. Our administrative staff may be headed by the current president of Harvard who has sent us her resume. Also, Texas A&M’s entire faculty is inquiring about jobs with us. The school isn’t Elon’s first foray into the world of education. He also founded Ad Astra, a highly exclusive school system his children and others attend on the SpaceX campus. It is now known as the Astra Nova School. No one knows what that means. We assume Elon’s children will attend the new school in Austin, but we are not sure which children since Elon has been married three times, twice to the same woman, and has seven children by them. More about the school: The driver’s ed program was to be using only Teslas, but that plan is on hold since Tesla is recalling more than 2 million ve-
hicles due to safety concerns. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration ordered the recall after a number of collisions killed at least 17 people. Father’s Day will not be observed since Elon has become estranged from his father, whom he has described as "a terrible human being... Almost every evil thing you could possibly think of, he has done." For you budding scientists, our space program is just for you. You may be drafted to be a volunteer as an astronaut on one of SpaceX’s Pretty-SureIt-Works moon shots. Or you could be a rocket catcher. Now we must consider Elon’s favorite subjects: money. Our business school will offer courses like no other college. Elon has spoken out against a proposed "billionaires' tax". He has also protested against government subsidies and tax incentives for U.S. businesses. However, over the years, Elon’s companies — Tesla Motors, SpaceX, and SolarCity — have received billions of dollars from government loans, contracts, tax credits, and subsidies. According to a Los Angeles Times investigation, Elon’s companies had received an estimated $4.9 bil-
THE WEEKEND. Thrills around town for Jan. 6-7, 2024 Compiled by Lisa Morales The Leader News Contributor FIRST SATURDAY ARTS MARKET
Who: Adults & families When: Saturday, Jan. 6, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Where: 540 W. 19th St. What: Dozens of visual artists who showcase and sell their paintings, sculptural works, photography, jewelry and more. Food truck and live music. Cost: Free Info: firstsaturdayartsmarket. com HITS MUSICAL THEATER WORKSHOP
Who: Grades 6 -12 When: Saturday, Jan. 6 – Feb. 24, 11:45 a.m. – 1:15 p.m. Where: 311 W. 18th St. What: In this class, students receive 30 minutes of dedicated “triple threat” training in each of the musical theater
disciplines: acting, singing, and dance! Every week students will explore scenes, songs, and dances from their favorite musicals. Cost: $330 + $25 registration fee Info: hitstheatre.configio.com SATURDAY NIGHT LATE SHOW AT THE RIOT COMEDY CLUB
Who: Adults 21+ When: Saturday, Jan. 6, 11 p.m. – 12:30 a.m. Where: Rudyard’s – 2010 Waugh Dr. What: Wild-card showcase featuring both local and headlining comedians Cost: $15-$110 Info: eventbrite.com TRAIL MIX – VARIETY SHOW FOR KIDS
Who: Children and families When: Saturday, Jan. 6, 10-11 a.m. Where: M-K-T Market – 600
N. Shepherd What: An outdoor music and magic variety show for kids Cost: Free Info: themkt.com ADULT PLAYDATE
bridges. Cost: Free Info: meetup.com LET’S DANCE: BACHATA & SALSA
Who: Adults When: Saturday, Jan. 6, starting at 2 p.m. Where: Stude Park – 2302 White Oak Dr. What: A trip down memory lane that taps into our inner child with kickball, sack races, Frisby and more. Cost: Free Info: eventbrite.com
Who: Adults When: Sunday, Jan. 7, 6-8 p.m. Where: La Coqueta – 2020 Studewood St. What: Bachata & Salsa Classes at La Coqueta every Sunday from 6-8 p.m., suitable for all skill levels. Learn fundamental steps and turns. Cost: $20-$100 Info: eventbrite.com
CITY WALK DOWNTOWN BRIDGES
PAINTING WITH A TWIST
Who: Adults When: Sunday, Jan. 7, 2–5 p.m. Where: 105b Sabine St. What: 6.7 mile hike along the Buffalo Bayou through downtown. Hike over some of Houston's oldest and newest
Who: Adults 18+ When: Sunday, Jan. 7, 5-7 p.m. Where: 728 W. 19th What: Moon Glow Cherry Blossom painting. BYOB Cost: $37-$49 Info: paintingwithatwist.com
CHURCH
lion in government support by 2015, and they've gotten more since: a $653 million contract with the U.S. Air Force, a $2.89 billion contract with NASA, and more. It wasn’t just funds from the feds. In 2016, New York State put $750 million toward Elon’s planned solarpanel plant in Buffalo, plus tax incentives. And, Texans, you did your part. SpaceX received $15 million in economic development subsidies from Texas. State and local officials granted Elon his additional requests as well: they also changed laws to close a public beach during launches, and provided legal protection from noise complaints. You’ll be taught all of this in Hypocrisy 101. Prospective students, you may be asking where you will live. We’ve got news. Elon is building his own city. Yes, our leader has purchased thousands of acres of farmland between Austin and Bastrop where he is planning on building a “utopia". There, his staff (and no doubt students) can both live and work in new homes. They will be offered under a lease-to-buy setup with rents as low as $800 for two and three bedrooms -the average rent in Bastrop County is around $2,295 a
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Charges have been filed against a suspect wanted in the fatal shooting of a man at 4800 West 34th Street about 3:50 a.m. on November 12, 2023. The suspect, Joseph Refugio Ramos, 18, is charged with the murder of 26-yearold Dominique Rice in the 488th State District Court. HPD Homicide Division officials reported that HPD patrol officers responded to a shooting call at the above adphoto released by HPD dress and found Mr. Rice lying WANTED: Joseph Refugio Ramos on the sidewalk. He had suffered multiple gunshot wounds. Houston Fire Department paramedics responded to the scene and pronounced Rice deceased. A female witness was walking with Rice when a vehicle drove up and several suspects exited the vehicle. As the suspects confronted Rice, one of them produced a pistol and then shot him multiple times. The suspects then fled the scene in the vehicle. The witness ran and was not injured. Further investigation developed Ramos as one of the suspects. On Tuesday (Jan. 2), he was charged in the shooting. Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Joseph Ramos or on identities of other suspects in the case is urged to contact the HPD Homicide Division at 713-308-3600 or speak anonymously with Crime Stoppers at 713-222-TIPS.
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Editor’s note: This column and its contents do not necessarily reflect the views of The Leader News, its staff, or its publisher. The Leader News welcomes opinion articles on matters of interest to Greater Heights residents. Publication is at the discretion of the editor.
From Community Reports
St. James Lutheran Church, ELCA MANNA Sponsor
Ashby isn’t a billionaire at ashby2@compact.net
Suspect charged, wanted in November fatal shooting on W. 34th Street
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month – and if you are fired or leave, you would have to move within 30 days. There are plans to build 110 homes, and a number of modular homes are already in place, as is a pool, an outdoor sports facility and a gym. An application has been made to environmental authorities to discharge 142,500 gallons of treated wastewater into the Colorado River every day. So, prospective students, if your dream is to be worth more than Oklahoma’s GDP ($252.6 billion), enroll at our school. Your SAT doesn’t matter. If you can pass, catch, dribble or shoot a three-pointer from mid-court, then you are welcomed. Eat your heart out, Aggies, Longhorns and Coogs. Go Musketeers!
t goes without saying, but I’ll say it anyway: “we have all made mistakes.” As Alexander Pope so aptly put it: “To err is human, to forgive, divine.” We should remember this the next time we make a mistake. Most certainly, we must learn from our mistakes, and hopefully not continue to repeat them, but we should also forgive ourselves. While it can be hard enough to forgive others for their mistakes, it can sometimes feel almost impossible to forgive ourselves. We sometimes cannot bring ourselves to forgive something we’ve done, and we may punish and harangue ourselves for years, or even decades, over youthful indiscretions. In addition, some of us may not be able to forget the sins of our past. And although that may prevent us from repeating them, we must be charitable and forgive ourselves, just as we should forgive others. So, we should make a real effort in the coming days and weeks to forgive the offenses of others as well as our own. Sometimes, it helps to just forget about them; that is, to try to put them out of our mind and stop repeatedly mulling over them. One of the reasons we use the phrase “forgive and forget” is because sometimes that is !"0#!77QX%!:+'*/2+ the only way to forgive, i.e., by forgetting. But far better, and !"Q#!Y'/%!9N WORD more divine, is to be able to SCRAMBLE forgive even while remembering !"D#!]%'3!/2!4'! the offense. So, we should let go of those unforgiving, ].5/'3!II vindictive, shameful feelings about the past, and get over !<"#!AN/5:*&!N6', .2-'.2.!2B!&5)6/! it! Corrie ten Boom, who survived incarceration in a Nazi W*('% prison camp said, “Forgiveness is to set a prisoner free, and !<O#!K'2N&'!%9NN2+/, to realize that the prisoner was you.”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Page 8 • Saturday,January 6, 2024 • The Leader
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"#$%&'!'$()*!+*!(!,+-!.$(/0!+*%1&!+&2 The new year brought with it a stark reality for me: First Saturday Arts Market is old. As in, 20 years old. Granted, 20 isn’t really old, but saying "20 years old" or "20th anniversary" out loud about this market and I’m left speechless. No one has ever accused me of being speechless! The official anniversary is March, but I couldn’t help mention it two months early. If I recall correctly, Martin Kaplan, owner of a third generation department store, Kaplan’s Ben Hur, had already said yes to hosting the first market on his parking lot. In fact, "yes" was all he would say. I kept talking (I told you I’m a talker) and he kept saying yes, “just come over in person.” A few months later and the Yale Street Arts & Flower Market was launched. That first market hosted 24 artists and crafters and there were about a dozen art cars. When planning the market, we thought having florists mixed in with the artists would bring more people. Well, no florist in their right mind would give up
MITCH COHEN Art Columnist
Saturday, the biggest money making day of the week. In my brilliance (ha ha) I got a floral license and bought flowers wholesale and sold basically none. That was an expensive lesson. I dropped flower from the name soon after and any lingering aspirations of peddling flowers vanished, too. The first market was open 9 a.m.-5 p.m. I remember arriving at 6 a.m. to find impatient vendors ready to set up. Some were already unloading! I was dealing with an entirely new breed of people here. That first March market had a great turnout of hundreds, including one couple that just arrived from California. They told me they researched and found us on the internet, which
Adirondack by Miriam Lim O’Brien of Papermolas
impressed me to no end. April and May continued to prove Houston was ready for a monthly outdoor market, and then June arrived. The banker hours and summer heat tried to kill us. I was certain it was over then, but the artists kept coming back. First Saturday Arts Market will see six new artists joining the roster. The artists
Submitted photo
are Celeste Laney, an abstract painter and glass artist; Svetlana Gorbunova, 2D textural abstract artist; Penny Cordova, metal and stone jewelry; Karina “Aimee” Kudla, functional and decorative ceramics; Julianne Mahler, paper art; and Miriam Lim O’Brien, who creates original molas, a traditional textile art form of the Guna Indians in Panama
A vase made out of a book by Julianne Mahler
and Colombia. The last three artists listed above, Kudla, Mahler and O’Brien, have all taken the leap from craft to fine art “leaning” to join the market Saturday. First Saturday Arts Market is located at 540 W. 19th St., open 11 a.m.-6 p.m.
Submitted photo
Learn more about the artists at https://firstsaturdayartsmarket.com/ Cohen is an artist and founder of the First Saturday Arts Market and The Market at Sawyer Yards. Visit his website at ArtValet.com
City of Houston awards $13.3 Million in grants to arts and culture nonprofit organizations and individual artists From Community Reports The City of Houston Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs (MOCA) is awarding $13,323,343 in grants to 72 individuals and 156 arts and culture nonprofit organizations and fiscally sponsored projects offering public exhibitions, presentations and performances in 2024.The funds are awarded via the Support for Organizations, Festival and Support for Artists and Creative Individuals grant programs, which support individuals, nonprofit organizations and fiscally sponsored projects with annual arts and cultural programming that is available to Houston residents and visitors. These competitive grant programs are managed and administered annually by the Houston Arts Alliance (HAA) and are funded by a portion of the city’s Hotel Occupancy Tax (HOT). More information about HOT funding is available here. “We began implementing the City’s Arts & Cultural Plan at the beginning of my tenure and MOCA has dedicated itself to increasing access, transparency and equity to the City’s grants system over the last eight years,” stated Mayor Sylvester Turner. “That hard work was evident in the first equity indicators report where arts grants received a 96-equity score highlighting more opportunity across the city. As we continue to ensure that Houston’s diversity remains its strength, we must continue building an inclusive creative ecosystem where creatives and entities thrive. I am proud to have this as part of my legacy in serving Houston and its people.” The competitive grants programs begin with an annual improvement process in January of each year. All aspects of the competitions
are updated based on community input and City of Houston goals. The updated competition process is then launched each summer. HAA publicly launches each competition through various media channels like social media and a digital newsletter and then conducts several public workshops about the process and how to create a competitive application. Competitions are open to the public for a minimum of one month, during which HAA staff takes meetings and phone calls upon request and answers email questions from potential applicants. All applications received by the published deadline are reviewed through a two-step process. First, applications are reviewed by HAA staff for objective eligibility criteria. For example, the applicant must be based in the City of Houston and must offer publicly accessible programs during the duration of the grant period. Second, all eligible applications are scored by panelists, who are experts in the arts and vetted through the HAA Grants Committee of the Board of Directors. Each year, HAA assembles approximately 130 panelists, depending on the number of applications that must be read and scored. Panelists, like grantees, cannot be employees or board members of HAA, nor their family. Panelists must remove themselves from scoring if they have a financial or other meaningful conflict of interest with any particular application. The competition process is reviewed in full by the Grants Committee of the Board of HAA, voted on and then advanced to the Board of HAA for its review and vote. Once Board review is complete, the results are sent to the Mayor's Office of Cultural Affairs as a packet of recom-
Support for Artists and Creative Individuals – Sandra de la Rosa Jimenez
Submitted photos
Support for Organizations – The Garden Theater
Support for Artists and Creative Individuals – Theresa Chapman
mended grantees for the City’s approval. This year, Mayor Turner has approved a change to the formula for grant amounts. The BIPOC boost formula is a permanent part of the larger grants competitions’ formulas for funding, including the grants programs Support for Organizations (SO), Support for Artists and Creative Individuals (SACI),
specifically, successful applicants already awarded through the panel process will benefit from a 45% boost, capped at $20,000, applied to their budget-specific estimated eligible award. The organizational qualification requires organizational applicants to meet at least three of five criteria. BIPOC qualification requires individual applicants to selfidentify as BIPOC. In its inau-
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and Festival Grants (FG). This portion of the granting provides an additional boost to organizations and individuals selected through the community-based panel adjudication process used in all grant programs. The formula applies to those applicants who meet BIPOC qualification criteria for their grant program and who have been scored for funding by peer panels. More
gural year, the Mayor has allocated an additional $800,000 to the grants programs to support the new formulas. Learn more at www.houstontx.gov/culturalaf fair s and follow on Facebook & Instagram @HoustonMOCA. To learn more about HAA, visit www.houstonartsalliance.com and follow on Facebook & Instagram @ HoustonArtsAlliance.
Houston Health Department reveals city's top baby names for 2023 From Community Reports More than 60,800 babies born in Houston in 2023 Houston’s most popular baby names for 2023 are Emma, Mia and Camila and Liam, Noah and Mateo, the Houston Health Department announced. Records maintained by the department’s Bureau of Vital Statistics show Mia taking over the girls’ second-place spot, booting Olivia to fourth place for 2023 and off the top 3 ranks for the first time since at least 2018. Olivia dropped to second
in 2022 after earning the top spot in 2019, 2020 and 2021. Rounding out the 10 most popular girl names for this year are Isabella, Sofia, Sophia, Amelia, Charlotte and Emily. Emma, Olivia and Camila were the top three most popular names from 2020 to 2022. Mia took the fourth spot last year and in 2018. Liam, Noah and Mateo have dominated the boys’ top three spots, respectively, since 2019. Other boy names comprising the top 10 list for 2023 are Santiago, Sebastian, Dylan, Elijah, Lucas, Oliver and
Daniel. They also made the top 10 in 2022 except for Lucas, which took the eighth most popular name this year despite not making the top 10 list the past five years. The department has recorded more than 60,840 births in 2023. It recorded 64,622 births in 2022, 61,458 in 2021, 61,400 in 2020, 63,095 in 2019 and 64,475 in 2018. People needing birth certificates or information about requesting one can visit the department’s Bureau of Vital Statistics webpage or call 832393-4220.