Hello Neighbors!! BOARD CONTACTS elcome to the April ing the last couple of weeks, I have been Wissue of the Hyde noticing many of you out there preparing PRESIDENT Park United Newsletter. your yards, and getting them ready for Trevor Eade [email protected] Before I update you with Spring. If you would like to nominate your some of the activities yard, or a neighbor’s yard, please email VICE PRESIDENT that are in the works, I me at [email protected]. George Sroka wanted to quickly recap I am also pleased to announce that this [email protected] our March member- isn’t limited to single family homes. This SECRETARY ship meeting. We were now extends to all dwelling types (Con- Macy Bodenhamer thrilled to have Council Member Wanda dos, Town Houses, Businesses, etc). Who [email protected] Adams and HPD Officer Wayne Pate. is April’s Yard of the Month? See inside TREASURER Among the important topics of discussion (this was my nomination). Carol Brownstein were recycling, redistricting and best prac- [email protected] tices for keeping your home and property Resident of the Month for April 2011 is OTHER CONTACTS safe. For more details, please read the Sec- a well-known advocate of our neighbor- retary’s minutes. hood, Mr. David Centanni. David has DEED RESTRICTIONS done so much for our community, in Stephen Marchione [email protected] During the month of April, we recognize terms of his volunteerism with the Deed Earth Day 2011, and your Hyde Park Board Restrictions committee and his continued MEMBERSHIP would like to celebrate this by holding a support as our Webmaster. You can read Stephen Hill ‘Spring Cleaning’ day during the course of more about David inside. [email protected] the month. We want to organize neigh- NEWSLETTER EDITOR bors to get together and recycle any trash Finally, I want to recognize Cythnia Green- Beth Cunningham and garbage that appears on the side of wood, and the members of her Citizen’s [email protected] the streets, etc. It will be a fun event. Fur- Patrol. We were notified the other week ther details will be announced at the April that Hyde Park now has the largest Citi- membership meeting, along with postings zen’s Patrol group in the Neartown area, to our website and Facebook Group page. and added eight new patrollers last NEXT MEETING... month. Congratulations everyone . . . In this spirit of recycling, I am pleased to keep up the good work! Monday, April 4 announce that our April speaker is Mike Doors open at 7:15PM Marino, store manager of the Montrose I hope to see you at the April membership The following Special Guest Speaker Blvd. Kroger. Mr. Marino is coming to the meeting, set for Monday, April 4, 2011. is ready to take your questions! meeting with recycling shopping bags for everyone who attends, and will update “Disco” Kroger Store Manager everyone on the remodeling of the store. Mike Marino Special Topic: Recycling Spring is in the air, and therefore the Yard Grace Lutheran Church – See you there!! of the Month recognition is back! Dur- Trevor Eade, President

www.hydeparkunited.org P.O. Box 66422 • , TX 77266-6642 NEIGHBORHOOD Meeting Minutes BLOCK CAPTAINS HYDE PARK UNITED CIVIC ASSOCIATION MEETING MINUTES: MARCH 2011 Submitted by Macy Bodenhamer, Secretary Bomar Dan Schnorr 832-455-7135 California / Westheimer INTRODUCTION AND NEW BUSINESS Kathleen Schipper 713-522-2538 OFFICER REPORTS Trevor introduced guest speakers: City Commonwealth The March 2011 meeting of the Hyde Park Council Representative Wanda Adams Timothy Perez 713-304-2672 United (HPU) Civic Association was held and HPU OfficerWayne Pate. Fairview / Van Buren at Grace Lutheran Church on Monday, Beth Cunningham 713-557-2567 March 7. Ms. Adams began her presentation by Hyde Park / Hyde Park Apts. thanking residents for their support, com- Linda Carter 713-524-2952 Hyde Park United President Trevor Eade plimenting HPU on its neighborhood char- & Alex Aranda 713-533-9474­ opened the meeting. Board officers were acter and being close knit. She then com- Hyde Park Crescent introduced. He asked for a motion to mented on the city’s $130 million budget Stephen Hill 281-658-6129 accept the February minutes that were shortfall, including how the city is examin- Hyde Park Townhomes published in the March 2011 newslet- ing ways to fill that gap by eliminating non- Daniel Posada 713-454-7834 ter. A motion was made, followed by a essential core services. Also mentioned Indiana / Yupon second, and the February minutes were were the capital improvement initiatives, Brigette Wignall 832-549-7669 approved as submitted by Macy Boden- including Proposition One for city drain- Jackson hamer, secretary. age and flooding issues. City redistricting Doug Prince 713-471-6816 based on the new census results was also HPU Treasurer Carol Brownstein submit- discussed, with the issue of redrawing or Maryland ted the Treasurer’s report, which was sec- Chris Lemus 713-528-1673 adding districts on the table. Issues regard- onded and approved. Michigan ing traffic calming and abandoned prop- Tom Whitworth 713-523-8035 Trevor announced that the March news- erties were brought up by residents, with Missouri letter was produced through his efforts, Wanda’s commitment for follow-through. Jeanne Wallace 713-528-0834 with resident Beth Cunningham coming Officer Wayne Pate reminded us that Citi- Montrose on board as the new newsletter editor, zens Complaint forms are available at the Bill Pesota 713-527-8026 beginning with the April issue. Neartown Storefront. He advised that com- Peden plaints about noise ordinances, such as Mike Lutomski 713-443-4380 Membership Committee Chair Stephen Hill announced that we have 189 paid those stemming from the Hollywood Res- Vermont memberships with an aggressive mem- taurant on Montrose at Hyde Park should Sharon Lord 713-522-9427 bership drive coming soon. be reported through the HPD non-emer- Waugh gency number at 713 884-3131. He also Sue Chin 713-522-3231 Cynthia Greenwood announced that HPU advised that residents should document Welch has the largest Citizens on Patrol volun- serial numbers for all valuables, in case of Scott and Lina Rigrod 713-528-2791 teer group through the Neartown HPD theft. HPD is now able to track this through West Drew Storefront, with eight new patrollers. pawn shops so this is critical for car and Mike McKann 713-526-6777 Neighborhood Watch signs for display are home burglaries. West Gray / Hazel on order. Sherry Waddell 713-524-7655 Trevor asked that all join our Facebook OLD BUSINESS Willard page for better communication and traf- Camille Bogel 713-526-7625 Deed Restrictions Committee Member ficking of local events, safety, etc. Allyson Wilkinson provided a brief update Yoakum There was a motion to adjourn the March Macy Bodenhamer 713-521-4655 on the new construction on Welch, which meeting, followed by a second. The mo- is a deed-restricted single family home. tion carried and the meeting adjourned.

Deadline for the May edition of Hyde Park United newsletter is April 17. Please submit all materials and advertising inquiries to: [email protected]

2 Neighbor of the Month Yard of the Month David Centanni 2602 Commonwealth

I have called the Hyde Park neighborhood my home for more than 13 years! I have been involved with the Civic Association for many years, and I have volunteered as the Webmaster for hydeparkunited.org for over 12 years.

I work at ExxonMobil as a Security and Controls Supervisor, and in my spare time I enjoy spending time with friends, and finding a good bargain… This 100-year-old property is beautifully maintained by John Ellis and when time allows, traveling the world! Jr. and his wife Danielle. Mr. Ellis has lived in the neighborhood for5 2 years. For the past 20 years, he has been serving as the I really enjoy our neighborhood, as Honorary Consul General of Malta. The Ellises are excited about I can walk to a variety of businesses the revitalization of our neighborhood. and restaurants, that’s great…and, of course, it is close to my work.

3 4 Celebrate Mother Earth: She’s the Only One We’ve Got!

or over 40 years, Earth Day—April 22— in the Southern Hemisphere. In 2009, the portance of preserving our natural environ- Fhas inspired and mobilized individuals United Nations designated April 22 Interna- ment. and organizations worldwide to demon- tional Mother Earth Day. • Go organic. You can get locally grown pro- strate their commitment to environmental duce, eggs and meat at our very own Grace protection and sustainability. The fight for a clean environment continues Lutheran Church every Wed. from 9am- in a climate of increasing urgency, as the 6pm through Central City Co-Op. ravages of climate change become more • Reuse. Donate your used goods at the manifest every day. It is our responsibility Goodwill Store on Westheimer near Shep- to build a clean, healthy, diverse world for herd every day 10 am–6 pm. You can also generations to come. shop there Mon.-Sat. from 9am–9pm and HOWOU Y CAN GET GREENER: on Sun. from noon–6pm. • Learn more by attending the Third Annual • Recycle. The city of Houston picks up Earth Day Festival in Houston at Discovery most items curbside twice a month—see Green on Sat., April 23, 10am-4pm, free. the recycling schedule in this newsletter for More at www.earthdayhouston.org. dates, qualified items, where you can drop • Visit www.houstonbeautiful.org for more off glass, and how to get your own bin. ways to keep our city beautiful and other • Keep our neighborhood clean—pick up Earth Day was founded by United States activities throughout April and May. trash on your lawn, in the street, and keep Senator Gaylord Nelson from Wisconsin • Go global. Help with Japan’s tsunami gutters clear of debris. as an environmental teach-in first held on clean-up and rescue by donating $10—just • Scoop your dog’s poop—it’s just the right April 22, 1970. Earth Day is now coordinat- text “REDCROSS” to 90999 from your cell thing to do. ed globally by the Earth Day Network, and phone. Your donation will appear on your • Consider biking, public transportation and is celebrated in more than 175 countries cell phone bill. carpooling when you can. every year. April 22 corresponds to spring – Submitted by Macy Bodenhamer • Teach your kids and grandchildren the im- in the Northern Hemisphere and autumn (an earth child born on April 22) Feral Cat Update

s of this writing, 10 of 21 cats have HOPE (Homeless & Orphaned Pets En- HOPE can give you a tax deduction—and Abeen neutered/spayed. deavor) is an all volunteer, in-home foster, me a reimbursement—so please make NO KILL adoption group haste and send HOPE a check. Donations Due to new IRS rules, serving the greater Hous- for HOPE should be mailed to: SNAP (Spay Neuter ton area. Since its incep- Assistance Program) tion in 1999, HOPE has HOPE can no longer accept adopted out over 5,000 ATTN: Lisa Gilchrist donations designated cats and dogs. PO BOX 273331 for a specific purpose, Houston, TX 77277-3331 i.e., Montrose Bar HOPE also has a feral cat Cats, because SNAP is TRAP-NEUTER-RETURN Please note: there is a beautiful Siamese charging a fee for ser- program. TNR is the most male cat with large cajones hanging vice. Therefore, SNAP effective and humane around the old Mary’s Lounge on Wes- returned $1,000 in method for dealing with theimer. If this “show quality” kitty sounds donations and asked Houston’s feral cat popu- familiar, you need to keep him inside and donors to make their checks payable to lation. If you would like more information away from the girls. Otherwise, he’s in my HOPE with “Montrose Bar Cats” in the on any of HOPE’s programs, please visit crosshairs for a snip and tuck! :) memo field. their website www.homelesspets.net. – Kathy Schipper 5 Lawn Care Info You Can Really Use

veryone in Houston has St. Augustine toxic chemical herbicide should not be used POLLUTES WATER Egrass—it goes dormant in November and around your shrubs and trees. Why? It will it wakes up in April and begins to grow again. kill them! Atrazine is the new name given to The chemicals in weed-and-feed have also And given that we had such a harsh winter, “Agent Orange” which was used in Viet Nam. been shown to cause increases in harmful you are well advised to feed the lawn this chemicals in local water supplies. The use of year and help it get back to being healthy The2 # worse choices in fertilizers are the weed-and-feed as a fertilizer creates a high again. A hard winter will cause the grass to nitrogen-only products such as 23-0-0. Our level of run-off that collects in sewer drains use up much of its food stores trying to sur- “land grant” university recommends this and pipes, which eventually leads the chemi- vive. So feeding it makes plenty of sense. serious mistake be avoided at all costs. Not cals to the drinking-water supply. According much can be done to the soil that will do to a study by the U.S. Geological Survey, 2, BUT DON’T USE THIS STUFF! more damage than these single element fer- 4-D is one of the most common herbicides tilizers. If you just bought some, take it back! found in ground water and streams. Because Read the bag sometime: of this, the Canadian Medical Association has Here are some quotes from the Bonus S WHAT EXACTLY IS THE HEALTH banned the use of weed-and-feed products. package instructions: RISK?? YOUR CHILD’S BRAIN, Oh yea—Does it matter if the next door • “Do not use under trees, shrubs, bedding THAT’S WHAT! neighbor uses weed and feed and you plants or garden plants.” don’t? Damn right, it matters! because when • “Do not apply on or under the branch it rains, it will come on to your land—you spread (root zone) of trees, shrubs, bed- DANGEROUS FOR HEALTH should print this article out and give it to your ding plants, flowers or garden plants.” neighbor. One of the main ingredients of weed-and- • “Do not apply by hand or hand-held rotary feed, 2, 4-D is a neurotoxin once found in the DID YOU KNOW THIS? devices.” product Agent Orange. The chemical 2, 4-D has been documented to cause neurological How many people have a pet? Well that • “Do not apply this product in a way that would be almost everyone! will contact any person either directly or disorders in children, reproductive disorders, through drift.” cancer and hormonal disruptions (which sur- How many people have seen a cat or a face later in life as breast cancer). This infor- • “Runoff and drift from treated areas may dog eat the grass to help them digest their mation was confirmed by the Extension Toxi- food . . . probably almost everyone again. be hazardous to aquatic organisms in cology Network in 1996. These health risks neighboring areas.” Now that is all the reason you need not to put are especially dangerous to children who are weed and feed on your lawn—it will clog up • “This product is toxic to aquatic inverte- still growing and developing. their liver and may kill your pets. It is just as brates.” HARMFUL TO WILDLIFE bad for your children and you. Use organic fer- IF YOU THINK WEED AND FEED tilizer and be done with poisons on your land. IS SAFE—THINK AGAIN! Weed-and-feed is harmful to humans--and Go green this year—put an end to mysterious wildlife, too. According to a study by the Na- tumors and strange cancer in your family. Get Howard Garrett Ph.D., better known as the tional Cancer Institute, the chemical 2, 4-D some organic fertilizer—and feel good about dirt doctor, wrote in a recent article: found in weed-and-feed contributed to an your choice. It’s the right thing to do. increase in cancer in dogs. It has also been “The most heavily recommended ‘weed shown to increase birth defects and other I recommend doing nothing to weeds. Do No and feed’ fertilizers contain atrazine, a toxic health problems in birds. The chemical 2, Harm to the land! Hey, just treat the weeds chemical herbicide that is quite effective 4-D also is harmful to bees and other insects like grass—mow the yard for the month of killing your trees and shrubs and you. Inter- as well as earthworms and other earth- March. By April your regular grass will wake estingly, non-organic and organic garden- bound wildlife. up and choke out the weeds and it will cost ers agree that these products should not be you nothing. Save your money and don’t buy used. Atrazine should not be used on resi- BANNED BY LOCAL any poisons—you don’t need them. To fer- dential property period. Some of the specific GOVERNMENTS tilize, simply get some organic fertilizer and products that you should avoid are Scotts Bo- use it to feed the grass. Keep it simple, play nus S, Vigero, Sam’s, and others called weed Many local governments across the United it safe. n and feed.” States have banned the use of weed-and- feed and other products containing 2, 4-D. Submitted by Jeff Law at Kabloom, 713-772- The # 1 fertilizer to avoid is Scott’s Bonus S. These communities are concerned about the 4296 and 713-256-0398; and Matt Raney, All As you will notice right on the label, it con- effects that weed-and-feed has on life forms in One Nursery, 4305 Northfield Ln., Houston, tains an herbicide called atrazine and that of all kinds. 77092 [email protected]. 6 Legacy Community Health Services to Open New Clinic in Montrose

he patients, employees, and board of Tdirectors of Legacy Community Health Services are all eagerly and excitedly antici- pating the completion and grand opening of Legacy’s new clinic in the heart of Mon- trose. Located at 1415 California, the 40,000 square foot, four-story brick and glass build- ing will be Legacy’s flagship location and is expected to be completed and ready to pro- vide healthcare services to our community this fall.

“I am so incredibly exited,” said Katy Caldwell, Executive Director of Legacy Com- munity Health Servies. “I find myself grin- ton. Their clinics provide a safe, culturally ning from ear to ear every time I drive in Legacy provides engaged place for people to receive quality Montrose and see the new construction ris- comprehensive, primary medical care and their programs and ser- ing over the nearby buildings. It really is a healthcare services to all vices are tailored to meet the needs of the dream come true!” various communities they serve. Legacy’s Houstonians in a culturally highly skilled and compassionate, interdis- To meet the growing healthcare needs of sensitive, judgment- ciplinary team provides a comprehensive the uninsured and underserved, Legacy continuum of care to improve the health of launched a $15M capital campaign to com- free and confidential individuals and help them develop to their bine healthcare services from three loca- environment highest potential—physically, emotionally, tions as well as its administrative services socially and intellectually. into one building. The new state-of-the-art, seeing more and more children, so we’ll LEED gold certified medical facility will have a pediatrician and mental health ser- Legacy Community Health Services is a house eight specialty clinics, ten support vices for children. Low-cost dental care is 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and the larg- programs, four education-based commu- very hard to find in the neighborhood, so est Federally Qualified Health Center in nity programs and a pharmacy. This will we’ll fill that void as well.” Houston. From five clinics, Legacy provides not only boost the quantity and quality of comprehensive, primary healthcare services Houston has the highest rate of uninsured healthcare services, but also the efficiency to all Houstonians in a culturally sensitive, citizens at 32%—twice the national aver- of delivering such care to uninsured and un- judgment-free and confidential environ- age—and one and half million people present derserved families in Houston. ment. Legacy specializes in HIV/AIDS testing a significant strain on our healthcare system. and treatment. Generous financial support Services offered in the new building include This underscores the importance of Legacy from individuals, businesses and charitable low-cost primary care, behavioral health, in Houston communities. In 2010, Legacy foundations allows Legacy to provide no- family planning, eye care, wellness services, served 38,695 patients, an increase of 14,952 cost or low-cost healthcare services to over HIV/STD testing and counseling, HIV special- from 2009 and saw these patients through 33,000 men, women and children each ty care, and an array of support programs 122,757 patient visits, an increase of 47,311 year. Legacy is a United Way affiliate agency. for people living with HIV/AIDS. Legacy will visits in 2009. This represents a dramatic in- www.legacycommunityhealth.org. n also be adding services such as pediatrics, crease of 39% in patients served. Over the pediatric behavioral health and dental ser- past seven years, Legacy has seen a 61% in- vices at the new facility. crease in the number of patients served.

“While Montrose area still has one of the Houston ’s largest Federally Qualified Health highest rates of people living with HIV/AIDS, Center, Legacy provides low-cost or no-cost the neighborhood has many people with primary and specialized healthcare services healthcare needs,” said Caldwell. “We’re to the uninsured and underinsured in Hous- 7 Positive Interaction Program (PIP) REPORTED BY KATHY SCHIPPER

fficer Paul Lassalle spoke on the topic using this email address: centralpatrol1d- The purpose of PIP (Positive Interaction Oof DUI/DWI. [email protected]. The Storefront Program) is to facilitate an exchange of will also use this address to send out e- information between the Houston Police In 2009, 5,717 individuals were killed in mail messages and alerts regarding recent Department (HPD) and neighborhood resi- the Iraq/Afghan wars and 127,030 died in criminal activity. dents, using monthly community meetings the US due to drunk driving. In Texas alone, as a forum. Hyde Park United falls within there were 12,550 deaths. Harris County HPD again asked that people who want to the boundary of the Central Patrol/Dis- leads the nation in DUI-related fatalities— report suspected criminal activity to con- trict One PIP Group and meets the fourth so we’re now not only the fattest but also tact the HPD Dispatch Line (713/884-3131). Wednesday of every month at 7:00 p.m. the most dangerous drivers in the entire country! As a reminder, please report or fax to the Everyone is invited (and encouraged) to at- Storefront, non-emergency complaints or tend the meetings, which are held at the Problems are associated with processing problems utilizing the Central District One Police Officers Union Bldg, 1602 State St. those suspected of DUI. There are only PIP “Citizen Complaint Form,” a copy of The next PIP meeting is Tues., April 27. n two facilities in the county, it takes two which is available on our website. Fax the hours of processing time and there is a form to HPD Storefront: (713) 284-8616. 40-minute drive to a facility. Meanwhile, Neighborhood Crime Report – January 2011 grossly-positive Breathalyzer results are quickly diminishing due to metabolism. Activity Street/Block Premises Date/Time Throw in a refusal rate of 46% and only Robbery 1300-1399 Westheimer Restaurant 01/10 05pm 350 officers to police 280,000 drivers on 2300-2399 Montrose Road/Street/Sidewalk 01/31 01am a typical Friday night, and Houston, it’s no Burglary 1200-1299 Welch Apartment 01/16 08pm wonder we’ve got a big problem. Auto Theft 1000-1099 California Road/Street/Sidewalk 01/08 12am BMV/Theft 1000-1099 Missouri Road/Street/Sidewalk 01/03 06pm Several measures have been taken to in- crease the arrest and conviction rates for 1500-1599 Missouri Other/Unknown 01/05 05pm drunk drivers. A special van was devel- 1200-1299 Peden Garage/Carport 01/08 08pm oped called the BAT (Breathalyzer Alcohol 1400-1499 Michigan Road/Street/Sidewalk 01/14 10pm Testing): the front part is a testing area, 1000-1099 Westheimer Restaurant Parking Lot 01/15 09am the back end is a jail. “No Refusal Nights” 1500-1599 Westheimer Residence/Home 01/17 08am are now every Friday and Saturday. If a 1900-1999 Waugh Driveway 01/17 04pm suspect refuses the Breathalyzer, he/she 1000-1099 Fairview Restaurant Parking Lot 01/19 08am gets a blood test. Defense attorneys used 1100-1199 Fairview Apartment Parking Lot 01/19 08am to tell their clients “don’t blow”—now 2400-2499 Montrose Restaurant Parking Lot 01/19 09am they say “blow, don’t bleed.” 1300-1399 Welch Other/Unknown 01/19 07pm HPD will conduct the next “wet lab” for 1300-1399 Welch Other Parking Lot 01/19 08pm new officer training on July 27th. Members 1100-1199 Jackson Road/Street/Sidewalk 01/21 07pm of the public are invited to drink above 1100-1199 Peden Road/Street/Sidewalk 01/29 12am the Texas legal limit of 0.10 and submit to 1600-1699 Van Buren Road/Street/Sidewalk 01/29 02am Breathalyzer, Field Sobriety Tests and per- 1600-1699 Van Buren Road/Street/Sidewalk 01/29 02am formance videos à la “Grand Theft Auto IV” requiring chase scenes and driving through 2100-2199 Van Buren Road/Street/Sidewalk 01/30 07pm a series of cones and three-point turns. Be 1100-1199 Westheimer Restaurant Parking Lot 01/31 08am sure to have a designated driver or else 2600-2699 Montrose Other/Unknown 01/21 08pm take a cab home. Sounds like an interesting party—aw shucks, it’s on a Wednesday! Contact HPD dispatch line 713-884-3131 Please report concerns or questions on- to report suspected criminal activity line to the 802 Westheimer Storefront 8 Neighborhood Watch Report REPORTED BY KATHY SCHIPPER All residents are encouraged to contribute.

Activity Address Description of Problem Date/ 311 Police Time Stealing or Burger King Grungy white male (greasy hair, ill-fitting jeans) rode expen- 02/15 No Yes fencing parking lot sive-looking white bicycle into parking lot. Black male wearing 911 08:30 PM bicycle baggy jeans and baseball cap turned backwards drove up in 1002 Wes- 4-door black car, inspected bike, then both attempted to place theimer bike into trunk of car then the back seat, but had trouble mak- ing it fit. They couldn’t figure out how to disengage the front wheel. Observer with binoculars obtained license plate #GZS 923. BMV Condos on Rear window was smashed in our condo community parking 1/29 No Yes Fairview at lot adjacent to Van Buren, off Fairview. Neighbor reported two < 10:30 Van Buren youngish males, one black, one white, who ran when the car PM alarm sounded. Prior to 10:30 pm. Unlocked Van Buren at Homeless or impaired man used facilities on Van Buren at Wil- ? No No Port-o-pot- Willard lard construction site after crew left for the day. A woman was ties walking south from W. Gray & resident waited to be sure she passed safely. The man then emerged and went on his way without incident.

Another occasion, cab driver used same toilet.

Resident comment: it does seem that the companies who are operating these sites should secure the door with a padlock on days or evenings when no one is there if for no other reason than the safety of neighborhood kids. A child who slipped out unsupervised could easily poison himself or drown. If the site isn’t fenced (as the one on Van Buren and Bomar is), it doesn’t seem safe to have these stalls around without some form of security. It could also attract repeat visitors to the area that don’t need to be here.

Note to resident: please contact the construction company with your comments and recommendations and then report it to 3-1-1. Male check- 1300 block White male rattled door of Hyde Park resident presumably to 2/19 No Yes ing door- Fairview see if it was unlocked. Walked away when he found it locked. 3 PM 911 knobs

9 Floyd and Caswell after leaving his longtime Tex-Mex: The real deal post as restaurant critic for the . BYREGORAGO G M – HOUSTON CHRONICLE, REPRINTED BY PERMISSION That “vintage” menu will include dishes such as stacked enchiladas, eggs poached in rom the patio of what is sure to be the hot- with rich culinary nostalgia at every turn. In hot sauce, enchilada plates with chili gravy Ftest new restaurant on Lower Westheimer the dining room they plan to display totemic or chili con carne, puffy tacos, and mesquite you can make out the dead neon sign of the oversize photographs of Houston Tex-Mex wood-fired grilled fish, shrimp, steaks and -fa shuttered Felix Mexican Restaurant down the legends Leo Reynosa Sr. (the founder of the jitas. And, of course, killer margs. road. That antiquated sign, of a man in a som- now-closed Leo’s Mexican Restaurant, who This iconic food will be served against a brero napping under a cactus, was a beacon in his younger years rode with Pancho Villa), backdrop drenched in Tex-Mex memorabilia, for generations of Houstonians seeking the Felix Tijerina (a community leader whose res- much from Walsh’s personal collection. Table- ultimate Tex-Mex comfort food—cheese en- taurants featured a hybrid style of Tex-Mex tops feature old Mexican restaurant menus, chiladas with chili gravy, a mantle of orange that became popular with Texas Anglos), and Freddy Fender album covers and old adver- processed cheese and your choice of Spanish Mama Ninfa Rodriguez Laurenzo (Houston’s tisements for Gebhardt’s and Mexene chili rice or spaghetti. first lady of Mexican cooking, who is credited powders and canned products. The partners That style of old-school enchilada plate with introducing the world to the taco al car- salvaged 65-year-old chairs from Felix and may be largely gone from the contemporary bon, or fajita). had them restored and re-covered. There are Tex-Mex landscape, but it is definitely not for- If those late great Tex-Mex superstars could old doors and fixtures from Felix, a chandelier gotten. Certainly not by the partners of El Real see what the partners have put into their from an old Ninfa’s, and blow-ups of vintage Tex-Mex Café, the grand-scale restaurant set interpretation of classic Tex-Mex they’d no Mexican movies and concert bills of fare. to open in the former Tower Theater on Wes- doubt approve. El Real’s owners have lovingly “It’s a Tex-Mex museum,” Walsh said. “It’s a theimer at Yoakum. Bryan Caswell and Bill embraced a culinary tradition that has given history—a Tex-Mex history.” Floyd, partners in Reef, Little Bigs and Stella us foods such as San Antonio chili and puffy But the partners also want the 345-seat Sola, have collaborated with cookbook author tacos; Lower Rio Grande Valley botanos and venue to rock Westheimer. and Tex-Mex authority Robb Walsh to create a panchos; Houston fajitas and lush green table “What excites me is it is going to be fun,” throwback restaurant that celebrates historic sauce; Brownsville-style grilled shrimp and Caswell said. Tex-Mex flavors and traditions that once ruled seafood. They’re calling the style of food at El To create a lively atmosphere, El Real will Texas Mexican restaurants. Real “vintage” Tex-Mex. feature a fresh tortilla station. A projector The three amigos have so immersed them- “What it really is is Tex-Mex before conve- will play old Mexican movies on a wall on selves in the culinary history and iconography nience foods came in that changed Tex-Mex. the same side of the building of the former of Tex-Mex—like a corn tortilla sopping up It’s old style. There’s nothing new here. That’s theater’s stage and screen. There will be live chili gravy—that El Real is hugely invested our goal,” said Walsh, who partnered with conjunto music for brunch, and live bands on

10 weekends when the restaurant plans to serve until 3 a.m. The bar where the house marg will HYDE PARK CIVIC ASSOCIATION be made with Espoló n tequila will be called the Felix Bar, an homage to Felix Tijerina, the NEEDS A NEW LOGO! Houston restaurateur and civic activist. We need a look that captures the eclectic and charming qualities “We want to make the place agreeable and of one of Houston’s oldest inner city neighborhoods. A look that fun,” Caswell said. “My main focus is for cus- evokes the vibrancy of a neighborhood of old and new homes. tomers to have a good time. We want them A look that says, “Hey, you’re living in one of the most exciting to come back.” neighborhoods in Houston.” But the partners also want to keep it real We need a logo that expresses all of that and more. So we’re at El Real. Things like using real rendered lard launching a logo design contest and invite you to enter. If you have for the refried beans (the once ubiquitous ideas, please submit your design ideas (as .EPS or .JPG files) to lard gave way to oleo and hydrogenated veg- [email protected]. Entries must be submitted no etable oil). later than April 25 to be considered. “Tex-Mex went th rough bad periods of de- This is a members only competition. Membership application form clining quality. What we’re doing is going back is on the back page of this newsletter. Join now! to these temples of Tex-Mex for inspiration,” Walsh said. “Everyone else is trying to upscale Tex-Mex and dress it up. I think all of us have er,” Floyd said. “And it’s the same here. This the moon,” one of the partners said). a respect for the basics, like refried beans in is supposed to be great-tasting Tex-Mex. At And later this year, the former Felix Mexi- rendered lard. In that way we’re coming full the end of the day, you want to come here can Restaurant just down Westheimer from El circle in Tex-Mex.” because it tastes good.” Real will be the new home of Uchi, from Aus- Because definitions of what constitutes But it’s not lost on El Real’s partners that tin superchef Tyson Cole. classic Tex-Mex are as varied in Texas as salsa their location is practically the epicenter of a Walsh said it’s poignant that the restaurant recipes, the partners are ready for inevitable restaurant boom on Lower Westheimer. Cata- (and its sign) that serves as an inspiration for foodie backlash about the authenticity of cer- lan chef Chris Shepherd is set to open his own El Real will eventually vanish. “As we’re open- tain dishes. Floyd has been through it before. project, called Underbelly, adjacent to the ing this place, that place is disappearing,” he He said when he and Caswell opened Little upcoming Hay Merchant craft beer bar from Bigs serving sliders, there were foodies who Anvil’s Bobby Heugel and Kevin Floyd. Those said. complained that their mini burgers were not projects are directly across the street from But the spirit of Felix food—and so many authentic sliders. “But that wasn’t the point. El Real’s towering marquee of neon (“Chris other great Tex-Mex classics—lives on in ear- It was about having a great tasting hamburg- Shepherd joked you’ll be able to see it from nest at El Real. n

GENERAL CRAFTSMAN Large and Small Scale Renovation and Repair Call: Richard Paulssen (713) 520 6311

11 Important Dates & Membership Garbage & Yard Trimming Collection Pleasee not – Your automated container & recycling bin should be at your curb Every Monday (except Holidays) by 7 a.m. and removed by 10 p.m., on your collection day. If it appears it may rain, do not put out your newspapers for recycling, because the city cannot recycle wet Recycling newspapers (they will pick them up but they cannot be recycled). Also, glass is NOT APRIL 2011 accepted curbside. The closest place to drop off glass (and everything else except Monday, April 4 toxics) is the recycling place on the corner of Center Street and Harvard. The site Monday, April 18 has been remodelled with well-labelled containers. MAY 2011 Monday, May 2 If you do not have a recycle bin and would like to participate in the City’s Recycle Program, please call 3-1-1 to arrange for the City to deliver a recycle bin to your Monday, May 16 home. Tuesday, May 31 JUNE 2011 If you are interested in looking at the city’s recycle schedule yourself, or are interest- Monday, June 13 ed in what may and not be recycled, look at the following website (this is a recent Monday, June 27 revision): www.houstonsolidwaste.org. Heavy Trash April 12 – Junk Waste Join our Facebook Group TODAY! May 10 – Tree Waste As soon as your request to join is approved you’ll be able to stay informed with: June 14 – Junk Waste • Community Alerts Monthly Membership Meeting • Upcoming Events • Community Activities Search for: Monday April 4 – 7:15PM Hyde Park Civic Association Grace Lutheran Church

Hyde Park Civic Association Membership Form Membership Fees ONLY $25 Annually Please support your local community by becoming a member today! The Hyde Park Civic Association is a 501(c)4 not-for-profit organization, and therefore relies on membership dues, donations and contributions to fund our civic activities. Date: New Member: Renewal:

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One vote per membership. The bylaws of Hyde Park United define who can be a member. Your annual membership ensures your voice will be heard in all matters concerning the area you have chosen to call home. Through our newsletter and monthly meeting, you can be part of this beautiful, historic and growing area. Thank you for joining, and helping us build a “sense of community.” Mail with your check with completed form to: Hyde Park United, PO Box 66422, Houston, TX 77266 Join online at www.hydeparkunited.org or at the next membership meeting! 12