Constable Patrol: October 2015 /  by Guest User

Newsletter readers: To view charts of crime stats please visit this article on the WHCA website.

Theft from vehicles is the most prevalent crime. Please don’t leave valuables in your car — 6 parking lot thefts this month were at local businesses equally split between bars and restaurants. Auto thefts in the 200 block of W Norma and 1000 block Euclid; robbery at business in 3200 block of Houston Ave. The City of Houston lags in releasing summary monthly crime stats. To stay more current and to get details for our neighborhood, about once a week I monitor daily crime reports, and accumulate the data to arrive at the crime data presented here.

HPD Beat 2A30 – Stats for WHCA Area

WHCA vs. Entire 2A30 HPD Beat

Constable Report

We remind everyone that for a crime in progress, please call 911 first, principally because we do not have 24/7 deputy coverage. If our deputies are on duty, they should be monitoring those calls, though you can also call Precinct One dispatch after calling 911 for crimes in progress. The most consistent feedback I get from our deputies is that they want us to call if we see something that doesn’t seem right. So don’t hesitate to call.

Our deputies come to work in our neighborhood, and remain through their shift, unless they are called to respond to a nearby contract. The deputies spend their shift cruising the neighborhood. When they stop to look at something or take some action, they keep a log, so we have a general idea of their activities.  For October 2015 here is some of their activity:

Constable Patrol Log for Oct. 2015

Ley Plaza Butterfly Garden – Yard of the Month /  by Guest User

This month I’d like to shout out special recognition to neighborhood volunteers who have, since 2007, put in many, many hours to create and sustain our wonderful butterfly garden at Ley Plaza Park. Jennifer Sanchez with Texas Fish and Wildlife recently donated lots of new native plants to our pretty garden and once again these neighbors stepped up to make sure they were planted.  Your dedicated neighbors are: Dan Rueda, Cal Sercu and her daughters Amalie and Leisl, Jayne Porter, Morgan Towsen and her infant son Noah, Pat Rutledge, Louise Moss, Thane and Nicole Wyman and Kathleen Boyd and her daughter, Persi AND their fearless leader Pat German. If it wasn’t for Pat’s initial suggestion to create a butterfly garden and her subsequent contact with the Houston Parks and Recreation Department back in 2007, this garden would not exist.

Thank you Pat and all of your volunteers who love and maintain our beautiful garden. The park is located on White Oak Drive between Thelma and Gladys Streets.

– Brigette Larson, VP Beautification

Lights in the Heights Gala /  by Guest User

Tickets are almost sold out for the 3rd Annual Lights in the Heights Gala, benefitting Lights in the Heights 2015. The Gala is November 7 at 7 p.m. at the beautiful home of Bill Baldwin on Bayland Avenue. Sponsors include delicious food from Shade, Liberty Kitchen, and Red Dessert Dive. Beer and wine from Town in City Brewing and Woodland Heights residents Emily Trout and Mark Ellenberger of Kagan Cellars.

There will be music and a silent auction/raffle with wonderful items donated by neighbors and area businesses. Join us for an evening with friends and neighbors as we usher in the holiday season! Purchase tickets online from the WHCA Store.

WHCA General Meeting /  by Guest User

The next General Meeting of the Woodland Heights Civic Association is scheduled for November 10, 7 p.m., at the Hogg Middle School Auditorium. Guest speakers will include Principal Angela Sugarek of Hogg Middle School, Joey Sanchez will discuss his work on the Blue Tile Project, and Brian Latham of HSPCA will discuss their upcoming iWalk fundraiser at Stude Park benefiting Houston's animal shelter.

Lights in the Heights /  by Guest User

Get ready to start decorating your houses for the holidays! Lights in the Heights is just around the corner. As always, it’s the second Saturday of December, so this year it will be Saturday, December 12. As we previously announced, the route this year will be on Euclid and Woodland, from Studewood to Houston Ave. Also remember that we’ll have a fun neighborhood gathering on the Norhill Esplanade on Friday, December 11. This will be when the neighbhood LITH festivities start, and it will be your chance to get your hands on this year’s fun LITH merchandise.

Constable Patrol: September 2015 /  by Guest User

Crime and Constable Patrol Statistics for September 2015

To view charts of crime stats please visit this article on the WHCA website.

As always, theft from vehicles is the most prevalent crime. Please don’t leave valuables in your car – 4 parking lot thefts this month were at local businesses. For September: Auto theft in the 900 block of Ridge. Burglaries of construction site in the 800 block of Usener, and residence in the 500 block of Redan. The City of Houston is usually months behind in releasing monthly crime stats. To stay more current, about once a week I monitor daily crime reports, and accumulate the data to arrive at the crime data presented here.

Crime Stats

HPD Beat 2A30 (Stats for WHCA area only)

Crime – WH vs. Beat 2A30

Stats only for the month of Sept. 2015

WHCA Constable Patrol Statistics

Our permanent night shift deputy and his new police dog are back to full-time duty in our neighborhood. We remind everyone that for a crime in progress, please call 911 first, principally because we do not have 24/7 deputy coverage. If our deputies are on duty, they should be monitoring those calls, though you can also call Precinct One dispatch after calling 911 for crimes in progress.

The most consistent feedback I get from our deputies is that they want us to call if we see something that doesn’t seem right. They are happy to sort it out, and don’t want us failing to call about something because we aren’t sure whether it is significant enough to warrant their attention.

Our deputies come to work in our neighborhood, and remain through their shift, unless they are called to respond to a nearby contract. The deputies spend their shift cruising the neighborhood. When they stop to look at something or take some action, they keep a log, so we have a general idea of their activities.

Constable Patrol Log

Data per Constable's Log Books

SPONSORED POST: Four Square Design Studio /  by Guest User

Our thanks, once again, to Four Square Design Studio LLC for sponsoring this month's WHCA newsletter. The WHCA email newsletter reaches 425+ engaged neighbors. If you're interested in sponsoring please get in touch.

Historic homes, modern living, award-winning design

  • Renovations
  • Additions
  • Kitchens and bathrooms
  • Interior design and decoration

We have an abiding love of historic structures, but we enjoy juxtaposing old and new. We are skilled problem-solvers; when designing additions, we seek to accommodate the needs of modern living while respecting the original spirit and design of a historic building.

To see a sampling of our projects, visit us at foursquaredesignstudio.com or call us at 713-802-1699.

What's Happening @ Reagan High School /  by Guest User

lilShopofHorrors.jpg

The Reagan production of the Science Fiction musical Little Shop of Horrors premieres November 12th and runs for two nights at 7pm. Theatre at arts teacher Nina Garcia, alongside Mr. Miller and the students that form the production’s cast and crew are working hard to create a dazzling live performance.

The musical is based on the hit film about a bloodthirsty plant and its part in the change of fortunes for a struggling flower shop. The musical is open to the public and the Heights neighborhood is encouraged to attend. Tickets are $10, or $7 when you use the code word ‘Family’ at the door. The musical features mild, comic violence, but no vulgar language.

Cast members explained their reasoning behind joining the Reagan production and what they had hoped to accomplish through it. “I experienced Little Shop of Horrors when I was younger,” said Tyler Leftwich, who plays sadistic dentist Orin Schrovello in the musical. “My connection to acting is why I joined.”

Donald Peacock, in the role of monster plant Audrey II, auditioned to turn his private hobby into a performance skill. “I always had a passion for singing,” said Donald. “I wanted to be a part of Reagan’s musicals to share that passion through art.” Before participating in Reagan musicals, Donald never knew what to say when people asked him about his talents. He now has an answer.
“I love being able to entertain people through acting and singing,” said Jacob De Hoyos. Jacob, as well as other cast members, are excited to perform the musical in front of an audience. “The moment when the crowd roars with applause is what makes it all worth it.”

What's Happening @ Travis Elementary /  by Guest User

From Travis Elementary Principal Tom Day:

If you are out and about and see a Travis Tiger showing “grit” – perseverance and determination to keep going, even if at first you do not succeed – make sure to point it out. Displaying grit in the face of difficulty is one of several positive character traits that are being discussed in classrooms at Travis Elementary this year as part of the school’s new character education program, “Tiger Traits.”

On early dismissal days, students and teachers will engage in lessons, activities, and discussion designed to foster a growth mindset and self-esteem while creating opportunities to develop social skills and more bonds among blended peer groups.

“Tiger Traits” combines existing campus practices and programs with new character building lessons and activities to form an aligned school initiative. It creates opportunity for students to build bonds with more of their peers while engaging in thoughtful dialogue about character traits and making connections to behavior and choices.

HSPCA : iWalk for Animals @ Stude Park /  by Guest User

HSPCA_iWalk2015.jpg

Fetch your sneakers and a furry friend, and join the Houston SPCA for some fun at the 2015 iWalk for Animals on Saturday, December 5 at Stude Park from 8 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. There will be a 5K Canine Caper and a 1K Pup Strut along the banks of White Oak Bayou. You don't want to miss exciting demonstrations, live music and amazing vendors! And, of course, participate in everyone's favorite pet-related contests like Best Kisser, Best Costume and Pet Owner Look Alike!

Enjoy a perfect morning with your family and friends, all while raising much-needed funds to support the Houston SPCA's lifesaving programs and services. Participate on your own – or as part of a team - and help give thousands of orphaned, abused and neglected animals a second chance at life! Every step you take and every dollar you raise for the iWalk helps the Houston SPCA keep our 24-hour Injured Animal Rescue Ambulances on the road every day of the year and fund over 7,000 cruelty investigations. Your Houston SPCA is committed to all animals and intervened on behalf of nearly 50,000 animals last year including cats and dogs; small mammals; horses and farm animals; and native wildlife. And, we proudly place 100% of our healthy animals into loving, new homes!

Happening at Reagan HS /  by Guest User

The German Club at Reagan High School will host the first ever Oktoberfest at the school on October 7th from 4pm to 6pm.

The event will provide food (Bratwürste und Crepes), drinks, entertainment and games for children and adults. Profits from the event will be donated to organizations helping refugees in the town of Leipzig.

If you're interested in sponsoring their efforts or purchasing tickets in advance ($8 adult, $5 kids) please contact the president of the German Club, Cynthia Torres, for information.

Vielen Dank!

SPONSORED POST: Four Square Design Studio /  by Guest User

Our thanks, once again, to Four Square Design Studio LLC for sponsoring this month's WHCA newsletter. The WHCA email newsletter reaches over 400 neighbors. If you're interested in sponsoring please get in touch.

Historic homes, modern living, award-winning design

  • Renovations
  • Additions
  • Kitchens and bathrooms
  • Interior design and decoration

We have an abiding love of historic structures, but we enjoy juxtaposing old and new. We are skilled problem-solvers; when designing additions, we seek to accommodate the needs of modern living while respecting the original spirit and design of a historic building.

To see a sampling of our projects, visit us at foursquaredesignstudio.com or call us at 713-802-1699.

Constable Patrol: August 2015 /  by Guest User

(If you're viewing this story in our newsletter please visit the WHCA website to view graphs.)

Crime statistics

As always, theft from vehicles is the most prevalent crime. Please don’t leave valuables in your car.

The City of Houston is usually 3 or more months behind in releasing monthly crime stats. To stay more current, about once a week I monitor daily crime reports, and accumulate the data to arrive at the crime data presented here.

WH Crime report

WH vs. Entire 2A30 Beat

For August: Robbery of business 2700 block of Houston Avenue. Auto thefts in the 2400 block of White Oak and the 1100 block of Usener.

Constable Patrol Statistics

Our permanent night shift deputy has completed the 8 week training of his new police dog and we are pleased to welcome his return to duty in our neighborhood. We remind everyone that for a crime in progress, please call 911 first, principally because we do not have 24/7 deputy coverage. If our deputies are on duty, they should be monitoring those calls, though you can also call Precinct One dispatch after calling 911.

Our deputies come to work in our neighborhood, and remain through their shift, unless they are called to respond to a nearby contract. The deputies spend their shift cruising the neighborhood. When they stop to look at something or take some action, they keep a log, so we have a general idea of their activities.

  • 46 traffic stops, resulting in 11 citations, (the deputies have radar and use it to monitor speeds in areas where there are complaints about speeding, and they do strictly enforce speeds in school zones; the stops are throughout the neighborhood, but about half were on Studewood, Bayland, Watson and White Oak)
  • 2 arrests (both drug related, in the 600 and 1100 blocks of Omar)
  • 3 responses to criminal mischief
  • 11 suspicious person call responses
  • 8 suspicious vehicle call responses
  • 106 times they stopped to check something in the parks (especially along White Oak)
  • 270 times they stopped to check something in the neighborhood
  • 6 house alarm responses (it’s been 4 months since my cat set off the alarm)
  • 2 disturbance/loud noise complaint investigations
  • 32 “Meet the Citizen” – this is basically a conversation with a member of the neighborhood in a fashion that’s not covered above,  (e.g., to introduce themselves or answer a question).

Our deputies are very service oriented, so if you see a deputy and have a question, or just want to say hello – please flag them down.

National Night Out /  by Guest User

National Night Out is an annual community-building campaign that promotes police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie to make our neighborhoods safer, better places to live. Together, we are making that happen.

Come join your neighbors October 6 from 5:30pm to 7:30pm on the Norhill Esplanade for National Night Out. Food trucks, beverages, and family-friendly fun. Get to know your neighbors and take part in a great Woodland Heights community event.

SPONSORED POST: Four Square Design Studio /  by Guest User

Our thanks to Four Square Design Studio LLC for sponsoring the September WHCA newsletter. The WHCA newsletter reaches over 400 neighbors. If you're interested in sponsoring please get in touch.

Historic homes, modern living, award-winning design

  • Renovations
  • Additions
  • Kitchens and bathrooms
  • Interior design and decoration

We have an abiding love of historic structures, but we enjoy juxtaposing old and new. We are skilled problem-solvers; when designing additions, we seek to accommodate the needs of modern living while respecting the original spirit and design of a historic building.

To see a sampling of our projects, visit us at foursquaredesignstudio.com or call us at 713-802-1699.

 

Special Guests at September General Meeting /  by Guest User

The WHCA is excited to announce that all three candidates for the open District H City Council position -- Roland Chavez, Karla Cisneros, and Jason Cisneroz -- have accepted invitations to attend and participate in a candidates forum at the WHCA’s September 8 General Meeting. Each of the candidates will have ten minutes to speak about his or her platform, and then we will open up the floor to questions for approximately thirty minutes. Please make every effort to attend so that you can listen to each candidate’s vision for the City, District H and the Woodland Heights for the next two years. 
 
When:  Tuesday, September 8, 7-8:30 p.m.
Where:  Hogg Middle School Auditorium

Constable Patrol Update /  by Guest User

WHCA Crime & Constable Patrol Stats

HPD Beat 2A30

If you're reading this in our monthly newsletter please view this article on our website to view a bar chart showing crime statistics over the past three months.

As always, theft from vehicles is the most prevalent crime. Please don’t leave valuables in your car. For July: Burglaries involved residences in the 100 block of Alma, 3700 block of Bradley, and 900 block of Woodland. Auto theft in the 3700 block of Bradley.

The City of Houston is usually 3 months behind in releasing monthly crime stats. To stay more current, about once a week I monitor daily crime reports and accumulate the data to arrive at the crime data presented here.  

Hopefully, many of you got to meet our deputies at the July 4th parade. Our day shift deputy is waiting for it to cool off a bit before he gets back on his bike. Our permanent night shift deputy is about to complete his 8 week training course with his new police dog. During his training several other deputies are covering his shift, and as always we receive support from surrounding contracts (Heights, Garden Oaks etc.). It is common for deputies from nearby contracts to respond to calls in our area as Precinct One endeavors to provide prompt service when we call.     

Our deputies come to work in our neighborhood and remain through their shift unless they are called to respond to a nearby contract. The deputies spend their shift cruising the neighborhood.  When they stop to look at something or take some action, they keep a log, so we have a general idea of their activities. For July 2015 here is some of their activity:

  • 21 traffic stops, resulting in 10 citations, (the deputies have radar and use it to monitor speeds in areas where there are complaints about speeding, and they do strictly enforce speeds in school zones)
  • 2 arrests (both drug related, in the 800 and 1000 blocks of Studewood)
  • 3 responses to criminal mischief
  • 6 suspicious person call responses
  • 16 suspicious vehicle call responses (resulting in 9 stops, 3 warnings, 1 citation)
  • 85 times they stopped to check something in the parks (especially along White Oak)
  • 222 times they stopped to check something in the neighborhood 
  • 7 house alarm responses (zero caused by my cat)
  • 2 disturbance/loud noise complaint investigations 
  • 37 “Meet the Citizen” – this is basically a conversation with a member of the neighborhood in a fashion that’s not covered above,  (e.g., to introduce themselves or answer a question).

Our deputies are very service oriented, so if you see a deputy and have a question, or just want to say hello –  flag them down.

Steve Howard
VP-Security WHCA