Paws Up - For Milo! /  by Guest User

My name is Milo. The day everything changed I was about three months old. A  kind human found me wandering around Stude Park.

The first person who found me had dogs who weren’t happy to see me, so I ended up at a house with kids instead. In my opinion, those are the best kind of humans. I decided right then I liked this place.

At first, I heard them say things like, “We’ll keep him until his owner comes.” They took me on walks to see if anything was familiar, made signs and called places called “vets.”  After a few weeks, it was settled. I was home.

I learned quickly that the front yard is the best room in the house. That’s where the world passes by. Cars, bikes, and most importantly kids. Every afternoon, like clockwork, the elementary school nearby releases a flood of tiny humans full of energy. I sit proudly at my post, watching them go by. Sometimes they even stop to say hi or play chase along the fence with me.

Then the chickens came. At first, I thought they were very strange dogs. They don’t bark. They don’t fetch. They do dig in the dirt.  We came to an understanding. I quickly learned they are friends and not food.  We shared the yard and I helped protect them from hawks.  Sometimes I got to eat their eggs - that’s what I miss most now that they moved to a farm.

My favorite walk destination is down Houston Ave.  The first stop is where humans say “coffee,” but the best stuff is something called a “pup cup.” Cold. Sweet. Perfect. The other is Woodland Park. The best trails and smells are over there.

If you’re near my corner, stop to say hi.  My favorite mornings are when human and four legged friends stop by!

If you or your favorite pet—whether furry, gilled, feathered, or scaly—want to be featured in our monthly Paws Up, please send us your story. If your pet has a story to share, we’d love to receive that too.

Please email your story to communications@woodland-heights.org and use 'Paws Up Submission' as the subject line.

Houston Avenue Parkette - Centered /  by Estella Espinosa

An update ... while we were so very happy to see the entrance sign off of White Oark Drive and Houston Avenue repaired. We tried really hard to not count the tiles on the Heights portion of the sign, it had taken so long to repair we didn't want to complain to loudly.

Then on a trip back home I happened to come into the neighborhood via Houston Avenue from downtown and what did I spot ...but repair crews taking the lettering off the sign to make repairs! The architect had noticed what we had that the words Heights were not centered. So a crew was sent out to remove the off-center tiles and rework them to make sure they were centered. 

It's sometimes the little things that make a difference ... and we are so grateful someone noticed and came back to make the sign right!

Extra! Extra! WHCA Newsletters: Half in the Bag /  by Michael Graves

Greg Roche’s survey of the neighborhood is not yet complete, but very close. To date he was able to provide us a new total count of homes in Woodland Heights. He reports counting 1967 homes, that’s down from 2167. That old number likely goes back to a decade or more. Over the years, the trend is that older and smaller homes get knocked down to make way for much larger homes. There are blocks were we thought we’d deliver 8 newsletters in the past, but in 2026 we actually only need 4 or 5! We use this count to determine how many newsletters each newsletter volunteer is signing up to deliver and how many streets we need to cover.

On a related note, some of you might have noticed that the last two times we’ve distributed printed WHCA newsletters they arrived in a thin plastic bag. I say some, since this was an initiative that Stella Espinosa came up with. Given the rain in late November 2025, she decided to bag those newsletters that the two of us had signed up to distribute.

It turns out that the thin plastic bags that realtors sometimes use are quite cheap and readily available. While it takes a little extra effort to stuff the newsletters into bags, they provide a considerable number of advantages. They certainly keep the item from getting wet. Being clear plastic, it’s still obvious that the neighborhood newsletter is what’s inside.

The little hole at the top makes it fast and easy to hang the newsletter on a doorknob or fence. This is important since it’s actually illegal for volunteers to put them into your mailbox. That privilege is reserved for official USPS letter carriers alone.

The bags reduce the chance that a newsletter will fall to the ground, becoming litter. We think that’s worth the extra effort.

And while we're on the topic of newsletters, homes, and volunteers - please consider signing up to be a newsletter or door hanger volunteer when the next call goes out. We always appreciate the extra hands and feet from all our volunteer newsies!

May Member's Meeting WHCA - Election Update /  by Michael Graves

In recent years, the WHCA May Member's Meeting has been the time when the WHCA membership elects about half the board. Directors serve two-year terms, with half of the board changing each year. This provides some continuity. There are always a few people who have some experience to help those who are new.

At the May 2025 meeting, a handful of positions turned over. While a couple of Directors were returning, there were nominees running for other positions. Thus, we actually held an election to choose the new board members.

This year, four directors (including me) are coming to the end of their terms. Mindful of this, we have been calling for nominations since the start of the year. The call for nominees has been in the newsletter (since January), on our social media, and on the website.

We have received no nominations from eligible neighbors! This would be a cause for concern. However, on this occasion, all four board members whose terms are ending have agreed to stand for another term. Lacking any competition, they will be acclaimed. There's no need for an election.

To paraphrase an old song: Meet the new board, Same as the old board.

Given this reality, the 2026 May Member's Meeting will be a little different. We'll take the opportunity to discuss the state of the Civic Association and the neighborhood, and to have some Q&A. With luck, we'll introduce Constable Hurt, who is our new afternoon Constable.

Finally, we will be meeting at Zion Lutheran church. They have been undergoing some renovation that is not yet complete. The consequence of this is that we will be meeting in the smaller space they call the Chapel. 

Historic Concrete Street Markers And Sorry My Bad! /  by Michael Graves

For at least 80 years parts of Houston have been dotted with cast concrete street markers. You can see these historic markers all around Woodland Heights. Some are in good shape. Others quite degraded. Those that have had altercations with vehicles are in the worst shape.

Earlier this year, Ryan Taylor, WHCA Director of Beautification, began to explore how these markers are made. Initially, he intends to replace the one at corner of Michaux and Highland, near his home.

The process is quite slow. It will take some time to get it right. Elsewhere in the city people have been having them made. Rumor has it that they cost of over $2200 each in 2024.

OOPS! Sorry About That!

While this has been a point of discussion for some months, a recent incident may present an opportunity to try crafting new markers.

CenterPoint has a project that involves one of their contractors erecting new utility poles in the neighborhood. On the morning of Monday, April 13th this contractor was working to move one of these massive new poles into place. While navigating around the intersection of Woodland and Florence streets they accidentally knocked over one of the historic concrete street markers.

This accident was noted by a neighbor who took pictures, reported it to WHCA and collected the contractor’s details from the crew on-site. WHCA was later contacted by the company’s management, who are seeking to ascertain the cost of repair or replacement of the marker.

The situation is not yet resolved, but it appears that this incident may provide the funding that will allow Ryan to acquire the tools and supplies necessary to try making the markers.

Natural Gas System Improvements Continuing for CenterPoint Energy Customers in Woodland Heights /  by Guest User

The following was submitted by CenterPoint Energy in response to neighbors posting questions online about their activities in the neighborhood.

Photo Courtesy CenterPoint Energy

You may have noticed CenterPoint Energy crews working to upgrade the natural gas system that serves Woodland Heights and surrounding communities. This construction work is focused on replacing aging natural gas mainlines and service lines, a vital step in helping keep our energy delivery infrastructure safe, reliable and ready to serve the neighborhood for years to come.

These upgrades strengthen the integrity of the natural gas system, reduce the likelihood of unplanned outages and support growth in the area. The new infrastructure we’re installing helps enhance the safety and resiliency of our system as we continue providing the natural gas service we know our customers depend on.

Photo Courtesy CenterPoint Energy

Construction will continue to take place Monday through Saturday during daylight hours, and residents may see crews, equipment, traffic control signs, or partial lane closures while work is being performed in the area. In some cases, a temporary gas service interruption may be needed to safely connect the service lines connecting customers’ homes into the new pipeline system. When that happens, CenterPoint’s technicians will coordinate directly with affected customers and restore service as quickly as possible.

Zion Summer Camps /  by Estella Espinosa

For over a year now, Zion Lutheran Church has graciously hosted our WHCA member meetings. They're support and meeting space has helped the WHCA continue to provide a venue for our meetings.

We thank our partner Zion Lutheran Church for hosting our WHCA meetings. They would like to remind the neighborhood that their summer camps are currently open for registration.

For registration information, please visit zionhouston.org.

“Crossing the Threshold” the 2026 Woodland Heights Home Tour was a huge success /  by Guest User

With help from Mother Nature – and some 20-plus committee members, more than 150 docents, almost 50 sponsors and welcoming homeowners – the tour raised more than $41,000 for neighborhood coffers. Funds support beautification, communications (website, newsletters, etc.), historic preservation, infrastructure, deed restrictions and other activities overseen by the WHCA all-volunteer board.

The tour kicked off Friday, March 27, with the popular happy hour preview. Close to 200 got sneak peaks at the tour homes, enjoying wine and cheese at each stop. Saturday and Sunday crowds strolled the neighborhood. While many participants were Heights-area residents, others came from all corners of Houston and beyond.

The former Masonic Lodge, now a law office, was a magnet for curious residents who had tracked its status over the years. The original William Wilson home was a magnet for history buffs, including the great-great-great grandson of Wilson himself.

The 1923 Woodland Heights Baptist Church turned condos delighted tour goers with its historic features while the other original homes spanned architectural and interior décor styles.

”We couldn’t have pulled this off with the many wonderful volunteers,” said Louise Moss, home tour co-chair. “It’s a privilege to show off our ‘hometown near downtown’ to so many interested visitors.”

The home tour was the brainchild of realtors and neighbors Dawn and Bob Shumway back in 1980s. Over the years it has introduced new people to the charm of our community, brought neighbors together, raised much-need funds and helped preserve our history.

Recent Infrastructure Wins in Woodland Heights /  by Brian Edmondson

We often talk about the importance of speaking up when you see an issue in the neighborhood, and recently, we’ve seen firsthand just how effective that can be. Thanks to neighbors raising their voices, the WHCA has been able to amplify your concerns to the City of Houston, leading to some fantastic progress on our local streets.

Studewood and White Oak Intersection

We have heard from many of you about the dangers of trying to turn left onto Studewood from White Oak. Due to the intersection's layout, making that left turn has become increasingly risky, resulting in frequent close calls and backed-up traffic from drivers unable to safely make the turn.

We reached out to the city regarding this hazard, and our City Council member’s office quickly pulled together a meeting with Houston Public Works and Engineering. The city staff organized a site visit to see the intersection dynamics for themselves and immediately got to work on figuring out a viable solution. We are incredibly appreciative of the level of support, responsiveness, and urgency we have received from the city on this and other issues.

A Smooth Ride Northbound on Studewood

While city staff were out inspecting the intersection, another long-standing neighborhood nuisance caught their eye: the large metal plate covering past waterline leaks on Studewood. In a great display of proactive service, the city returned just one week later to implement a permanent fix. Anyone who has recently driven north on Studewood can certainly appreciate the smooth ride! 

Traction on Traffic Calming

In addition to these immediate fixes, our recent outreach regarding broader traffic calming measures within Woodland Heights has caught the city's attention. While implementing these measures is a lengthy process, we are officially gaining traction and moving the conversation forward.

We Are Here to Amplify Your Concerns

These recent successes highlight exactly why it is so important to reach out when you spot an issue in our neighborhood. When we work together, things get done. If you have concerns about infrastructure, safety, or anything else impacting Woodland Heights, please let us know. The WHCA is here to advocate for you and ensure our neighborhood remains a safe, beautiful place to live.

President's Report: Greater Heights Super Neighborhood Council /  by Michael Graves

President's Report: Greater Heights Super Neighborhood Council

By Michal Graves

Super Neighorhood 15 - SWM Update on Trash Collection

The Greater Heights Super Neighborhood (SN15) is an umbrella organization that includes Houston Heights Association, Woodland Heights Civic Association, Norhill Neighborhood Association, Sunset Heights Association, East Sunset Heights Association, Montie Beach Civic Club and Clark Pines Civic Association.

The SN15 Council meets every two months at the Old Heights Fire Station on 12th Street. Meetings are open to the public. The most recent meeting was Tuesday, April 21st. The headline presentation was by John Richardson, Deputy Assistant Director, City of Houston Solid Waste Management. Dep. Director Richardson had a number of interesting things to say.

First, a reminder: it’s good to use the HTX Collects mobile app to stay abreast of the SWM collection schedule.

Heavy Trash Collection

A couple of months ago there were media reports that the city was planning to switch to an on-demand process for heavy trash collection. This effort has been scrapped.

As in the past, heavy trash is collected only during even numbered months (Feb, Apr, Jun, Aug, Oct, Dec.) Heavy trash collection now includes tree waste.

Heavy trash is collected by crews using a claw and a large truck. The material is entirely handled by machine. On that basis, smaller items will not be collected by a heavy trash crew.

Yard Waste Collection

Yard waste includes grass clippings, bagged leaves and bundles of sticks no longer than 4 feet. Bagged yard waste must be in city of Houston approved composable bags. Brown paper bags are not acceptable. It can also be in a homeowners own trash cans. That is, not the city issued trash bins.

A homeowner requiring yard waste collection should call 311 to get on a list. Each week the collection routes are created based upon that list. Each homeowner can order one pickup a week.

Yard waste will be picked up by crews using old style garbage trucks. The material is handled by-hand. Anything to big or heavy to be handled by hand will not be collected.

Curbside Recycling

Curbside Recycling Collection is largely back to a normal schedule. The city issued recycling bins are collected using an automated, side-loading truck.

The major problem with recycling is contamination of the goods being collected. Goods to be recycled should be clean and must not be in plastic bags! Plastic bags are not recyclable, and they jam up the sorting equipment. Recyclables that are in plastic bags end up in landfill.

Solid Waste Hotline

Solid Waste Management has a new telephone hotline specifically tailored to issues to trash collection. To use this hotline you must first have a 311 incident number.

The SWM hotline at (832) 394-1453 is available Monday-Friday from 7:30am to 4:30pm. It’s staffed by Solid Waste specialists.

They can address issues common to trash and recycling collection better than the generic 311 help desk, but you must already have a 311 case number to call them.

Residential Drop-Off Centers

If you just want some recycling, yard waste or heavy trash gone pronto, you can take it  to a Residential Drop-Off Center up to four times per month. Residents are encouraged to arrive at least 30 minutes before closing time to allow adequate time to unload.

Drop Off Hours

  • Tuesday- Saturday, 9 am to 6 pm

  • Closed on Sunday and Monday

When taking a load to the depot you should bring a copy of a recent water bill as proof if residency. They do not accept hazardous materials or electronic waste.

Call For WHCA Board Nominations /  by Michael Graves

What does the WHCA do?

The Woodland Heights Civic Association (WHCA) works to improve and preserve the historic Houston neighborhood by serving as a voice for residents, addressing safety, beautification, and quality-of-life issues, and celebrating the area's unique heritage.

When was the WHCA founded?

In 1986, a group of neighbors filed incorporation papers with the State of Texas to create the WHCA. The organization was created to work for the ‘civic betterment and social improvements in the Heights area of Houston, Texas.’

Since then, the WHCA, through it’s elected board of volunteer directors, have worked to support the neighborhood with programs like the WHCA Constable Patrol in partnership with Harris County Precinct 1, organizing major volunteer driven events like "Lights in the Heights," the bi-annual Woodland Heights Home Tour, managing neighborhood deed restrictions, advocating with city government for infrastructure improvements that benefit the Woodland Heights neighborhood, and fostering a neighborhood community through newsletters and social activities.

WHCA Board Composition

The WHCA Board is composed of 9 volunteer board members elected by WHCA members. The board members are elected to 2-year terms, with staggered election terms. This means every year, an election is held for half of the board. This year’s elections will be held during the May WHCA member's meeting Tuesday, May 12, 2026. The following positions are up for election:

  • President – Coordinates and presides over General and Board Meetings; acts as a liaison with the neighborhood and other civic associations; acts as a government liaison to maintain contact with city and state officials.

  • Director of Beautification – Oversees the maintenance of the green spaces overseen by the WHCA, including the Norhill Esplanade, Ley Plaza Pollinator Garden, the Watson Street Esplanade, and the Houston Avenue Esplanade.

  • Director of Communications – Oversees the WHCA website, monthly newsletters, and additional WHCA publications, graphic needs, and literature.

  • Director of Security - liaisons with Precinct 1 on the WHCA Constable Patrol, coordinates the 4th of July neighborhood kids parade, and arranges the National Night Out events.  

All nominations for board positions must be received by Monday, May 4, 2026. To submit a nomination for a board position for yourself or someone else, use the nomination form to add yourself to the mix. Nominations should be submitted to Sara Smithey at secretary@woodland-heights.org.

WHCA Board Nomination FOrm

Houston Avenue Parkette /  by Estella Espinosa

It has taken 18 months to be fixed, But finally, the entrance sign to our neighborhood on the corner of White Oak and Houston Avenue has been repaired!

If you recall, the sign was damaged back on August 10, 2024 following an accident that propelled a vehicle into half the sign. Since then we've been waiting and asking for updates as the Memorial Heights Redevelopment Authority TIRZ 5 worked through the paperwork to hire a contractor to make the repairs. Our last update from TIRZ5 stated they were in the process of finding a contractor we had not heard an update that one had been selected and approved.

Then a few weeks ago board member Julie Moore noticed work was going on to repair the sign. Over the weekend workers finished repairing the damage and replacing the tiles on the sign. Now after so long the construction is completed and the entrance sign is now standing.

The Tale of "Lake Travis" /  by Michael Graves

The evening of Saturday, March 7th it rained. In fact, it rained quite a lot overnight into Sunday morning. According to our weather station we received 3.5 inches. Looking out from our front porch that Sunday morning we were met by the triumphant return of Lake Travis.

The following week was HISD’s designated March Break. Thus a lake in the middle of the school yard was not that great an inconvenience. It was hoped that in a couple of days the water would drain away. And the school yard dry out.

But that never happened. A week after the rain, Lake Travis remained it all its glory. In fact, it inspired the return of the Lake Travis Amphibian Choir, which caused something of a stir in the evenings. This also tells us that, while there are drains in the school yard, they don’t work as might be hoped.

The end of March Break approaching meant that the school yard needed to be drained. Early in the following week the soccer team would have their first practices, their first actual game in the middle of the week.

Julie Moore, WHCA Director of Deed Restrictions, is one of the coaches of the soccer team at Travis. She asked her husband Jonathan to once again see that Lake Travis was drained and dry by practice time.

Since we live right across the road from Lake Travis, they asked if we’d help by monitoring their gear as they pumped the lake dry. The process was expected to take several hours.

Jonathan setup a pair of submersible pumps around 7pm Saturday evening. They pumped the water out to the street, where it flowed to a nearby storm drain. It was already getting dark as the process got started.

Happily, our Wi-Fi reaches across the street well into the school yard. This allowed me to place a small surveillance camera nearby. It let me monitor the situation without standing there continuously for several hours. It also let me collect these picture of the work as it progressed.

Over the course of the evening, Jonathan returned several times. As the water level went down he had to move the pumps to where the most water remained. It went slowly at first, but by about 11pm Lake Travis was gone.

The following Sunday was bright and warmer. The school yard continued to dry out. By Monday, it was back to usable.

Thanks to Julie and Jonathan Moore for taking this on. There are people like them across the neighborhood who do things, things that plainly need to be done, even without being asked. They’re good neighbors. This is part of our effort to shine a light on such efforts. If you know of someone you think should be highlighted, please let us know.

Spring Has Sprung On the Houston Ave Esplanade /  by Estella Espinosa

As you turn onto Houston Avenue from North Main Street, take a moment to notice the flowers blooming on the esplanade at the Woodland Heights entrance.

These wildflowers are part of a two-year process started by the Woodland Heights Civic Association, when we adopted two esplanades from Houston Parks and Recreation Department 2024.

We started by planning to plant wildflowers on the first esplanade. The goal was to cut down on mowing, make the neighborhood entrance more welcoming, and hopefully encourage drivers to slow down as they come in.

Following the adoption, WHCA Director of Beautification Ryan Taylor working with volunteers from Boy Scout Troop 30 (also known as 3TO), one of the oldest active troops in the Sam Houston Area Council,  prepared and planted the first round of wildflowers on the northernmost esplanade.

The wildflowers bloomed in the first year, but unfortunately, a contractor accidentally mowed them down. We addressed the miscommunication, but the first round was lost. Now, in the second year, the flowers have returned! They are looking great and we're looking forward to many more years of bluebonnets and wildflowers welcoming neighbors and guests to our neighborhood during the spring and summer. 

If you are interested in supporting the continuing beautification of our Woodland Heights Neighborhood by becoming a sponsor or volunteering to help beautify our adopted esplanades and greenspaces contact Ryan Taylor at beautification@woodland-heights.org.

President's Report: Member's Meeting March 17, 2026 /  by Michael Graves

March saw us hold another WHCA Members Meeting. This one was special in several ways. It was focused on changes in traffic through the neighborhood resulting from the I-10 expansion project and the recent repair of the Houston Avenue Bridge. CM Mario Castillo and his team worked with the support of Representative Christina Morales to get teams from TxDOT and HPD to answer questions from neighbors.

For the past year we would normally meet at Zion Lutheran Church on Beauchamp Street. However, Zion recently started some renovations. As a result, they could not offer space for the crowd we anticipated. Kelli Fereday at Friends of Woodland Park helped us to secure access to the Woodland Park Community Center for this gathering. It’s a good thing that we arranged a considerable space, since over 50 neighbors turned up to get answers to their questions!

In the week or two before the meeting, WHCA gathered a series of related questions from neighbors, forwarding these to TxDOT in advance. We also took a number of written questions from attendees, and also had some live Q&A.

The various questions ad corresponding answers will be detailed elsewhere. Here a couple of highlights of what we learned at the meeting.

Taylor Street Ramps To Reopen

Arun Kumar, TxDOT Project Manager for the White Oak Bayou Project, reported that progress on the Taylor Street ramps is going well. They expect these ramps to be opened in about eight weeks!

This is really good news. It will reduce the amount of traffic between Studewood and Watson on White Oak Drive and Usener.

All Those Heavy Trucks

The unusual surge in tractor trailer traffic through the neighborhood was the result of the work to repair the Houston Avenue bridge. That project involved the closure of I-10 eastbound from (at least) Shepherd to Taylor Street. For several days large trucks diverted off I-10 eastbound, wound their way along the feeder, turning north on either Studewood or Watson. They passed through the neighborhood, ignoring existing signage that plainly stated “No Thru Trucks.”

The closure of I-10 eastbound lasted just a few days. While the memory of the traffic lingers, we’ve not seen as many large truck transit the neighborhood since then.

Intersection at White Oak Drive & Studewood

Several neighbors pointed out a problem at the intersection of White Oak Drive & Studewood. Increased volume of traffic makes it difficult, even dangerous, for people to make a left turn from White Oak onto Studewood. It was felt that this intersection would benefit from dedicated left turn lights. This idea has been around for years, but largely ignored by the city. The fact that it came to light in a public meeting has revived the idea.

Since the meeting CM Castillo’s team has taken steps to arrange a site visit with staff from Houston Public Works. Hopefully, we’ll be able to impress upon them how this very busy intersection could be significantly improved without too much effort.

Summary

Over the course of the meeting almost every question that had been asked was addressed. Most questions were answered in a straightforward manner. Further, the gathering was conducted in a neighborly, even friendly manner. Pitchforks left at home.

I must once again express my thanks everyone who made this possible:

  • Representative Christina Morales, District 145 and her Chief of Staff Hector Beltran 

  • Council Member Mario Castillo and his Director of Constituent Services, Ty Kekoa and the entire District H team

  • Kris Hadley, Danny Perez and Arun Kumar from TxDOT

  • Officers Graham, Rivera and Rubio from HPD Central Division

Kelli Fereday, President Friends of Woodland Park and the entire FWP board and members for help securing the venue

WHCA March 2026 Members Meeting /  by Estella Espinosa

Join us for the WHCA Members Meeting held in partnership with the Friends of Woodland Park on Tuesday, March 17, 2026 at 6:15 pm at Woodland Parks Community Center  212 Parkview, 77009.

Topic - Cut-through Traffic

Between the ongoing I-10 White Oak Bayou Elevation Project and the frequent emergency closures for the Houston Avenue bridge, Woodland Heights is inevitably facing a massive surge in cut-through traffic. Our residential streets (and our overhanging oaks!) are also taking a direct hits from illegal 18-wheeler traffic.

We are working directly with TxDOT on a solution, and they are attending our next Civic Association meeting, March 17th as well as a HPD Representative. We thank Council Member Mario Castillo and his staff for assisting with this meeting.

Submit Your Questions - Before we meet, we need your help.
We are compiling a list of community questions and "hot spots" for TxDOT to address.

Please send your questions to infrastructure@woodland-heights.org.

We hope you'll join us