Author Archive: Homer Carvajal

It’s Spring, y’all!

Posted on by

I am pleased to present the 2026 slate of Tanglewilde Civic Club board members who were voted into office on January 29th.   Thanks to all who attended our meeting to vote and for those who sent proxies. We thank you for your confidence.  We’re off to a terrific year in Tanglewilde. Between the five of us, we possess 185 years of business experience.

Please welcome Homer Carvajal and Claudia Groesbeck as they are new to the board.

Gessner Road Update

If you missed our January 29th meeting, then you missed hearing our City Councilwoman Tiffany Thomas speak on a variety of topics.  As reported, City of Houston will not enlarge Gessner Rd. with the original proposed six lanes.

 As a result, we are working on more speed bumps as the bottleneck from Val Verde to Westheimer Rd. causes a backup, and drivers cut through our streets sometimes at an alarming speed. We have problem areas of cut through vehicles from Rockyridge Dr. and Westmont.   In addition, our present speed bumps also need repainting.  Speed bumps are accessed every three years.

A paving and pipeline project will be forthcoming on Gessner Rd at Richmond Avenue moving south to the Westpark Tollway.  No doubt, Tanglewilde South will experience some inconvenience with the road construction.

 

Heavy Trash Pick Up Update

While the city was considering a new Heavy Trash Pickup Program where residents would call the City of Houston 311 Number for a scheduled pickup date prior to setting out heavy trash, the initiative has been cancelled.

The current “Even/Odd” month schedule is in force. Keep in mind they continue to run behind.

Tanglewilde Schedule – First Friday of the Month
Even months for Heavy Trash – February, April, June, August, October and December.
Odd months for Tree Trimmings – January, March, May, July, September, and November.

A Reminder of What Can Be Collected

Tree Waste includes clean wood materials such as tree limbs, branches, and stumps.
Bulk Waste includes items such as furniture, appliances, and other large household materials.

Appliances containing refrigerant must have a certified technician’s tag showing the refrigerant has been removed.
Heavy trash should be placed at the curb between 6:00 p.m. the Friday before and 7:00 a.m. on the scheduled collection day (Friday).

 

City of Houston has reorganized departments to better serve Prohibited Yard Parking regarding vehicles parked on the lawns in Tanglewilde and other communities. Evidently this is a huge problem across City of Houston neighborhoods.   Fortunately, Tanglewilde has an ordinance that prohibits parking on areas not paved, front yards and sides.  Fines can be levied daily.

“Vehicles parked on non-paved areas compact the soil, kill grass, and damage piping underground.  Consistent lawn parking can make a property appear run down, reducing curb appeal and lowering home values.”

If you are experiencing a problem, report to 311 or 832-393-3973 with the make and model of the vehicle, address and days/hours it is parked.

 

Drainage Flooding

Drainage/flooding in neighborhoods is defined as “water up to and into your home.  If the street and 2/3rds of your yard are flooded, but drains within a reasonable time period, no improvements in drains at corner intersections can be authorized.”

If you have a problem, please document with photos and send to Councilwoman Tiffany Thomas at districtf@houstontx.gov.

 

A Gazillion Jelly Beans

On behalf of our residents, the Tanglewilde Civic Club donated multiple bags of Starburst Jelly Beans for the Houston Police Department, Midwest Division’s “Easter Donation Drive” which occurred Saturday, March 21 at Piney Point Elementary School.  Their theme was Help Us Celebrate Cultures from Around the World.

 

Trouble in Paradise – Lock Your Doors

Unfortunately, we had a break-in and an attempted break-in early March. It was a scary event for both female neighbors on separate streets, north and south of Richmond who were home alone. The suspect’s first attempt was unsuccessful with a keypad lock, and his second attempt was successful.  He walked into a woman’s unlocked side door. We have no idea how many homes he may have approached.

The suspect was arrested, booked and then let out on $100.00 bail.  Have you seen him?

Please lock your doors, check them, not once, but twice.  We live in the 4th largest city in the country so sticky fingers abound.

Always DIAL 911 and only for life threatening emergencies – POLICE, FIRE OR MEDICAL.
TEXT 911 if it isn’t safe to talk.

In addition, we had a vehicle stolen on Meadowbriar Ln., and two kids were seen stealing packages from a porch. Hopefully, this is a rash of activity that will end.

 

New Emergency Feature for Members of the Tanglewilde Civic Club

Coming soon is our Tanglewilde Civic Club “Emergency Texting Service” available for all members of the Tanglewilde Civic Club at no cost to our members.  Because texting is now the No. 1 means of communication, we’re moving forward to bring this service to residents for emergency events, such as fire, update on fires, blocked streets, tornadoes, hurricanes, flooding, break ins, car thefts, wind storms, lights out, utility lines down, lost animals, and much more.

This service will be on an opt-in basis.  It’s your choice.

The service we have chosen was a referral from a reputable source.  They also help other HOA’s, Civic Clubs, Churches, non-profit organizations, and large corporations. Our data will be protected and privacy adhered.  In short, your information will not be sold.  Only board members will have access to providing information via text.  The service will be two-way; all respondent messages will appear on our message board so you will not receive multiple texts.

We also believe this service will be a great selling feature to potential buyers knowing that the Tanglewilde Civic Club is active and concerned with the welfare of our residents.

More information will come as we get close to launch date by April 23.

 

Speaking of the Tanglewilde Civic Club Membership

Our 2026 Membership Campaign Drive will kick off April 23rd at our General Meeting. We sincerely thank all of our 2026 members who have paid their dues thus far.   If you have not paid your 2026 dues, please consider doing so.  We need your support.  Participating in the Tanglewilde Civic Club makes you an integral part of this community. It speaks volumes to your sincere interest in building our community and being a part of its growth and stability.

If you wish to pay online, please go to www.tanglewilde.cc, open Menu, and scroll to Dues and Donations. We accept Credit Cards and PayPal.   You may also drop off a check or mail to 9535 Val Verde Street, Houston, TX 77063.  Make your check payable to: Tanglewilde Civic Club. We also accept donations. If you would like to donate for any of our events, please let us know.

Scheduled events for 2026 include July 4th Parade and Party, National Night Out, Feed the Hungry Food Drive and Holly Jolly Christmas Caroling Holiday Party.

 

Dominos Anyone?

The Domino Group invites all Tanglewilde residents to join them on Thursday nights to play Dominos. Meeting Place is Los Tios Restaurant in the “Red Room” which is located behind the bar from 5:30-9:30 p.m.

The group reports lots of merriment occurring in the Red Room — eating, drinking and visiting, with the games starting around 7pm.  The Group plays “42”, “Moon” and “Straight”.

Domino games are a brilliant exercise in concentration and memory along with teaching perceptiveness. It also promotes the development of cognitive functions, training the brain which has an enormous impact on memory development.

Are you ready to make new friends and indulge in a fun evening? Next Domino Group night will be Thursday, April 16thand thereafter every two weeks.

Call Mary Ann at 713-725-8090 for information or text Valerie at 281-840-8371 to sign up to play.

 

A Heart Warming Story

Imagine a gardener who faithfully serviced a home for a year, mowing and edging, without payment and not knowing that the owner had passed away.  In January 2026 he placed an invoice in the owner’s mailbox for $1050.00.  No payment was ever received from the family member who inherited the house, so he stopped mowing.  As he mows a neighbor’s house down the street, he mentioned his unresolved issue. She asked if the Civic Club could help.  Unfortunately, we have no legally enforceable right nor could we pay this gardener from our coffers.

Fast forward a few months.  While attending a supper with several neighbors, someone asked about the house in question.  I commented that the new family member had not paid the gardener’s bill to the tune of $1,050.00 when one of our neighbors said, “I’ll pay the bill. No one should labor for free.”  The very next day our neighbor wrote a check in the amount of $1,050.00 sight unseen.

Can you imagine the gratitude felt by the gardener when he received this gift?

We have countless wonderful and generous neighbors in Tanglewilde which speaks volumes to the quality of our community.  While $1,050.00 seems exorbitant, especially for a stranger, our neighbor recognized the injustice.  I think her generosity sets an important example of how community can come together.  We can make a difference in the lives of our neighbors in a thousand tiny ways – picking up trash off the street, rolling in your neighbor’s trash receptacle, acknowledging neighbors, welcoming new neighbors – all taking very little effort.  Be that neighbor.

 

Curbside Garbage Cart Schedule Reminder

Place your city-issued garbage cart at the curb between 6:00 p.m. the day before (Sunday) and 6:00 a.m. on collection day which is Monday for pick-up.  After pick-up, please return them to their designated home by 10 p.m. Monday evening.

We have a disturbing amount of residents who place their carts on the street outside of the time frame the city mandates.  No one wants to look at garbage carts.

 

City of Houston Cracks Down on Airbnbs

Airbnbs have until April 5, 2026 to register their property with the city per an ordinance passed.  As I am aware of only three Airbnbs in Tanglewilde, please hit return on this email and give me the address of the properties that you know exist.

There are countless restrictions and regulations to be enforced by the City of Houston.  The ordinance requires owners “and/or” operators to register properties with the city for a fee of $275. It also provides criteria for the revocation of registrations, including instances of renters committing certain crimes, like reckless discharge of a firearm, disorderly conduct, prostitution or multiple violations of the city’s noise ordinance.

For it to be effective, we must have Tanglewilde homeowners reporting undesirable activities and city noise violations.  We’re charged with the responsibility. As homeowners, remember it’s our quality of life. If you do not feel comfortable contacting the city, then please contact me.

 

Cinco de Mayo Event Postponed

At our January 29th meeting, I reported that we would celebrate the Cinco de Mayo holiday. Much to our disappointment, we’ve made a decision to push those “event funds” toward our JULY 4th 250th Anniversary to make it more memorable.  We’re making big plans for our parade and party immediately following. If you’d like to get involved planning this event, please let us know.  We need your help.

 

Correction

In the January 3rd newsletter, I made an error.  I reported that we would be applying for a 501(c) (3) status when in fact that status is designated by the IRS for non-profits such as charitable, religious, educational, scientific or literary purposes.  As we are a 501(c) (4), your donations and/or dues are not tax deductible.

I regret this error.  Please accept my sincere apology.

 

We Love Tanglewilde!

We Love Tanglewilde T-Shirts are coming your way. Enthusiasm is contagious. Let’s ignite our 70-year spirit.

 

A Parting Request

Could I ask you to please forward this email to any neighbors whom you think might be interested in the newsletter or civic club (especially new neighbors) and if someone has forwarded this email to you, please use the Signup Form Here to join our mailing list?

Thanks y’all! I look forward to seeing you at our General Meeting scheduled for Thursday, April 23rd (if not around the hood beforehand.)

 

My best,
Beth Garrett
Tanglewilde Civic Club President
713-962-7238

 

Thanksgiving 2025

Posted on by

Thanksgiving in America is not just a meal, but a tradition so deeply rooted in all of us — the gathering of friends and families, giving thanks to all the wonders of gratitude, reflection and community.  Oh, and that turkey and dressing! And football. Rolling from the table to your favorite chair. And please, please don’t forget to break the wishbone.

 Enjoy your day!  So much to be thankful for.

And, on behalf of our Tanglewilde residents, we are donating pies to the City of Houston Officer’s Thanksgiving Dinner to show our support.

 

Holiday Magic Coming Your Way!

 

Join us for the Tanglewilde “Holly Jolly Christmas Caroling on the Lawn” Holiday Party scheduled for Sunday, December 14th,  4:30-6:30pm.
Mark your calendar as we’ll be sending more information as we firm up the event.

 

National Night Out Thanks

A good time was had by all the Tanglewilde and Westmont residents who attended to make National Night Out 2025 a memorable event. Proudly, we were graced with the presence of Mayor Whitmire, City Council member Tiffany Thomas, HPD Midwest Division Captain Caroleta Johnson, and all the Houston Police that we’ve come to know at the PIP meetings. It was a special night.

A big thanks to all our residents who helped make our National Night Out a grand success.  Everyone played a role from getting the ditches mowed to lugging tables and ice chests to handing out flyers for the big event and sharing the food.

Much gratitude goes to Red and Charlotte Garcia of Fajita Flats, and food servers Cheryl Semands and Jimmy Morris. And Elvira Schaefer of Roland’s Swiss Pastry and Bakery for her Texas cookies. And all our Street Captains who delivered our flyers in the immense heat. And Larry Mercer of Remax Signature Realtors for providing our flyer artwork.

It’s “our time” in Tanglewilde.  Whether one has lived here one day or 50 years, as some residents have, we have this time, this opportunity, to gather as neighbors in a more meaningful way. Let us foster those relationships and build a better community. It takes so little effort, and the rewards are immense.

 

Tired of waiting for the City to Pick Up Your Trash?

Unfortunately, we don’t have a modern-day Nostradamus to predict when the City of Houston will pick up our household trash and tree limbs as they have been delayed despite our many calls and emails, but we can act.

One can load up a truck/SUV and drive to Southwest Neighborhood Depository/Recycling Center, located at 10785 Southwest Freeway, 77074.  They’re open Tuesday through Sunday, 10am to 7pm.  Closed Monday.

Who knew?

They accept junk waste, tree waste and recyclables at NO CHARGE to residents. Each user must provide a Texas Driver’s License and a current utility bill.

 

Big Changes coming to Air BnB and Vrbo Owners in January

There are an estimated 850 short term rental (STR’s) properties in the Houston area. Tanglewilde is not alone. Owner/Operators of these short-term leases in our neighborhoods have had free range until now.

Earlier this year, Houston joined other Texas cities passing an ordinance with a legal framework focusing on residential zoning laws, deed restrictions and HOA regulations. What they came up with:

  • Owners and/or operators must register properties with the city government for an annual fee of $275.00.
  • Owners are provided criteria for the revocation of registrations, including instances of renters committing certain crimes, like the reckless discharges of a firearm, disorderly conduct, prostitution or multiple violations of the city’s noise ordinance.
  • Owners will need to pay hotel fees to the City of Houston. They are running a business.
  • Owner’s must provide a 24-Hour Emergency Contact for each property.
  • Owners must complete an annual human trafficking prevention training course.
  • Owners must comply with city codes, including noise, building and neighborhood protection, waste and litter and fire safety.
  • Properties cannot be advertised as events spaces.

The City of Houston can revoke all registrations for operators or owners who accrue three or more convictions within a two-year period based on the actions of their renters.

A violation of the ordinance can rake up a hefty fine of up to $500 should it be classified as a misdemeanor.

The rules are intended to address resident complaints about noise, wild parties, gunshots, fights, crime and other nuisances associated with some short-term rentals.

The ordinance becomes enforceable on January 1, 2026.  The registration system went live October 1, 2025. Failure to comply can result in a fine of up to $500 per day.

I am aware of two specific ABnB’s in Tanglewilde but would be grateful if you could report your experiences, addresses, etc.  If we are to enforce any problem owners, we need documentation.

 

Parking Violations in Tanglewilde

Do we have a problem with vehicles and trucks parked on our residential streets in Tanglewilde?  Yes, ma’am,we do!

In October Board Member Bruce Wilkerson attended the PIP Midwest Houston Police Division meeting where keynote speaker Maria Irshad, Deputy Director of Administration and Regulatory Affairs Park Houston laid down the law.

Note:  Park Houston is responsible for parking on publics streets and sidewalks ONLY.

Park Houston is NOT responsible for yard parking/prohibited Yard Parking such as our City of Houston, Tanglewilde Ordinance No. 2024-733, prohibiting vehicles to park on the grass in the front or side yards. While this ordinance has been a problem enforcing, we are working steadfast at correcting the problem.

So you know, here are the problems they will issue citations:

  • Large trucks, commercial trucks. like 18 wheelers, are prohibited from parking on residential streets except for loading/unloading with a 2 hour maximum.
  • No parking in driveways that block sidewalks.
  • A vehicle parked on the street for more than 24 hours without moving, unless you know your neighbor’s particular circumstances, is considered abandoned. After 24 hours a warning is issued; after 48 hours a citation/ticket is issued, and after 72 hours they will be towed.  In short, residents don’t own the city of Houston streets nor should they be used as a parking lot.
  • Should we have a street/block with a chronic parking problems, we could sign a petition but, then, it still may not be resolved after research and hard work.
  • Gray area – no clear violation for parking on/over the curb

 

Some info on Westchase District

While we are not technically part of the Westchase District, we border it, so we need to keep abreast of what can affect Tanglewilde.  Thus, I attended their Annual Public Hearing in October.  There were property owners, property managers and stakeholders in attendance.  No doubt, Westchase District has been a huge success since its inception in 1995.

 Aside from the landscaping surrounding our subdivision on Richmond and Gessner, one of the greatest benefits to us is that Westchase District works in tandem with the Houston Police Department. And since we have two shopping centers at our doorstep on Westheimer, we need their help.  Westchase Police are on duty 7am to 2am, 7 days a week, with 40 flock LPR cameras (license plate readers) that coordinate with law enforcement.  In addition, they work with the Seal community, ticket and tow parked trucks and much more.

They also work with the homeless population to find resources and housing.  I have personally worked with Mark Hubanak, VP of Safety, for years in removing these people from both shopping centers to clean up our neighborhood.   Note:  As the 2026 FIFA World Cup at NRG stadium gets closer, clean up of the homeless will be pushed out the downtown area. Westchase is looking for a long term solution to address the situation.

One of their big accomplishments is Camden Park, located at 2951 Wilcrest Drive.  This park since opening has seen 246,000 guests with all the amenities expected – trails, playground, year round events, fitness areas. dog park, restaurants and more.  If you haven’t visited, just a couple of miles from here, don’t miss the chance.  Go West!

Even Better…  Download their OPEN REWARDS app found on the Westchase District Website or your App Store. For every meal you purchase at one of the participating Westchase restaurants, Westchase District refunds you 5% and on their promotional restaurants 10%.

I immediately looked at my haunts…Kasyra Persian, Los Tios, LaMadeline and El Tiempo.  Cha-ching!  I’m in the money.  And you can be too!

 

A Parting Request

Could I ask you to please forward this email to any neighbors whom you think might be interested in the newsletter or civic club (especially new neighbors) and if someone has forwarded this email to you, please use the Signup Form Here to join our mailing list?

Thanks y’all!  Hope to see you at our Holly Jolly Christmas Caroling on the Lawn Holiday Party December 14th (if not before around the hood!)

 

My best,
Beth Garrett
Tanglewilde Civic Club President
713-962-7238