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East Montrose Civic Association will host its 10th biennial Home Tour and Art Walk on Saturday, April 25, from 10:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. Situated in the shadow of downtown Houston, East Montrose was platted in the early 1900's - back in the days when Houston's population numbered fewer than 300,000, and when a railroad ran down what is now Fairview.

During the 1960s Montrose became a center for counterculture and hippie communes. Today a diverse mix of people and architecture, this pedestrian-friendly area was recently named one of the ten great neighborhoods in America.

The tour will highlight a wide variety of architectural styles featuring six homes originally built between the late 1890s to the early 1900s. Tour goers can get a glimpse of how the architecture has been transformed over the years, with the results of unique and diverse renovations that are characteristic of this distinctive, eclectic neighborhood.

Seven restaurants - including Max’s Wine Dive, Midtown Bar & Grill, ElevenXI, Gratifi Kitchen, El Tiempo Cantina, Soren Pedersen, and the new Akamaru Sushi Bar will offer delectable tastings to guests.

Also visit the working studios of eight local artists, all within comfortable strolling distance. You'll be invited in to the space where artists get their inspiration, and you'll see where and how their crafts come to life.

Featured artists include Joan Son & Keiko Kinsey, Veronique & Luc Schlumberger, Gloria & Richard Stamper Photography, and Tim Corbett. Historic music landmark Anderson Fair, 2007 Grant at Welch, will show photography by Cindy Hsin Shung.

East Montrose is in the 77006 Zip Code and lies within the boundaries of Montrose, West Gray, Genesee, and Fairview. Drive or bicycle over, and look for the Home Tour signs.

Advance tickets cost $15 at www.eastmontrose.org.

Day-of-Tour tickets are $20 and available at any tour home. The Art Walk is free.

The East Montrose biennial Home Tour and Art Walk will take place on Saturday, April 16, from 10:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. Situated in the shadow of downtown Houston, and bordered by Montrose Boulevard, West Gray, Genesee, and Fairview, East Montrose was platted in the early 1900's - back in the days when Houston's population numbered fewer than 300,000, and when a streetcar ran down what is now Fairview.

Many original homes and cottages - some dating to the 1890’s, and modern glass and steel residences built in the last decade, combine in the eclectic mix of traditional and contemporary style, which is the hallmark of East Montrose.

During the mid-20^th Century, artists and other free thinking individuals flocked to East Montrose. In the 1970’s, “health food” was an attractive new concept, and the Houston Food Co-op opened a storefront here where members stocked up on granola and bean sprouts. The co-op boasted the first Birkenstock franchise in Houston. Across the street and a decade earlier, a corner house was home to the First Pagan Church of Houston.

In recent years, East Montrose has become home to empty nesters, urban professionals, and young families, all drawn to the neighborhood's living mosaic of diversity, its proximity to downtown, restaurants, theaters, and galleries, and its century-old trees, walkability and friendly neighbors.

A diverse mix of old and new homes are showcased on the tour, including:

• 310 Stratford

• 1012 Peden

The exterior of this blue stucco home features a unique curved roof over an arched entry. The house was built in 1930 and shows off that era’s Art Deco fashion. In 1989 it was gutted and reconfigured with even more showy Art Deco flair. A photograph of a previous owner, bedecked in all her 1940’s glamour, hangs over the fireplace. Although two renovations resulted in more efficient storage and closet space, an updated kitchen, and a roomy bathroom, the home retains its original romance and charm.

• 2304 Mason

• 512 Fargo

This stunning custom contemporary stucco and glass townhome was built in 1999. Local architect Truong Le designed a space that is light-loving yet private. The second-floor living area provides a gallery-like setting to showcase art. Architecture inspired by feng shui principles and Frank Lloyd Wright’s penchant for the continuity of interior and exterior spaces, visitors are treated to beautiful slate and oak flooring; custom maple shelving and cabinetry, and dramatic high ceilings. Interior rooms lead seamlessly to exterior balconies and a peaceful, shaded first-level rear garden which features a calming rock fountain. This home is an excellent example of enduring modern architectural design that is dramatic yet warm and welcoming.

• 2106 Crocker

• 1901 Crocker

As unique as the designer himself, 1901 Crocker is no ordinary home. International interior designer and award-winning furniture designer, Kelly Gale Amen of KGA, Inc. has created a living piece of artistic design. Solar assisted energy and custom designed neon lights help with energy efficiency. Added design interest includes reclaimed mosaic stone, restored oak wood floors, and polished natural limestone adorning surfaces in the kitchen, bathrooms and throughout the house. And let’s not forget the staircase. Moving from flat land embrace to vertical cubic space, the original compound was a living, breathing environment that took three times the land and, now climbs into the city with the vertical cubic/staircase. The staircase is a vertical breath of free, open visuals, flooded with light and cubic space from 1st floor to the 4th floor, all looking into the views of Houston. Views and space/what could be better.

For Montrose area history buffs, Obedience Smith, Pioneer of Three American Frontiers, a lively read by local author Audrey Cook, will be available for sale at each tour home. The book tells the fascinating life story of Obedience Smith, an undauntable widower who moved her 11 children to the Mexican province of Texas in 1836 and became the original land holder of most of what is now Montrose, Midtown, Rice University, and River Oaks. Tales of her battles over land rights, of Indian wars, and of settling new frontiers in many states and territories of our young country are recounted in great detail. This biography includes depictions of other interesting characters, such as Ms. Smith’s grandson who rode with the Jesse James Gang; Margaret Foster, the first librarian in Houston; and second president of the Republic of Texas, Mirabeau Lamar, who lived near Woodrow Wilson Elementary School. The book also contains historical maps, charts, and photographs.

In addition to the homes on the tour, visitors may visit the working studios of local artists, all within a comfortable strolling distance, peeking into the spaces where inspiration meets realization, and craft comes to life.

1 • Betz Art Gallery

1208 W. Gray / Oil, Acrylic,

Watercolor, Sculpture, Jewelry •

Gallery owner and artist Lori Betz’s art gallery

and studio will feature her current sculptures of

dancers from the Dominic Walsh Dance Studio.

www.betzgallery.com 713 576-6954

2 • Constance Braden & Mike Reed

920 Damon Court / Charcoal drawings,

Furniture • Large charcoal drawings by

Constance taken from dreams, fairy tales and

religious imagery.... like having a vision only

slower. New sculpture from Mike.

3 • Anderson Fair

2007 Grant at Welch / Music,

Refreshment / Cookie Wells Art

• This historic Houston music landmark is one

of the oldest folk/original music venues in continuous operation in the United States. Open today with an exhibit of art by Cookie Wells...a master of the aqua media. Inside and outside seating for those who need a rest. Take a break and enjoy the heart of our neighborhood. 713 528-8576 www.andersonfair.com

4 • Welch Street Studio

915 Welch / Sculpture / Paintings /

Stuff • Gerida Brown opens up her historic

Montrose corner studio to exhibit her paintings

and sculpture. • Dr. Bruce joins Gerida with

torsos and monkeys!

5 • Joan Son

904 Welch / Paper Art, Origami,

Jewelry, Gifts • With her first exhibit in

the windows of Tiffany & Co. and a current

exhibition at the Houston Center for

Contemporary Craft, Joan opens her

Montrose studio with her artist friends:

Lee Benner, metal art / Nanci Engle, quotable

cards / Marguerite Belkin, origami jewelry /

Kay Nguyen, ceramics / Jan VanLiere, body

butter. www.joanson.com 713 522-5377

6 • Gloria and Richard Stamper

1904 Whitney / Art Photography •

The artist's personal art gallery, featuring portraits, wedding mages and landscapes will be on display in her charming 1920's home/studio. Richard will have cacti and succulents for sale. His extensive collection of plants will also be available for viewing. 713 523-2705

7 • Penny Cerling

419 Willard / Drawings, Printmaking

• Penny is known for her pen and ink drawings,

as well as her collaborative work in printmaking

with many Texas artists. Work she has

done, her own or in collaboration with other

artists, is in many museum collections.

pcerling@sbcglobal.net

8 • Will Brooks

512 Fargo / Acrylic, Ink

• Bright radiant colors create a striking

balance between pop and minimalist

sensibilities. Will’s works have been

displayed in numerous solo and group

exhibitions in Houston and New Orleans.

His art has been featured in Outsmart and

002 magazines. www.willbrooksart.com

East Montrose is in the 77006 Zip Code zone, and lies within the boundaries of Montrose, West Gray, Genesee, and Fairview. Home Tour signs will be easy to spot throughout the neighborhood and will designate the featured homes and studios. Tickets cost $15 (cash or check) and are available for purchase at each home on the day of the tour. EMCA members can purchase Tour tickets at a reduced price of $10. The Art Walk is free to all.

More information at www.eastmontrose.org

It has been nearly a year since my wife Kirste was trampled, and she is finally speaking out. Last week 6/15 she appeared before city council urging changes to HPD procedures. Additionally a local pastor from Grace Lutheran Church, also a Montrose neighbor spoke about the HPD Mounted Patrol being out of control at last years parade. Here is a link http://houstontx.cit...fid=06152010-45 (then click on the "Public Speakers - Part 1 of 3). Pastor Lura begins about 45 seconds into it, followed by Cheryl, then Kirste (who gave an emotional speech about what it was like to be trapped under the horse), and then I closed.

I appeared before council again on June 22. Mayor Parker responded & made it very clear that HPD mounted patrol would not be replaced with HPD bicycle patrol as requested by Kirste in her follow-up email.

OK, I know Annise is a new mayor, has a new police chief, and a lot on her plate. I think she is trying very hard to be a good mayor. I would however like to point out how very disappointed I am with Wanda Adams - her nickname should be "useless". And to reiterate, my purpose was not to knock HPD in general, just the mounted patrol who recklessly acted like cowboys during the parade.

6/25 UPDATE: Appears the city has reversed their decision and now bicycle patrols will indeed be utilized. Mounted patrol will be on-site, but to be used only as a last resort (care to guess what that means?). Am wondering if this change of heart came from an article the Chronicle is preparing to publish. So perhaps one can fight city hall?

Prior to council meeting, I wrote an editorial which was rejected earlier this week by the Chron - their response "the incident described affected a limited number of people. We try to focus on larger issues in the op-ed pages". Damn! I know Houston is a big town, but I purposely refrained from inflammatory words in my op-ed to be sure it would get published.

When our neighbors invited us to join them at last year's Pride Parade, we didn't hesitate. After all, my wife and I own a 1920s bungalow in eclectic, walkable Montrose, known for its historic homes and recently honored as one of the country's 10 great neighborhoods. We count Annise Parker as a neighbor, and in previous times the late Walter Cronkite and Howard Hughes lived nearby.

So, on that Saturday night in June, we hopped on our bikes and pedaled over to Stanford St. We met our neighbors, a diverse bunch of single and married couples, some with children and others not. The parade began, and we cheered as Mayor Bill White marched past us on Westheimer, heading east to a crowd estimated by the Houston Chronicle to number 80,000. My wife Kirste was busy snapping photos with her iPhone, but she soon discovered that headlights on the floats caused glare, and her pictures looked better if she faced away towards the east.

And then it happened -- a tragedy that should never befall another person enjoying a parade in Houston.

A trio of Houston police officers on horseback approached from the west. They turned into the onlookers assembled along Westheimer, and used their animals to force back surprised spectators, many of whom were cheering as music blared from the floats. But the police did not use any whistles or other sound-making devices for crowd control. And, the Chronicle later reported, there were no barricades on that section of Westheimer. So, the people were immediately confronted with two choices: either step back or be trampled. And my dear wife, facing the opposite direction, never saw what hit her.

The next day, June 28, 2009, a Chronicle article recounted: "Police say the officers, and the horses, were just doing their jobs. `The woman wasn't kicked, stepped on or trampled,' HPD spokeswoman Jodi Silva said." However, several dozen witnesses watched in horror as Kirste was repeatedly kicked and stomped by Kato, a 1,200-pound gelding ridden by Officer P. Hernandez.

During the subsequent police internal affairs probe, an investigator told me that an officer on foot said she saw the horse strike Kirste in the back of her head and knock her to the ground.

Who can we believe? The injuries tell the tale:

An ambulance took Kirste to the emergency room that night. She suffered deep bruising on her arms, legs, and torso. Her forehead was swollen with knots the size of tennis balls as was the back of her head. And she had a hole from a deep cut to her chin that went clear through into her mouth.

But she survived the assault -- and for that I am thankful. And so here we are, nearly a year later, her bruises have healed and dozens of dentist visits are behind her. She still has temporary teeth, and faces multiple years of orthodontic work ahead of her, not to mention reconstructive surgery to her chin.

It's odd sometimes that a person in shock will focus on an issue that seems inconsequential. Kirste recalls asking herself in the ambulance, "Where are my shoes? I'm supposed to usher tomorrow at Trinity Episcopal, I have to be there. I want to tell the police officer that I forgive him. I can't leave without telling him."

Nevertheless, the HPD has never told me why the Mounted Patrol decided it was necessary to turn their horses into the crowd. Or why, at first (until multiple witnesses came forward), did the police department's public affairs office release statements to the media that this incident never even occurred.

Or why, despite the fact that the police are trained in first aid, no officer offered to render aid. A Good Samaritan helped me pick Kirste up and carry her safely away from the agitated horses. Eventually Lt. Wallace dismounted and watched as civilians attempted to stop the bleeding.

Paramedics loaded her into an ambulance, yet no police officer asked her name, or to our knowledge filed a report. Can any of this be standard police operating procedure?

For over 30 years, Houston has hosted a Pride Parade and included the participation of local leaders such as Mayor White. I believe Mayor Parker is this year's Honorary Grand Marshal, and she rode in the parade back in 1979. The 2009 parade was peaceful. Would this behavior be acceptable if a small child had been trampled by a police mount at the annual Thanksgiving Day Parade?

Houston surely is no stranger to parades, but perhaps our city can find an example in the way nighttime parades are managed in New Orleans, where they have been a way of life since the 1830s. Crowd control is managed by a large police presence, primarily on foot. Yet Lt. Wallace was quoted in the Chronicle as saying that about 20 officers were scheduled to patrol the Pride Parade on foot that night but they "didn't make it". Why not? Did the shortage of officers cause the mounted patrol to become overly aggressive?

So, we are left with little but questioning:

· Why did HPD use the crowd control methods they chose?

· Why did the police spokesmen initially deny that anything happened?

· Does HPD use different procedures for the Pride parade than it uses for other parades?

And, has the Houston Police Department or the City of Houston made any changes in parade planning or security procedures as a result of the incident involving Kirste?

My wife and I are both native Houstonians, and we love our city. Our insurance paid for the initial emergency room charges. As for the dental work, I have been paying for it out of pocket. Yes, the costs have been considerable, and much more will come in the months ahead. But it's not always about the money, sometimes it's about doing the right thing.

Kirste feels strongly that she needs to speak out and that the HPD needs to behave better. She plans to take her concerns to the City Council. For, if she does not speak out, and another parade onlooker was injured in a similar tragedy, she could never forgive herself.