SAHM Posted June 14, 2008 Share Posted June 14, 2008 (edited) I was following this thread a few weeks ago and agreed with many who stated that they feel safe at Willowbrook, until a terrible experience I had yesterday afternoon. After completing my father's day shopping, I took my 3 year-old and 2 month old baby to the indoor playground at about 3PM. The mall was busier than usual due to Father's Day. Within minutes of arriving to the playground a fight broke out between 2 mothers and before I could catch my breath several families were beating eachother up severely. Toddlers and preschoolers were being trampeled. The kids were all screaming...it was mayhem. I quickly grabbed my kids and tried to exit, but I was stuck in the back and the mob started getting bigger. Luckily several good samaritans helped me and my family jump over the fence. Store employees from the surrounding stores and passerbys were just staring. I had to start screaming for them to call the police. It took at least 5 minutes for security to respond. I left the area and later asked a security guard how it finally ended and he said several people were arrested, but luckily (and miraculously) none of the kids were seriously hurt. I plan to write to the mall owners and send a letter to the editor of the Houston Community Newspaper demanding that a guard be at the playground permanently. I moved into the neighborhood 4 years ago and I have seen the steady decline. Yesterday was the icing on the cake and despite the high gas prices I'm taking my business up to The Woodlands. Edited June 15, 2008 by SAHM Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
houstonmacbro Posted June 15, 2008 Share Posted June 15, 2008 That sounds pretty awful. I really don't care for malls ... any malls -- for a variety of reasons--, but with behaviors like that, it kinda seals the deal for me. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mrfootball Posted June 15, 2008 Share Posted June 15, 2008 As a rule, I'd never allow my kids to play in those cootie-ridden mall playgrounds. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SAHM Posted June 15, 2008 Share Posted June 15, 2008 (edited) deleted Edited June 16, 2008 by SAHM Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
steven5150 Posted June 16, 2008 Share Posted June 16, 2008 SAHM - I'm sorry that you and you child were involved in this incident, but I don't believe Mr. Football meant anything personal directed towards you by his post. I feel the same way about not letting my children go in those areas. Unfortunately, we have made the same decision to avoid Willowbrook on the weekends and usually venture up to the Woodlands. Peace. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hbcu Posted June 16, 2008 Share Posted June 16, 2008 if a fight breaks out at the Woodlands? What do you do next? leaving areas at the first sign of trouble starts white flight all over again...last thing we need in Houston once again Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
memebag Posted June 16, 2008 Share Posted June 16, 2008 (edited) As a rule, I'd never allow my kids to play in those cootie-ridden mall playgrounds."Daddy, why can't we have fun with the other kids?""Because those other kids are filthy and disease ridden. Now go scrub the top layer of skin off. Get clean! Clean for Daddy!!" Edited June 16, 2008 by memebag Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
psilverot Posted June 16, 2008 Author Share Posted June 16, 2008 if a fight breaks out at the Woodlands? What do you do next? leaving areas at the first sign of trouble starts white flight all over again...last thing we need in Houston once againI completely agree. Just another way to kill a mall. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
houstonmacbro Posted June 16, 2008 Share Posted June 16, 2008 I completely agree. Just another way to kill a mall.I'm not one to condone white (or any other kind of) flight, but I do believe people have the right to shop where they feel safe. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cnote Posted June 16, 2008 Share Posted June 16, 2008 I was following this thread a few weeks ago and agreed with many who stated that they feel safe at Willowbrook, until a terrible experience I had yesterday afternoon. After completing my father's day shopping, I took my 3 year-old and 2 month old baby to the indoor playground at about 3PM. The mall was busier than usual due to Father's Day. Within minutes of arriving to the playground a fight broke out between 2 mothers and before I could catch my breath several families were beating eachother up severely. Toddlers and preschoolers were being trampeled. The kids were all screaming...it was mayhem. I quickly grabbed my kids and tried to exit, but I was stuck in the back and the mob started getting bigger. Luckily several good samaritans helped me and my family jump over the fence. Store employees from the surrounding stores and passerbys were just staring. I had to start screaming for them to call the police. It took at least 5 minutes for security to respond. I left the area and later asked a security guard how it finally ended and he said several people were arrested, but luckily (and miraculously) none of the kids were seriously hurt. I plan to write to the mall owners and send a letter to the editor of the Houston Community Newspaper demanding that a guard be at the playground permanently. I moved into the neighborhood 4 years ago and I have seen the steady decline. Yesterday was the icing on the cake and despite the high gas prices I'm taking my business up to The Woodlands.What was the fight about and who was involved? Were they young mothers? That sounds crazy. I just can't imagine grown-ups behaving this way, and more people joining in??? Where is the playscape at Willowbrook, I don't think I have ever seen it? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SAHM Posted June 16, 2008 Share Posted June 16, 2008 <br />What was the fight about and who was involved? Were they young mothers? That sounds crazy. I just can't imagine grown-ups behaving this way, and more people joining in??? Where is the playscape at Willowbrook, I don't think I have ever seen it?<br /><br /><br /><br />First off, I'd like to apologize to Mr. Football for my sarcasm yesterday and have deleted my post. I had a rough day on Friday with what happened and the last thing I needed to read about was germs. Still no excuse for my rudeness.Second, enough with the white flight nonsense referred towards me and my choice to go elsewhere. My family and I are Latinos (Cuban to be exact) and Spanish is spoken regularly in my home, so unless I'm running from myself it's a moot point. Careful not to make assumptions that only white people read message boards. To answer cnote...yes the mothers and a few dads were young, I'd say in their 30s. There were some in their 50s fighting, probably grandparents of the little ones. The playscape is bordered by Sears, Old Navy and KB Toys.Finally, There are 2 points I'd like to make very clear regarding my frustration. First, yes fights can happen in any mall, regardless of demographics. However, it was the response of most (not all!) of the surrounding public and security. If two Moms want to act crazy, there's little we can do. These things happen. But what I can't get over is how other parents and caregivers jumped in and made it their problem as well. Why didn't the majority just grab their kids and go, I'll never fully understand. One of my theories is that it was a microcosm of the mall which is a microcosm of the area and that leaves me unsettled. Secondly, it was very obvious that the surrounding store clerks appeared confused and no one has been trained to handle safety issues. The security guards appeared very confused and poorly equipped to handle the scene. That's why I don't feel safe. It's my opinion, nothing more. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hbcu Posted June 17, 2008 Share Posted June 17, 2008 Feel Safe?Let me see....3rd ward was white....didn't feel safe so they leave for south parksouth park was white....didn't feel safe so they leavehiram clarke was white....didn't feel safe so they leavegreenspoint was white....didn't feel safe so they leavealdine area was white....didn't feel safe so they leavemissouri city was white....didn't feel safe so they leave1960 area off of I-45 was white....didn't feel safe so they leaveHumble was white....didn't feel safe so they leaveAntoine area/Inwood Forest was white....didn't feel safe so they leavesee where I'm going? How far can we go? Your never going to live in a utopia?As for the Woodlands Mall...technically...across the highway behind Home Depot is another world back there that suburban development has infringed on.....if they decide to reclaim the land where will you go?and ok....speaking spanish in the house means what? Hispanics (of brighter persuasion) traditionally will identify with the anglo culture as opposed to their darker counterparts and if you feel safer in the woodlands countryside instead of an area that's a little more diverse and related to you...so be it... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
houstonmacbro Posted June 17, 2008 Share Posted June 17, 2008 and ok....speaking spanish in the house means what? Hispanics (of brighter persuasion) traditionally will identify with the anglo culture as opposed to their darker counterparts and if you feel safer in the woodlands countryside instead of an area that's a little more diverse and related to you...so be it...I think these are some pretty broad strokes you're painting. I don't remember anyone mentioning race or even ethnicity. For all we know the people that participated in the melee could have been Hispanic, they could have been black, they could have been white.Pesonally, I think TW is a joke because you are right. Once 'the elements' start to encroach there, where are folks gonna run? (Huntsville? Dallas?). TW is made out to be this utopia and really if you look at crime reports, there is just as much going on there as anywhere else. I think communities have to make a stand against crime and demand better policing (they pay for it after all so why not have better protection). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jimcas Posted July 23, 2008 Share Posted July 23, 2008 This is kind of interesting...http://www.marketwatch.com/news/story/levi...D&dist=hppr Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
houstonmacbro Posted July 23, 2008 Share Posted July 23, 2008 This is kind of interesting...http://www.marketwatch.com/news/story/levi...D&dist=hpprGosh I must be getting old. Never heard of this 'star'. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
macksfischer Posted July 23, 2008 Share Posted July 23, 2008 Mmmmm...I remember when the only thing opened at Willowbrook Mall was a Montgomery Wards store and IT WAS NICE!!! That was back around 1982/83?I no longer shop at Willowbrook though, it's too full of crime and thugish looking people. It'd be nice if they stepped it up but I don't think putting more posh stores are going to change the clientele that lives in the surrounding area around Bltwy 8. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
houstonmacbro Posted July 24, 2008 Share Posted July 24, 2008 Mmmmm...I remember when the only thing opened at Willowbrook Mall was a Montgomery Wards store and IT WAS NICE!!! That was back around 1982/83?I no longer shop at Willowbrook though, it's too full of crime and thugish looking people. It'd be nice if they stepped it up but I don't think putting more posh stores are going to change the clientele that lives in the surrounding area around Bltwy 8.I just have a dislike for malls. And snobs. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Aldine Posted July 24, 2008 Share Posted July 24, 2008 /\ I agree. I shop at Willowbrook and took drivers ed there at Sears. Not once has there been really any criminal activity going on. You never hear about it on the news, and there really aren't that many "thugs" who shop there. Well there are some, but all they are doing is walking around. Not breaking into stores and holding them up. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Trae Posted July 24, 2008 Share Posted July 24, 2008 /\ I agree. I shop at Willowbrook and took drivers ed there at Sears. Not once has there been really any criminal activity going on. You never hear about it on the news, and there really aren't that many "thugs" who shop there. Well there are some, but all they are doing is walking around. Not breaking into stores and holding them up.But....but...they look scary! My virgin eyes! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
houstonmacbro Posted July 24, 2008 Share Posted July 24, 2008 /\ I agree. I shop at Willowbrook and took drivers ed there at Sears. Not once has there been really any criminal activity going on. You never hear about it on the news, and there really aren't that many "thugs" who shop there. Well there are some, but all they are doing is walking around. Not breaking into stores and holding them up.It's funny. As a non-threatening black male I often get pegged as sary too ... I see it all the time. Women clutch their purses and men look at me warily.Funny. I am a professional who works everyday (all my adult life), has NEVER been in trouble with the law, has a house in the 'burbs, but I can still be pegged as 'scary' to some. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
memebag Posted July 24, 2008 Share Posted July 24, 2008 It's funny. As a non-threatening black male I often get pegged as sary too ... I see it all the time. Women clutch their purses and men look at me warily.Funny. I am a professional who works everyday (all my adult life), has NEVER been in trouble with the law, has a house in the 'burbs, but I can still be pegged as 'scary' to some. Don't feel too bad. Some white guys look scary too: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
crunchtastic Posted July 24, 2008 Share Posted July 24, 2008 Damn Jewish Actor Thugs! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
houstonmacbro Posted July 24, 2008 Share Posted July 24, 2008 Don't feel too bad. Some white guys look scary too: He wasn't a thug. He was hot. Just ask Joanie. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
macksfischer Posted July 24, 2008 Share Posted July 24, 2008 I just have a dislike for malls. And snobs. Sorry, HOUSTONMACBRO...didn't mean to come off sounding like a snob. Just posting my thoughts on how much Willowbrook and the area has changed for me. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
houstonmacbro Posted July 24, 2008 Share Posted July 24, 2008 I just have a dislike for malls. And snobs. Sorry, HOUSTONMACBRO...didn't mean to come off sounding like a snob. Just posting my thoughts on how much Willowbrook and the area has changed for me. No biggie. In the past 24 hours on this board I've had my street cred questioned over what I like on my chili. Guess it wasn't 'hood enough. LOL Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Trae Posted July 24, 2008 Share Posted July 24, 2008 (edited) No biggie. In the past 24 hours on this board I've had my street cred questioned over what I like on my chili. Guess it wasn't 'hood enough.LOLThis is when you lose your street cred. Edited July 24, 2008 by Trae Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Aldine Posted July 25, 2008 Share Posted July 25, 2008 It's funny. As a non-threatening black male I often get pegged as sary too ... I see it all the time. Women clutch their purses and men look at me warily.Funny. I am a professional who works everyday (all my adult life), has NEVER been in trouble with the law, has a house in the 'burbs, but I can still be pegged as 'scary' to some.I feel the same way since I'm a black male. People always think I'm a thug because I go to an Aldine school and get bad grades, when in reality that's not the case at all. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jimcas Posted August 6, 2008 Share Posted August 6, 2008 This place looks pretty good and the website says "New Willowbrook Location coming soon". I think its near the movie theater somewhere rather than the mall - here's the address - 17505 Highway 249.I called the Katy location to see if the Willowbrook location was open and they said it would be open in about 2 weeks... http://www.guayabagrill.com/gg_WhatsGuayaba.aspx Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
houstonmacbro Posted August 6, 2008 Share Posted August 6, 2008 This place looks pretty good and the website says "New Willowbrook Location coming soon". I think its near the movie theater somewhere rather than the mall - here's the address - 17505 Highway 249.I called the Katy location to see if the Willowbrook location was open and they said it would be open in about 2 weeks... http://www.guayabagrill.com/gg_WhatsGuayaba.aspxLooking forward to this! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
katyresident Posted August 6, 2008 Share Posted August 6, 2008 Looking forward to this!That place is really good!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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