Do you struggle with finding the perfect gift? Or maybe life is so busy that spending hours searching for something special just isn’t an option. Well, we've got the perfect solution for you! Meet our friend Lauren Lash, the CEO of LLD Gifts. Behind the Scenes with Lauren Lash: The Gift-Giving Guru Meet Lauren Lash, a Houston entrepreneur who has turned her passion into a thriving business. As the proud owner of Lauren Lash Designs (LLD Gifts), Lauren started her journey in 2011 at her dining room table. What began as a dream has blossomed into one of the world’s top Etsy shops—currently ranking 49th out of 4.3 million Etsy retailers! Her company is a testament to hard work, creativity, and the power of personalized touches. Expand A Business with Heart and Community Roots Lauren’s story is more than just about business success; it’s about making an impact. LLD Gifts employs dozens of dedicated team members who enjoy full benefits—a rarity in the small business world. Beyond her team, Lauren has made giving back a core value of her brand. Her company supports community outreach programs and contributes to various charities throughout the year. Whether it’s through donations or hands-on volunteering, LLD Gifts ensures that the spirit of generosity extends beyond the products they sell. 1 of 12 Expand Copyright 2024 by Houston City Beat. All rights reserved. - 1 Lauren Lash CEO of LLD Gifts and Lisbet Newton with Houston City Beat 2 of 12 Expand Copyright 2024 by Houston City Beat. All rights reserved. - 2 Copyright 2024 by Houston City Beat. All rights reserved. - 2 3 of 12 Expand Copyright 2024 by Houston City Beat. All rights reserved. - 3 Copyright 2024 by Houston City Beat. All rights reserved. - 3 4 of 12 Expand Copyright 2024 by Houston City Beat. All rights reserved. - 4 Copyright 2024 by Houston City Beat. All rights reserved. - 4 5 of 12 Expand Copyright 2024 by Houston City Beat. 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All rights reserved. - 12 Copyright 2024 by Houston City Beat. All rights reserved. - 12 PrevNext Copyright 2024 by Houston City Beat. All rights reserved. - 1 Copyright 2024 by Houston City Beat. All rights reserved. - 2 Copyright 2024 by Houston City Beat. All rights reserved. - 3 Copyright 2024 by Houston City Beat. All rights reserved. - 4 Copyright 2024 by Houston City Beat. All rights reserved. - 5 Copyright 2024 by Houston City Beat. All rights reserved. - 6 Copyright 2024 by Houston City Beat. All rights reserved. - 7 Copyright 2024 by Houston City Beat. All rights reserved. - 8 Copyright 2024 by Houston City Beat. All rights reserved. - 9 Copyright 2024 by Houston City Beat. All rights reserved. - 10 Copyright 2024 by Houston City Beat. All rights reserved. - 11 Copyright 2024 by Houston City Beat. All rights reserved. - 12 Next The Secret to Memorable Gifts Finding the perfect gift can be a challenge in today’s fast-paced world. LLD Gifts offers a solution with handcrafted, personalized items that fit every occasion—birthdays, milestones, weddings, holidays, and more. Every item is uniquely engraved, pressed, or assembled by Lauren’s talented team, ensuring a level of care and quality that mass-produced gifts just can’t match. “We’re always adding new and exciting products to our shop,” Lauren shares. “No matter the time of year, we have something special to help you celebrate life’s most meaningful moments.” The Ultimate Gift Destination It’s not just about gifts—it’s about the experience of giving something truly meaningful. With LLD Gifts, customers have access to a wide array of options, from elegant keepsakes to fun and festive items, all with a personal touch. And for those with unique needs, Lauren and her team welcome special requests to bring your vision to life. “Life is busy,” Lauren says. “That’s why we’ve created a one-stop shop for thoughtful gifts that don’t require hours of searching. We’re here to make gift-giving easy and heartfelt.” Discover the LLD Gift-Giving Experience Lauren’s passion, dedication, and creativity have not only built a business but also a loyal community of customers. Whether you’re shopping for a loved one or looking for a small token of appreciation, LLD Gifts promises to deliver products that make moments unforgettable. So, if you’re tired of ordinary gifts and want something extraordinary, LLD Gifts is your go-to destination. Check out their extensive collection on Etsy, and let Lauren Lash and her team help you give the perfect gift for any occasion.

Houston may not be known for its frigid winters, but occasional freezes can wreak havoc on our plumbing systems. Burst pipes can cause significant damage, from minor inconveniences like water leaks to major flooding and structural issues. During a recent interview on Houston City Beat, Lisbet Newton spoke with experts from Repipe Specialists of Texas about simple steps homeowners can take to prevent this from happening. Chris Archer and Colin Cantu share two tips about using hand warmers and share a simple strategy to keep your pool and outdoor spa safe during Houston's freezing temps. Listen to the video for more information and make notes of the easy tips below: Let faucets drip: A slow, steady trickle of water helps prevent pipes from freezing solid. This constant flow of water keeps the pipes moving, making it less likely for ice to form. Open cabinet doors: This allows warmer air to circulate around pipes located under sinks, helping to maintain a slightly warmer temperature and reducing the risk of freezing. Insulate exposed pipes: Wrap pipes in unheated areas like garages or crawl spaces with pipe insulation or even towels. This provides an extra layer of protection against the cold. Disconnect hoses: Remove garden hoses from outdoor faucets and turn off the water supply to those faucets. Hoses can retain water, which can freeze and expand, causing damage to the faucet and potentially the internal pipe. Keep garage doors closed: This helps maintain a warmer temperature within the garage, protecting pipes located there. Locate your water main shutoff: Know where the main water shutoff valve is located in your home. In the event of a severe freeze or if you will be away from home for an extended period, you can shut off the water supply to your entire house as a precaution. By implementing these simple precautions, Houston homeowners can significantly reduce the risk of burst pipes during a freeze and avoid costly repairs.

Howard Sherman, a visionary artist who burst onto the Texas art scene after graduating from the University of North Texas in 2006. Sherman isn't afraid to make a statement. His huge canvases are like a visual explosion, a wild mix of raw energy and playful humor. Think bold colors, aggressive brushstrokes, and maybe even a cartoon character in the mix. Sherman's smaller works on paper are just as impressive, though a bit more intimate. They're all about the raw materials and how they can be used to create something striking. The big paintings let Sherman's physicality shine. He's all about the movement, the force, but he always manages to bring it all together in a way that feels balanced and considered. You see hints of art history throughout his work, but it's all filtered through his own unique style. Sherman's career has been a whirlwind. He landed a solo museum show just two years after graduating, and his work now hangs in major collections across the country, even at Houston's Bush Intercontinental Airport! He's been featured in countless publications, from art history books to those glossy New American Paintings magazines. Rice University even collects his work for their archives. Sherman's work has taken him all over the world, from Berlin to Marfa, Texas. And in 2023, Snap Editions released a major monograph on his work, "Howard Sherman." This meticulously crafted publication is the first comprehensive monograph on the artist. Featuring 55 plates showcasing Sherman's most significant works across 120 pages, the book delves deep into his artistic achievements, unique creative processes, and major influences. The texts within, authored by three distinguished art historians, curators, and critics (Alex Bacon, Andrea Karnes, and David Cohen), offer insightful commentary on the development of Sherman's visionary oeuvre, along with an artist statement and biography. "Howard Sherman" is a must-have for any art lover. Next time you're looking for a jolt of artistic energy, check out Howard Sherman's work. You won't be disappointed. This guy's a force of nature. You can find Howard Sherman's monograph here. I absolutely love mine!

In a city known for its vibrant arts scene, a young Houstonian is striking a different kind of chord, one that resonates with the hearts of shelter animals. Yuvi Agarwal founded Wild Tunes in 2023, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to soothing shelter animals through the power of live music. Wild Tunes’ mission is simple yet profound: to enrich the lives of homeless animals by encouraging volunteers to play musical instruments at participating shelters. The goal? To help pets relax, reduce their anxiety, and prepare them for fostering and adoption. The inspiration for Wild Tunes struck Yuvi when he noticed the calming effect his music had on his own dog, Bozo. "All my life I've loved animals and I also love music...It dawned on me that music would have a stronger effect on dogs at the shelters" Yuvi explains. And he was right. Since its launch in the spring of 2023, Wild Tunes has become an integral part of volunteer programs at several Houston-area shelters. Volunteers, armed with their instruments, bring a sense of tranquility to often stressful shelter environments. The soft melodies help animals rebuild their trust in humans, making them more adoptable and easing their transition to forever homes. Wild Tunes is a win-win situation for everyone involved. Musicians gain valuable practice and performance experience, students can earn service hours, and, most importantly, the animals receive much-needed comfort and emotional support. Yuvi hopes to inspire others, both children and adults, to use their musical talents to make a difference. At Wild Tunes, whether you play the piano, guitar, or even just sing, you can make a positive impact. Wild Tunes is actively seeking volunteers, shelter partners, community partners, and donors to expand its reach and help more animals. If you're interested in joining this harmonious mission, you can find more information at https://wildtunes.org. Stars for Paws Wild Tunes also features "Stars for Paws," a program that encourages local artists, including professional musicians and singers, to soothe shelter animals through live performances. Volunteers can perform monthly or more frequently for animals at participating shelters. Expanding Reach The impact of Wild Tunes is extending beyond Houston. Common Sense for Animals (CSA), based in Stewartsville, New Jersey, has launched this innovative program to improve the lives of dogs and cats under their care. By performing live music and creating soothing melodies, Wild Tunes aims to reduce stress levels in animals, making them more comfortable and increasing their chances of finding forever homes. Wild Tunes is proof that even the smallest gestures can create the biggest impact, one soothing melody at a time.

onstable Ryan Gable’s Criminal Investigations Division, along with their law enforcement partners, discussed on Friday morning the recent regional task force operations that led to numerous arrests related to crimes investigated by the Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) and Human Trafficking task force. Over a recent three-day period, Operation Safe Haven was a multi-agency effort that made 14 arrests with charges that include prostitution, promotion of prostitution, compelling prostitution under 18 years of age, online solicitation of a minor, capture of a sex offender, trafficking of a child, and unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon.

The Ballpark at Union Station was introduced in the late 90s as the Astros prepared for a new home in Downtown Houston. It opened on March 30, 2000, as Enron Field, becoming the city’s first retractable-roof stadium. After Enron's collapse in 2001, the park briefly went by Astros Field in 2002 before entering a long-term partnership with Minute Maid in June 2002, which lasted 22 years. Today, as the Astros celebrate their 25th year in this downtown location, they are excited to announce a new naming rights agreement with Daikin, a global leader in HVAC technology. Expand This partnership kicks off on January 1, 2025, and will run through 2039. Minute Maid will continue its collaboration with the Astros, with plans to transition the ballpark's signage shortly after the New Year. This process will take some time, especially for the massive signs on the park's exterior. Fans are curious about what will replace the iconic oranges inside the Minute Maid Park train. "That’ll be a surprise," said Astros owner Jim Crane. "We do have something we’re working on and we’ll show it on opening day." This marks the seventh name for the Astros' ballparks: - Colt Stadium (1962-1964) - Astrodome (1965-1999) - Ballpark at Union Station (1996-1999; used during construction) - Enron Field (2000-2001) - Astros Field (2002; temporary name) - Minute Maid Park (2002-2024) - Daikin Park (2025-2039) 1 of 11 Expand Copyright 2024 by Houston City Beat. All rights reserved. - 1 Copyright 2024 by Houston City Beat. All rights reserved. - 1 2 of 11 Expand Copyright 2024 by Houston City Beat. All rights reserved. - 2 Copyright 2024 by Houston City Beat. All rights reserved. - 2 3 of 11 Expand Copyright 2024 by Houston City Beat. All rights reserved. - 3 Copyright 2024 by Houston City Beat. All rights reserved. - 3 4 of 11 Expand Copyright 2024 by Houston City Beat. All rights reserved. - 4 Copyright 2024 by Houston City Beat. 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All rights reserved. - 11 PrevNext Copyright 2024 by Houston City Beat. All rights reserved. - 1 Copyright 2024 by Houston City Beat. All rights reserved. - 2 Copyright 2024 by Houston City Beat. All rights reserved. - 3 Copyright 2024 by Houston City Beat. All rights reserved. - 4 Copyright 2024 by Houston City Beat. All rights reserved. - 5 Copyright 2024 by Houston City Beat. All rights reserved. - 6 Copyright 2024 by Houston City Beat. All rights reserved. - 7 Copyright 2024 by Houston City Beat. All rights reserved. - 8 Copyright 2024 by Houston City Beat. All rights reserved. - 9 Copyright 2024 by Houston City Beat. All rights reserved. - 10 Copyright 2024 by Houston City Beat. All rights reserved. - 11 Next Jim Crane remarked, “Daikin is an international company that proudly calls the Greater Houston area its North American home. The Houston Astros and Daikin share the same values—a commitment to excellence and a desire to give back to our local community. As we celebrate the 25th anniversary of this ballpark in 2025, I am proud to have Daikin alongside us to create even more special memories for our fans now and in the future.” Satoru Akama, Daikin President and CEO, added, “We are thrilled to partner with the Houston Astros in building a premier position based on our shared values of excellence, in both sports and community leadership.” Founded in 1924 in Osaka, Japan, Daikin has grown into an innovative leader in air-conditioning technology, with over $29 billion in net sales and a presence in over 170 countries. They are unique in producing every aspect of HVAC systems, from manufacturing to servicing. With 7,700 tons of air-conditioning already in place at the ballpark, this partnership feels like a perfect match, especially considering the Astros built the world’s first climate-controlled stadium, the Astrodome, in 1965. Daikin employs over 22,000 people across the U.S., including 10,000 in Waller, Texas, just outside Houston. The Daikin Texas Technology Park consolidates manufacturing and engineering, fostering innovation and collaboration. The Astros and Daikin partnership plans to enhance stadium amenities and to maintain a fantastic gameday experience for fans. It also includes community initiatives to strengthen connections between the Astros, Daikin, and the Houston community. Mark your calendars: the first game at Daikin Park will be an exhibition on Monday, March 24, 2025, against the Triple-A Sugar Land Space Cowboys. The first regular season game will follow on Thursday, March 27, 2025, at 3:10 PM against the New York Mets. In the meantime, fans can brainstorm new nicknames for the Astros' home, previously known as the “Juice Box.” Many have playfully suggested the “Ice Box.”

My parents often shared how they witnessed the Astrodome’s construction in the early 1960s when they were kids. They were awe-inspired by the structure, having never seen anything like it before. They recounted family drives to what they considered the countryside, just to catch a glimpse of this massive dome being built in southwest Houston. They described miles of open country with the steel-domed structure gleaming in the sun. Expand Fast forward to the early 1980s. Now I’m a kid who has gone to see the Astros, Oilers, and the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo at the Astrodome. I was amazed by the domed roof, the massive exploding scoreboard, the colors of the seats, and the rush of air-conditioning as we entered from a blazing parking lot. I was fascinated by the Astrodome. I remember one night during the holidays when my dad drove some relatives visiting from North Texas to see the Astrodome at night, simply because some had never seen it in person. Consider this scenario: it was dark, but they wanted to see it anyway. The Astrodome simply captured people's imaginations. The Astrodome served as Houston’s civic and cultural living room for many generations. It seemed that nearly everyone in the sports and entertainment industry made an appearance there. The president of the United States was present the night the Astrodome opened. Its impact was profound, with headlines from around the world telling grand stories of this first-of-its-kind structure. 1 of 8 Expand Copyright 2024 by Houston City Beat. All rights reserved. - 1 Copyright 2024 by Houston City Beat. All rights reserved. - 1 Phoebe Tudor - Chairman, Astrodome Conservancy 2 of 8 Expand Copyright 2024 by Houston City Beat. All rights reserved. - 2 Copyright 2024 by Houston City Beat. All rights reserved. - 2 Beth Wiedower Jackson - Executive Director of the Astrodome Conservancy 3 of 8 Expand Copyright 2024 by Houston City Beat. All rights reserved. - 3 Copyright 2024 by Houston City Beat. All rights reserved. - 3 Jerry Alexander - Gensler Architects (L) Kristopher Stuart - Gensler Architects (R) 4 of 8 Expand Copyright 2024 by Houston City Beat. All rights reserved. - 4 Copyright 2024 by Houston City Beat. All rights reserved. - 4 Jerry Alexander - Gensler Architects 5 of 8 Expand Mason Hunt Mason Hunt Mason Hunt - Board Member, Astrodome Conservancy 6 of 8 Expand Copyright 2024 by Houston City Beat. All rights reserved. - 5 Copyright 2024 by Houston City Beat. All rights reserved. - 5 Ryan LeVasseur - LeVass Ventures 7 of 8 Expand Copyright 2024 by Houston City Beat. All rights reserved. - 6 Copyright 2024 by Houston City Beat. All rights reserved. - 6 8 of 8 Expand Copyright 2024 by Houston City Beat. All rights reserved. - 7 Copyright 2024 by Houston City Beat. All rights reserved. - 7 PrevNext Copyright 2024 by Houston City Beat. All rights reserved. - 1 Copyright 2024 by Houston City Beat. All rights reserved. - 2 Copyright 2024 by Houston City Beat. All rights reserved. - 3 Copyright 2024 by Houston City Beat. All rights reserved. - 4 Mason Hunt Copyright 2024 by Houston City Beat. All rights reserved. - 5 Copyright 2024 by Houston City Beat. All rights reserved. - 6 Copyright 2024 by Houston City Beat. All rights reserved. - 7 However, it has been 25 years since the Astros left to play in Downtown Houston. It’s nearly 22 years since the rodeo departed, and the Houston Texans didn’t even exist when the Astros moved out of the Dome. Over the span of two decades, the Astrodome has transformed from a source of pride for Houston into a subject riddled with misinformation, largely fueled by social media keyboard warriors. People frequently claim that their taxes are currently being spent on a wasteful building, that it is filled with asbestos, that it’s a money pit, that we all voted to tear it down, and so on. As a native Houstonian, it is disheartening to hear fellow residents express such negative opinions that simply aren’t true. Expand Copyright 2024 by Houston City Beat. All rights reserved. - 8 So, once again, let’s clarify a few points: 1. The Astrodome does not cost taxpayers millions of dollars per year. All original bonds, including renovation costs from the 1980s, have been paid off. The Dome is a fully-owned asset of Harris County. 2. Asbestos abatement took place ten years ago as the Dome was prepared for renovation and future use. 3. Harris County repainted and cleaned the Dome’s exterior in 2015 to match its original appearance from 1965, something that hadn't been done since the mid-1990s. 4. The revocation of the Astrodome’s Certificate of Occupancy was due to the need for a fire alarm system update, not because the building is in disrepair. The update is not financially sensible without a main tenant or current public/private use of the building, which will come when plans move forward. 5. Thanks to local Houstonians, the Astrodome became a State Antiquities Landmark in 2017 and received a Recorded Texas Historic Landmark marker in 2018, graciously funded by the Houston Astros. This designation means alterations to the building cannot occur without the approval of the Texas Historical Commission, which protects structures like the Astrodome from demolition while allowing renovations to ensure sustainability for operation. However, the rodeo appears to want to reverse this standing to facilitate the possible demolition of the Astrodome. Estimates for demolition are upwards of $100 million. Do any of the detractors want to help pay to destroy a building? 6. The Astrodome is a product of over-engineering by the teams that designed it. This engineering excellence is one of the traits that earned the building the title of the Eighth Wonder of the World. 7. There was no vote to demolish the Astrodome. The 2013 vote to allocate public funds for renovation was merely a bond vote. Talks of demolition emerged because, at the time, there was no alternative plan. Expand Copyright 2024 by Houston City Beat. All rights reserved. - 11 Then there’s the saying, “If they tore down Yankee Stadium, they can tear down the Astrodome.” Well, let’s discuss that. While Yankee Stadium was significant from a sports perspective, mainly to New York Yankees fans, it was neither the first of its kind nor did it put New York City on the international map like the Astrodome did for Houston. Furthermore, the new Yankee Stadium was built across the street from the old one on public parkland, which necessitated the demolition of the old stadium to maintain the same amount of park space. That’s why Yankee Stadium was torn down, in addition to its engineering not being in the same league as the Dome built here in Texas. Expand Copyright 2024 by Houston City Beat. All rights reserved. - 13 While we’re at it, let’s consider the Eiffel Tower, which Parisians once regarded as an outdated eyesore following the World’s Fair in 1889. It was later repurposed as a transmission tower and became an international symbol of the city. By contrast, the Astrodome became Houston’s international symbol the moment construction began in 1963. So that leads us to today. Some people have great memories of the Astrodome, while others did not live here or are too young to remember it at all. It almost seems as if the Astrodome has been intentionally ignored, allowing a state of apathy to set in. That’s unlikely, but it’s a thought. Either way, the question of what should become of the Astrodome feels as exciting as the Loop 610 at Highway 59 exchange at 5 p.m. No one is excited because they feel powerless to act, and the situation just feels stuck. Expand Copyright 2024 by Houston City Beat. All rights reserved. - 9 Since 2016, the Astrodome Conservancy has been navigating the process of how to bring the Dome back to life. Those efforts culminated on Wednesday, November 13, 2024, when the conservancy unveiled “Vision: Astrodome,” an ambitious $1 billion proposal to repurpose the Dome into a multi-use venue, preserving its historic integrity while creating 450,000 square feet of new space for events, dining, offices, and retail. Developed in collaboration with architecture firm Gensler, the plan integrates the Dome into the larger NRG Park complex, preserving its signature features while adapting it to meet modern needs and serving the Houston Texans and the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo. Expand Copyright 2024 by Houston City Beat. All rights reserved. - 10 “The Conservancy is in a unique position to take the lead on this issue because we understand the opportunities, challenges, advantages, and encumbrances facing the iconic Astrodome better than any other entity,” said Beth Wiedower Jackson, Executive Director of the Astrodome Conservancy. “We aim to bring Harris County, the Houston Texans, the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo, and the public together to find a solution that benefits all and ensures a bright future for our beloved landmark, the Astrodome.” Some of the key elements include: - Four New Buildings: Inside the Dome, centered around a flexible arena - Restaurants, Retail, and Hospitality: Spaces for dining, shopping, and entertainment - Boulevard-Style Walkway: Inspired by New York's High Line - Expanded Parking and Facilities: To serve NRG Park's existing tenants Expand Copyright 2024 by Houston City Beat. All rights reserved. - 9 The Astrodome Conservancy’s proposal involves $750 million in private funding, aiming to minimize public investment. The plan seeks to retain the Dome's historic integrity, activate the structure year-round, and ensure it serves future generations. In 2020, the conservancy launched a community engagement initiative called “Future Dome," which found that 86% of respondents agreed the Astrodome should be reused, with 81% supporting the allocation of public funds towards it. “We are confident that because of the Astrodome’s designation as a historic landmark, redevelopment can leverage significant private dollars—dollars that are not available for new construction or other improvements to NRG Park—to minimize public investment. We can create a successful public-private partnership to ensure this Houston treasure will have a bright future,” said Phoebe Tudor, Astrodome Conservancy Chairman. In response, the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo and the Harris County Sports & Convention Corporation have stated they are designing their own plans for NRG Park. What many people do not consider is the power of the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo. As tenants (not owners) of NRG Park, they have significant influence over the overall master plan for the complex. Sustainability must always be part of the conversation regarding a major organization like the rodeo, but they have an excellent opportunity to integrate one of Texas's biggest icons (a Recorded Texas Historic Landmark) into their brand, which celebrates Texas history and western heritage, and leverage it to drive additional revenue for scholarships or operational investment. The Astrodome can be a gateway to a massive sports, entertainment, and mixed-use complex that celebrates and complements the rodeo brand and the Houston Texans. Houston shouldn’t be lagging behind on this concept; we should be leading it.

More than two decades have passed since The Summit held its last event before becoming Lakewood Church. Okay, the building was named Compaq Center by that time, but longtime Houstonians still think of the building as The Summit.