Racist or anti-littering message?

Signs prohibiting piñatas in Harris County Precinct 4 parks come down, but ban continues

KHOU Houston/Channel 11

Is it racist or just a mere anti-littering message?

That's the question that has been the basis of contention since a Hispanic group complained about signs forbidding piñatas that are posted in Harris County Precinct 4 parks. County officials say the prohibition is strictly an anti-littering measure, and also bans other messy party favors, such as confetti eggs and silly string. But according to this KHOU report, Hispanic activists believe the signs are targeted specifically at Houston's large Latino population.

"'Piñatas Prohibited' is not a synonym for 'Do Not Litter,' it's a synonym for 'No Mexicans Allowed,' " said Tony Diaz.

"'Pinatas Prohibited' is not a synonym for 'Do Not Litter,' it's a synonym for 'No Mexicans Allowed,' " Tony Diaz, the leader of a group called El Librotraficante, told Channel 11 reporter Doug Miller. "It's almost as if all the signs that talk about the speed limit were to say '20 mph for your low-riders.' "

The policy was adopted six years ago and only applies in Precinct 4, which stretches over a wide area of northwest Harris county. County officials decided to take another look at the policy after Diaz complained about the signage.

"We don't want to hurt anybody's feelings," said Mark Seegars, a spokesman for Harris County Commissioner Jack Cagle. "The signs are coming down while we review the best way to put the message out to people that we need their help in keeping litter out of the parks."

Both sides have suggested alternatives to the solution, but for the moment, piñatas are still banned in Precinct 4 parks.

Watch KHOU's full video report:

KHOU Houston/Channel 11

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Trader Joe's sets Cypress opening date, confirms Bellaire plans

Photo courtesy of Towne Lake by Caldwell Communities Facebook page

Trader Joe's is expanding, and shoppers couldn't be happier.

Two new Houston-area communities announced that they would be opening Trader Joe's locations, bringing the total number of stores in the city to nine.

On Thursday, December 18, the Towne Lake by Caldwell Communities Facebook page posted that the new Trader Joe's at 9715 Towne Lake Parkway would open at 8 am on Friday, December 19. Unsold but still-good products left over at the ribbon cutting ceremony will be donated to local nonprofits.

"Not only does Trader Joe's have great prices on food, drinks, and treats, but as a hobby florist I always find the best selections for my floral arrangements," Copperfield resident Kelsey Zuchlewski tells CultureMap. "Now, with the convenience of having a location right here in our neighborhood, I'm in heaven."

Confirmation of the Cypress opening followed an announcement on the City of Bellaire's Facebook page that a Trader Joe's would take over the former Randall's at 5130 Bellaire Blvd. The post did not specify when construction will begin or when the location will open.

"This highly anticipated addition to our community will bring a unique grocery shopping experience and further enhance the vibrant retail landscape of Bellaire," the post said. "We look forward to welcoming Trader Joe’s and will share updates as the project progresses."

The California-based chain of stores entered Houston in 2012, first in the Woodlands and then, more famously, at the old Alabama Theater space on Shepherd, where it has become a beloved local institution. Since then, the chain has expanded throughout Houston, including a Kingwood location that opened earlier this month.

Over the year, Trader Joe's has built a loyal following that rivals even H-E-B. Staff at the stores (wearing Hawaiian shirts) are trained to be extremely friendly and helpful, as well as being encouraged to purchase ownership in the company. The selection is smaller and more curated than other larger grocery stores, leading to a boutique experience that many consider to be surprisingly affordable. At least one viral TikToker claims that Trader Joe's beats H-E-B's price, although the latter undoubtedly has a larger selection of goods.

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