Little Red Corvette

Judge puts the brakes on John O'Quinn companion's claim to exotic cars

The O'Quinn 1962 Chevrolet Corvette, valued at $90,000 to $120,000
Handout photo
Darla Lexington lost her claim to the cars Monday.
1963 Chevrolet Corvette, valued at $85,000 to $115,000
Handout photo
1953 Chevrolet Corvette, valued at $225,000 to $300,000
Handout photo
1938 Talbot-Lago, valued at $3.5 million to $4.5 million
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1936 Mercedes-Benz, valued at $1.1 million to $1.3 million
Handout photo

The continued dismantling of the famous John O'Quinn car collection has been given the go-ahead by a Houston judge.

Since the larger-than-life attorney's death in October 2009, there has been tension between representatives of the John M. O'Quinn Foundation and O'Quinn's longtime companion Darla Lexington.

With 300 of the cars already sold, Lexington sued to stop the sale of a group of 31 vehicles at auction next week in Pebble Beach, Calif., arguing that five of the vehicles — a coveted black 1938 Talbot-Lago, a one-of-a-kind 1936 Mercedes Benz and three classic Corvettes — were gifts to her from O'Quinn and should not be sold. The cars in question have an estimated value of $5 million.

Despite witness testimony that the cars belonged to Lexington, who was with O'Quinn for 10 years, the court ruled that without titles in her name (the cars in question all had open titles), O'Quinn's will was unambiguous in leaving all his property to his charitable foundation.

Lexington testified that the couple planned to open a museum for the car collection, which stretched at times to almost 900 vehicles. But T. Gerald Treece, the executor of the estate, said the sales are necessary to pay off debts of $90 million.

Lexington's lawyer, Jimmy Williamson, says he still hopes to recoup proceeds from the sale when the will is challenged in court.

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no more trips to Colorado

Bill to legalize marijuana in Texas filed by Dallas Democrat

Photo courtesy of Texas Original

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Texas Rep. Jessica González (D-Dallas) has filed a bill to legalize recreational marijuana in Texas. House Bill 1208 would legalize the cultivation, manufacturing, transportation, and sale of cannabis.

The bill would allow adults 21 and older to use, possess, and transport up to 2.5 ounces of marijuana for personal use. Adults could also keep up to 10 ounces of cannabis in their residence, as long as it is stored in a secure location.

Smoking or consuming cannabis while in a public place or in a car on a public road would not be allowed.

Gonzalez filed the bill in mid-November, one in a suite of bills that also included expanding insurance coverage for in vitro fertilization for LGBTQ couples; and requiring landlords to disclose all fees before a rental lease is signed.

Her bill was filed prior to an initiative launched by Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick on December 4 to ban THC products in Texas entirely.

In addition to legalizing recreational use, the bill also makes provisions for its production and sale including requiring that the packaging be child-resistent and clearly labeled, so that it's not confused for candy.

Businesses looking to grow, transport, test, or sell cannabis would need to be licensed by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation. A 10 percent tax would be imposed on the sale of all cannabis and cannabis products. Some of the profits would go towards funding public schools.

If passed, the bill would take effect on September 1, 2025.

Medical cannabis is currently legal in Texas under the Texas Compassionate Use Program, which allows low-THC cannabis to be prescribed for conditions such as epilepsy, MS, autism, cancer, and post-traumatic stress disorder.

Some cities have also approved decriminalization for the possession of four ounces or less of marijuana, including Austin, Bastrop, Dallas, Denton, Elgin, Killeen, and Lockhart.

politics marijuana