Save the River Oaks Theatre
A Houston institution
Regarding “Houston’s historic River Oaks Theatre prepares to close at month’s end,” (March 15): The River Oaks Landmark Theatre has been an institution in Houston for decades. Please do not let this end. The culture, community and history of this city, along with the River Oaks Shopping Center in particular, have all been graced by this theater. It has added to property values and in pre-COVID times has brought people to shop and dine as well as be entertained by interesting films. Let’s not let this arts institution die — please work out a solution that is amenable to both the landlord and the lessee. It would be terrific publicity for Weingarten and Houston if a positive resolution is reached that allows the theater to remain open; profits and community can coexist if all parties so agree. Andi Alberg, Houston
Rejoice at departure
Regarding “Farewell to the chief,” (A14, March 18): While you sung the praises of Art Acevedo in your editorial, had you based your editorial on his actual performance, you would rejoice at the departure of this failed department head. Houstonians are less safe now than when Acevedo took the job as police chief. The murder rate in Houston is the highest in years. Added to this is an atrocious clearance rate on murders during his tenure. The clearance rate dropped from above 80
percent to below 50 percent under his watch. While he shined in your estimation because his politics were aligned with yours, his tenure as the chief of police has been a disaster and his legacy is diametrically opposed to your farewell. My fervent hope is that the citizens of Houston will become more safe with a less political, and more competent police chief as we say farewell to the disastrous reign that
Acevedo brought to our city. Tom Isler, Kingwood
Public housing for all
Regarding “Living Hell,” (A1, March 14): As one reads about the terrible ordeals of tenants at the mercy of neglectful landlords, the entire concept of private property should be questioned. Should the most basic needs of tenants for decent living conditions be left up to profit seekers and investors who primarily care about the bottom line? Landlords, owners and investors (who may never meet a tenant, especially if it’s a private equity firm) cannot be depended upon to assure decent conditions. Perhaps it's time for government to not only inspect and regulate housing, but to own it, take care of it and provide it to people at reasonable cost. The government will not have the negative incentive to cut corners. This will mean a greater likelihood of decent housing. Shaun Smith, Houston