The City of Houston is requesting comments by September 17, 2025 on the proposed speed cushions along Idylwood Dr. All residents within 1/2 mile of the proposed speed cushions should have received a mailing from the City. Click the image to view a copy of the letter in your browser.

These speed bumps were requested by a petition signed by around 60 Idylwood residents, many of them horrified by high speed accidents along Idylwood. Some background:

• Residents at 1745 Idylwood had two significant car accidents in 2023 and 2024 in front of their house. In one incident the vehicle jumped the curb and landed in the next door neighbor’s yard. For the other, the vehicle flipped upside down and landed in their yard. A recent wreck happened at the corner of Merry and Idylwood. As a result, they feel very unsafe allowing their children to run on the sidewalks or learn to ride a bike on Idylwood because of the tendency for cars to speed through our neighborhood.
• About a year ago, the house at 6701 Park had a car travel through the stop sign on Idylwood and crash through the wrought-iron fence and stop inches from the house itself. A similar event occurred later, but with less damage.
• Residents at 6707 Park had an incident in which several cars chased one another around Spurlock Park (along N. MacGregor, Merry and Idylwood), stopped in front of their house and started fighting and shooting at each other. They also have reservations about letting their small children play in front of the house and are careful about using Spurlock Park.

The City is now seeking neighborhood comments about these speed humps. While speed humps may be a nuisance to you, please remember the very real danger your neighbors face due to excessive speed on Idylwood.

ONLY ONE COMMENT PER HOUSEHOLD is needed.

Select Your Neighborhood Project: 711-24 Idylwood II

Due to the efforts of Juan Pablo Cabello of Council Member Joaquin Martinez’s office, four of the historic blue and white tile street name curbs removed during sidewalk repairs will be salvaged and placed in Spurlock Park. Thanks to Patricia Hattenbach and Laura Manion as they were instrumental in saving this portion of Idylwood’s history.

To bring more information about blocked crossings to the public, the city is introducing a new tool – TRAIN WATCH – to help residents navigate rail crossings. The interactive map provides real-time updates on 40 crossings across the city, showing whether they are currently occupied or open. The city plans to increase the number of crossings included on this map as new sensors are installed using available grant funding. This tool can help you plan your routes and avoid unnecessary delays.

Thanks to Jeremy for the infographic!

Look Out For Nails, Metal, and Other Debris!!!

With all of the sidewalk, curb, and driveway construction going on, hazards abound all around our yards and streets. The work is not finished and crews do some clean up as they go along. However, plenty of debris remains behind ready to find our tires or our feet!! And that has already happened to some neighbors!

Please take the time a few times each week to inspect your yard, sidewalks, and curbs and sweep up whatever you can that is lurking under sand, gravel, and loose grass. And, the rains will move debris along or dirt will cover it, so it may appear at any time.

Thanks for keeping Idylwood beautiful and safe!

• Sep 02: Trash Collection/Recycling (delayed Labor Day)
• Sep 03: Tree Limbs & Yard Waste (delayed Labor Day)
• Sep 05/12: WALK30
• Sep 15: Recycling (fingers crossed)
• Sep 16: Civic Club Meeting @ 7pm, 1404 N. MacGregor
• Sep 17: Adoption of the US Constitution in 1787
• Sep 19: WALK30
• Sep 22: Autumnal Equinox (equal hours of day/night)
• Sep 26: WALK30
• Sep 29: Recycling www.cityneedsmoretrucks.com

Upon moving to Idylwood in 2001, I had 2 geriatric sibling labradors, an elderly Lhasa, & 3 cats (my rescued Mama Cat & 2 kittens from her last 2 litters). Mama Cat became endearingly known throughout Idylwood for her daily walks with me and my beloved, chocolate lab, Allie, until she passed away at 23—the oldest kitty patient at her vet. Fast forward to 2025, my husband & I now have 5 indoor kitties and 1 German Shepherd—all rescues and all named for favorite celebrities or characters in movies or musicals.  

MEET THE KITTIES:

BINDI 



Our tiniest and oldest (but don’t let the size fool ‘ya!), she can instantly become a fierce “mama bear to the rescue” to defend her much larger and younger brothers. Our precious little “bed princess” and friendliest “people cat”, she was an extra special gift from close friends in Kerrville. 

DODGER 



“Dodgerino”, my sweetest boy, EVER, I found desperately crying out for help in a rainstorm along Lawndale as a kitten. He is still quite the “verbal gerbil” and fiercely defends his position in the feline hierarchy as totally MY cat. 

GAVROCHE

Aka the “Pink Panther”, loves to mischievously sneak up on our GS and play hide n’ seek. He’s the little stinker of the bunch who I found under a bush as a kitten at my sister’s house in McAllen. He lives for treats 24/7 and—eat your heart out girl kitties—has AMAZINGLY gorgeous eyes!

SODA POP

Adorable baby Soda Pop is just THAT! He was found by a neighbor a little over a year ago as a tiny kitten in obvious distress and we were lucky enough to take him in. Within a week of no one claiming him, we had fallen head over heels—quickly abandoning any thought of rehoming him. CUTEST cuddle bug, ever—he is a priceless treasure! 

With our NO VACANCY sign blinking in BRIGHT red, the idea of taking in a #5 kitty was INCOMPREHENSIBLE—THAT IS, until a pathetically forlorn little Tuxedo boy was discovered just a few days before Christmas living under the cold steps of a vacant house down our street. Having been subjected to repeated attacks by other neighborhood cats…ENTER #5…Mr. JELLICLE

The first cat brought into the fold as an adult, poor little Jellicle went through a brutal “Hell Week” (or 2) initiation. The sweet, gentle giant that he is, though, he took it all in stride and is now a full fledged member of the gang. Also a very “Chatty Cathy”, he makes his every wish known loud & clear, and can’t wait to play the “blanket monster game” each morning as I make the bed.

MEET THE DOG:

Everyone who knows me can verify I have ALWAYS been a lab person. My chocolate lab, Allie, was my “perfect in every way” soulmate dog and when I lost her to cancer at age 10 several years back, I just couldn’t bring myself to adopt another. NO dog could EVER live up to my Allie—MAYBE someday—and most definitely another lab—but just not yet. 

My mom had passed away early in 2021, so it had been a particularly difficult year for me. Memorial Day weekend of 2022, however, had brought beautiful weather. I was out watering in the front when I noticed a lone GS dog walking by our house, appearing to pause at each driveway as if searching for something. Questioning any stray dog’s temperament, I did not acknowledge its presence as it glanced my way for a second before meandering slowly on down the street. Putting up my hose, I went to sit for a moment on the front porch steps, only to feel a strangely warm, pulsating sensation on the back of my neck. Startled, I realized that same GS dog had made its way up the side porch steps and behind me to take a seat right at my side.

Fearful of barely moving, I gradually began whispering softly (actually, begging under my breath for it not to bite me!) and before long, the dog turned, looked me square in the eye, and planted a big, slobbery “doggie kiss” on my cheek! Shocked and still highly perplexed, I hesitantly reached out and gave it a quick pat on the head in reciprocation of what appeared to be a friendly gesture. I then stood up and slowly began walking around the neighborhood—in the hope that SHE (as I had discovered by then) might just mosey off along the way back to wherever she came from.

Best laid plans, HA HA, as they say….after NEVER leaving my side walking practically EVERY block of Idylwood, and 3 more days of NEVER once leaving our front porch in CONSTANT defense mode, protecting EVERY perimeter of the house from EVERY living thing that passed by (human or otherwise), my husband finally gave in and we drove her to our vet to be checked for a chip, etc.  

Well…long story short, by the time we returned home, I had, once again, become a dog owner—NOT of that perfectly mannered, cat loving “a lot like Allie” chocolate lab I had envisioned one day belonging to me, again, but, instead, of a fiercely loyal (sometimes to a fault), kitty chasing, high energy, mischievous (but oh, SO lovable) GS girl we named after the famous Rin Tin Tin. 

ENTER “RINTY” (Soulmate Dog #2)

My sister swears my mom & Allie sent her to me…that it was simply time. I’ve since come to believe that animals might actually have that special 6th sense—a way of finding us one way or another when we need them most in our lives.

It appears, however, to be a two way street, as there are so many of them out there who desperately need us, as well. How any human could abandon just ONE of these precious babies that are now loved beyond measure, is inconceivable to me, and if I could take in a thousand more just like them, I would! Their loss is DEFINITELY our gain—and, for that, I am truly grateful and blessed.

Narrative by Gail Law Newlin

Friendly Reminder From The Pets

For the health and safety of all neighborhood pets and people,

please scoop our poop- especially along the bayou trails !

Nature News !!

Neighbors, inspect your trees! It's hurricane season!

Think: Safety for all !

Be on the safe side and carefully inspect your trees. Past years of drought, floods, the derecho, and hurricanes have taken a toll on our beloved Idylwood canopy of green. Many trees are dead or dying and in various stages of decay which leads to falling limbs or the entire tree. Removing trees is costly, but less than a major house repair or injury to a person. Try to get 2-3 bids to find a qualified team. It is a big chore but one that will help keep our neighbors safe and the neighborhood beautiful!

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Everything is just peachy!

The beloved stone fruit from Lightsey Farms in Mexia powers summer menus at top Houston restaurants and in your own home! Bao Ong's August 4 Chronicle article tells us the story of the Lightsey sisters' journey with peaches and how we can get them at the Urban Harvest Market along Buffalo Speedway! Click the link below to learn more.

Everything is just peachy!

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Sweet, crisp jujubes are ideally suited to our area!

At Harvest Season Farm in Tomball, you can pick your own jujubes! Owners Christina and Bobby Diggs have created a habitat for this unique fruit! Go and explore the orchard and see how you can add a jujube tree to your landscape! The kids will have a blast, too! Click the link below to learn more:

Sweet, crisp jujubes

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Garden of herbs revives a monastic tradition!

We may not be going to Berlin, Germany soon, but we can be inspired by a special garden there. Martin Rotzel has created a Monk Garden that has 150-200 types of herbs, leaves, and trees that can be used in culinary dishes and for medicinal purposes. Take a step back in time and see how you could add a few of these plants to your garden. Click the link below to learn more:

Garden of herbs revives monastic tradition

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The Idylwood Garden Club's Yard of the Month goes to

Marla and Roger Wood

at 6610 Wildwood Way.

Marla and Roger purchased their house in February 2023 and, after an extensive renovation, moved in June 2024. 

Neither of Marla nor Roger are native Houstonians and before moving to Idylwood, they lived in a townhouse in Midtown. 

The couple say it's "Idylwood’s historic homes, rolling hills and mature trees are an irresistible combination that is hard to find in Houston" that sold them on Idylwood. "We walk our dog every day and enjoy the easy access to Spurlock Park and the Brays Bayou Greenway Trail." 

They also appreciate their new neighbors. "Idylwood is full of friendly, interesting people," Marla says. 

The couple split their yard duties; Marla is the gardener and Roger is the caretaker.

The couple's overall renovation of the property in 2024 was extensive both inside and outside the home. For the exterior design they chose a sleek, angular, and uncomplicated design style where interesting shapes complement each other. 

"Our goals were simplicity, low maintenance and respect for the character of the neighborhood," Marla explains. They had the original concrete front walk removed and the front yard regraded during the renovation period as well.  

All but one of the existing shrubs in front were removed and replaced with variegated flax lilies in the strikingly large pots in front because "they are low maintenance and somewhat drought tolerant. 

The orange Crossandra plants on the front porch add a pop of color along with the Talavera pottery in front of the side fence."

Earlier this year, the couple contracted nearby Rivera Landworks (just off Winkler Dr. and Telephone Rd.) to remove the remaining grass and re-sod the yard. Rivera also built a flagstone walkway and spread gravel between the walkway and the house. 

If going out of town, alert your neighbors and request a Vacation Watch from Precinct 6 Constables. Click HERE to access the form.

Please keep an eye out for unusual activity and report to HPD (713) 884-3131 and the Constable's office (713) 274-3400. Please keep your home and cars locked at all times. Report any incidents to ALL authorities; 

more reports = more patrols.

To view crimes reported to HPD from through Jan 2025, download the HPD Excel file here and sort by zip code or beat. Our beat is 11H10, which includes several zip codes. 

Click here to view the Community Crime Map. Enter 77023 in the search window and filter by date range.

Jake Goldstein and Steve Palmer co-chair our patrol group and report the group’s collective hours per month to HPD. Please contact Jake if you are interested in volunteering with our citizens patrol group.

Having a patrol presence in the neighborhood is a crime deterrent and a great way to give back to our community.

Please join us! More information on HPD's Volunteer Citizen Patrol is available here.

president@idylwood.org