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Hello everyone,

On July28th, for my birthday, some friends of mine invited me to go see the Phantom of the Opera, which is playing in the Sarofim Hall of the Hobby Center in Houston. Needless to say, I was quite happy to get the tickets. I went downtown, parked my car underground, and showed up at the doors at 7:45pm -- 15 minutes before the start of the performance.

Much to my dismay, when I arrived at the doors, I noticed that every single one had the familiar 30.06 code written on it -- typos and all (código is misspelled twice). Being a law-abiding citizen, I returned to the underground tunnels, found my way to my car, secured my firearm and returned to the theatre with 2 minutes to spare. What a pain.

I have tried reapeatedly to get in touch with a human when I call the Hobby Center, but my attempts thus far have been futile. I am constantly led through a voicemail labyrinth that seemingly has no end, and that is really a test to one's patience.

Though I assume the building is privately owned, I know that it is managed by the Houston Music Hall Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. If, by some chance, it were owned by the City, then it would be subject to SB501 and those signs wouldn't matter. As suggested to me over at Packing.org, when I have the time, I will stop by the Harris COunty's tax assesor's office to get to the bottom of this.

In the meantime, I will be in downtown later on today with time to spare. I will use my extra time to stop by The Hobby Center and take some pictures of the 30.06 signs.

Stay safe...

SteyrM40

Welcome to TexasCHLforum.

If you can get the actual address, then you may be able to check it out on-line by going to HCAD (Harris County Appraisal District) http://www.hcad.org/. I'm not sure, but I'd be surprised if government owned property is listed.

I should know this, since my office is in downtown Houston, but I think the Hobby Center is in the building that was the Albert Thomas Convention Center. At that time, it was owned by the City of Houston, but it could have been sold. (I don't think it was, but again I'm not sure.)

Regards,
Chas.

I am not certain of the Albet thomas Convetion Center, but the Houston Collosium used to be in that spot. They may have been the same entity.

If you still have trouble contacting someone about ownership of the property, you may be able to get some help by calling Theater Under the Stars. Most of thier performances are held at Hobby Center.

I make no promises, but I used to work as a stagehand with TUTS through the stagehands union and have a few contacts that may generate some information.

Steyr's always been that pointy end of the sword when it comes to bringing attention and challenging Houstons' moronic policies in regards to firearms...

Plus its so annoying when he gets this cool stuff to do, and then has the nerve to tell us how much of a great time he had at the event...Geesh...

Hi folks,

Thanks for the tip, Charles. As it would seem, HCAD account number 0776374 (800 Bagby, Houston) has a PPT code of "A -- Business Personal Property". It is, in fact, private commercial property and they have full right to post 30.06 signs.

Steve is right about me being "that pointy end of the sword". Without giving too much detail, I am friends with the biggest individual financial backer of the Hobby Centre. If I cannot calmly reason with the management, I will set-up an appointment to meet with him and see if he can't sway the management's opinion.

Tomorrow I'll sneak some pictures of the offending lettering before I go on my campaign to get the lettering removed. Since it's down the street from the Bob Lanier Public Works Building, I'll stop by and pay them a visit. Though I am gainfully employed, I'm just gonna stop by to see what jobs the city has posted.

Have a good one!

Stay safe...

SteyrM40

I feel like an idiot asking, but...

If there are typos in the signage, then that would not be the exact wording as required by 30.06, is it not?

Glenn

Hi Baytown,

Believe it or not, in the Spanish version, the actual code in the law books has typos in it. I am a Spanish teacher, so you can imagine that everytime I see the sign, it drives me crazy.

Stay safe...

SteyrM40

Did not know that.

Glenn

buisness personal property is the stuff in the building.

real property is the building and the land it sits on.

since i don't think my employer knows about this site i have no problem telling you all that i work for the law firm that collects property taxes for the county. i'll check on the status of the Hobby Center.

the building at 810 Bagby is owned by the city. HCAD doesnt have any info for a 800 Bagby.

so i think you can carry at the hobby center.

thanks,
matt

Hello everyone,

I was at The Hobby Center today and took a bunch of pictures, especially of the 30.06 lettering on the doors. As silly as I may have looked, I also got down on the ground to measure the letters. They are 7/8" tall. This means, that -- technically -- they are uninforceable. These are, certainly the closest-to-compliant non-compliant 30.06 signs I have seen. Still, they are non-compliant. I would, therefore, go ahead and say that CHL holders can indeed carry in the Hobby Center while lawfully carrying a concealed handgun. In the unlikely event that someone notices, contacts the police, and you get arrested, I believe that the state would not be able to convict you for breaking any law.

Section 30.06(c)(3)(B)(ii) of the Penal Code clarly states: "appears in contrasting colors with block letters at least one inch in height..." Further, PC §30.06(c)(3)(B)(ii) states: "is displayed in a conspicuous manner clearly visible to the public". The letters are not even above knee-level, so I don't know how 'conspicuous' that is.

Stay safe...

SteyrM40

Notice: This post does not constitue legal advice. I am not your lawyer.