Lane closure at 15600 Highway 3

August 29th, 2018

Houston City Councilman Dave Martin would like to make residents aware that the City of Public Works Department is replacing the air release valve vent pipe and manhole ring, frame and cover on the 42-inch water line at 15600 Old Galveston Road, beginning Monday, Aug. 27. The project is anticipated to be completed by Tuesday, September 11, 2018.

During construction, the outside southbound lane of the 15600 block of Old Galveston Road will be closed from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Drivers should expect reduced traffic speed through the channelized area during this time. To ensure driver and worker safety, traffic control measures will be in place at all times. The District E office has contacted the Houston Police Department’s Clear Lake Substation to ask that officers monitor the location and provide assistance with traffic control as needed.

For more information, contact the District E Office by emailing [email protected] or by calling 832-393-3008.

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
Posted in Community, News | No Comments

Fabulous at 50!

August 1st, 2018

Summer birthday BFF’s Lara Bell and Roseann Rogers celebrated a big 5-0 on Wednesday, June 27 at Hotel Zaza Memorial City. Over 150 friends and family gathered to salute the fabulous 50th birthday of this dynamic duoH. Bell and Rogers have been celebrating their summer birthdays together for more than 20 years.

“At our 29th birthday parties, which were weeks apart and had pretty much the same people at each, we decided we would combine the summer celebrations and make it more fun and more fabulous,” said Bell.

For their 50th they decided for “cocktail cool celebration” by the pool at the new Hotel Zaza in Memorial City. Guests sipped Deep Eddy and Patron Specialty Vodka Drinks, while they nibbled on delicious appetizers which included Crispy Artichoke and Boursin Beignet with Tabasco Syrup, Mini Beef Wellington with Port Reduction, and Grilled Chipotle Chicken Skewer with Red Bell Pepper Jam.

“This year’s birthday celebration was extra special because we rekindled friendships from years gone by. It was like a reunion of former colleagues and dear friends. We are truly blessed!” added Rogers.

This isn’t the first time the duo celebrated their birthdays at Hotel ZaZa. In fact, Lara and Roseann celebrated their 41st birthday at the original hotel in the museum district. Their celebration was the first ever pool-side event when the hotel very first opened. Guests left the party with not only goody bags but with a late night snack, chicken sandwiches courtesy of Whataburger!

In lieu of gifts, Lara and Roseann encouraged friends and family to donate to KidsMeals. The two are co-chairing the 10th Anniversary Harvest Luncheon on Nov. 2. At last count, the donations were well past $2,500.

Seen in the chic crowd were loads of their media friends including Deborah Duncan, Alicia Smith, Myia Shay, Chita Craft, Laurette Veres, Warner Roberts, Laura and Ned Davenport, Richard Ray, Anthony Dowd, Suzy Bergner, Mary Beth Mosley, Dr. Angela Strum, Bruce Padilla, Shelby Kibodeaux, Kim Padgett, Sonia Soto, Suzanne and Adam Stiles, Michelle and Jeff Majewski, Christina Sacco, Bree Knodel, Page Parkes, and Edward Sanchez.

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , ,
Posted in News | No Comments

Houston’s Local Action Plan Open for Public Input Until June 21

June 8th, 2018

The City of Houston has released its draft local action plan for $1.15 billion in housing recovery funding. The plan is available for review and public comment from Thursday, June 7 through Thursday, June 21 and will be submitted to City Council for approval on June 27. The plan includes a local needs assessment, programs and budget, and spending timelines for $1,155,119,250 in Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) funds.

“Hurricane Harvey hit hard for many Houstonians, but it didn’t break our spirit,” said Mayor Sylvester Turner. “With these recovery resources, our goal is to make historic progress in ensuring that every Houstonian has a safe, affordable place to live, and that our neighborhoods provide economic opportunities for Houstonians to thrive.”

Since the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) announced the availability of housing recovery funds in February, the City has been working with Harris County, the State of Texas, and the federal government to ensure that Houston gets its fair share of these resources and that they are locally controlled. Submitting a local action plan to the Texas General Land Office (GLO) is a requirement for Houston to receive this funding.

The Housing and Community Development Department (HCDD) has been convening public meetings and focus groups to inform the development of the local action plan. Since April, HCDD has worked with civic groups, the Super Neighborhood Council, and City Council Members to host or participate in 17 community meetings, focus groups, and public events to get input on Houstonians’ recovery priorities.

“Houstonians must have a voice in their own recovery,” said Housing Director Tom McCasland. “Our department will continue to be out in the community, listening to people’s experience, concerns, and needs so that we can build a stronger, more resilient, and more equitable city.”

More than 600 people have participated in events focused on long-term recovery since April and 383 have taken HCDD’s recovery survey: www.surveymonkey.com/r/HoustonHarveyRecovery. Additional meetings will be held throughout the comment period before the draft goes to City Council on June 27. A list of upcoming events is posted at www.houstontx.gov/housing and on the HCDD Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/pg/HoustonHCDD.

Later this summer, Houston’s plan will be incorporated into the State of Texas Plan for Disaster Recovery: Hurricane Harvey – Round 1 as a substantial amendment. Harris County’s plan will be incorporated in the same amendment.

Public comments on the local action plan may be submitted by email to: [email protected] or by mail: HCDD, ATTN: Fatima Wajahat, 601 Sawyer, Suite 400, Houston, TX 77007. View the draft Plan at:

To learn more about CDBG-DR and upcoming events related to disaster recovery, please call 832.394.6200 or visit www.houstontx.gov/housing.

Tags: , , , , , , ,
Posted in News | No Comments

Robert Lightfoot honored at RNASA Foundation Space Gala

May 9th, 2018

Johnson Space Center Director Ellen Ochoa presents the National Space Trophy to Robert Lightfoot, recently retired acting NASA administrator. RNASA photo

The Rotary National Award for Space Achievement (RNASA) Foundation presented the 2018 National Space Trophy to Robert Lightfoot, NASA’s former acting administrator at its 32nd annual black-tie Space Awards Gala on April 27, 2018 at the Houston Hyatt Regency.

RNASA Foundation Chairman Rodolfo González welcomed the guests to gala, saying that “RNASA’s mission is to encourage, recognize, honor and celebrate U.S. space achievements from across the entire country and across all sectors.” The Clear Brook High School JROTC Color Guard presented the colors, followed by Thomas Glass, first year baritone from Houston Grand Opera, who sang the National Anthem a cappella.

Reverend Michael Stone, St. Thomas the Apostle Episcopal Church, gave the invocation.

After dinner, the program kicked off with a year-in-review film by Space City Films. John Zarrella, former CNN correspondent served as the emcee. “We are here tonight” he said, “in no small part to acknowledge the accomplishments of men and women behind the scenes. Tonight, we will honor many individuals who have made outstanding contributions to our space program.”

Cindy Steele, NASA Public and Stakeholder Engagement Division chief, presented the 2018 Space Communicator Award to actor William Shatner, best known for his role as Capt. James Kirk of Star Trek’s USS Enterprise, saying that “as a lifelong advocate of science and exploration, Mr. Shatner has inspired generations of young explorers.” Shatner accepted the honor via video, saying “the concept of space travel and exploration is one of great mysteries we humans can ponder. Space is the greatest mystery story of all.”

Stellar Awards were presented to 29 individuals and 8 teams. The Stellar Award winners were announced by NASA astronauts Shane Kimbrough and Peggy Whitson, who then presented them with engraved marble trophies donated by Orbital ATK. The Stellar Awards were presented in Early Career, Mid-Career, Late Career and Team categories.

NASA astronauts Scott Tingle, Drew Feustel, and Ricky Arnold sent a congratulatory message down from the International Space Station to Lightfoot on receiving the National Space Trophy, telling him “we wouldn’t be on this amazing laboratory in space today if it hadn’t been for your complete dedication to our mission and for your effectiveness in the many roles you held over your career. Our community thrives because of your commitment to safety and mission success. Robert, congratulations on this prestigious and well-deserved honor.”

Ellen Ochoa, director of the Johnson Space Center, presented the prestigious 2018 National Space Trophy to Robert Lightfoot. In her introductory comments, Dr. Ochoa said “The many leadership roles that Robert Lightfoot has held and excelled at over his entire aerospace career made him the ideal person to lead NASA during the last 15 months.” While accepting the NST, Lightfoot said “…I really feel like I’ve been honored with the pinnacle of recognition in our business. This is the biggest award you could bestow on me, but really it is for this entire team and what we do. What we do every day makes a difference.”

Lt. Gen Thomas P. Stafford, USAF (Ret.), Gemini and Apollo astronaut, and the 1993 National Space Trophy winner, presented an Omega speedmaster watch to Lightfoot, saying “The National Space Trophy is very well deserved. I followed you your whole career; it has been superb.”
Engility donated the portrait of Lightfoot by Pat Rawlings, which was on display at the gala and used as the cover of the souvenir program. The portrait will become part of the National Space Trophy display at Space Center Houston for one year.

Tags: , , , , , , ,
Posted in Business, News | No Comments

This mayor is quite proud of his great big city

July 1st, 2017

Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership President Bob Mitchell, left, and BAHEP Chairman Dr. Greg Smith thank Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner for coming down to Clear Lake to address the BAHEP luncheon at the Clear Lake Hilton.

By Mary Alys Cherry

Listening to Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner, you can easily tell how proud he is of the city. As he addressed the Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership’s June 1 luncheon, he couldn’t stop boasting about America’s fourth largest city, and how it would be the 23rd largest in the world if it was a country.

How it added 18,000 jobs in April – its best growth in 35 years, how the Texas Medical Center is growing, how it is the most diverse city in the country with 140 languages spoken, how we hosted the most watched Super Bowl ever, and how “The Los Angeles Times wrote ‘New York City is in Houston’s rear view mirror.’”

Looking around the ballroom at the Clear Lake Hilton at the smiles on everyone’s faces in the sellout crowd, it was easy to tell his audience was enjoying listening as much as he was enjoying his storytelling – giving him a standing ovation.

Webster City Manager Wayne Sabo, right, stops to visit with Ron Servis of Judge Ed Emmett’s office and Carla Medlenka, Houston Methodist St. John Hospital marketing manager, at the BAHEP luncheon at the Clear Lake Hilton.

Several area mayors were in the crowd, including Mark Denman of Nassau Bay, Michel Bechtel of Morgan’s Point, Louis Rigby of La Porte and Carl Joiner of Kemah. Houston City Councilman Dave Martin introduced him. Other elected officials included City Councilors Amanda Fenwick of Clear Lake Shores, Jack Christie and David Robinson of Houston, Bob Warters of Nassau Bay, Pat Van Houte of Pasadena, Theresa Vasquez Evans of Kemah, Nancy Ojeda of La Porte and Andrea Wilson of Webster.

Others BAHEP President Bob Mitchell welcomed included Johnson Space Center Director Dr. Ellen Ochoa, San Jacinto College Chancellor Dr. Brenda Hellyer, Ellington Airport Director Arturo Machuca, Barrios President Robbie McAfoos, GeoControl Systems President Rose Zarcaro, MEI Technologies President David Cazes and Space Center Houston President William Harris.

Tags: , ,
Posted in Community, News | No Comments

Houston Pension Solution takes historic step forward in Texas Legislature

March 21st, 2017

After hearing testimony from Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner and many others, the Texas Senate State Affairs Committee Monday, March 20 voted to send the Houston Pension Solution to the full senate for approval.  With one exception, the measure passed out of committee is the same reform package supported by a 16-1 vote of City Council and forwarded to Austin by the City of Houston.

“This is a historic day,” said Mayor Turner.  “With today’s vote, the state affairs committee joins the growing list of supporters for the Houston Pension Solution.  Our plan eliminates $8.1 billion in unfunded liability, caps future costs, does not require a tax increase and is budget neutral.  There is no other plan that achieves these goals and has the same consensus of support.”

The state affairs committee measure includes a provision requiring a vote for the issuance of Pension Obligation Bonds (POBs).  The agreement between the city and the Houston Police Officers Pension System (HPOPS), as well as the Houston Municipal Employees Pension System (HMEPS), includes the issuance of $1 billion in pension bonds to replace existing debt the city already owes HPOPS and HMEPS.  They will not result in new borrowing.

“We oppose the inclusion of this provision and will continue to fight for its removal,” said Turner.  “As my father taught me, a deal is a deal.  We have kept our word to the police and municipal employee pension systems.  Now I am asking the Texas Legislature to do the same.”

The mayor is reiterating a call to the Houston Firefighter Relief and Retirement Fund (HFRRF) to provide data on the true costs of providing firefighter pension benefits.

He was joined in that call by Texas Sen. Joan Huffman, who is sponsoring the Houston Pension Solution in the Texas Senate.  Both the mayor and Huffman indicated willingness to revisit the proposed changes in firefighter pension benefits if HFRRF will provide the cost analysis it has, so far, refused to release.

Mayor Turner will travel to Austin again next Monday to testify before the Texas House Committee on Pensions.  The House version of the bill does not include the requirement of a vote for POBs.

Tags: , , , ,
Posted in News | No Comments

Previous »
Bay Area Houston Magazine