Councilmember Joaquin Martinez on Progress, Representation, and Elevating Houston’s District I
At the heart of Houston’s District I, Councilmember Joaquin Martinez continues his mission of service, guided by his East End roots and a deep commitment to community uplift. Now a year and a half into his first term, Martinez reflects on both accomplishments and the ongoing challenges of representing a district that spans from Downtown to the East End, Hobby Airport, and the Northeast.
“I can’t do this work without community partners,” Martinez emphasized. “It’s important that community know that we’re a resource, that we’re here to serve.”
A Year and a Half of Progress in District I
Martinez, a proud University of Houston-Downtown alumnus, has centered his tenure around direct community engagement and tangible improvements across District I.
“We’ve seen us being able to fulfill some drainage projects, Mason Park, some improvements there, in the Hobby Airport, green space improvements as well in the Northeast.”
Economic partnerships have also been pivotal.
“We’re looking at how we partner with economic development, the tax increment reinvestment zone up in that area,” he said, adding that District I’s economic health is intrinsically linked to Houston’s overall vitality: “Wherever District I goes, the city goes really because we really touch on every aspect of the city.”
But it’s the everyday presence with residents that brings Martinez the most pride.
“Most proud of, I think it’s… the engagement that we have day in, day out with the community. It’s a little bit more exhausting, but it’s worth it.”
Latino Representation in City Council: A Necessary Lift
Houston is a majority-Latino city, yet only three out of 16 city council seats are held by Latino members. Martinez recognizes the weight of that underrepresentation.
“As 1 of the three Latino council members, it’s a heavier lift, right? It’s, you know, weight on your shoulders to represent not just District I within the Latino community as a whole because they do lean into you, Spanish speaking parts of the city of Houston.”
He often steps in personally to ensure Spanish-speaking residents are heard at City Hall.
“People come to public session, I’m translating for them as well. Sometimes I take it upon myself because I feel it’s important that their voices are being represented around the horseshoe.”
Bilingual Resources at City Hall
Martinez underscored that language should never be a barrier to civic participation. “If you ever call to report any issues at 311, you can always ask for bilingual support,” he said. The city connects residents with Spanish-speaking staff to ease the reporting of issues like potholes or missed trash pickup.
“When you come to City Hall and speak in front of what you would probably think of all only English speakers, we do have somebody here within the Mayor’s Citizens Assistance Office that is able to translate as well when they’re speaking,” he explained.
Still, when necessary, Martinez steps in: “I actually enjoy [translating]. There’s been a few times where folks have been called, they come and they have issues in my district… I still translate it the way they want me to.”
“They know that I’m here to serve them at the end of the day. And my colleagues recognize that no matter what folks are saying… I’m gonna represent my community as honest and transparent as possible.”
The Demands of a Councilmember: More Than a Part-Time Job
Technically a part-time position, Martinez describes the council role as anything but: “It’s really 24/7. You never escape.” Raised in the East End, Martinez and his family still live within District I. His community presence is constant — from Little League games to civic club meetings.
“My son plays at Mason Park with the Magnolia Park Sharks. If the grass isn’t cut, like, ‘councilmember, the grass isn’t cut,’” he joked.
Economic Development for a Diverse District
District I’s economic makeup is diverse — from downtown’s business and tech sectors to the stable industrial presence of the Port of Houston and refineries.
While majority Latino, Martinez noted, the district is also seeing an influx of new residents.
Martinez’s vision is about balance: supporting longstanding industries while fostering innovation, sustainability, and walkable communities.
“East Downtown historically was a warehouse district. But as more residents are moving in, everything that every other neighborhood has, East Downtown needs that as well.”
He uses tools like tax increment reinvestment zones and management districts to bring in infrastructure improvements: “When we do a full reconstruction, it might be more appetizing to somebody to say, hey, you know what, I want to open up. Pop up here.”
Tackling Aging Infrastructure and Flooding
Flooding remains a top concern. “Almost all the bayous eventually converged into District I, where Buffalo Bayou and the Ship Channel meet up,” Martinez explained. The city is responsible for drainage up to the bayous, while Harris County Flood Control manages capacity beyond that — making collaboration essential.
“We actually this last fiscal year added an extra, I want to say $50,000,000 to our drainage projects,” he said, while acknowledging the scale of the challenge: “Will we be able to catch up to all of them? No. Quite frankly, we got decades and decades of deferred maintenance.”
Martinez also champions a data-driven approach.
“The city has been moving more… into a data-driven [model] so we’re more proactive about taking measurements of the street, doing surface condition evaluations.”
Hurricane Preparedness: Plan Ahead
With Houston’s hurricane season underway, Martinez advised residents to prepare early.
“We need to make sure that we all have our documentation right… I can identify myself, I can identify my kids,” he advised, also suggesting families gradually build up emergency supplies like batteries, radios, and flashlights.
“There’s a lot that you can do and a lot of this information… you can get it from my office, from my team,” he added, pointing to resources like Ready Houston and Ready Harris.
A Personal Connection to Public Safety
Public safety remains personal for Martinez, who grew up playing in HPD-supported youth leagues.
“We need that community policing, community engagement from Houston Police Department,” he said.
His office promotes events like Café con la Policía to strengthen ties between law enforcement and Spanish-speaking residents.
“It’s a difficult thing to sometimes kind of always trust… but at the end of the day, folks need to know that City of Houston is here to make sure we take care of everyone no matter status, age.”
Giving Back: From Recipient to Advocate
Martinez’s public service ethos was shaped by his upbringing. “My family was first recipients to receive toys for Christmas,” he shared.
“Whatever they need, I’ll do backflips for them to raise money.”
He has donated laptops to Austin High School, supported youth bike rides, and partners with local leagues and schools — the same places that once supported his family.
“I’m not gonna take any of this with me. So anything I can do to give back, I’m going to.”
Mentoring the Next Generation
Martinez is also passionate about inspiring youth to see themselves in leadership roles.
“I’m accessible to any young folks,” he said. “Once you have a young individual has access and exposure, it builds confidence… they should be sitting at that mayoral seat eventually.”
A Message to Houstonians
In closing, Martinez urged residents to stay informed and engaged.
“Keep tuning in… It’s important that as you receive that information that you engage… and find out how you can get involved.”
Connect with Councilmember Joaquin Martinez
- Phone: 832-393-3011
- Email: district.i@houstontx.gov
- Instagram and X:@JMartinez4HOU
- Facebook: Joaquin Martinez.
Connie Francis, Singer of ‘Pretty Little Baby,’ Dies at 87
Connie Francis, the iconic voice behind the 1962 hit “Pretty Little Baby” and “Everybody’s Somebody’s Fool,” has died at the age of 87, her manager confirmed. Ron Roberts, her copyrights and royalties manager, shared the news on social media, expressing sadness while noting Francis would have wanted her fans to hear first.
Viral Revival of ‘Pretty Little Baby’
Francis recently enjoyed a resurgence thanks to TikTok, where “Pretty Little Baby” became a viral sensation, featured in over 17 million videos and generating more than 27 billion views worldwide. The track, from her 1962 album Connie Francis Sings ‘Second Hand Love’ & Other Hits, even landed on Spotify’s Global and U.S. charts for the first time this year.
A Trailblazing Career
Born Concetta Rosa Maria Franconero in Newark, New Jersey, on December 12, 1937, Francis began performing on television at age 9. She skyrocketed to fame in 1958 with “Who’s Sorry Now” and, by 1960, became the first female artist to reach No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 with “Everybody’s Somebody’s Fool.”
Over her career, Francis charted 53 Billboard hits and received a special Golden Globe in 1964 for her contributions to music. In 2001, “Who’s Sorry Now” was named one of the Songs of the Century by the Recording Industry Association of America and the National Endowment for the Arts.
A Lasting Legacy
With an estimated 200 million records sold worldwide, Francis leaves behind a legacy that spans generations, forever remembered for her powerful voice and enduring hits.
For the sad, the good, and the juicy updates from our beloved stars, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.
A few showers Thursday, tropical downpours return Friday
HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — We’ll be watching an area of tropical moisture moving in from the Gulf for the rest of the week.
Some of this moisture could start impacting us Thursday afternoon and evening. Numerous showers and scattered storms will return Friday as a plume of moisture moves in from Louisiana.
Does the tropical system east of Louisiana have a chance for development?
Yes. The National Hurricane Center is giving it a 30% chance for development as it moves toward southeast Louisiana.
What should I be doing right now to prepare?
Pay close attention to the forecast this week. Although the system has a low chance of becoming a tropical system, it could bring us some heavy downpours Friday. For a thorough update and in-depth video on what’s happening in the tropics, head to our tropical update page.
This story comes from our news partner ABC13 Houston.
Keep up with all things Houston with us on Que Onda Magazine.
First Look at Final Season of Stranger Things
After a three-year wait, Netflix has unveiled the first teaser for the final season of Stranger Things. The preview showcases intense special effects, emotional moments, and a sprawling cast, while keeping plot details limited.
Release Schedule
Season five will arrive in three parts around holiday weekends: Volume 1 on Nov. 26 with four episodes, Volume 2 on Christmas with three episodes, and The Finale on New Year’s Eve. All parts will drop at 5 p.m. PT.
Official Synopsis
Set in the fall of 1987, Hawkins is under military quarantine after the opening of the Rifts. The group must reunite to find and kill Vecna, whose whereabouts are unknown. Meanwhile, Eleven is forced into hiding again, and a looming darkness more powerful than ever threatens their town.
Ambitious and Emotional Production
Co-creator Ross Duffer revealed the season took a full year to film, resulting in over 650 hours of footage—describing it as “eight blockbuster movies.” Matt Duffer added that it’s the most personal story yet, saying, “There was so much crying. The show means so much to all of us.”
Episode Titles and Future Projects
The announced episode titles include “The Crawl,” “The Turnbow Trap,” and “The Rightside Up,” among others. The Duffer brothers also hinted at more projects within the Stranger Things universe, promising high-quality, unique stories still in development.
Returning Cast
The season features fan favorites like Millie Bobby Brown, Finn Wolfhard, Noah Schnapp, Gaten Matarazzo, Caleb McLaughlin, and more.
For the latest on film, shows, and entertainment, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.
2-year-old dies after being found unresponsive in retention pond behind home in Katy
KATY, Texas (KTRK) — A 2-year-old child died Tuesday night after authorities say the toddler somehow wandered into a retention pond in Katy.
As of Wednesday morning, investigators say they don’t know how the child got out of the house, but they are interviewing the parents as part of the investigation.
The Harris County Constable’s Office Precinct 5 said the call to 911 came in just after 10 p.m. for a missing child.
Constable deputies responded to the Ventana Lakes neighborhood and began searching the area.
A retention pond a couple of hundred feet away was where constable deputies say the child was found unresponsive.
“We believe other people may have found the child. We are not sure yet,” HCSO Det. Jesse Arenivas said.
The 2-year-old was taken to the hospital, where the child was pronounced dead.
The Harris County Sheriff’s Office is conducting the investigation.
This story comes from our news partner ABC13 Houston.
For news updates, follow Charly Edsitty on Facebook, X and Instagram.
For the latest Houston news, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine and our news partner ABC13 Houston.
Deadly Fire at Assisted-Living Facility Could Have Killed Dozens More, Chief Says
A devastating fire at the Gabriel House assisted-living facility in Fall River, Massachusetts, claimed nine lives and injured dozens, but fire officials say the outcome could have been far worse.
Fire Chief Jeffrey Bacon said the five-alarm blaze “was destined to kill 50-plus people,” crediting the “heroic” efforts of first responders for saving many lives. Firefighters described difficult decisions while rescuing residents, with some breaking through heavy smoke to reach nonambulatory individuals.
Harrowing Rescue Efforts
Responders encountered flames bursting from the front door and described the interior as “eerily quiet.” A captain was able to knock down the fire quickly, preventing more deaths. About 70 residents lived in the facility; two people remained in critical condition as of Wednesday.
Investigation Underway
Authorities confirmed the fire began in a second-floor room. Although the cause is still under investigation, the Bristol County District Attorney’s office said it does not appear suspicious.
Victims Identified
Officials released the names of eight of the nine victims, aged between 61 and 86. The identity of the ninth victim, a 70-year-old woman, has not yet been made public.
For more updates on this tragedy, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.
Judge to Reconsider Detention of Abrego Garcia Pending Trial
A federal judge in Tennessee will hear arguments Wednesday on whether Kilmar Abrego Garcia should remain in detention while awaiting trial on human smuggling charges.
Last month, U.S. Magistrate Judge Barbara Holmes allowed Abrego Garcia’s release under certain conditions. But after federal prosecutors requested a stay, a district judge scheduled a new hearing for the government to present further evidence for his detention.
Government Pushes for Continued Detention
Acting U.S. Attorney Robert E. McGuire argued in court filings that no bail conditions could guarantee public safety or ensure Abrego Garcia would appear at future court dates. McGuire said evidence from a 2022 Tennessee traffic stop, reviewed by a Homeland Security official, supported keeping Abrego Garcia detained.
Abrego Garcia, originally from El Salvador, was deported in March to the CECOT mega-prison despite a 2019 court order barring his removal due to fear of persecution. He was returned to the U.S. last month to face smuggling charges in Tennessee. He has pleaded not guilty.
Risk of Deportation and Further Proceedings
Prosecutors warned that if released, Abrego Garcia would likely be taken into immigration custody and deported to a third country. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials have mentioned Mexico and South Sudan as examples of where noncitizens fearing persecution have been sent.
His lawyers are asking the court to require 72 hours’ notice before any potential deportation if he is released on bond.
For more on Garcia’s case, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.
HCSO deputy resigns after investigation into association with felons, docs show
HARRIS COUNTY, Texas (KTRK) — A Harris County sheriff’s deputy resigned before she was scheduled to be terminated over allegations that she maintained close ties with two known felons.
According to HCSO personnel records obtained by ABC13 through an open records request, Deputy Selena Perez was under investigation for her alleged association with brothers Christopher Mejia and Paul Mejia Gutierrez. The report states that Perez had contact with the two men, who authorities say are known felons and, in the case of Christopher, allegedly tied to the Cartel Jalisco New Generation (CJNG).
Perez, 33, spent four years as a patrol deputy in District 2, which includes parts of northeast Harris County near Humble. Her personnel file includes strong performance evaluations and praise from supervisors. In May 2023, one supervisor wrote that she was “an asset to the Harris County Sheriff’s Office.”
However, by May 2025, the department had initiated proceedings to terminate her employment. Instead, a HCSO spokesman said she submitted her resignation on May 12, the same day she was scheduled to be formally notified of her dismissal.
According to the investigation, Perez’s name was revealed following a chop shop raid in 2024. Officials on scene said those who were arrested had ties to CJNG. A couple months later, internal affairs investigators began surveillance operations on Perez.
The investigation revealed that Perez called and texted the brothers approximately 150 times over a two-year period.
Records also show that Perez allowed Christopher Mejia to use her personal vehicle, which was later pulled over in a traffic stop. A deputy reportedly discovered $10,000 hidden under the car’s seats, but Mejia was let go and allowed to keep the money. Additionally, investigators allege that Perez used department systems in 2023 to perform criminal history checks on the Mejias.
The report noted that Perez eventually disclosed her ties to the Mejias when Paul’s name was mentioned during roll call. She told her supervisor she had known them since high school.
Retired Houston Police Department Captain Greg Fremin, who reviewed the case, said the allegations are a serious violation of department policy.
“That’s something they drill down literally from day one. Do not associate with known felons,” Fremin said. “Don’t put yourself in a predicament where there’s going to be possible criminal activity that could come your way. That’s not going to bode well for you.”
In a statement to ABC13, Perez’s attorney denied any wrongdoing and stressed Perez and Christopher Mejia were just high school acquaintances.
“Ms. Perez has no affiliation with any cartel and never has. She is not under any criminal investigation, and to say otherwise is slander,” Mark Thering said in a statement. “Ms. Perez has fully cooperated with internal affairs and law enforcement.”
State records show Perez still holds an active peace officer license. However, Fremin emphasized that the expectations for law enforcement officers are high and must be upheld.
“We have to be beyond reproach,” he said. “Our integrity, that’s a huge thing.”
For more on this story, follow Jessica Willey on Facebook, X and Instagram.
Less rain through Thursday, tropical downpours return Friday
HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — Drier air moving in through Thursday will give us less rain and hotter temps. A quick round of Saharan dust will blow in on Wednesday and give us a hazy sky for a day. Then we’ll be watching an area of tropical moisture moving in from the Gulf by the end of the week.
Does the tropical system east of Florida have a chance for development?
Yes. The National Hurricane Center is giving it a 40% chance for development over the next couple of days, as it moves through the northern Gulf.
Is there a chance the system makes it to the upper Texas coast at some point?
The chance of it making it to the Texas coast as a tropical storm is lower today. Most models track it near the Gulf coast, then take it towards Louisiana.
What should I be doing right now to prepare?
Pay close attention to the forecast this week. Although the system has a medium chance of becoming a tropical system, it could bring us some heavy downpours Friday and Saturday. For a thorough update and in-depth video on what’s happening in the tropics, head to our tropical update page.
This story comes from our news partner ABC13 Houston.
Keep up with all things Houston with us on Que Onda Magazine.