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What They Are Saying About The Texas Plan For School Finance And Property Tax Reform

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Austin American Statesman: “The Measure Would Make Sweeping Reforms To The Way The State’s Public Schools Are Financed.” “The measure would make sweeping reforms to the way the state’s public schools are financed, through updating and eliminating elements of the formulas, directing more money toward educating low-income students, giving teachers raises and curbing the growth of property taxes that school districts levy.” (Austin American-Statesman, 5/23/19)

San Antonio Express News: “Followed Through On Promises.” “Abbott emphasized that he and the Legislature have followed through on promises the three Republican leaders made in January.” (San Antonio Express News, 5/23/19)

Dallas Mayor Mike Rawlings: “Texas Should Be Proud Of What HB3 Represents For All Of Our Kids.” “I’ve spent the past eight years as mayor of Dallas doing all that I could to support the innovation within Dallas ISD. It’s gratifying to see many of their bold reforms incorporated into the overhaul of Texas’ school finance system. As we’ve seen in Dallas, strategically investing more in our students pays dividends for years to come. Thanks to both the leadership in the Legislature and the year-long work that preceded this legislative session through the Commission on Public School Finance, Texas should be proud of what HB3 represents for all of our kids.” (KTVT, 5/23/19)

Dallas Morning News: “The Product Of Five Months Of Legislating Between The House And The Senate.” “The announcement is the culmination of two years of studying how to improve outcomes for Texas’s students who are underachieving compared to state peers. It’s the product of five months of legislating between the House and the Senate.” (Dallas Morning News, 5/23/19)

KXAS Headline: “Texas Legislators Agree To Deal On School Finance, Property Tax Reform” (KXAS, 5/23/19)

Texas Tribune: “A Comprehensive Reform Of School Finance And Legislation Designed To Slow The Growth Of Rising Property Taxes.” “Texas’ top three political leaders declared Thursday that the Legislature had reached agreements on its top three 2019 priorities: A two-year state budget, a comprehensive reform of school finance and legislation designed to slow the growth of rising property taxes.” (Texas Tribune, 5/23/19)

KCBD: “A Two-Year State Budget, A Comprehensive Reform Of School Finance, And Legislation Designed To Slow The Growth Of Rising Property Taxes.” “New developments today from the top three political leaders in Texas. They say the legislature has reached agreements on its top three priorities of the session. Those include a two-year state budget, a comprehensive reform of school finance, and legislation designed to slow the growth of rising property taxes. Governor Greg Abbott made the announcement late this afternoon, just a few days before the legislature is scheduled to gavel out. Both chambers will need to sign off on the three negotiated bills before the regular session ends Monday.” (KCBD, 5/23/19) 

Fort Worth Star-Telegram: “Reached Long-Sought Agreements” “Top Texas leaders announced Thursday that they’ve hashed out differences and reached long-sought agreements in plans for teacher raises, property taxes and school funding.” (Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 5/23/19)

KEYE Headline: “Austin ISD Leaders Say School Finance Bill Will Leave District ‘Better Off'” (KEYE, 5/23/19)

Corpus Christi Caller Times: “A Running Theme In The Afternoon News Conference Was Political Harmony.” “A running theme in the afternoon news conference was political harmony. Joining the Republican leadership at the photo opportunity were four Democratic lawmakers who worked on the school finance package, and Abbott and Co. were quick to tout the cooperative spirit of the behind-the-scene crafting on the plan they said will be well over 100 pages.” (Corpus Christi Caller Times, 5/23/19)

4 New Hike And Bike Trails Open In Houston As Part Of Bayou Greenways 2020 Project

Houstonians have at least four new hike and bike trails to explore this summer, with paths opening up along the Greens, Hunting and Sims bayous.

The four pathways are part of the Bayou Greenways 2020 project, which is converting 3,000 acres of land along the city’s bayous into linear parks. When complete, the $220 million project will include 150 miles of trails that connect communities along the waterways.

The project is a private-public partnership between the Houston Parks Board, the City of Houston and the Houston Parks and Recreation Department.

Beth White, the President of the Houston Parks Board, said beyond bringing parks to more people, the project also helps with flood management and mitigation, among other things.

“When this project first started out, it really began as an urban parks program,” said White. “And what it’s grown into, is still at the heart an urban parks program, but also alternative transportation and also land conservation.”

She said the project is on track to be “substantially complete” by the end of 2020.

In the meantime, here’s a look at the four latest segments to open to the public.

County Attorney Vince Ryan’s Community Protection Program

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Harris County Attorney Vince Ryan has added the North Houston District to his Community Protection program.

The North Houston District will join five other management districts in the program that provides additional resources from the County Attorney’s Office to focus on properties within the districts where habitual criminal activity occurs.

“We are pleased to have the opportunity to work with the North Houston District in innovative ways to help protect neighborhoods and improve the quality of life for all Harris County residents,” County Attorney Ryan said.

County Attorney Ryan’s Community Protection program was started in July 2011 in the Spring Branch, Southwest and Brays Oaks Management Districts.  It has since been expanded to include East Aldine and International Management Districts.

The partnership was formally announced during a media tour hosted by the North Houston District on Tuesday, May 21. Celena Vinson, Managing Attorney for the Litigation Practice Group, was on hand to represent the County Attorney’s Office in the announcement.

The North Houston District is a special purpose district created by the Texas Legislature that uses public and private partnerships to provide enhanced services in public safety, planning and development, beautification and maintenance of public rights of way, and development of parks and trails. The District covers a 12-square-mile area in North Houston bordered by the Hardy Toll Road to the east, Airtex Boulevard/Drive to the north, Veterans Memorial to the west and West Road to the south.

Under the program, the district and the County Attorney’s Office work with owners of property where crime is routinely occurring to help the owners voluntarily take steps to reduce crime.  When the owners fail to take reasonable steps, the County Attorney can file civil lawsuits to seek a court order to require the owners to take measures to reduce crime.  Some of the court-ordered measures the County Attorney has obtained include adding security guards, surveillance cameras, and lighting.  Sometimes a judge will order businesses to fix fences, make other repairs or conduct criminal background checks on tenants.

In the past year, the County Attorney’s Community Protection program has forced places known for illegal activity to close down, including a crime-ridden Spring Branch apartment complex, an illegal game room where a guard had been kidnapped, and several after-hours clubs serving liquor without a license.

Publicación 1146 – Revista Digital 30 de Mayo – 5 de Junio / 2019

Gracias por visitarnos, este artículo contiene la revista digital de ¡Que Onda Magazine! de fecha 30 de Mayo hasta el 5 de Junio del 2019.

Descargar versión digital – Que Onda!

Houston Mariachi Festival featuring Special Guest Vanessa Alonzo

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Join us Saturday, June 8th for a evening with Mariachi 7 Leguas. Doors open at 6pm, show starts at 7pm.

To purchase tickets, visit www.tbhcenter.org

Travel: Saint Lucia

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St. Lucia is a surprising Caribbean powerhouse.

Breathtakingly gorgeous yet shockingly down to earth, you’ll find little to detract from this perfect island paradise. Honeymooners may have made a strong claim to its sandy shores, but St. Lucia is a destination for everyone, from the thrill seekers to the beach bums.

WHEN TO GO

April – June

Peak travel season runs from December to April when the weather is dry and sunny. Traveling in late spring means fewer tourists to contend with and less chance of encountering tropical rain. As a bonus, the Saint Lucia Jazz & Arts Festival takes place each May, and it’s definitely worth checking out.

DISCOVERIES

Where Sea Meets Shore

Tropical paradise and stunning beaches go hand in hand, and you’ll want to do more than your fair share of sunbathing on the shores of St. Lucia. A truly remarkable collection of public and private beaches awaits you, and you won’t be able to stick to just one. Start with Sugar Beach, squeezed between the two Piton peaks this beach is iconic to St. Lucia, and though part of the beach is reserved by the Sugar Beach resort, the northern section is open to the public. The beaches of Marigot Bay and Pigeon Island National Park will also delight.

Find your way to Anse Cochon for seahorse sightings, and Reduit for a basketful of activities. Finally, for something a little different, visit the black volcanic beach Anse Chastanet.

The Grand Pitons

When you’re done with the sand, head inland to discover the lush vegetation-covered interior for even more adventure. The top experience has to be hiking Gros Piton, the larger of the dual volcanic spires that are iconic to St. Lucia. Be warned, the hike is not for the faint of heart. Then slip over to Diamond Falls Botanical Gardens for a peaceful afternoon spotting tropical flora and fauna.

Finally, head across the manmade causeway to Pigeon Island National Park and explore historic landmarks, including the cannons of Fort Rodney.

Jump Around

While most of St. Lucia caters to the tourist market, there’s a local side you should explore.

Creole and Caribbean influences combine to create a vibrant local culture. The best place to get a feel for the island life is Castries, the only true city on the island. Explore the Castries market for fresh produce and local handicrafts. Admire the colorful architecture around Derek Walcott Square and marvel at the 400-year-old monkey pod in the center of the park. If you want nightlife, stick around for Friday night. Hit up the Anse La Raye fish fry to sample freshly-caught seafood served close to the shore.

Then head to Gros Islet, where the streets come alive when the sun goes down with a street party known as the “jump-up”. Vendors, dancers and tons of people take over the sidewalks to have some fun.

Treat Yourself to Everything

Of course, your number one priority while visiting St. Lucia is to treat yourself. We’re talking decadent spa treatments, yoga classes and all the delicious food you can eat. Check out the thermal mud springs at the world’s only drive-in volcano. Sulphur Springs Park is home to bubbling mud baths where you can slather yourself with healing mud and relax. Check into one of the numerous luxury spas, particularly the Rainforest Spa at Sugar Beach Viceroy, which services clients in the middle of the tranquil jungle.

Finally, tour one of St. Lucia’s cacao estates to learn about the island’s chocolate culture and take home your very own sweet treat.

WHAT TO EAT

Caribbean Cuisine

St. Lucia’s Creole influences, access to the ocean and rich soil make it a prime place for some delicious, fresh food. All produce is locally grown, and while it may be easy to just stay in your resort, don’t miss out on the island’s local eateries. Try Orlando’s for fresh Caribbean fare in a fine dining atmosphere. For some Creole, hit up Fedo’s, a simple and delicious spot in Soufriere. If all else fails, pick up some fresh fruit from a vendor and have yourself a little beachside picnic. Don’t forget to indulge in a traditional tropical cocktail, or just raise a local Piton beer to the sunset.

STAY HERE

You Can’t Go Wrong

Rare is the destination where you truly can’t make a bad choice in accommodation. St.

Lucia’s collection of resorts, boutique hotels and luxury villas are nearly unrivaled in the Caribbean — which is saying something.

From the stunning views of Jade Mountain to the unparalleled decadence of Sugar Beach Viceroy, choosing accommodations will be by far the most difficult choice you’ll make here. Of course, you can’t ignore the smaller hotels and villas either, with spots like Bel Jou Hotel and Fond Doux making a strong case to forgo the sprawling resort properties and make yourself feel at home.

National Night Out: August 6th

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National Night Out is an annual community-building campaign that promotes strong police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie to make our neighborhoods safer, more caring places to live and work. National Night Out enhances the relationship between neighbors and law enforcement while bringing back a true sense of community. Furthermore, it provides a great opportunity to bring police and neighbors together under positive circumstances.

Millions of neighbors take part in National Night Out across thousands of communities from all fifty states, U.S. territories and military bases worldwide on the first Tuesday in August (The state of Texas and select areas celebrate on the first Tuesday in October). Neighborhoods host block parties, festivals, parades, cookouts and various other community events with safety demonstrations, seminars, youth events, visits from emergency personnel, exhibits and much, much more.

MANÁ

La historia de Maná comienza a mediados de los años setenta en Guadalajara, México, gracias a cuatro amigos que se unen para interpretar temas de Led Zeppelin, los Beatles y los Rolling Stones. Estos amigos crearon un grupo llamado ‘The Green Hat Spies’, que con el tiempo se convertiría en ‘Green Hat’ y, finalmente, en ‘Sombrero verde’, su traducción al castellano.

Como ‘Sombrero verde’ publicaron dos discos: ‘Sombrero verde’ y ‘A ritmo de rock’, con unos resultados bastante pobres en cuanto a ventas. Debido al fracaso del grupo hubo varios cambios en los miembros de la banda, que finalmente quedaría con los siguientes componentes: Fernando Olvera (Fher), Alejandro González (Alex), y los hermanos Juan y Ulises Calleros. A partir de entonces deciden cambiar su nombre artístico por el de ‘Maná’ y utilizar ritmos más latinos en sus composiciones.

En 1987 publican su primer álbum de la mano de la discográfica Polygram, titulado ‘Maná’, con diez temas del grupo. El resultado no dejó satisfechos a los miembros del grupo y algunos roces con la discográfica les llevaron a firmar conrato con Warner Music.

En 1989 aparece el segundo álbum de Maná, ‘Falta amor’. En un principio el álbum no consigue despertar un gran interés entre el público, pero gracias principalmente al tema “Rayando el sol”, incluído en el disco, poco a poco se va dando a conocer. Finalmente, “Rayando el sol” se convierte en el primer gran éxito de la banda mexicana. El álbum incluye también algunos otros éxitos, entre los que destacan “Perdido en un barco”, “Estoy agotado” y “Buscándola”.

Sería durante los dos años siguientes cuando Maná se daría a conocer por todo el país, con más de setenta conciertos y varios premios y discos de oro por su trabajo.

En 1992 editan ‘¿Dónde jugarán los niños?’, grabado en unos estudios de Los Angeles. Ulises Calleros se convierte en el mánager del grupo y entran César López (Vampiro) e Iván González. El disco se convierte en un superventas, no sólo en México, sino en la mayoría de países de habla hispana.

En 1995 publican un nuevo disco, ‘Cuando los ángeles lloran’, que de nuevo se convierte en un éxito internacional.

En 1999 Maná publica un nuevo disco, ‘MTV Unplugged’, para dicha cadena de televisión, y colaboraron con Carlos Santana en su último disco.

En el 2002 sale a la luz su séptimo álbum de estudio de Maná, grabado en Los Angeles y titulado ‘Revolución de amor’, una mezcla de reggae, funk y alguna pincelada de música afrocubana. Pero, sobre todo, Rock en estado puro. La temática de las letras reflejan profundos sentimientos acerca del amor, desamor y nostalgia.

El disco cuenta con la colaboración de Rubén Blades y Carlos Santana, quien de esta manera devuelve visita a la colaboración que el grupo hizo en el último disco del maestro Santana.

En 2006 y tras una larga espera, Maná publica un nuevo trabajo, titulado ‘Amar es combatir’. El álbum está producido por Maná con la colaboración especial del ingeniero de grabación Thom Russo (quien ha trabajado al lado de grandes estrellas de la música, tales como: Audioslave, Macy Gray, Michael Jacksony Eric Clapton, entre muchos otros). El álbum incluye un excelente dueto con Juan Luis Guerra en el tema “Bendita Tu Luz”.

En 2008 Maná publica el álbum en directo “Arde el cielo”, grabado durante la gira mundial de “Amar es combatir”. Además de los grandes éxitos de su carrera, el álbum incluye dos temas inéditos, “Si no te hubieras ido” y “Arde el cielo”.

En 2011, seis años después de su anterior grabación de estudio, Maná publica ‘Drama y luz’. Publicado el 12 de abril de 2011, este álbum de Maná incluye 12 nuevos temas.

El noveno álbum de estudio de Maná, titulado “Cama incendiada” aparece el 21 de abril de 2015. Está compuesto por once nuevos temas y cuenta con la colaboración de la cantante colombiana Shakira en el tema “Mi verdad”.

Con un estilo que retorna a los orígenes de latinos de Maná, impregnados también con el folk y el reggae, el álbum cuenta también con un tema del grupo mexicano “Los tigres del norte”, titulado “Somos más americanos”, que está dedicado a aquellos que cruzan de forma ilegal la frontera entre México y Estados Unidos buscando un porvenir mejor.

Activistas Celebraron El Día De Acción Del Inmigrante Y Alzaron La Voz Para Reclamar Sus Derechos

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Cientos de personas se congregaron ayer en Sacramento, California, para celebrar el Día de Acción del Inmigrante, una iniciativa que en los últimos 23 años ha reivindicado la aportación de los inmigrantes al estado dorado.

Desde diferentes puntos de California llegaron los activistas, que se reunieron frente al Capitolio estatal para participar en una de las movilizaciones más grandes de las comunidades migrantes en el estado.

La directora del Immigrant Policy Center de California (CIPC), Cyntia Buiza, subrayó en una rueda de prensa la importancia de unir las voces para pedir al gobernador y legisladores que trabajen para hacer que se respeten “los derechos y la dignidad de los migrantes sobre cualquier política”.

En los últimos cinco años CIPC ha centrado sus esfuerzos en respaldar proyectos de ley que favorezcan a los inmigrantes, como la cobertura sanitaria a los menores indocumentados o la declaración del estado como una zona santuario.

La celebración se da justo cuando la Patrulla Fronteriza (CBP) está liberando a inmigrantes recién llegados en el sur del estado.Ver imagen en Twitter

Ver imagen en Twitter

Las autoridades federales habían advertido de que ante la falta de espacios en la frontera texana familias de migrantes indocumentadas serían trasladadas a instalaciones de San Diego.

El fin de semana agentes de la CBP pusieron en libertad a decenas de inmigrantes en una estación de Greyhound en San Bernardino, California.

La organización Inland Coalition for Immigrant Justice señaló que los inmigrantes liberados eran más de un centenar, en su mayoría centroamericanos, que llegaron acompañados de sus familiares.

Las voces a favor de los derechos, tanto de los migrantes que ya viven en California como de los recién llegados, también se hicieron escuchar en el Capitolio.

“Cuando nos damos cuenta de lo que está sucediendo en nuestro contexto y cuando escuchamos las voces del otro, entendemos y si no respondemos, entonces somos cómplices”, dijo en una entrevista con el Servicio Episcopal de Noticias el obispo de la iglesia episcopal de San Joaquin, David Rice.

Rice es uno de los promotores de la Peregrinación de la Esperanza, una iniciativa que ha reunido a líderes religiosos y activistas para llevar a cabo una caminata desde Fresno a Sacramento para llevar un mensaje a favor de los inmigrantes.Ver imagen en Twitter

Ver imagen en Twitter

.@CALimmigrant’s Cynthia Buiza at Immigrant Day of Action 2019: “It is not California for all if not all are included! None of us are truly free until all of us are free.” #ImmDay19711:54 – 20 may. 2019Ver los otros Tweets de America’s VoiceInformación y privacidad de Twitter Ads

Los participantes iniciaron el 4 de mayo la caminata, que recorrió 173 millas (278 kilómetros) y que culminó hoy en la gran concentración a favor de los migrantes.

Anna Carmichael, vocera de la Diócesis de la iglesia episcopal de San Joaquín, dijo a Efe que parte de la lucha también se concentra en sacar a la luz las carencias que viven los inmigrantes en áreas rurales, y la necesidad de acceso a la salud.

En los actos que se extendieron hasta la tarde también se solicitó a los legisladores recursos económicos para apoyar la crisis de refugiados y residentes permanentes que califican a naturalizarse.

Becky G Recibe Seis Nominaciones a Premios Juventud 2019

La joven superestrella global Becky G ha sido nominada en seis categorías de Premios Juventud 2019, según se anunció esta mañana en un Facebook Live de Premios Juventud.

Sus categorías incluyen. . .
• Quiero más (artista que más consumo en las redes y quiero más de ellos)
• Power Couple (la pareja que enciende las redes) junto a Sebastian Lletget
• Me llama la atención (nos hacen reír con ocurrencias y sus posts)
• Apasionado por los zapatos (reconocen la importancia de un buen calzado)
• Coreografías que me matan (videos con coreografías auténticas) por “La Respuesta”
• Esto sí es BTS (experiencia tras bastidores en la grabación de un video musical) por Behind The Scenes ‘Lost in the Middle of Nowhere’ – Kane Brown, Becky G

Fans en Estados Unidos y Puerto Rico tienen dos semanas para votar por sus artistas favoritos a través de https://premiosjuventud.com/vota/

Premios Juventud 2019 se llevará a cabo el 18 de julio y será transmitido en vivo por Univision.

Hace un mes, Becky estrenó su nuevo sencillo y video en español “La Respuesta” junto a Maluma y el video ya ha sobrepasado 80 millones de visualizaciones Para ver el video haga clic AQUÍ. El cineasta venezolano Daniel Durán (quien dirigió los videos de sus éxitos “Mayores” y “Sin Pijama”), dirigió el videoclip en un ambiente utópico reminiscente a la película las Esposas de Stepford (Stepford Wives), solo que en esta realidad la mujeres perfectas son las que están a cargo.

“La Respuesta” se suma al listado de éxitos de Becky G, que incluyen “Mayores,” con más de 1.5 mil millones de visualizaciones en YouTube/Vevo y “Sin Pijama” con Natti Natasha, que tiene más de 1.3 mil millones de vistas en YouTube/Vevo y fue uno de sólo dos videos en Vevo que sobrepasó mil millones de visualizaciones en el 2018.