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Astros host Angels to open 2020 on March 26

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The Astros, who have won seven consecutive games on Opening Day, will look to keep that streak alive next year against the Angels, who will be in Houston on March 26 to kick-start the 2020 season. Major League Baseball released the schedules for all teams on Monday.

After playing host to the Angels for four games to start their 59th season, the Astros will hit the road and play 12 of their next 14 games away from home. The only two home games during that stretch will be an Interleague matchup against the Mets, April 7-8.

The Astros play the National League East in Interleague Play next year, which means visits from the Mets and Phillies (July 7-9), who haven’t been to Houston since the Astros’ last year in the NL in 2012. Houston will travel to face the Mets (June 2-3), Nationals (July 3-5) and Braves (Sept. 25-27) in Interleague Play. The Marlins visit Houston Sept. 1-3.

The Astros will resume the Lone Star Series against the Texas Rangers with a three-game series April 10-12 in Houston’s first game at new Globe Life Field, which is set to open next year.

Additional highlights of the 2020 schedule include weekend series visits from the Yankees (May 15-17) and Red Sox (May 29-31). The Astros will finish the season with a seven-game road trip against the Yankees (Sept. 21-24) and Braves.

Season-ticket packages for 2020 that can guarantee 2019 postseason priority access are on sale now and can be purchased by calling the Astros ticket department at 1-877-9ASTROS or by visiting astros.com/seasontickets.

Comcast’s David L. Cohen and Mayor Sylvester Turner Unveil $175,000 Complete Communities Investment at Eight Million Stories

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Photo courtesy of Eight Million Stories

Comcast NBCUniversal and the City of Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner announced a grant for the City of Houston’s Complete Communities initiative at Eight Million Stories, along with several surprises for the teens in attendance. During the event, Comcast’s Senior Executive Vice President & Chief Diversity Officer, David L. Cohen, surprised students who use the 8 Million Stories Computer Lab with a free laptop and six months of complimentary services.

As part of this project, Comcast announced that it will provide funding for technology centers. These technology centers will offer digital skills training opportunities, including STEM programing, NCCER Core training, robotics, fashion design and an introduction to laser cutting programs.

• David L. Cohen, Comcast, Senior Executive Vice President & Chief Diversity Officer, Comcast NBCUniversal • Ralph Martinez, Comcast, Houston Regional Senior Vice President
• Rico Roman, Two-time Paralympic Gold Medalist and Purple Heart Recipient
• Marvin Pierre, Eight Million Stories, Founder
• Jeremy Ford, Vice President, Giving & Social Innovation, Dell Technologies

Governor Abbott Meets With Lawmakers Following El Paso Shooting

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Announces Over $5.5 Million in Immediate State Funding to Assist with Recovery Efforts

Governor Greg Abbott today hosted a meeting with statewide officials and members of the El Paso state delegation following the tragic shooting in El Paso on Saturday, August 3rd. The elected officials collaborated on potential strategies to improve the safety and security of Texas communities. Governor Abbott also announced a series of upcoming roundtable discussions with elected leaders and experts to develop meaningful solutions.

The Governor was joined by Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick, Speaker of the House Dennis Bonnen, Senator Jose Rodriguez, and Representatives Cesar Blanco, Art Fierro, Mary Gonzales, Joe Moody, and Lina Ortega for the meeting.

“The entire state of Texas continues to grieve the tragedy in El Paso,” said Governor Abbott. “While our hearts remain broken, it is our responsibility to show the resolve that is needed to address this shooting and begin the process of working together to lay a groundwork of how we are going to respond. The people of Texas — including the people of El Paso — deserve to be safe, and it is our responsibility to ensure that safety.”  

Governor Abbott also announced that the state of Texas will be providing over $5.5 million in immediate financial assistance through the Criminal Justice Division (CJD) of the Governor’s Public Safety Office for law enforcement agencies and the community of El Paso.

$550,000 in financial grant assistance will be administered to law enforcement agencies that bravely responded to the shooting on August 3rd, 2019 to aid in reimbursement for overtime costs.

$5 million in financial grant assistance will be administered through the following services and initiatives throughout the El Paso community:

Psychological First Aid: Through the Local Mental Health Authority Emergence Health Network, psychological first aid and crisis counseling is available immediately and will be offered free of charge and long-term to survivors and those in the community experiencing vicarious trauma.

State Behavioral Health Services: At the request of Governor Abbott, Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) has deployed CJD-funded staff from HHSC’s Disaster Behavioral Health Services section to coordinate behavioral health assistance to the local community, conduct behavioral needs assessments, and provide strategic planning and care coordination with local service providers. 

County Reimbursements: The state can aid the prosecution of the alleged suspect through funding streams available at CJD. This includes expert witness fees, investigation, increased security, juror fees, and more. Indigent defense or related defense costs are not eligible. Costs associated with overtime for El Paso County’s Office of the Medical Examiner and Sheriff’s Office for increased correctional needs are also eligible.

School-Based Mental Health Services: CJD is offering funds to ensure Independent School Districts have the on-site resources they need to support students affected directly or indirectly. Referrals for youths with higher acuity behavioral health and psychological needs will also be available.

Family Resiliency Center (FRC): To support the long-term needs of the community, CJD will provide funding to establish an FRC in El Paso. As implemented in Santa Fe, Las Vegas, and other communities that experienced a mass shooting, the FRC will be a focal point for community services including mental health needs, legal services, faith-based assistance, and public information.

Post Critical Incident Seminars (PCIS): PCIS is an intensively focused therapeutic seminar with an emphasis on peer support to assist first responders suffering from traumatic stress. These seminars are eligible for CJD funding.

Publicación 1151 – Revista Digital 22 de agosto – 28 de agosto / 2019

Gracias por visitarnos, este artículo contiene la revista digital de ¡Que Onda Magazine! de fecha 22 de agosto hasta el 28 de agosto del 2019.

Descargar versión digital – Que Onda!

COMMUNITY EN ACCIÓN COMBATS HATE AND CREATES A SCHOLASHIP FUND FOR CHILDREN OF FALLEN VICTIMS

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We, at Community En Acción, a non-profit organization of non-partisan Latino business leaders who live and work in El Paso, offer our deepest condolences to the families of the victims of Saturday’s tragic event, and our entire beloved community that is reeling from this tremendous loss. 

As a nation of immigrants, we must stand united to reject a culture and narrative of hate. At CEA, we choose to demonstrate respect for El Paso, its people, its diversity and its resilience. We will not let animosity change who we are—a vibrant, welcoming and generous community. Instead, we will continue to focus on developing a strong, proud and productive next generation of leaders by celebrating our diverse heritage and the gift it is to our city, this region and our nation. 

To the children who lost parents due to this tragedy, we embrace them as our own; they are part of a broader family. We believe in them and the many contributions they will make to our society. For these reasons, Community En Acción has partnered with Paso Del Norte Community Foundation to establish a scholarship fund for the minor children of victims who lost their lives, with special emphasis on children who lost both parents by this senseless tragedy. By doing so, we choose to replace hate with love, and tragedy with triumph. We are El Paso Strong, now and always. 

To make a donation to the CEA scholarship fund, please go to pdnfoundation.org/give-to-a- fund/cea-richard-a-castro-scholarship-funds, or send your checks or money orders to CEA at 814 Wyoming, El Paso, Texas, 79902, with the designation, “Orphans Scholarship.” 

For interviews please contact Patricia Miranda at (915)503-5976 

For questions please contact CEA Advocacy Chairman Dan Olivas at (915)584-1971

Halo: Outpost Discovery

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With so many ways to experience the Halo franchise – from the multitude of games to the dozens of novels, live-action and animated films, comics and more, Herschend Live announced that it partnered with 343 Industries to give fans a brand-new way to experience and immerse themselves in this beloved universe with Halo: Outpost Discovery. 

Halo: Outpost Discovery is an innovative, new touring fan experience for all ages, that brings the Halo video game universe to life like never before. This weekend-long event lets you step into Halo’s science fiction setting, with immersive themed attractions, interactive in-universe encounters, the latest playable game releases and so much more. 

Whether you’re a Halo veteran or completely new to the franchise, Halo: Outpost Discovery offers numerous experiences designed with everyone in mind. Featuring more than 300,000 square feet of activities designed to celebrate all things Halo, this 3-day long adventure will begin touring summer 2019, appearing at five major metropolitan areas across the United States in its first year.

  • July 5-7 – ORLANDO – Orange County Convention Center
  • July 19-21 – PHILADELPHIA – Pennsylvania Convention Center
  • August 2-4 – CHICAGO – Donald E. Stephens Convention Center
  • August 16-18 – HOUSTON – George R. Brown Convention Center
  • August 30-September 1 – ANAHEIM – Anaheim Convention Center

Explore The Ring Experience, get up close and personal with a real-life Warthog, battle fellow UNSC recruits in an epic laser tag arena, experience thrilling in-universe encounters with the latest simulation and VR technologies. Take advantage of hundreds of game stations to play, compete and explore the storied Halo game series. Attend one of our many themed panels, meet the creators, special guests and learn how the Halo universe is made, or take part in one of the many available community events to learn how to livestream, gameplay, or build an epic cosplay costume.

“Halo is known for its epic adventures and galactic mysteries, and we have long viewed the Halo universe itself as a series’ central character,” said 343 Industries Studio Head of Halo Transmedia Kiki Wolfkill. “We are humbled by our fans’ continued embrace of what the Halo franchise represents: Heroism, Hope, Wonder and Community. We’re excited to partner with Herschend Live to bring our universe to life in a spectacular fashion to create a thrilling Halo fan experience worthy of the series – and take them, their friends and their families on a journey they’ll never forget.”

“We’re extremely excited to further continue our commitment to creating innovative, immersive entertainment experiences that create memories worth repeating,” said Herschend Live President Howard Smith. “For the first time ever, generations of Halo fans will be able to come together and experience the Halo universe like never before.”

Visit HaloOutpostDiscovery.com for the latest news, and more on the Halo: Outpost Discovery summer experience. 

For all things Halo, follow @halooutpost on Twitter and Instagram. 

About Herschend Live

Herschend Enterprises is a family of companies focused on family entertainment.  Operating companies include Herschend Family Entertainment, Herschend Live, Herschend Entertainment Studios and Pink® Adventure Tours.  Herschend’s companies entertain over 14 million guests annually. For nearly six decades, Herschend Enterprises has operated with the purpose of bringing families closer together by Creating Memories Worth Repeating®.

About The Halo Franchise

Exclusively published by Xbox Game Studios and developed by 343 Industries, the Halo franchise is an award-winning collection of properties that has transcended video games and grown into a global entertainment phenomenon. Beginning with the original “Halo: Combat Evolved” (2001), the critically acclaimed and record-shattering series of games propelled the Halo franchise into a multibillion dollar transmedia juggernaut consisting of multiple novels featured on the New York Times Best Sellers list, several live-action and animated digital series, comic books, action figures, and apparel that has built a fanbase of millions worldwide.  

About 343 Industries

343 Industries is the developer of the blockbuster Halo series of videogames and, as part of Xbox Game Studios, oversees the Halo franchise including games, original programming, novels, comics, licensed collectibles, apparel and more. The studio is currently developing Halo Infinite, while continuing to transform entertainment experiences across the Halo universe with groundbreaking projects, such as the upcoming television series in partnership with SHOWTIME and Amblin Entertainment and touring fan experience Halo: Outpost Discovery in partnership with Herschend Live.

Chevrolet Corvette 2020

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El primer Corvette de motor central de producción revolucionará el icónico vehículo, pero la experiencia del cliente será igualmente transformativa. A partir de hoy, personas interesadas en el 2020 Corvette Stingray tendrán acceso a niveles de información sin precedente, podrán personalizar, visualizar y reservar su vehículo mucho antes del día de compra. Todo esto a través de Chevrolet.com o por medio de su distribuidor preferido.

“La introducción de la nueva experiencia del cliente del Corvette 2020 es tan importante como la develación del automóvil en sí”, dijo Steve Majoros, Director de Marketing de Chevrolet. “Le daremos a nuestros clientes acceso sinigual y de manera conveniente para aprender e involucrarse con la marca, nuestros distribuidores y con entusiastas”.


Visualízalo, configúralo, resérvalo

El visualizador de Corvette es una herramienta digital disponible en la página Chevrolet.com que permitirá el diseño y personalización del vehículo a gran detalle y en tercera dimensión. Es totalmente interactivo e incluirá los diversos colores de interiores y exteriores, e incluso opciones de asientos, rines y colores para los cinturones de seguridad.

A medida que personas diseñen su Corvette, podrán girar la representación del interior y exterior en 360 grados y en 3D. También podrán encender y apagar los faros delanteros al igual que las luces interiores. Podrán visualizarlo con o sin el techo desmontable o modificar la iluminación exterior para observar su superdeportivo de diversos ángulos. Usuarios podrán guardar o compartir en redes sociales su Stingray personalizado, lo cual invitará mayor discusión y entusiasmo entre fans de la marca.

“Queremos que nuestros clientes visualicen su Corvette ideal antes de tomar la decisión de compra”, dijo Majoros. “Al diseñar el Corvette de sus sueños, podrán experimentar con diferentes rines, pinzas de frenos, materiales interiores, colores y mucho más. Nunca habíamos ofrecido mayor nivel de detalle al momento de develo, y mejorará aún más con el tiempo”.

Al terminar el diseño del Stingray personalizado en la pagina de Chevrolet.com, clientes podrán reservar el vehículo a través de un distribuidor Chevrolet autorizado. El diseño especificado a través del visualizador puede enviarse directamente al distribuidor autorizado quien procederá a trabajar con el cliente para finalizar la información de la orden cuando el vehículo esté disponible a venta.

Corvette de Gira

Antes de la fecha de venta, el Corvette Stingray 2020 saldrá de gira a nivel nacional por parte de un tour promocional para clientes y distribuidores. Comenzando a finales de Julio, especialistas automotrices, el vehículo y displays interactivos harán paradas en más de 125 distribuidoras Chevrolet a través del país, e incluirán paradas en eventos y ferias como el Concours d’Elegance of America, el Woodward Dream Cruise, en la celebración del vigesimoquinto aniversario del Museo Nacional del Corvette, el Petit Le Mans y otros eventos.

Especialistas de Chevrolet serán los anfitriones durante la gira para demostrar el superdeportivo, usarán displays didácticos de diversos componentes (incluyendo asientos, rines, accesorios, etc.) y darán instrucciones de cómo utilizar el visualizador. La experiencia inmersiva incluirá otros displays para demostrar las mayores características y tecnologías del vehículo.

Todo distribuidor Chevrolet autorizado tendrá que participar en capacitaciones extensivas antes de poder vender Corvette Stingray 2020 en sus tiendas. La capacitación incluye prueba de manejo en la pista de Spring Mountain Motorsports Ranch en Nevada al igual que un entrenamiento intensivo para aprender cada detalle del Corvette 2020. Distribuidores especializados Corvette Signature también tendrán capacitación especial sobre el servicio y mantenimiento del nuevo superdeportivo, lo cual reforzará el compromiso de la marca con la experiencia de propiedad del cliente.

Corvette Concierge

Un equipo dedicado de asesoría exclusiva de Corvette, conocido como Corvette Concierge se encargará de proveerle a clientes las respuestas para cada una de sus preguntas mientras llegan a familiarizarse con su vehículo o durante el proceso de compra. Conserjes especialmente capacitados tienen acceso a los ejecutivos e ingenieros que fueron parte del desarrollo del vehículo. El equipo puede conectar a los clientes directamente con su distribuidor preferido para facilitar el pedido de vehículos. Si bien los clientes pueden llamar a un conserje en cualquier momento, también pueden programar citas para consultas y asistencia de información del vehículo.

El equipo estará basado en la casa matriz de General Motors en Detroit, y pueden ser alcanzados marcando al 866-424-3892. Clientes también podrán chatear en vivo con un conserje al visitar la pagina Chevrolet.com. El equipo atenderá consultas de 9 a.m. a 9 p.m. hora estándar del Este, de lunes a viernes.

Contenido para todos

La página del Corvette 2020 será la mas robusta de la marca hasta la fecha y se destaca por una nueva serie de videos parte de la Academia Corvette. Veintitrés videos bridaran a usuarios tanto información como entretenimiento sobre las características especificas y los antecedentes del Stingray. Ingenieros y diseñadores centrales al desarrollo del vehículo serán protagonistas de los videos. Abarcarán temas incluyendo consejos claves, respuestas rápidas y conversaciones técnicas sobre elementos como las ventajas de un motor central o la historia y conceptos históricos de Corvette.

“Este sitio es el mas completo que hemos producido para una develación e incluirá una variedad de videos, artículos destacados y fotografía”, dijo Majoros. “Sin importar que seas nuevo al Corvette o en contraste, que hayas manejado uno desde 1953, habrá contenido que será de gran interés para ti”.

Dentro del sitio, personas pueden inscribirse para recibir actualizaciones por correo electrónico para estar al tanto de novedades u otras ofertas.

Que Onda’s Travel Pick: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

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Happy Carnival! This week we’re heading down south for the biggest party in the Americas. We could introduce Rio de Janeiro by talking about its sprawling golden beaches and unbelievably blue water. Or maybe we’ll focus on the towering hills covered in tropical vegetation that dot its doorstep. Or perhaps the best place to start is with the rhythm of Samba music that carries through nightclubs and Carnival festivities.

To tell the truth, it doesn’t matter where you start as long as you arrive.

WHEN TO GO

Spring and Fall
The famous Carnival takes place every February, making this month the most popular time to visit. The streets fill with dancers, block parties, and nonstop revelry. But if you’re looking for a quieter (and cheaper) season when you can truly enjoy all that the city has to offer, consider booking your trip in the spring (September-November) or fall (March-May). Temperatures will be slightly cooler than the hot, tropical summer, and you’ll have more opportunities to explore the many faces of Rio.

The famous Carnival takes place every February, making this month the most popular time to visit. The streets fill with dancers, block parties, and nonstop revelry. But if you’re looking for a quieter (and cheaper) season when you can truly enjoy all that the city has to offer, consider booking your trip in the spring (September-November) or fall (March-May). Temperatures will be slightly cooler than the hot, tropical summer, and you’ll have more opportunities to explore the many faces of Rio.

DISCOVERIES

At the Copa, Copacabana
Do you have Barry Manilow stuck in your head yet? Good. Copacabana beach is one of the more famous beaches in the world, but in recent years Ipanema has caught up as the popular Rio hotspot. These massive beaches are famous for a reason but don’t miss out on lesser-known spots too. Our favorites include Prainha, the surfer’s paradise, Aporador, the best spot to view the sunset, and the secluded Joatinga beach. Whichever beach is calling your name, the best way to experience Rio’s golden coast is to hop on a bike and get to exploring. Everything the Light Touches Rio is a sprawling city, and at times it can get overwhelming.

To take it all in, you have to head upwards. Yes, the famous Cristo Redentor and Sugarloaf Hill are usually the first viewpoints to come to mind, but they’re not the only places in town to get a fantastic photo. The largest monolith in the region, Pedra da Gávea, often goes unnoticed but the hike to the top is one of the most rewarding. Pedra do Telégrafo is another point for creative photography. If hiking sounds better in theory than in practice, consider booking a helicopter ride or hang gliding to enjoy the same gorgeous views with none of the work. It’s Real in Rio Brazilian culture is rich and diverse, and extends beyond the samba clubs and Carnival festivities.

While in town, make a stop by the Contemporary Art Museum and the Museum of Tomorrow to tour incredible exhibits. Also worth checking out is the Royal Portuguese Cabinet of Reading the largest collection of Portuguese texts outside Portugal itself. When in doubt, take to the streets of neighborhoods like Santa Teresa and Lapa to experience the colorful street art and captivating architecture. The Call of the Wild Rio is a massive urban city, but don’t miss out on the incredible nature opportunities in its backyard.

The Tijuca forest is one of the largest urban forests in the world and features its own trails and stunning waterfalls. You can also explore the diverse Botanic Gardens, with its towering palm trees, or venture off the beaten path to Parque Lage for a quiet afternoon picnic.

WHAT TO EAT

Eating My Way Through Rio
Any beachside day in Rio should start off with açai. Whether you find this fruit in your smoothie or just eat it straight, it’s a fresh treat for a hot Rio day. For dinner, definitely sample traditional Brazilian dishes like churrasco and feijoada. Try these dishes at places like Churrascaria Palace and Casa da Feijoada. Wash it down with a classic caipirinha, or grab a beer with a water view at Bar Urca to finish up your night with a sunset.

STAY HERE
Find Me Poolside
Overwhelmingly, our local Discoverers recommend staying in the Leblon or Ipanema neighborhoods. These areas are the closest to some of the best restaurants and beaches in the city. Check out apartments on Airbnb in Leblon, or the chic beach hotel Fasano in Ipanema.

¿Mala suerte en el amor? ¡Aquí tienes la razón!

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¿Cuántas veces has escuchado la típica queja “no tengo suerte en el amor”? Aquellas mujeres que alegan “no existen hombres buenos”, ¡dejen de echarle la culpa a los hombres!. Si siempre atraes a chico equivocado, es porque envías el mensaje equivocado. Seguramente estás cometiendo uno de los siguientes errores: Demasiado exigente

Es cierto que hay que tener expectativas altas y no debemos conformarnos con menos. Pero he conocido mujeres que han rechazado oportunidades amorosas por asuntos ridículos como: “odio a un muchacho que vista medias blancas con pantalones oscuros”, “si es hijo único lo descarto, porque debe ser egoísta” o “no soporto a un hombre que le gusten los video juegos”. Préstale atención a lo que sí cuenta. Lo importante es que te respete, y tenga los mismos principios y valores morales que tú.

Te haces la ciega
Tu enamorado te da señales de que te dará mala vida pero tú las ignoras. Por ejemplo, si se toma 20 tragos en una fiesta, no lo justifiques, ¡Es alcohólico!. Y si constantemente coquetea con otras mujeres, reconoce que te será infiel. Quien no se porta bien desde el inicio, no lo hará nunca. ¡Presta atención a las banderas rojas!

Muy acelerada
Cada hombre que te pretende lo ves rápidamente como tu futuro esposo. Algunas cometen la locura de decir en la primera cita: “Estoy buscando una relación seria, no me gustan los juegos”. Cuando un muchacho capta tu deseo por atraparlo, huye en dirección opuesta. Toma las cosas con calma. Primero desarrolla una amistad y deja que florezca en un romance.

Te rebajas
Das demasiado y muchas veces sin que te lo pida. Estás convencida que llenando los roles de amante, mamá y sirvienta lograrás atrapar el corazón de tu enamorado. Él se da cuenta de tu inseguridad, pero como se encuentra en una posición envidiable – ¿a quién le amarga un dulce? – se queda contigo hasta que se canse de tus extremas atenciones. Tienes que darte importancia, será difícil extrañarte si siempre estás ahí, ¡sin invitación!
Miedo a enamorarte
Sólo estás dispuesta a abrir tu corazón cuando tengas la certeza, convicción y seguridad de que esta persona no te va a decepcionar y romper tu corazón. Es decir, no estás dispuesta a tomar riesgos, pero la realidad es que para encontrar el verdadero amor hay que arriesgarse. ¡Atrévete a abrir tu corazón!
Si has practicado alguno de los comportamientos anteriores, no puedes decir “tengo mala suerte en el amor”, más bien, lo que has tenido es mal comportamiento en el amor. ¡Cambia esa conducta!

Harris County threatens to sue Valero over benzene emissions after Hurricane Harvey

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Valero Energy Corp. could soon face a lawsuit accusing it of failing to address the dangerous level of cancer-causing toxins released by its Houston refinery.

The Harris County Attorney’s Office received permission last month from the County Commissioners Court to sue the San Antonio company and said on Monday that it plans to do so.

Though the emissions aren’t entirely related to damage done to the refinery by Hurricane Harvey in 2017, the storm was the “tipping point” that led to the lawsuit, said Rock Owens, manager of the environmental practice group at the Harris County Attorney’s Office.

“This community has been subjected to benzene emissions for decades,” Owens told the Business Journal. Harvey increased those emissions when the roof on a crude storage tank collapsed during the storm, he said.

The company didn’t respond to a request for comment.

Residents in the Manchester neighborhood began complaining of the smell of gasoline shortly thereafter, Owens said, and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency said in September 2017 that the probable source of benzene emissions post-Harvey was the Valero [NYSE: VLO] refinery.

Benzene, listed as a carcinogen by the World Health Organization, is found naturally in crude oil and released as part of the refining process. Exposure to it, typically through inhalation, is unsafe at any level, and chronic exposure can cause cancer, according to WHO. During Hurricane Harvey, Valero’s Houston refinery emitted 1,900 pounds of benzene, according to the Harris County Attorney’s Office.

Its current level of emissions are in excess of those permitted under the Clean Air Act, the county said.

This would be the first time a Texas county will file a lawsuit under the Clean Air Act, Owens said. Clean Air Act suits are typically filed by advocacy organizations like the Sierra Club and Environment Texas, which are also threatening to sue Valero over emissions at its Port Arthur refinery. The Harris County lawsuit is not yet set in stone, however.

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The county sent Valero a 60-day notice, during which time the company can decide to settle out of court. The state and the EPA were also sent the notice. Owens said he hopes the state looks at the notice and decides to enforce the clean air regulations, which would end the need for a lawsuit. But, for now, the county plans to press ahead.

The lawsuit would ask a federal court to impose a penalty on Valero and to enjoin the company from committing clean air violations in the future, Owens said. Harris County is also asking that Valero provide real-time monitoring of the air quality around the plant. Though the county is looking into suing other refiners under the Clean Air Act, the Valero refinery is unique because it is so close to Manchester residents, Owens said.

Valero’s Houston refinery “is not biggest refinery, but the way it is situated, it really has a very unique impact on the people next to it,” he said.