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City Seeks Community Feedback on Equity Indicators Survey

Houston

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7 March, 2022

City Seeks Community Feedback on Equity Indicators Survey

HOUSTON – The City of Houston is launching the Equity Indicators project by asking for your comments to one important question: What makes a community equitable?

Houston is the most diverse city in the nation, but despite the strength of our diversity and multiculturalism, Houstonians experience vast racial and ethnic disparities. The Equity Indicators Project will facilitate broader conversations on equity and inclusion, take active steps to measure disparities, and have leaders across multiple sectors be held accountable for taking action to increase equitable outcomes for all Houstonians.

The city is seeking feedback from community members to ensure that this project is reflective of Houston’s diversity and multiculturalism. Visit houstontx.gov/equity to share your thoughts on what makes a community equitable between March 6 until April 2.

“In a city where 146 languages are spoken, we must use every tool possible to ensure that every Houstonian’s voice is being heard,” said Mayor Sylvester Turner. “This survey is a direct, impactful way to participate in making the city, its services, and its opportunities more accessible to people regardless of their background.”

The Equity Indicators project is led by the Planning and Development Department, Mayor’s Office of Resilience and Sustainability, and Complete Communities, and ties to the vision and framework for a resilient community outlined in the Resilient Houston strategy. The city has partnered with Rice Kinder Institute for Urban Research using the methodology developed by CUNY- Institute for State & Local Governance to focus on key indicators for equity in Houston. The Shell Foundation has funded this initiative that focuses on six themes:

Economic opportunity
Health
Public Safety
Environmental and Climate Risks
Built Environment
Access and Inclusion

The data analysis will result in an overall Equity Indicators Score for the City of Houston. The public, city departments, city programs, and community service organizations can track the score to document progress and change over time. The numerical value is based on a 100-point scale. A high score signifies Houston’s level of success toward building an equitable city, whereas a low score represents a high level of inequity and more opportunity for improvement.

A printed survey card will also be available at city locations. Houstonians with questions or needing assistance filling out the survey may call 832-393-6637. For more information, visit Equity Indicators online at www.houstontx.gov/equity.

Texas A&M football: Ex-Aggies WR Demond Demas linked to another assault allegation, per report

Sports
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7 March, 2022

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Texas A&M football: Ex-Aggies WR Demond Demas linked to another assault allegation, per report

Former Texas A&M football wide receiver Demond Demas, who was suspended by the university last week after an arrest stemming from an alleged assault of his girlfriend, has reportedly been linked to a separate assault incident. The Houston Chronicle reports that Demas is the subject of an investigation into an alleged assault of another girlfriend in 2020.

According to The Chronicle, Brianna Turk, currently, a student at Prairie View A&M, claims Demas slapped her and choked her several times during a six-month period starting in the summer of 2020. The two have known each other since 2019 when they both were attending Tomball (Texas) High School, according to The Chronicle.

The Brazos County district attorney’s office did not pursue charges during the period of which the latest allegations occurred due to not enough overall evidence and conflicting testimonies, a law enforcement official told The Chronicle. But the case remains open with the Texas A&M University police department. An investigation into the 2020 incidents is also ongoing under Title IX, The Chronicle reports.

Demas was previously arrested on a charge of assault family violence that occurred the weekend of Feb. 26, according to documents obtained by The Chronicle. The alleged victim contends Demas “pushed her head into the wall’ and later “grabbed her and threw her from off of the bed onto the floor, which caused her top front teeth to go through her bottom lip.” Demas reportedly turned himself into authorities on March 2 and was released later that day after posting a $5,000 bond.

A Texas A&M spokesperson confirmed to GigEm247 earlier in the week that Demas was suspended by the university and is no longer with the football team.

Demas caught 15 passes for a total of 235 yards and a touchdown during Texas A&M’s 2021 season, recording stats in eight games, playing in 10 games total and making six starts. He appeared in four games during his first year on campus in 2020 but did not record stats.

Demas was reportedly on the other end of an assault incident later in the week by family members of the assault victim from the February incident. The parents of the alleged assault victim were arrested Thursday by campus police after a confrontation with Demas turned violent, according to The Chronicle. The father of the alleged victim assaulted Demas while the victim’s mother assaulted a female relative of Demas prior to an on-campus conduct hearing for the ex-Aggies receiver regarding the initial incident, according to The Chronicle.

Neither Demas nor his relative suffered significant injuries, according to The Chronicle. The parents of the alleged assault victim were taken to Brazos County Jail, with both facing a misdemeanor charge of assault.

Source: 247sports

Free COVID-19 vaccinations and testing available at dozens of Houston Health Department-affiliated sites week of March 7, 2022

Houston

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7 March, 2022

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Free COVID-19 vaccinations and testing available at dozens of Houston Health Department-affiliated sites week of March 7, 2022

HOUSTON – The Houston Health Department is announcing the schedule for sites offering free COVID-19 vaccinations and testing during the week of March 7, 2022. Over a dozen sites offering vaccinations and more than 30 testing sites are on the schedule for the week.

Vaccination and testing at health department-affiliated sites does not require proof of residency, citizenship, or insurance.

Site locations, schedules, and appointment information is available at HoustonHealth.org or by calling 832-393-4220.

Fixed Vaccination Sites

The department’s new vaccination incentive program will award 12 people $1,000 gift cards and provide $50 gift cards to hundreds of additional people.

People who get their first dose or booster shot at eligible health department vaccination sites between January 29 and March 10, 2022, will be entered into drawings for $1,000 gift cards. Two $1,000 winners will be selected every Friday through March 11 for a total of 12 winners over six weeks.

Any dose of Pfizer, Moderna, and Johnson & Johnson vaccines are available at the department’s fixed sites, located at:

Acres Home Multi-Service Center, 6719 W. Montgomery Rd.
- $1,000 Incentive Eligible
- Mondays, Thursdays: 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.
- Tuesdays, Wednesdays 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
- Friday: 8:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Hiram Clarke Multi-Service Center, 3810 W. Fuqua St.
- $1,000 Incentive Eligible
- Tuesdays: 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
La Nueva Casa de Amigos Health Center, 1809 North Main St.
- $1,000 Incentive Eligible
- Mondays, Thursdays: 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.
- Tuesdays, Wednesdays: 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
- Friday: 8:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Magnolia Multi-Service Center, 7037 Capitol St.
- $1,000 Incentive Eligible
- Thursdays: 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
- Saturdays: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Northside Health Center, 8504 Schuller Rd.
- $1,000 Incentive Eligible
- Mondays, Thursdays: 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.
- Tuesdays, Wednesdays 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
- Friday: 8:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Sharpstown Health Services, 6201 Bonhomme Rd.
- $1,000 Incentive Eligible
- Mondays, Thursdays: 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.
- Tuesdays, Wednesdays 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
- Friday: 8:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Southwest Multi-Service Center, 6400 High Star Dr.
- $1,000 Incentive Eligible
- Saturdays: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Sunnyside Health Center, 4605 Wilmington St.
- $1,000 Incentive Eligible
- Mondays, Thursdays: 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.
- Tuesdays, Fridays: 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
- Wednesdays: 8:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
PlazAmericas, 7500 Bellaire Blvd.
- Mondays-Saturdays: 8 a.m.-3 p.m.

Health center and multi-service center vaccination sites close at 11:30 a.m. on the second Wednesday of the month.

Pop-up Vaccination Sites

The department and its partner agencies will offer Pfizer, Moderna, and Johnson & Johnson vaccinations at a pop-up site located at:

San Francisco Nativity Academy, 5808 Renwick Dr, 77081
- $1,000 Incentive Eligible
- March 8-9, 2022: 2-5 p.m.
Sylvan R.Rodriguez, Jr. Elementary School, 5858 Chimney Rock Rd, 77081
- $1,000 Incentive Eligible
- March 8-11, 2022: 8 a.m.-3 p.m.
- March 12, 2022: 9 a.m.-2 p.m.
Braeburn Elementary School, 5550 Pine St, 77081
- $1,000 Incentive Eligible
- March 8-13, 2022: 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Barbara Bush Elementary, 13800 Westerloch Dr, 77077
- March 8, 2022: 9 a.m.-12 p.m.
New Hope Baptist Church, 6430 Court Rd, 77053
- March 8, 2022: 5-9 p.m.
Neff Early Learning Center, 8200 Carvel Ln, 77036
- March 8, 2022: 3:30-5:30 p.m.
- Appointments: 866-333-2684
Bruce Elementary School, 510 Jensen Dr, 77020
- $1,000 Incentive Eligible
- March 10, 2022: 8-10:30 a.m.
Fonville Middle School, 725 E Little York Rd, 77076
- March 11, 2022: 1-6 p.m.
Anderson Elementary School, 5727 Ludington Dr, 77035
- March 11, 2022: 3:30-5:30 p.m.
- Appointments: 866-333-2684
Brookline Elementary, 6301 S Loop E Fwy, 77087
- March 12, 2022: 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
James DeAnda Elementary School, 7980 Almeda Genoa Rd, 77075
- March 12, 2022: 9 a.m.-2 p.m.
Sunny’s Flea Market, 8705 Airline Dr, 77037
- $1,000 Incentive Eligible
- March 13, 2022: 9 a.m.-2 p.m.

Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines are authorized for ages 18 and up and Pfizer is authorized for ages 5 and up.

In-Home Vaccination

Free in-home COVID-19 vaccination is available to qualifying older adults, people with disabilities, and veterans.

People may call 832-393-4301 to about qualify for the program.

Testing Sites

The department and its partner agencies offer dozens of free COVID-19 testing sites across the city.

A list of testing sites and schedules is available at HoustonHealth.org or by calling 832-393-4220.

The CDC recommends testing to people with symptoms or close contact (within 6 feet for a total of 15 minutes or more over a 24-hour period) with someone confirmed with COVID-19.

Vaccination and testing site schedules may shift during the week to meet community need. Find the latest information at HoustonHealth.org or by calling 832-393-4220.

Houston Health Department launches new COVID-19 vaccine campaign

Houston

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7 March, 2022

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Houston Health Department launches new COVID-19 vaccine campaign

Videos & Photos: https://bit.ly/3hzk2j4

HOUSTON – The Houston Health Department launched a new campaign today created by 9thWonder Agency featuring “avoid the drama” messaging to encourage COVID-19 vaccination among hesitant populations. The fresh approach depicts real scenarios in comedic sketches to combat the misinformation surrounding the COVID-19 vaccine and reach the Bayou City’s diverse, younger demographics through a multi-media campaign across broadcast, digital and social media.

“Misinformation and skepticism remain critical barriers to achieving higher COVID-19 vaccination rates in our Houston communities, especially among the younger generations of Houstonians,” said Scott Packard, Houston Health Department Chief Communications & Public Affairs Officer. “The campaign takes a different approach, focusing on missed life events rather than life threatening conditions, in order to appeal to those who are less likely to get seriously ill if they contract COVID-19.”

Approximately 66.6 percent of eligible Houstonians are fully vaccinated. Young adults have lower vaccination rates as a group compared to those in the higher age ranges. Only 57.3 percent of adults ages 18-29 are fully vaccinated, while the older age groups range from 72.8 percent of ages 30-39 to 88.5 percent of those that are 60+. Minority populations continue to be disproportionately impacted by COVID-19 as well. Data shows that the Latinx community accounts for 50 percent of COVID-19 related deaths in Houston.

“It is vital for us to engage with our target audience in an authentic way by meeting them where they already are and speaking their language,” said Marcus Wesson, 9thWonder Chief Creative Officer. “There has been a plethora of COVID-19 vaccine communication, both nationally and locally in Houston, and our campaign aims to cut through the clutter in order to reach Houstonians who have not yet acted based on previous messaging.”

The new multilingual campaign will span six months of promotion to continue to target those who have not made the decision to get vaccinated. The three TV spots feature dramatizations based on actual events for the unvaccinated: from facing Abuela’s disappoint for missing her birthday to receiving a wedding invite that requires guests to be vaccinated. Viewers are urged to “avoid the drama and get vaccinated today” in response to the scenarios. 9thWonder, a minority-owned, Houston-based media and creative business, filled the actor roles with local Houston talent, furthering the objective of this community awareness initiative. The campaign is complete with complimentary creative across print, radio and social media channels.

“It means so much to me to be a part of a project that encourages the protection of my community,” said Alexandra Szeto-Joe, an actress from the campaign. “It’s my own little way of giving back to the community that gave me so much. In a world where so much is out of my control, it’s easy to feel powerless. But to be able to highlight a serious topic like this in a snappy, humorous and relatable way feels very empowering, and hopefully will empower viewers to take the steps necessary to ensure the safety of their own communities, both large and small.”

For more information about the campaign, please visit GetVaxxedHouston.organd 9thWonder.com.

YouTube playlist of al “Avoid the Drama” videos: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLB66xMUF-OSw5hzzwfi3bS84yWMkaQhij.

Artists from Across the Americas Encouraged to Submit Qualifications for Five Major Permanent Works of Public Art at Houston’s New International Terminal at George Bush Intercontinental Airport

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4 March, 2022

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Artists from Across the Americas Encouraged to Submit Qualifications for Five Major Permanent Works of Public Art at Houston’s New International Terminal at George Bush Intercontinental Airport

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HOUSTON – The Houston Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs (MOCA), through the City of Houston’s Civic Art Program and on behalf of the Houston Airport System (HAS), is requesting submissions of qualifications from artists and artist teams to design, fabricate and install five major permanent works of public art for the new international terminal at the George Bush Intercontinental Airport. This opportunity is open to all artists in the United States and international artists in the Americas with U.S. representation.

“As a global city, Houston is also the nation’s most diverse city. One in four Houston residents was born abroad, and more than 145 languages are spoken here,” said Mayor Sylvester Turner. “It is fitting that we open this opportunity to artists from across the Americas whose talents can articulate the kaleidoscope of people that make our city special. These artworks will not only leave a profound impression on travelers passing through our international airport but will also strengthen our standing as a premier international city.”

Once complete, the new international terminal will feature a modernized ticketing and arrivals hall and will fully support post-pandemic growth in international traffic at the airport. It will also address capacity constraints in the central terminal area and improve baggage handling system capacity and reliability challenges. Additional international gates will welcome passengers travelling internationally with new views of artworks from Houston-area artists, commissioned through previously released opportunities.

Houston Arts Alliance (HAA), in collaboration with MOCA, will manage the artist selection process for this investment in public art, which has a reserved budget of 3 million dollars from HAS.

East Façade of the departures level parking garage at the new International Terminal at the George Bush Intercontinental Airport.

Five separate Requests for Qualifications are being released to commission artworks for the following key architectural spaces in the new international terminal:

Departures Façade (Passenger Drop-Off Area), a heavily trafficked area, where three artworks will be a major focal point with views throughout the hall and the exterior passenger drop off level. The RFQ calls for a “Panorama of Houston” that celebrates and reflects the rich and diverse local fabric that makes the city unique, such as Houston’s ecology, economy, recreation, diversity, food culture, and robust art culture. Budget: $857,000. Completion deadline: December 2023.

Departure Level Garage Wall Installation, a drop-off area where artwork will be a major focal point with views from the exterior drop-off area and the Departures Hall. The intent is for a large wall installation that reflects the inspiration and innovation of Houston, reflecting the “Panorama of Houston” theme. Budget: $600,000. Completion deadline: December 2023.

Arrivals Level Garage Wall Installation, a location where passengers wait for their transportation. The intent is for a large wall installation. The RFQ calls for a “Welcome to Houston” theme that celebrates and evokes the rich and diverse local fabric that makes Houston inspiring for residents and visitors alike. Budget: $600,000. Completion deadline: December 2023

Arrivals Pet Area Sculpture, a place where passengers await their transportation in the outdoor lounge area or pet relief area. The intent is for a large-scale free standing sculpture commission that reflects the “Welcome to Houston” theme. Budget: $334,000. Completion deadline: December 2023.

Arrivals Lobby Artwork (Elevator Bank), a spot where arriving passengers will view the Arrivals Lobby artwork as they make their way through to the passenger pick up area. The intent is for a large two-dimensional wall-mounted artwork commission, also inspired by the “Welcome to Houston” theme. Budget: $157,000. Completion deadline: December 2023.

Interested artists and artists teams should submit their qualifications and artwork samples to HAA, here, by Monday, April 11, 2022 at 11:59 pm.

Applicants who have questions can contact Houston Arts Alliance’s Civic Art + Design Department by sending an email to civicart@haatxhelp.zendesk.com no later than Wed., Mar. 30, 2022. Questions will be answered by no later than April 6.

For inquiries about this announcement, current opportunities for artists, or about the City of Houston’s Civic Art Program, please contact the Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs: cultural.affairs@houstontx.gov or 832.393.1099.

The Origin of Funding
Funds for the permanent work of public arts at George Bush Intercontinental Airport were allocated by a City of Houston ordinance which mandates that 1.75% of qualified and applicable Capital Improvement Project dollars be set aside for civic art. These funds are generated by the Houston Airport’s Enterprise Fund – a non-taxpayer, self-sustaining fund of the City. Under contract and in partnership with MOCA, Houston Arts Alliance administers these city-funded public opportunities to acquire and conserve the City of Houston’s public art pieces.

About the Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs
The City of Houston Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs guides the City’s cultural investments with policies and initiatives that expand access to arts and cultural programs in the community, attract visitors and leverage private investment. Learn more at www.houstontx.gov/culturalaffairs and follow us on Facebook & Instagram @HoustonMOCA.

About Houston Airports
Houston Airports is the City of Houston’s Department of Aviation. Comprised of George Bush Intercontinental Airport, IAH, William P. Hobby Airport, HOU, and Ellington Airport/Houston Spaceport, EFD, Houston Airports served 45 million passengers in 2021 and nearly 60 million in 2019. Houston Airports forms one of North America’s largest public airport systems and positions Houston as the international passenger and cargo gateway to the South-Central United States and as a primary gateway to Latin America. Houston’s Hobby Airport recently became the first 5-star airport in North America and Bush Airport maintained an exceptional 4-star rating for a fifth consecutive year.

About Houston Arts Alliance
Houston Arts Alliance (HAA) is a local arts and culture organization whose principal work is to implement the City of Houston’s vision, values, and goals for its arts grantmaking and civic art investments. HAA also executes privately funded special projects to meet the needs of the arts community, such as disaster preparation, research on the state of the arts in Houston, and temporary public art projects that energize neighborhoods. To learn more about HAA, visit www.houstonartsalliance.com and follow us on Facebook & Instagram @HoustonArtsAlliance

CRIME STOPPERS OF HOUSTON FUGITIVE FRIDAY

Houston

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4 March, 2022

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CRIME STOPPERS OF HOUSTON FUGITIVE FRIDAY

For Immediate Release: March 4, 2022

HOUSTON – In an effort to keep our neighborhoods safe, Crime Stoppers of Houston and the Harris County Sheriff’s Office are seeking the public’s help locating the following individuals that have active Felony and/or Misdemeanor Warrants.

Crime Stoppers may pay up to $5,000 for information leading to the location and arrest of the suspects featured. Information may be reported by calling 713-222-TIPS (8477), submitted online at www.crime-stoppers.org or through the Crime Stoppers mobile app. All tipsters remain anonymous. Only tips and calls DIRECTLY TO Crime Stoppers are anonymous and eligible for a cash reward.

The following individuals all have active warrants as of March 4, 2022 at 9:15 am.

COLAND EUGENE BELL

B/M 05-17-69 5’10”/220 Lbs. Blk/Bro
Warrant #: 1757476
BURGLARY OF HABITATION
Last known location: Houston Texas

MELODY MEGAN BIANCO

W/F 02-04-95 5’03”/117 Lbs. Bro/Bro
Warrant #: 1757059
DWI W/CHILD UNDER 15 YOA
Last known location: Houston Texas

KRISTIN NICOLE GILMORE

B/F 12-22-81 5’11”/130 Lbs. Blk/Bro
Warrant #: 1757551
THEFT AGGREGATE =>$150<$300K 1CW
Last known location: Houston Texas

JESUS GONZALEZ

W/M 10-30-02 5’01”/175 Lbs. Blk/Bro
Warrant #: 1757502, 1757503
ASLT FAM/HOUSE MEM IMPED BRTH/CIRCU, VIOL OF PROTECTIVE ORDER ENH
Last known location: Houston Texas

STEPHANIE ANN GROFMAN

W/F 05-22-69 5’01”/130 Lbs. Red/Blu
Warrant #: 1757355, 1757356, 1757357
FRAUD USE/POSS CRDIT/DEBIT CAR, FRAUD / USE / POSS ID INFO -10-49 ITEMS, CREDIT / DEBIT CARD ABUSE
Last known location: Humble Texas

JEREMY DAN HAGAN

W/M 03-20-72 6’00”/150 Lbs. Bln/Blu
Warrant #: 17564090
FRAUD/USE/POSS ID INFO-LESS 5 ITEMS
Last known location: Cypress Texas

DAWN RAE HAYS

W/F 09-14-98 5’08”/140 Lbs. Bln/Haz
Warrant #: 1757543
THEFT >=2,500 <30,000
Last known location: Houston Texas

MARK DANIEL MCKAY

W/M 04-26-68 5’08”/200 Lbs. Bro/Bro
Warrant #: 1756943
ASLT FAM/HOUSE MEM IMPED BRTH/CIRCU
Last known location: Houston Texas

KEINA LABRIA MARIE MCKENZIE

B/F 11-08-96 5’02”/120 Lbs. Bro/Bro
Warrant #: 1757170
FSRA ACC INVOLVING INJURY
Last known location: Houston Texas

RODERICK ARON WARD

B/M 11-07-80 5’09”/250 Lbs. Blk/Bro
Warrant #: 1757534
BURG W-INTENT-COMMIT OTHER FELONY
Last known location: Cleveland Texas

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Father of Alleged Assault Victim Reportedly Assaults Demond Demas at School Hearing

Texas

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3 March, 2022

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Father of Alleged Assault Victim Reportedly Assaults Demond Demas at School Hearing

The father and mother of the alleged assault victim of former Texas A&M wide receiver Demond Demas were arrested on Thursday and charged with misdemeanor assault, according to a report in the Houston Chronicle.

Per the Texas A&M on-campus police department, the father of the victim assaulted Demas and the mother of the victim assaulted a female relative of Demas prior to a school-run student conduct hearing surrounding the former Aggies wide receiver.

Demas turned himself in on Wednesday on a charge of assault family violence that reportedly occurred Saturday. He posted $5,000 bail and was released.

According to a probable cause statement obtained by the Brazos County Sheriff’s Office, Demas’s girlfriend said that Demas pushed her head into the wall. She bit him on the shoulder, and then Demas allegedly threw her off the bed onto the floor, which caused her top front teeth to go through her bottom lip.

Demas “admitted to initiating the verbal altercation” and said that he “took her to the ground” when it got physical, which caused the victim to bite her lip.

Per Demas’s girlfriend, the couple had been in a relationship for a year.

Demas is currently suspended from Texas A&M.

Souce:

LIONSGATE Presenta Fortress: Sniper’s Eye

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3 March, 2022

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LIONSGATE Presenta Fortress: Sniper’s Eye

Starring

Jesse Metcalfe, Bruce Willis and Chad Michael Murray

Directed by

Josh Sternfeld

Written by

Alan Horsnail

Story by

Emile Hirsch and Randall Emmett

Synopsis

Starring Bruce Willis (Pulp Fiction), this action cyber-thriller continues the adventure begun in Fortress. Weeks after the deadly assault on Fortress Camp, Robert (Bruce Willis) makes a daring rescue to save Sasha, the widow of his old nemesis Balzary (Chad Michael Murray, “One Tree Hill”). But back in the camp’s command bunker, it appears Sasha may have devious plans of her own. As a new attack breaks out, Robert is confronted with a familiar face he thought he’d never see again…

Houston Habitat for Humanity breaks ground on 127-acre master-planned community

Houston

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3 March, 2022

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Houston Habitat for Humanity breaks ground on 127-acre master-planned community

Houston Habitat for Humanity together with partners including the City of Houston broke ground today on Robins Landing, a vibrant master-planned community serving low to moderate income Houstonians in their journey to homeownership. Located near Tidwell Road and Mesa Drive in northeast Houston, the 127-acre site will provide critically needed affordable homes, essential services, retail opportunities, and access to greenspace. Hines, the international real estate firm, will serve as a strategic advisor to Houston Habitat for the development, which is a first of its kind.

“Today’s groundbreaking on Robins Landing marks an exciting moment for Houston Habitat and an exciting future for many Houstonians” said Allison Hay, executive director of Houston Habitat for Humanity. “Along with our partners, we are creating a more inclusive, equitable, and open path toward homeownership. Everyone deserves a decent and affordable place to call home with access to everyday resources that make a thriving community.”

Designed for mixed-income and mixed-generations, Robins Landing is set to include more than 450 single-family homes. One hundred homes will be built by Houston Habitat for those earning 80 percent or below the City of Houston’s average median income (AMI) and be sold through the Habitat for Humanity Homeownership program. Three hundred homes will be designed, priced, and sold by partner builders CastleRock Communities and Chesmar Homes for those whose income is 120 percent AMI or below.

“Robins Landing is a significant step in transforming Houston Habitat from a homebuilder to a community builder. The offerings and amenities will help build a vibrant sustainable neighborhood and Hines is thrilled to be involved,” said John Mooz, senior managing director at Hines. “When there’s scale, Hines can bring a level of experience to a master-planned district on adjacencies, complementary uses and resources that make for a unique and special community. We look forward to sharing our knowledge and placemaking experience, not just for Robins Landing, but hopefully in other urban locations as well.”

Houston Habitat is collaborating with community partners to deliver more than just housing to Robins Landing residents and those living nearby. Plans include a 12-acre central park with access to hike-and-bike trails, a community garden, a neighborhood resilience hub, and more. A Town Center will include essential services, including a Legacy Community Health Clinic and Houston Public Library branch.

“Affordable housing is about more than simply providing a roof over someone’s head,” said Mayor Sylvester Turner. “We must work in a collaborative and holistic fashion to improve access to transportation, high-quality grocery stores, and opportunity to address the underlying causes of inequity. Robins Landing is positioned to do just that.”

Using an innovative funding model, Houston Habitat has secured $33 million in funds for site infrastructure, which includes a $4.79 million investment from the City of Houston and $1.5 million from Habitat from Humanity International. Construction loans were secured from Arnold Ventures at no interest, and Houston Housing Finance Corporation at low interest. The remainder comes from traditional development funding including lot and land sales for single-family homes, multi-family units, senior units, and nonresidential businesses. Houston Habitat is seeking an additional $10 million from philanthropy to ensure long term affordability, sustainability, and resiliency.

Infrastructure work has begun to create stormwater detention, drainage, utilities, streets, and access points to the future community. Construction of homes is scheduled to begin in fall 2022 with anticipated community completion by December 2026.

HOUSTON PUBLIC LIBRARY PRESENTS WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH PROGRAMS IN MARCH

Houston

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3 March, 2022

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HOUSTON PUBLIC LIBRARY PRESENTS WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH PROGRAMS IN MARCH

HOUSTON – The Houston Public Library (HPL) invites the community to hear from and discover the work of women storytellers and leaders throughout March in celebration of Women’s History Month. This year, library programming focuses on the determination and talent of Houston-based women and their achievements.

On March 3, Author ReShonda Tate Billingsley gives a talk on her latest novel, Miss Pearly’s Girls, a captivating family drama about four estranged sisters. As the national bestselling author of more than 53 books, ReShonda Tate has the credentials, and the passion, to bring stories to life. Her sophomore novel, Let the Church Say Amen, was made into a film directed by actress Regina King, and produced by TD Jakes and Queen Latifah. She is also an award-winning journalist, who is the Managing Editor of The Defender.

On March 8, “Celebrating International Women’s Day,” highlights two of Houston’s leading business leaders in the performing arts. Guest speakers Irma La Paloma, co-founder of Solero Flamenco and co-Director of the Houston Flamenco Festival, and Lavanya Rajagopalan, Co-Founder of Silambam Houston, share their experiences as women entrepreneurs, artists, and immigrants in Houston. The community is invited to enjoy performances after the discussion.

For “Reading Local” on March 22, Gwendolyn Zepeda and Michelle Hillen Klump sit in conversation about their books. Former Houston Poet Laureate Zepeda re-visits her first novel, Houston, We Have a Problema, and debut author Klump introduces a tale about a Houston-reporter turned mixologist in A Dash of Death.

In addition to the author and artist-related events, those interested in genealogy can look to the Family History Research Center at the Clayton Library for a presentation on March 11 titled, “Women’s Work: Tracing Your Ancestor’s Occupations and Volunteer Work.”

“We are proud to host these and other exciting and informative events and learning opportunities that celebrate the vast achievements of women,” states Houston Public Library Director Dr. Rhea Brown Lawson. “HPL recognizes the contributions and accomplishments of women throughout the year and especially during Women’s History Month.”

For more information or to register for HPL’s Women’s History Month events and programs, visit houstonlibrary.org/events or call 832-393-1313.

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Que Onda MagazineHouston\'s Oldest Hispanic Newspaper

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