| HOUSTON- Houston Fire Chief Sam Peña’s efforts to improve the health and safety of firefighters is in high gear with the installation of nine additional diesel exhaust removal systems in Houston fire stations. Due to the extremely busy emergency response system in Houston firefighters are exposed to vehicle fumes on a routine basis. When these vehicles are started, the exhaust infiltrates the living and sleeping areas of the fire stations that are staffed around the clock. Before Chief Pena implemented a department-wide health and safety initiative only one fire station out of 94 was equipped with exhaust removal systems . That number is now up to ten and includes stations 7,8, 9,16,21,25,51,28,60, and 31. Six more installations have been scheduled for stations 39,46,56,58,68, and 73. These are the busiest fire stations in the city and are responsible for deployment to a quarter of HFD’s emergencies. Approximately 600 of HFD’s firefighters are assigned to these stations. These systems will provide a healthier and safer work environment for Houston’s busiest first responders. In 2017, the HFD applied to FEMA for an Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) to begin modernizing and installing vehicle exhaust capture and removal systems. In July of 2018, the HFD was awarded the grant in the amount of $703,914, with a grant match obligation of $70,391. Mayor Sylvester Turner and the Houston City Council approved the matching funds. There are still 78 fire stations that remain in need of vehicle exhaust systems. With an average cost of $80,000 per station, the retrofitting of the remaining fire stations will cost approximately $6,240,000. “We are making great progress with the installation of a vehicle exhaust systems in our fire stations. But we still have work to do. Installing this equipment in each of our 94 fire stations is essential to creating a healthy and safe working environment for our employees. I appreciate the Mayor and the Houston City Council’s commitment and continued support of this initiative,” Sam Peña, Fire Chief. The HFD will continue to pursue grant opportunities in forwarding its health and safety initiative with the plan to modernize 15 additional fire stations in calendar year 2019-2020. |
Nine Houston Fire Stations Receive Technology to Remove Harmful Fumes
Mayoral Candidate Calls for Turning Houston into Cannabis Sanctuary City
In 2016, Harris County District Attorney Kim Ogg implemented a diversion program to keep Houstonians found in possession of Cannabis out of jail. After two years of this initiative, the DA’s Office estimates that $35 million has been saved and cannabis related convictions are down 80 percent. This program is an important first step towards ending the War on Cannabis in Houston. But Houston can do better…
As Mayor I would instruct the Chief of Police to stop spending taxpayer money arresting non-violent Cannabis users, effectively end the War on Cannabis in the City of Houston, saving millions of dollars and keeping Houstonians out of the Texas Criminal Justice System.
Imagine a Houston where we not only cease arresting non-violent cannabis users, but we actively encourage Cannabis businesses to move to Houston. Cannabis is both a medicine and a recreational activity. Houston should welcome medicinal practices and cannabis entrepreneurs. The economic incentives could easily transform the City of Houston.
As a former addict I know full well the medicinal power of Cannabis, as well as the havoc created by dangerous drugs. I believe it is important to seek solutions for those who are dealing with drug addiction. As Mayor I would encourage Houstonians to support diverting some of the funds saved from decriminalization towards programs for addiction treatment and recovery.
It’s time for the City of Houston to respect the individual rights of every Houstonian and stop locking people up for possessing or using a plant. It’s time to end the war on drugs in Houston. It’s time to turn Houston into a Sanctuary City for Cannabis
My name is Derrick Broze and I am running for Mayor of Houston. get involved at DerrickBroze.com.
Travel: Seville, Spain
Welcome to Seville! Nowhere else in the world knows how to celebrate life quite like this passionate city. Romantic and lively, Seville’s combination of sumptuous food, breathtaking architecture and flamenco rhythm hits all the right notes. A visit to Seville is filled with the simple pleasures of life that will put a smile on even the weariest face.
When to Go
Sunny Seville is beautiful year-round, with high temperatures in the summer and mild temperatures in the winter. Travel in spring, as soon as the temperature begins to climb, for the best weather. You’ll also have the added bonus of enjoying two of the most popular fiestas in the city — the Semana Santa and the Feria de Abril.
Will the Real Alcázar Please Stand Up?
Seville is most recognizable for its collection of diverse architecture, which includes Moorish palaces, Gothic churches and ornate designs. The star of the show is the Plaza de España, an impressive brick structure featuring long, curving corridors, dizzying tile patterns and bubbling fountains. Next on the list is the Real Alcázar Palace, a royal residence that dates back to the seventh century and still occasionally hosts the Spanish royal family. Christian and Mudéjar influences decorate this stunning structure that includes open courtyards and large, ornate halls. Finally, spend a day marveling at the Catedral de Sevilla and La Giralda, the largest Gothic building in Europe with more than 40 chapels on site.
Find Your Muse
Seville’s museum scene is a diverse treasure trove, with a spot for every taste and interest. For traditional art, visit the Museo de Bellas Artes, while contemporary fans should stop by the Andalusian Contemporary Art Centre. Dancers will appreciate the Flamenco Dance Museum and history buffs will satisfy their curiosity at the Museo de Castillo de San Jorge, a historical exhibit housed in the former headquarters of the Spanish Inquisition. Finally, if you prefer to stay outside and enjoy the sunshine wander the Metropol Parasol, the world’s largest wooden structure, which offers five levels to explore and stunning views of the city from the top.
Feeling Shady
Seville’s many winding corridors find shade beneath palm trees and orange trees that give off an intoxicating scent. But if you need some more greenery, head to Maria Luisa Park. Here you’ll find long, shaded pathways, grassy meadows near ponds and the famed Plaza de América, flanked by museums and stunning gardens. If you need to get farther out of the city, head to the gorgeous Andalusian countryside, touring the quaint villages that dot the region, or to the coast, to seaside spots like Nerja that offer a quieter escape.
What to Eat
Tasty Tapas
If you’re a fan of flavor, you’ll love what Seville has to offer. A blend of spices come together in hearty dishes to fuel your Spanish fire. First off, let’s talk about tapas. Seville makes a strong case for having invented this small plates trend, and you’ll find yourself squeezing into many tapas bars, indulging in traditional dishes like salmorejo (cold tomato soup) and Jamón Ibérico de Bellota (Iberian ham). Stop at Casa Morales and El Rinconcillo (the oldest bar in the city) to compare plates. If you need a heartier meal, make your way to El 3 de Oro for some of the best paella in the city. Follow your meal with a good vermouth or sweet orange wine to cap off the night.
¿Qué hace a un hombre sexy?
Tengo un grupo de mujeres que se llama: “Se Real” que se dedica a ayudar a las mujeres a superarse en la vida personal y profesional. Al finalizar la última reunión mensual, algunas nos quedamos “comadreando”, como es de costumbre. Beatriz una de las chicas más activa en el grupo nos dijo con una pícara sonrisa: “muchachas, ayer salí con el hombre más sexy que he conocido”. Entonces, sacó de la bolsa una foto que se tomaron juntos la noche anterior. Curiosas nos amontonamos a su alrededor para ver al mencionado. Mercy, la más bromista, le arrebató la foto y dijo burlonamente: “¡yo esperaba ver a Bratt Pitt!”.
Este comentario nos causó risa, y aproveché para hacer una encuesta informal. Les pregunté, ¿qué hace a un hombre sexy? Las respuestas fueron tan variadas como las edades y personalidades que componen este grupo.
Mercy quien acaba de cumplir 25 años dijo: “hombros anchos” y “nalgas tonificadas”. Aquellas en sus treinta incluyeron algunos aspectos físicos -como la estatura y el vello corporal-, pero también cualidades como cariñoso y espléndido. Las mayores de 35 se concentraron en cualidades que lo hacen un buen compañero, como fiel y trabajador.
Los gustos cambian según la edad. De jovencitas le damos prioridad a lo que nos llena los ojos, pero con la edad y la experiencia queremos más. Una cabellera lacia y espesa no te consiente cuando estás enferma. Un cuerpo de Adonis no reta tu intelecto y una sonrisa de mil kilovatios no te apoya en un momento de dolor.
Administración Trump Firma Acuerdo con Guatemala Contra la Inmigración de Indocumentados
Administración Trump firma acuerdo con Guatemala contra la inmigración de indocumentados Guatemala ha enfrentando el aumento de las caravanas de inmigrantes.
Los gobiernos del presidente estadounidense Donald Trump y del guatemalteco Jimmy Morales firmaron un Memorando de Cooperación (MOC, en inglés) para enfrentar el tráfico de personas y buscar detener la inmigración de indocumentados hacia los Estados Unidos.
Fue el secretario interino del Departamento de Seguridad Nacional (DHS), Kevin McAleenan, quien formalizó el acuerdo con el Ministerio de Gobierno del paíse centroamericano, reportaron autoridades.
La firma del MOC marca el inicio del viaje de cuatro días del secretario McAleenan para participar en reuniones bilaterales y multilaterales con funcionarios que representan a los gobiernos de los países del Triángulo del Norte, incluidos El Salvador y Honduras.
“A través de nuestra continua colaboración y asociación, los Estados Unidos y Guatemala están formalizando una serie de iniciativas para mejorar las vidas y la seguridad de nuestros respectivos ciudadanos mediante la lucha contra la trata de personas y el contrabando de bienes ilegales”, indicó McAleenan en un comunicado, donde destacó la crisis que vive Estados Unidos en la frontera con México y lo peligroso que es viajar como indocumentado.
Los aspectos clave del acuerdo permitirán a ambas administraciones impulsar medidas para combatir la trata de personas y el contrabando, interceptar el tráfico ilícito de drogas y atacar el comercio ilegal y el flujo de dinero del crimen organizado.
“Otras áreas de cooperación incluyen aumentar la seguridad de la frontera guatemalteca para detener el flujo de la migración irregular y garantizar una preparación adecuada para mejorar la capacidad de ambos países para identificar y comprender mejor sus causas fundamentales”, afirmó el DHS.
Los inmigrantes de Guatemala lideran las detenciones de la Patrulla Fronteriza en la frontera con México y registran el mayor incremento sostenido de menores no acompañados, ya que en el año fiscal 2013 se reportó la captura de 8,068 contra 22,327 en el año fiscal 2018.
Respecto a unidades familiares, también ha habido un aumento al pasar de 23,067 en el año fiscal 2016 a 50,401 en el 2018.
La visita de McAleenan a Guatemala se da a pocos días de la presentación del Plan de Desarrollo Integral del Gobierno mexicano que busca reducir la inmigración de indocumentados de países del Triángulo Norte.
Maluma Recibe 8 Nominaciones a los Premios Juventud
Maluma, el ídolo global de la música latina ha sido nominado a ocho Premios Juventud, convirtiéndose en el artista con el mayor número de nominaciones este año, según se anunció esta mañana en un Facebook Live de Premios Juventud.
Sus nominaciones son: ‘La Más Pegajosa’; ‘Multitasker – cantante, compositor, escritor’; ‘De etiqueta high fashion’; ‘Apasionado por los zapatos’; ‘Obsesionado con el cabello’; ‘Coreografías que me matan’ (2 nominaciones); y ‘Esto sí es’.
Fans en Estados Unidos y Puerto Rico tienen dos semanas para votar por sus artistas favoritos a través de la página web oficial de los Premios Juventud.
La gala de entrega de los Premios Juventud 2019 se llevará a cabo el 18 de julio y será transmitido en vivo por Univisión.
El pasado viernes Maluma lanzó su anticipado cuarto álbum 11:11, el cual debutó en el primer lugar de listados digitales y streamings de álbumes latinos.
Del mismo modo Maluma anunció recientemente su regreso a los Estados Unidos, Canadá y Puerto Rico con la gira norteamericana de su ‘Maluma 11:11 World Tour’, la cual arranca el 6 de septiembre en San Diego, California y recorrerá más de 21 ciudades en Estados Unidos, Canadá y Puerto Rico, incluyendo importantes salas de conciertos como: AmericanAirlines Arena en Miami, Madison Square Garden en Nueva York, The Forum en Los Ángeles y el Coliseo de Puerto Rico.
Governor Abbott Honors Texas Veterans And Fallen Heroes At Memorial Day Event
Governor Greg Abbott today attended an event to honor fallen military heroes and thank Texas veterans at the Texas Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) headquarters in Austin. The Governor was joined by Texas Veterans Commission (TVC) Chairman Al Cantu, Texas VFW State Junior Vice Commander Richard “Dick” Shawver, and veterans from across Texas.
At the Memorial Day event, the Governor announced the release of a special Texas edition of the Vietnam War 50th commemoration book, a gift for all Texas veterans who served in the Vietnam War. The book, entitled A Time to Honor: Stories of Service, Duty, and Sacrifice, chronicles the events of the time and details the heroic actions of American soldiers. Additionally, it provides modern day reflections of veterans and pays tribute to all who served in Vietnam.
“Today and every day, we must honor the veterans and fallen heroes who bravely defended our freedoms on the battlefield,” said Governor Abbott. “As our nation continues to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War, this book is a symbol of a grateful state and nation. However, this book is not simply a tribute to the heroic service of the veterans and fallen heroes of the Vietnam War. It is also a reminder of our duty as Americans to ensure that veterans have access to the support they have earned. That is why I encourage veterans throughout Texas to apply for and claim the state and federal benefits and support available to them. On behalf of the state of Texas, I extend my deepest gratitude to our Vietnam veterans and to all those who have worn the uniform of the United States Armed Forces.”
The commemoration book is part of a broader initiative to encourage all Vietnam veterans to apply for and claim their state and federal veteran benefits and entitlements. All Texas veterans who served in the Vietnam War are eligible to receive a free copy of the book as a sign of gratitude for their service and sacrifice. Vietnam veterans throughout Texas are especially encouraged to visit their nearest TVC Claims Benefit Advisor or call 1-800-252-VETS to find the nearest facility. TVC advisors can also assist veterans in all matters pertaining to veterans’ state and federal disability benefits and entitlements.
When a veteran picks up their book, they will have the opportunity to provide their information on-site to TVC advisors and begin the process of claiming their rightful benefits and support resources. The commemorative books are currently available at the following locations, with more locations being added in the future:
TVC Waco Regional Office
701 Clay Avenue
Waco, TX 76799
Phone: (254) 299-9944
Houston Regional Office
6900 Almeda Rd
Houston, TX 77030
Phone: (713) 383-2727
Central TX Veterans Health Care System
Olin E. Teague Center
1901 Veterans Memorial Dr.
Bldg. 208 Rm. 119
Temple, TX 76504
Phone: (254) 743-0549
Texas VFW
8503 N. IH 35
Austin, TX 78753
Phone: (512) 834-8535
What They Are Saying About The Texas Plan For School Finance And Property Tax Reform
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
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.