Tuesday, December 31, 2019

TRE special schedule available for Wednesday, January 1, 2020

From TRE: To ensure our customers have a safe trip to the 2020 Bridgestone NHL Winter Classic at Fair Park on Wed., Jan. 1, 2020, TRE will provide special service between Fort Worth T&P and EBJ Union stations. Click here to view the Jan. 1, 2020 special schedule.

For travel to Fair Park, transfer to DART Rail Green Line at Victory Station. Green Line trains going to Fair Park will say "BUCKNER", "LAWNVIEW" or "FAIR PARK".

https://trinityrailwayexpress.org/alert/tre-nye-nyd/

Friday, December 27, 2019

DART to Pursue Advertising for Transit Shelters

Dallas, Texas - Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) will pursue approvals from its 13 service area cities for the operation of a revenue-generating advertising program on its transit shelters in 2020.

City approvals allowing static signs, shelter wraps and digital screens could allow DART to reinvest in additional and updated shelters, create a shelter cleaning program, market increased services, provide wayfinding and real-time information, and have the ability to send critical citywide emergency messages.

DART's board approved advertising on the agency's 1,229 transit shelters on September 17.

Dallas is one of the few major cities without transit shelter advertising. A total of 899 of the shelters are in Dallas. The others are found across the agency's 12 additional cities: Addison, Carrollton, Cockrell Hill, Farmers Branch, Garland, Glenn Heights, Highland Park, Irving, Plano, Richardson, Rowlett and University Park.


Friday, December 20, 2019

Secretary Hughs Delivers Remarks At Naturalization Ceremonies

CORPUS CHRISTI – Texas Secretary of State Ruth Hughs yesterday attended and delivered remarks at naturalization ceremonies for new American citizens at the U.S. Courthouse, Southern District of Texas, in Corpus Christi. The Secretary spoke of the crucial role that immigrants play in helping to enrich the fabric of Texas and the United States.

"The start of your new journey as Americans holds the promise and story of our nation's future in your hands," said Secretary Hughs. "Your hard work, perseverance, the languages you speak, the cultures you bring with you, and your many talents help to make our state and our nation a better place. We are proud of your accomplishment and to be able to call you all our fellow Americans."

SOS1
(PHOTO: Office Of The Texas Secretary Of State, 12/20/19)

SOS2
(PHOTO: Office Of The Texas Secretary Of State, 12/20/19)

SOS3
(PHOTO: Office Of The Texas Secretary Of State, 12/20/19)

Bus Stop Consolidations to be Implemented in December and January for Routes 12, 21, 42 and 502

Thank you for the feedback provided on our initial draft consolidation list. The bus stops on the final list will be removed in December 2019 and January 2020 as part of the Bus Stop Consolidation Project. Click here to view the final list.

The Bus Stops Consolidation Project is providing for more consistent spacing between bus stops along routes throughout the DART system. The goal of this Project is to improve the customer bus riding experience and make the service more reliable.

Please check this website periodically for new listings of proposed bus stop consolidations, inviting your feedback on future phases of this Project. Your comments are always welcome. Thank you for riding DART.

https://www.dart.org/rideralerts/fullra.asp?id=4779

Coast Guard medevacs vessel crewmember 20 miles offshore Port Aransas, Texas

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — The Coast Guard medevaced a crewmember from the offshore vessel Ram XVII approximately 20 miles offshore Port Aransas, Texas, Friday morning.

Coast Guard Sector/Air Station Corpus Christi watchstanders received a request for medevac from the captain of the Ram XVII for a 20-year-old male who injured his leg while conducting operations.

A Sector/Air Station Corpus Christi MH-65 Dolphin helicopter aircrew and a Station Port Aransas 45-foot Response Boat-Medium boat crew were launched for the medevac.
Once on scene, the MH-65 Dolphin helicopter crew hoisted and transferred the crewmember to awaiting emergency medical services personnel at Sector/Air Station Corpus Christi.

"Our training and cohesive teamwork allowed for this medevac to be carried out successfully, despite the deteriorating weather," said Lt. Chris Zink, Sector/Air Station Corpus Christi aircraft commander. "Great work to all members involved, and we are glad we could get this young man the medical attention he needed."

Weather on scene was reported as 7 mph winds with low visibility and rain.

-USCG-

City responding to issues at Compass Pointe apartment complex

Galveston, Texas - The City of Galveston is concerned about ongoing problems for residents at the complex commonly referred to as Sandpiper Cove (officially called Compass Pointe) and the condition of the units.

Earlier this year, the City of Galveston and Galveston City Council denied support for the property owner’s federal housing tax credit application because of long-running maintenance issues with the 192-unit apartment complex that have not been resolved. Through pressure from the City of Galveston and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, the property is now listed for sale.

Since Millenia Housing Management purchased the property in 2015, the City Manager's Office has maintained contact with the company. Despite some initial improvements, issues have persisted at the property and we have been disappointed in the property owner’s efforts to address these problems for their tenants.

Most recently, the City of Galveston learned that residents at the complex are dealing with extensive mold issues. In response, the City Manager contacted a representative of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, which is the governmental entity responsible for the oversight of Project-based Housing Voucher properties and tasked with the physical inspections of such complexes.

Representatives from the agency will perform an inspection of the property in January and determine the next steps for addressing problems at the complex. During this visit, the City Marshal’s Office will perform an inspection to determine if there are city code violations.

 The City of Galveston is limited in its ability to enforce issues on the property because the code enforcement department is not authorized to enter the property without permission. HUD does have this authority and has granted the City entrance to the property.

  “It is of grave concern the issues these residents are dealing with, including mold and faulty plumbing,” City Manager Brian Maxwell said. “The City is committed to doing what we can to ensure this housing complex is meeting city standards.”

Monday, November 18, 2019

HOUSTON HEALTH DEPARTMENT ADDRESSING INCREASE OF SUPERBUGS THROUGH ANTIBIOTIC STEWARDSHIP

HOUSTON The Houston Health Department is expanding its efforts to address antibiotic resistance, one of the most urgent threats to the public’s health. Antibiotic resistance happens when the overuse and misuse of antibiotics lead bacteria to develop the ability to defeat the drugs designed to kill them.

The health department’s Healthcare Associated Infection Program now includes long term care facilities such as retirement homes and rehabilitation centers. The program works with healthcare providers and pharmacists to enhance infection control and antibiotic stewardship.

“When used properly, antibiotics save lives,” said Dr. David Persse, local health authority for the Houston Health Department. “However, the overuse and misuse of antibiotics is leading to increases in superbug bacteria, leaving few options when treatment is needed for infections.”

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, at least 47 million antibiotic prescriptions in U.S. outpatient settings are prescribed unnecessarily. CDC reports that each year in the United States, at least 2.8 million people become infected with bacteria that are resistant to antibiotics and at least 35,000 people die as a direct result. Many more die from complications from antibiotic-resistant infections.

In addition to efforts in healthcare settings, the department also works to educate patients and the community about proper use of antibiotics, especially during U.S. National Antibiotic Awareness Week, Nov. 18-24, 2019.

The health department encourages patients and families to be antibiotics aware by knowing: 
  • Vaccination protects us against infections, reducing the need for antibiotics which helps limit antibiotic resistance.
  • The future of antibiotics depends on all of us. Good hand hygiene prevents infections from spreading.
  • Antibiotics do not work on viruses, such as those that cause colds, flu, bronchitis, or runny noses, even if the mucus is thick, yellow, or green.
  • Antibiotics are only needed for treating infections caused by bacteria, but even some bacterial infections get better without antibiotics, including many sinus infections and some ear infections.
  • Antibiotics will not make you feel better if you have a virus. Respiratory viruses usually go away in a week or two without treatment. Ask your healthcare professional about the best way to feel better while your body fights off the virus.
  • If you need antibiotics, take them exactly as prescribed. Talk with your doctor if you have any questions about your antibiotics, or if you develop any side effects, especially diarrhea, since that could be a Clostridioides difficile infection (also called C. difficile or C. diff), which needs to be treated.
  • Antibiotics are critical tools for treating life-threatening conditions but can cause side effects and lead to antibiotic resistance.
“Improving the way healthcare professionals prescribe antibiotics, and the way we take antibiotics, helps ensure these life-saving drugs will be available for future generations,” said Dr. Persse.

More information about the proper use of antibiotics and the health department’s stewardship activities is available at HoustonHealth.org.

Sunday, November 17, 2019

SHEFFIELD EDUCATION CENTER TO GET A FACELIFT

Austin, Texas - Since 2000, the Splash! Exhibit held at the Beverly S. Sheffield Education Center, part of the Barton Springs Bathhouse, has taught locals and visitors about the unique habitat that the Austin blind salamander and Barton Springs salamander call home.

As a continuation of the Barton Springs Bathhouse Rehabilitation project, the education center will be receiving a facelift. The Austin Parks and Recreation Department (PARD) invites community members to a meeting on Dec. 5, 2019, to share about what Splash! has meant to them and to help PARD identify how a revitalized exhibit space can continue to educate the next generation of visitors to Barton Springs.

Beverly S. Sheffield Education Center Community Meeting
Barton Springs Bathhouse Rotunda
2201 William Barton Road Andrew, Austin, TX 78746
Dec. 5, 2019, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Background Information
Barton Springs Pool is home to two endangered species: the Barton Springs salamander and Austin blind salamander. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service of the Department of the Interior permit allows for the continued operation of Barton Springs as a pool for people to enjoy alongside the salamanders. Due to the needed ecological sensitivity required for this space, the City of Austin created a Barton Springs Pool Habitat Conservation Plan. Within the permitted plan, the City is required to provide at least $45,000 annually to salamander education efforts. The Splash! Exhibit receives nearly 70,000 visitors annually.  The Splash! Exhibit hosts programs for Austin Independent School District students as part of the Austin Nature & Science Center school programs and Austin Watershed Protection Department’s Earth Camp. It is also home to the Austin Nature & Science Center’s summer camps for ages 9 to 15. Together these programs served over 16,000 participants annually, many of whom are from traditionally underserved communities.

STATEWIDE RECOGNITION FOR AUSTIN'S BRUSH SQUARE MASTER PLAN

Austin, Texas - The Austin Parks and Recreation Department (PARD) was awarded a Planning Achievement Award in Urban Design for the Brush Square Master Plan by the American Planning Association (APA) Texas Chapter at its Annual Planning Conference on Friday, Nov. 8, 2019 in Waco, Texas. The Brush Square Master Plan was adopted by the Austin City Council on March 28, 2019.

The master plan envisions Brush Square as a unique park for downtown Austin that is distinct yet complementary to other downtown squares and public spaces. Brush Square is one of three remaining historic public squares from the 1839 Waller Plan for the City of Austin and is located in the southeast area of downtown. It is home to the Susanna Dickinson Museum, O. Henry Museum, the Austin Fire Museum, and historic Central Fire Station #1.

Design and implementation of Phase I of the master plan will begin in 2020. Phase I maintains the operating Fire Station #1, but will shift the parking lot westward to capture more central green space and to provide screening of the parking. Accessibility, circulation, lighting, and signage improvements will be implemented in Phase I.

Existing heritage trees will be protected and an array of native or adapted plantings will be added to provide visual delight and habitat. Shaded, small gathering spaces will be abundant as places of respite for nearby residents, workers, transit users, and event attendees. The square will also comfortably support larger events, such as the annual O. Henry Pun-Off. The Brush Square Master Plan was developed in coordination with the planning and design firm Asakura Robinson.

“The Austin Parks and Recreation Department thanks the American Planning Association Texas Chapter for recognizing the sense of place that the Brush Square Master Plan will create. This important urban square provides space for residents and visitors to learn about Austin's unique culture and enjoy healthy recreation opportunities,” said Kimberly McNeeley, CPRP, Director of PARD.

NEW MINI-PITCH SOCCER COURT PROVIDES HEALTHY AND SAFE PLAY OPPORTUNITIES IN SOCCER-PASSIONATE NEIGHBORHOOD

Austin, Texas - A soccer-passionate part of Austin has a new court to play the sport and the project partners celebrated today with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. Through a partnership with the Austin Parks and Recreation Department (PARD), Soccer Assist, the U.S. Soccer Foundation, and financial contributions from the community, the Dove Springs Recreation Center now offers a new soccer/futsal court. Community support was coordinated by the Dove Springs Recreation Center in consultation with the Dove Springs Advisory Board. 
The court offers the neighborhood a new option for healthy play. This project was initiated as part of PARD’s Community Activated Parks Projects (CAPP) program, which offers a way for the community to initiate improvements on parkland. Soccer Assist, an Austin-based nonprofit organization, submitted a CAPP in October 2018 to transform an underused tennis court at the Dove Springs Recreation Center into a state-of-the-art soccer play space.

Notably, this will be the first U.S. Soccer Foundation mini-pitch collaboration in central Austin and part of 1,000 safe places to play mini-pitches that the U.S. Soccer Foundation is installing with partners across the country by 2026. These soccer spaces support the U.S. Soccer Foundation’s It’s Everyone’s Game campaign to ensure children in underserved communities can benefit from all that the game of soccer has to offer.

“The Community Activated Parks Projects program provided a way for the community to tell us what healthy play options they wanted, and we listened,” said Kimberly McNeeley, Director of PARD. “Austin Parks and Recreation Department is thankful for the partnerships that provided this healthy play resource at the Dove Springs Recreation Center.”

CELEBRATE JOHN TREVINO JR. METRO PARK AT COMMUNITY MEETING #4

The Austin Parks and Recreation Department invites the community to John Treviño Jr. Metropolitan Park to build community with neighbors, learn about the latest master plan development, and share priorities for what comes next.
 
John Treviño Jr. Metropolitan Park
9501 FM 969, Austin, TX 78725
Dec. 7, 2019, 10 a.m. to noon
 
A community open house and celebration will be held at the park site. While the land is currently not accessible to the public, the gates will be opened for this special event. Community members will be able to visit key areas of the site, including a rustic ranch building, open meadows, and spectacular heritage trees. The master-planning team will share the preferred plan, which has been developed based on community input from previous gatherings throughout the summer. The meeting will be in an open-house format with opportunities to ask questions and share thoughts and priorities with the team. There will be with free refreshments and nature activities for the whole family.

Friday, November 15, 2019

Gran Fondo Hincapie returns to Fort Worth in 2020 at new location

Mayor Price speaking into a mic
Mayor Betsy Price, herself an avid cyclist, welcomes riders to the 2019 event.
The acclaimed Gran Fondo Hincapie cycling series returns to Fort Worth for the second year in 2020, this time at a new location: Sundance Square Plaza.
The 2019 ride was overwhelmingly successful, bringing more than 1,000 cyclists from around the world to Fort Worth for a weekend filled with cycling, gourmet dinners and a live recording of Lance Armstrong’s “THEMOVE” podcast.
The March 28, 2020, ride promises to be even bigger, with proceeds benefitting FitWorth, a family-focused nonprofit promoting healthy and active lifestyles through health education and events.
The original Gran Fondo Hincapie in Greenville, S.C., now in its seventh year, has topped charts and received stellar reviews, acclaimed for the cycling celebrities in attendance, as well as the careful attention to safety, onsite viewing screens, course and segment timing, live tracking and streaming, live bands at the rest stops, and free family festival.
Key components of the Gran Fondo Hincapie series are standard routes of 15, 50 and 80 miles, as well as the high-end customer experience, highlighted by a celebrity chef dinner the evening before the ride.

Japanese Fall Festival returns to the Fort Worth Botanic Garden

the Japanese Garden
The Japanese Garden consists of seven acres filled with cherry trees, Japanese maples, magnolias, bamboo, bridges and ponds that are home to 1,200 koi fish.
The Fort Worth Botanic Garden’s annual Japanese Fall Festival is back and bigger than ever, expanding beyond the walls of the Japanese Garden and into the surrounding areas — which means more vendors, more food trucks and more opportunities to celebrate Japanese culture.
The Japanese Fall Festival will take place from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 23, and Sunday, Nov. 24. Last admission will be let in at 4 p.m., and general garden admission fees apply:
  • Adults: $12.
  • Seniors (Ages 65+): $10.
  • Children (Ages 6-15): $6.
  • Children age 5 and under are free.
  • Grow Members are free.
Entertainment will include performances by the Dondoko Taiko Drummers, Goisagi Daiko Drummers, Sakura & Okinawan Dancers, the University of Texas at Arlington’s Japanese Cultural Society Japanese dance group, demonstrations by G.K. Sugai, a traditional Japanese swordsman and Croft Taekwondo. The Fort Worth Japanese Society will have kimonos available for families to try on, and a Kamishibai theatre performance will occur each morning.
Additionally, families can enjoy Japanese crafts, games, calligraphy, origami and local mahjong groups will both play and teach the game.
Several vendors will sell anime, jewelry, antique Asian scrolls, stationery, art prints, bonsai trees and Raku pottery. Food trucks will include Spin Sushi, YIM Yam Food Truck and Bobaddiction.
A complete list of activities is available on the Fort Worth Botanic Garden website.

Sales tax collections up 1.9% in September

Fort Worth’s net sales tax collections in September totaled $14,714,848, up from September 2018 by $275,990, or 1.9%.
Year to date, sales tax collections are up 5.1%.
The city’s general fund actual collection exceeded the fiscal year 2019 amended budget by $1,400,938, or 0.9%. The Crime Control and Prevention District fund actual collection exceeded the FY2019 original adopted budget by $1,444,406, or 1.9%.
Sales tax revenue represents 22.3% of the city’s General Fund budget. This is the second largest revenue source, with property taxes being the largest.
For the Crime Control and Prevention District, sales tax revenue represents the largest revenue source.

Sundance Square Christmas tree arrives Nov. 18


Sundance Square Plaza with Christmas Tree
The 50-foot fresh-cut tree from Michigan becomes the focal point of Sundance Square Plaza on Nov. 18.
Holidays are a special time of the year, and this Christmas, Sundance Square will make it even more memorable. The holiday season will kick off with the arrival of the Sundance Square Christmas tree at 9 a.m. Nov. 18.
Sundance Square President and CEO Johnny Campbell will continue the annual tradition of hoisting the giant 50-foot concolor fir from Hart, Mich., in the center of Sundance Square Plaza.
The official tree lighting ceremony, called one of the best in Texas, will take place at 6 p.m. Nov. 23. Kids Who Care, a nonprofit international theatre company, will perform at this year’s tree lighting.
Santa Claus will be prominently featured on the Plaza Stage, which will be transformed into a winter wonderland with a dramatic silver fabric backdrop and a sleigh backed by beautiful trees. The entire plaza will feature large, brilliantly lit sculptures as backdrops for photos with family and friends.
Parking is always free in Sundance Square after 5 p.m. on weekdays. Before 5 p.m., parking is free with validation from a Sundance Square restaurant or retailer. Validation is good for 2 1/2 hours of dining or shopping, or four hours for weekday movies. Weekends are free throughout the day and evening.
Guests also have the option to valet park for free throughout Sundance Square with purchase from a Sundance Square merchant. Look for the red umbrellas at nine locations throughout Sundance Square.

Meet the candidates for police monitor

Meet the candidates for the new City of Fort Worth police monitor on Nov. 20 at Fort Worth Central Library, 500 W Third St. A public forum begins at 6 p.m. in the library auditorium followed by a public reception at 7 p.m. in the gallery area.
During the public forum, the candidates will respond to questions. During the public reception, residents will have the opportunity to talk with the candidates.

Parking

Free parking is available at Sundance Square

DEVELOPERS, COMMUNITY INVITED TO DISCUSS AFFORDABLE HOUSING INCENTIVES AND PLANNING DECEMBER 3

The ongoing community dialog to support and incentivize affordable housing construction in Austin continues in early December, with Neighborhood Housing and Community Development (NHCD) hosting two meetings for developers and community leaders to discuss expansion of City programs and policies.

The meetings are scheduled for December 3 from 10:30 am to 12 pm, and 6-7:30 pm at the NHCD offices, in the Street-Jones Building, 1000 East 11th Street.  Members of the public are invited to attend either meeting. 

Items on the agenda for the meeting include:

  • Call for Requests for Resolutions supporting 9% Low-Income Housing Tax Credits 
  • Promotion of grant applications for Community Housing Development Organizations
  • Update of changes and corrections to Housing Development Assistance process
  • Review of new Tenant Protection Lease Addendum (start of 30-day comment period)
  • Promotion for Permanent Supportive Housing units and the Housing Trust Fund

The community dialog began in December 2018, as NHCD invited developers and community leaders to provide input on revamping and streamlining the Affordable Housing Development Assistance process, institute new application criteria, and formalized a quarterly review process.

“Over the past year, this process has resulted in NHCD making significant progress for affordable housing construction,” said James May, Community Development Manager for NHCD.  “It allowed NHCD to effectively deploy $20 Million in General Obligation Bonds for approximately 400 new affordable units.”

“As we prepare for next year, we have much to discuss with our development partners and with the community as a whole. To ensure that this conversation can include as many voices as possible,” May said.

For more information, contact May at james.may@austintexas.gov.

AUSTIN POLICE DEPARTMENT TO HONOR 162 RECIPIENTS AT GALA: APD OFFICER COREY TURI TO RECEIVE LIFESAVING AWARD


Just after 5 a.m. on November 19, 2018, Officer Corey Turi responded to a nature unknown urgent in central Austin. A man named Matthew called to report this his fiancé, Jessica, was not breathing. As the call was updated, the situation grew worse. Matthew reported that Jessica was turning blue.

Officer Turi arrived within minutes and took over CPR from Matthew. Officer Turi relayed that Jessica was responding to CPR, but that her breathing was labored. Austin Fire and Austin-Travis County EMS both arrived on scene at which time Austin-Travis County EMS took over CPR. Lee Nudelman of Austin-Travis County EMS later wrote,

“Upon our arrival on scene Officer Turi was performing quality CPR on this patient. We know in EMS that the chain of survival only works if CPR is initiated quickly and effectively and Officer Turi’s willingness and quick action to perform CPR until the Fire Department arrived was an integral part of saving the patient’s life.”

Officer Turi, Jessica, her (now-husband) Matthew and their puppies recently reunited for photos at the Spider House Café where the two had their first date.

Jessica offered the following thoughts:

I had a witnessed v-fib cardiac arrest with CPR and ROSC at home on Monday. That evening and through Tuesday morning I had 3 more cardiac arrests and 1 cardiac syncope (Long QT, ventricular tachycardia). I spent 6 days in the ICU and a total of 12 days in the hospital. According to the Institute of Medicine, 4 out of 5 cardiac arrests occur in the home, and more than 90% of individuals with cardiac arrest die before reaching the hospital. Decreasing the time between cardiac arrest onset and the first chest compressions is critical. 
No words can express and no act of gratitude can relay my heartfelt appreciation for everything Officer Turi did for me on 11/19/18. If it were not for his speedy arrival, CPR training and collaboration with AFD, I would not be here today. He truly is a super hero.”

Jessica also had a message for Officer Turi:

“It takes a really special person to do what you do. Thank you for being you and choosing to serve others with that amazing heart of yours. You helped bring me back to life and gave me a fighting chance to conquer the many battles that followed suit. You are awesome!”

For his efforts, Officer Turi will be honored with a lifesaving medal at this year’s 2019 Stars of Distinction Awards Gala. The event will take place on November 16, 2019 at the Hilton Austin Downtown located at 500 E. 4th Street.

AG Paxton Recovers $63.5 Million for State of Texas, U.S. Medicaid Program

AUSTIN – Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton today resolved an enforcement action against pharmaceutical product manufacturer Lupin Limited, Lupin Inc. and Lupin Pharmaceuticals, Inc., and its Chief Executive Officer Vinita Gupta and Executive Vice President, US Generics Robert Hoffman. The agreement resolves the state’s lawsuit under the Texas Medicaid Fraud Prevention Act (TMFPA) against Lupin for reporting inflated drug prices to the Medicaid program. Under the agreement, Lupin will pay more than $63 million to Texas and the federal government to resolve the claims against it.

“Identifying and preventing Medicaid fraud

HPD & Houston Parks Department Team Up to Support Youth Football Tournament

Beginning at 9:30 a.m. TOMORROW (Saturday, November 16), HPD and the Houston Parks Department will kick off a day-long youth championship flag football tournament.

Following opening remarks by Executive Assistant Chief Troy Finner and others, the more than 300 youth will take the field at Gragg Park at 6200 Wheeler Street.

This season, hundreds of players from across the city have been coached by Greater Houston Police Activities League (GHPAL) officers at 14 neighborhood parks.  The inter-league tournament marks the culmination of their season, with 10-12 teams battling it out for the top four spots and ultimately the championship.
 
WHAT:  
HPD & Houston Parks Team Up to Support Youth Football Tournament
DATE: 
TOMORROW (Saturday, November 16)
TIME: 
9:30 a.m.
Opening Remarks by Executive Assistant Chief Troy Finner and other dignarities

10 a.m.
Players take the field

 
WHERE: 
Gragg Park
6200 Wheeler Street

Author Talk and Book Signing with Local Chef and Author Chris Shepherd

Author Talk and Book Signing
with Local Chef and Author Chris Shepherd
WHAT:
The Houston Public Library will host Houston’s most recognizable chef Chris Shepherd! Recently named Chef of the Year (in the world) by Robb Report, the luxury-lifestyle magazine based in Los Angeles, Chris Shepherd will discuss his latest cookbook, Cook Like a Local: Flavors That can Change How You Cook and See the Worldwith KPRC news anchor Owen Conflenti.
 
There will be a book signing to follow the presentation. Copies of Cook Like a Local will available for purchase.

Seating is limited, click here to register.

Visit www.houstonlibrary.org or call 832-393-1313 for more information. All Houston Public Library events are free and open to the public.
WHEN:
Thursday, December 5, 2019 | 6:30 PM - 8 PM
WHERE:
Julia Ideson Building, Auditorium
550 McKinney St., 77002 | 832-393-1313
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
The Houston Public Library (HPL) operates 37 neighborhood libraries, three HPL Express Libraries, a Central Library, the Houston Metropolitan Research Center, the Clayton Library Center for Genealogical Research, The African American Library at the Gregory School, and the Parent Resource Library located in the Children’s Museum of Houston. With more than eight million visits per year in person and online, HPL is committed to excellent customer service and equitable access to information and programs by providing library customers with free use of a diverse collection of printed materials and electronic resources, Internet, laptop and computer use, and a variety of database and reference resources with live assistance online 24/7.
 
For further information, visit the Houston Public Library at www.houstonlibrary.org, on Twitter @houstonlibrary, on Facebook – houstonlibrary or call 832-393-1313.

Dallas tops in 2019 Digital Cities Survey

Dallas, TX – The City of Dallas made the top 10 list in the 2019 Digital Cities Survey presented by The Center for Digital Government (CDG). 
The survey, in its 19th year, recognizes cities that use technology to tackle social challenges, enhance services, strengthen cybersecurity, and more. 
Dallas was recognized for its online crime reporting tool and for its partnership with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to develop the Dallas Strategic Cybersecurity Plan. 
We’re constantly looking to find ways to provide innovative solutions to improve efficiency, security, and collaboration using technology,” said Hugh Miller, Dallas’ Chief Information Officer. “We intend to continue looking ahead to find ways to use data and technology to improve the services of the City and lives of our residents.”
Dallas was recognized for its online crime reporting tool and for its partnership with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to develop the Dallas Strategic Cybersecurity Plan. 
 “The top Digital Cities this year are taking the IT department far beyond the role of service provider,” said Phil Bertolini, co-director of CDG. “They’re exploring creative ways to leverage their technology investments and redefining the role of the public-sector technology leader at the city level.”
 Dallas will be honored Thursday, November 21, along with the other top 10 winners at a special awards dinner during the National League of Cities’ annual conference in San Antonio.

African American Library at the Gregory School Celebrates their 10th Anniversary with a "State of Black Houston" Symposium

African American Library at the Gregory School
Celebrates their 10th Anniversary with a 
"State of Black Houston" Symposium

WHAT:
Houston Public Library (HPL) invites the community to join us as we celebrate 10 years of preserving Houston's African history and culture at the African American Library at the Gregory School.  The Library's 10th Anniversary celebration brings together a symposium focusing on the "State of Black Houston."  There will be panels of outstanding scholars, activist, practitioners and artists bringing to light the various aspects of life in the City of Houston through the lens of the Black Community in a two day presentation.  

This event is free and open to the public. For more details visit: www.houstonlibrary.org.
WHEN:

Friday, November 15 | 10 AM - 7 PM

Opening Exhibit - We Shall Not Be Moved: 
Recent Acquisitions from the Gregory Collection Opening 
| 10 AM

This exhibition highlights the collection’s depth and development, while it brings together a selection of recent acquisitions that have rarely been shown.  

Art and the City | 12 PM
Dr. Alvia Wardlaw, Michelle barnes, Jamal Cyrus,
Eileen Morris
Moderator: Lanecia Tinsley
Health and the City | 5 PM
Dr. Devin Miles, Dr. Valerie Jackson, Sherod Coleman, Dr. Tamisha Jones
Moderator: Noah Rattler
Food and the City | 7 PM
Chris Williams, Keisha Griggs, Michelle Wallace,
Don Bowie
Moderator: Marcus Davis

Saturday, November 16 | 11 AM - 8 PM

Education and the City | 11 AM
Reagan Flowers, Dipen Bhakta, Isaac Daniels,
Marvin Pierre, Ashley Hill, Dr. Malachi Crawford
Moderator: Jarvis Taylor
Business and the City | 2 PM
Carol Guess, Dennis Hatchett, Jackie Adams,
Kase Lawal
Moderator: Tracey Hawthorne Wash
Activism and the City | 5 PM
Brandi Holmes, Sam Collins, Shekira Dennis,
Deric Muhammad
Moderator: Jeffrey Boney
Ben Desoto: For Art's Sake | 8 PM
Documentary screening, Q&A with Ben Desoto
WHERE:
The African American Library at the Gregory School | 1300 Victor St., 77019 | 832-393-1440
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
About the Houston Public Library
The Houston Public Library (HPL) operates 35 neighborhood libraries, four HPL Express Libraries, a Central Library, the Houston Metropolitan Research Center, the Clayton Library Center for Genealogical Research, The African American Library at the Gregory School, and the Parent Resource Library located in the Children’s Museum of Houston. With more than eight million visits per year in person and online, HPL is committed to excellent customer service and equitable access to information and programs by providing library customers with free use of a diverse collection of printed materials and electronic resources, Internet, laptop and computer use, and a variety of database and reference resources with live assistance online 24/7.
 
For further information, visit the Houston Public Library at www.houstonlibrary.org, on Twitter @houstonlibrary, on Facebook – houstonlibrary or call 832-393-1313.