UTMB Supporters Take the Fight to Austin February 26, 2009

Several supporters of the University of  Texas Medical Branch in Galveston (UTMB) are holding a news conference and  rally on the steps of the State Capitol in Austin.

Speaker Pro-Tem and State Representative Craig Eiland (D-Galveston) is here to voice his support.

They are calling for the full rebuilding and restoration of the hospital which was heavily damaged during Hurricane Ike.

As 2 on the Beat has reported, The UT Board of Regents hired a consultant to study the issue.

The consultant has recommended a couple of options including taking the hospital off  the island and relocating it to the mainland.

I will have a full report on this story on KPRC Local 2 at 5 and 6 Thursday!

Peter Brown to Announce For Mayor of Houston February 26, 2009

Houston City Councilman Peter Brown has spent the last year talking about his plans to run for Mayor, and  has even picked  up endorsements from a huge group of Houston Area religious leaders.

Today he will make his plans official when he holds a campaign kickoff  rally from 11:30 – 1:00 at Hermann Park.

The architect and urban planner says that if he’s elected Mayor, he would like to focus on building a great city.

The election is in November, and other than Brown the announced candidates include Houston Attorney Gene Locke, City Controller Annise Parker and Harris County Board of Education Trustee Roy Morales.

BBQ, Tents and Fancy Toilets! February 25, 2009

I  had an opportunity to walk around Reliant Park for a few minutes on Wednesday afternoon. The teams and the tents are geared up and ready to start the World Championship BBQ Contest at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo.

I saw everything from a fancy,  nicely decorated port a potty (believe it or not) to huge mouth watering steaks on the grill.

Channel 2   is a proud co-sponsor of one the teams, but don’t expect to see anchors Bill Balleza or Dominque Sachse sweating over a hot pit.

You will likely see lots of  familiar faces at the BBQ. Photographer Steve Long is in a band called “Easy Money” and it plays at the cook-off every year.

Channel 2's Steve Long on the Keyboard!

There are dozens of  teams that will prepare food and party over the next three days.

The BBQ is open to the public, but you must have an invitation to get into any of the tents, which are private.

The Across The Track Pac

Adult Beverages!

From Former Police Chief to Houston City Council? February 25, 2009

 

He was narrowly defeated in the race for Harris County District Attorney, and now former Houston Police Chief  C.O. Brad Bradford has decided to run for Houston City Council.

2 on the Beat received the email notice this morning, formally announcing Bradford’s candidacy.

 

Houston, TX (February 25, 2009) – Former Houston Police Chief and Harris County District Attorney Candidate C.O. “Brad” Bradford has formally announced his candidacy for Houston City Council, At-Large Position Four. This position is being vacated due to term limits.

 

Chief Bradford has been a resident of the city of Houston since 1979. He has lived in the Hiram Clarke, Alief, Fondren Southwest, and MacGregor areas. He understands the various characteristics of the Houston community and appreciates the efforts to focus on neighborhood needs.

 

Bradford served 24 years as a Houston Police officer and seven years as Chief of Police. He was appointed Houston’s Police Chief by Mayor Bob Lanier and re-appointed by Mayor Lee Brown. He is an attorney and public safety consultant with degrees in law from the University of Houston Law Center, criminal justice from Grambling State University, and a public administration degree from Texas Southern University.    Also, Chief Bradford is a graduate of the FBI Academy and Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government Program for State and Local Executives.

 

“It is certainly an honor to serve in the public sector. Making a difference for the greater good of all is a tremendous reward. As Houston moves forward, we must get better prepared to deal with issues such as public safety, budget restraints, critical infrastructure repairs, representation via council redistricting and many others.” stated Bradford. “After careful consideration, I am most honored to be asked by so many friends, supporters, and family to run for Houston City Council. I will utilize my experience, training, and education to help improve the quality of life in this wonderful community, Houston, Texas.”

 

Chief Bradford is married to Dr. Dee Jackson and they have one son, Cole and a daughter, Claire.

 

Political Advertisement C.O. Bradford Campaign, Alan Rosen-Treasurer

 

The Race for City Controller February 25, 2009

Add another name of  a Houston City Council member confirming plans to run for Controller. City Council member  Ron Green plans to officially kick-off his campaign on March 17, St. Patrick’s Day.

As I previously reported,  Pam Holm and  M.J. Khan,  Green’s colleagues on council have also said they would run for the position. 

 

 

 

New Clues In Search For Missing Woman February 23, 2009

The Brazoria County Sheriff’s Department has released new images taken hours after 37 year old Pearland resident Susanna Dejesus was kidnapped from the parking lot outside of where she worked three weeks ago.

The man, who is described as either African American or Hispanic was at a Whataburger drive through window on West Belfort in Houston.

The images were taken by a survellience camera and enhanced by NASA.

Captain Chris Kincheloe also announced that a reward leading to information about DeJesus’ whereabouts has been increased.

If you have any information call CrimeStoppers in Houston or Brazoria County.

It’s (almost) Time to Rodeo February 23, 2009

I live near Reliant Park and every year around this time it’s exciting to witness the transformation of the grounds into the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo.

Over the weekend I stopped to take a few pictures of the carnival rides being assembled, and the workers setting up their tents for the barbecue cook-off.

The cook-off runs from Thursday night – Saturday . 

 Sunday is when all the big trailers will roll in, carrying livestock, breeders and thousands of school students who raise  animals to show. 

Don’t forget the  big rodeo parade is scheduled to take place in downtown Houston on Saturday.

Make sure to wave to the familiar faces you see on KPRC Local 2 who will be riding in a chuck-wagon along the parade route.

More Campaign News February 19, 2009

With so much recent focus on the race for Mayor of Houston, some of the other political campaigns and candidates seem to have been forgotten.

When voters go to the polls in November they will not only choose a new mayor, but also several city council positions and the office of  City Controller. ( to replace Mayoral candidate Annise Parker.) 

Jessica Colon and Pam Holm

2 on the Beat bumped into  city councilmember Pam Holm on Thursday.

Holm was with republican political strategist Jessica Colon, and confirmed that she is running for controller and will make an official announcement next week.

City council members M.J. Khan and Ronald Green have also been mentioned as potential candidates.

I’ll check with them and update you soon on this race.

Is ACORN Crossing The Line on Foreclosures? February 18, 2009

Beginning Thursday the community group ACORN plans to launch its “Home Staying” Campaign.

It’s designed to protect families in 7 cities that are refusing to leave their foreclosed homes. 

ACORN will peacefully stand in solidarity with those homeowners  by preventing their personal belongings from being put out on the street and the family members from being displaced.

On Thursday the group along with religious, labor and elected leaders will defend the home of   Sara Chavez of  Houston. 

Meanwhile, the group is applauding President Obama’s plan to pour $75 Million into tackling the foreclosure crisis.

The President’s proposal could protect up to 9 Million Americans on the brink of   losing their homes.

The State of HISD February 17, 2009

On Tuesday HISD Superintendent Dr. Abelardo Saavedra delivered his fifth annual state of the schools speech. 

It was an opportunity for him to outline his accomplishments while superintendent, and focus on his goals for the future.

It was likely his last opportunity to give a state of the schools speech as  superintendent of the state’s largest school district.

Dr. Saavedra announced that he plans to step down by March of 2010. He’ll leave earlier if the board hires his replacement before then.

Meanwhile, the speech drew an interesting mix of parents, teacher, and community leaders:

Attorney Bill King, Dr. Laura Murillo, Pastor D.Z. Cofield, HISD Trustees Paula Arnold, Harvin Moore and board President Larry Marshall, former HISD Spokesman Terry Abbott, and Mayoral Candidate Gene Locke.