Shaneka Smith, chief of staff to Fort Bend County Judge KP George, was arrested and charged with misdemeanor driving while intoxicated by a Houston Police Department officer on June 25.
Smith, 45, was given a breath analyzer test and found to have a blood alcohol content of at least 0.15, according to a charging instrument. The level of intoxication in Texas is 0.08 percent.
Smith is free on a $100 bond. As part of her bond conditions, Smith must not operate a motor vehicle without an operable interlock device, may not posses any alcohol, dangerous drugs, or marijuana without a medical prescription, and is subject to random urinalysis.
Her arraignment is set for July 5 in the Harris County Court-at-Law No. 5.
Smith has served as George’s chief of staff since January 2022 after having previously worked for Fort Bend County in another role. In court records, she is listed as having a Houston address.
In an emailed statement on Friday, George said his office was aware of Smith’s arrest.
“I take this situation very seriously. The safety and security of our community are our highest priorities, and we will continue to uphold the standards of integrity and accountability that our citizens expect from us,” he said.
In an unrelated case, Taral Patel, a former chief of staff to George and the Democratic candidate in the November election for Fort Bend County Precinct 3 Commissioner, was arrested by Fort Bend law enforcement on June 12 on felony and misdemeanor charges of online impersonation and misrepresentation of identity. The charges relate to Patel allegedly using false social media profiles and other means to convey fake attacks against himself. An initial court appearance is set for July 22.
The Fort Bend Independent was the first media outlet to report that Smith had been charged. ABC-13 had earlier reported the arrest of a public official.
TEA investigating FBISD on complaints of electioneering, open meetings violations
The Texas Education Agency last week notified the Fort Bend ISD that it is investigating two separate complaints, according to a statement from the district.
The first complaint is that the district under former Superintendent Christie Whitbeck “unlawfully incentivized students and staff to vote in last year’s 2023 VATRE election and engaged in electioneering.” The second complaint, made by former Trustee Kristen Davison
Malone, is that other mem-
bers of the board ‘violated the Texas Open Meetings Act when making employment decisions regarding (Whitbeck).”
Whitbeck’s initiatives in promoting a program to encourage students to invite their parents to vote at district campuses in the VATRE election, ostensibly to promote good citizenship, and to allow teachers and other staff to wear blue jeans to work if they voted, drew strong criticism, including a sharp public rebuke from Judy Dae, then
the president of the board.
Shortly afterward, the administration discontinued the incentive programs. The VATRE vote, targeted primarily at increasing the salaries of teachers and other employees, easily passed in November.
In December, Whitbeck abruptly announced she was leaving the district in what was publicly framed as a voluntary retirement agreement, although during subsequent board meetings
Independence Day celebrations to be held across county
On Thursday, July 4, people all across the United States will celebrate the nation’s most patriotic holiday, Independence Day, which marks the official beginning of the nation when the Declaration of Independence was signed in 1776. Here in Fort Bend County we’re no exception. Municipalities across the county have events planned to mark the occasion.
Sugar Land The city of Sugar Land’s Red, White and Boom Celebration is scheduled for Thursday, from 5-9 p.m., at The Crown Festival Park, 18355 Southwest Freeway. Fireworks will close out the event at approximately 9 p.m.
Attendees will enjoy an evening full of patriotic fun with activities for all ages and a main stage area featuring a variety of local talent. This event is free and open to the public, and no tickets will be required.
Live entertainment and activities will take place throughout the event, including a children’s zone with photo opportunities, face painting, children’s entertainment, airbrush art, trackless trains, rock walls, interactive inflatables along with a variety of information stations. Food and drink options will be available at concession areas. Gates will open promptly at 4 p.m. Limited parking will be available at the festival site. Once on-site parking is full, only off-site parking will be available from the University of Houston-Sugar Land, 14000 University Blvd., and the Smart Financial Centre, 18111 Lexington Blvd, where shuttles will operate during the event. Those attending the event are encouraged to use the free shuttles to avoid traffic delays. All shuttle traffic will halt for the launching of fireworks from 8:30-9:30 p.m. Once all parking lots are full, access to the event will be closed. A clear view of the fireworks show will be available
via livestream on Sugar Land Parks and Recreation’s Facebook page: www.facebook. com/SugarLandParks. For more information about the event or to inquire about event sponsorships, contact Sugar Land Parks & Recreation at 281-275-2825 or visit www.SugarLandTX. gov/RedWhiteandBoom.
Missouri City
The city of Missouri City will hold its FourthFest Celebration on Thursday from 5-9 p.m, at 1600 Texas Parkway, behind the Houston Community College. The event will feature live music from local group The C.I.T.Y.; a Family Fun Zone with inflatable/ water slides, a washable monster mural, balloon artists, stilt walkers, circus entertainment and more; a variety of food trucks; a water zone with water toys and activities to keep cool; and a fireworks extravaganza beginning at 9 p.m. Free parking and shuttle bus service available at Thurgood Marshall High School, 220 Buffalo Run. The event
will also be livestreamed on the city’s Facebook page. Find full information at missouricitytx.gov.
Stafford
The city of Stafford is holding events on July 3 and July 4 at the Stafford Centre, 10505 Cash Rd. On Wednesday, July 3, from 6:30 to 11 p.m., Grupo Vidal and DJ Rene Rosales will provide music, and there will also be hayrides, food and drinks and children’s games and other activities. On Thursday, July 4, beginning at 7 p.m. the Fort Bend Symphony Orchestra will perform its annual, free “Freedom Rings” holiday concert of patriotic music, followed by a fireworks display outside. Full information can be found at staffordtx.gov. Meadows Place
The city of Meadows Place will hold its 4th of July Food Truck Family Festival on Thursday, from 6-9 p.m. at Mark McGrath Park, 12001 Brighton Lane. The event will feature food trucks, live music from The
tions BAND, and a fireworks show beginning at 9 p.m. Full information can be found at cityofmeadowsplace.org/4thof-july-food-trucks-2023. Rosenberg/Fulshear The Liberty on
Families, neighborhoods and municipalities across Fort Bend County will be celebrating Independence Day on Thursday, July 4. Photo by Ken Fountain
The Texas Education Agency is investigating Fort Bend ISD on separate complaints of electioneering and open meetings violations. File photo by Ken Fountain
MCPD officer involved in fatal crash dismissed
The Missouri City police officer involved in a June 20 collision that killed a mother and her teenage son has been dismissed by the department, a department spokesperson confirmed.
The officer, Blademir Viveros, 27, was traveling over the posted speed limit on Cartwright Road without flashing lights or siren while pursuing an ATM robbery suspect on the evening of June 20, according to a press release from the Texas Department of Transportation, which is still investigating the incident.
According to DPS release, the 2005 Toyota Corolla being driven by Mason Stewart, 16 failed to yield the right of way while exiting the parking lot of a large strip shopping center at the intersection of Cartwright Road and Texas Parkway and was struck by the police car driven by Viveros. Mason Stewart, 16, and his mother, Angela Stewart, 53, both of Stafford, were pronounced dead on the scene by the Fort Bend County Medical Examiner’s Office. Viveros was taken to Memorial Hermann Hospital Houston for treatment of injuries from the crash and has since been released.
A passenger in the backseat of the police car, Michael Hawkins, 53, of Missouri City, who was discovered by investigators about two hours after the collision, was taken to Ben Taub Hospital in Houston, where he is still receiving treatment, according to the DPS press release.
The Missouri City Police Department has not yet said why Hawkins was in the backseat of the police car.
The preliminary crash investigation indicates that at approximately 8:44 p.m., a 2021 marked Missouri City Police SUV (a Ford Explorer) was traveling eastbound over the posted speed limit. A 2005 Toyota Corolla pas-
senger car failed to yield the right-of-way out of a private drive and was subsequently struck by the Police vehicle. The investigation has determined that the Missouri City Police Officer did not have the emergency lights of his vehicle turned on at the time of the crash.
According to the DPS press release, the investigation of the crash is ongoing. Once it is completed, the results will be submitted to the Fort Bend County District Attorney’s Office for review.
The Missouri City Police Department spokesman said its own investigation of policies and procedures related to the accident is continuing.
and media stories and social media postings it became evident that there was much more going on under the surface.
Malone, particularly, alleged publicly that other board members had violated the Texas Open Meeting Act in secretly agreeing to oust Whitbeck. Later, when the board named Marc Smith, then the superintendent of Duncanville ISD in the Dallas area, as the sole candidate to succeed Whitbeck, Malone said she believed he had been recruited outside official channels. Smith took the helm of the district in January.
Malone was defeated in her Position 8 reelection bid in May by former board member and president Kristin Tassin, who was later named president by the newly constituted board. Dae, who had chosen not to run for reelection, was succeeded in her Position 6 seat by Adam Schoof.
In April, the three board officers - Tassin,
then vice-president Shirly Rose-Gilliam and secretary David Hamilton - published a statement on the district’s website responding to an official complaint, previously undisclosed, that Malone made to the TEA while she was still on the board about how Smith came to the district. In the complaint, Malone alleged that she was invited by other board members to meet the Smith at a conference of the Texas Association of School Boards in 2023, long before Whitbeck left the district and Smith was named as her replacement. Malone told the TEA she declined the invitation because of ethical concerns.
In the statement sent by FBISD on Thursday, Smith said the district “will fully cooperate with TEA’s investigation.”
“We are dedicated to being transparent and will provide all requested information,” he said.
“It is a new day in Fort Bend ISD with a new administration,” Tassin said in the statement. “Our board intends to work with Dr. Smith to ensure our district fully cooperates with
the TEA and is transparent with our community.” In an emailed statement, Whitbeck told the Fort Bend Star that she had not been aware of a TEA investigation regarding Malone’s complaint of open meetings violations.
“I believe this is a welcome opportunity to gain insight into the events that occurred behind the scenes leading to my rushed separation and the immediate replacement of the Superintendent position,” Whitbeck said.
“I was not aware of a TEA investigation regarding the November VATRE election, nor am I aware of any electioneering. The use of jeans as an incentive for staff to vote (percentage voting only, not by name or identity) was recommended by our election consultant and was approved by legal counsel,” she said.
“I will gladly comply with TEA investigations under oath or in their preferred method of deposition,” she said.
Malone did not respond to a request for comment by press time.
The Missouri City police department is conducting a policy and procedures investigation stemming from an officer-related crash that killed a mother and teenage son. Photo by Ken Fountain
Space Cowboys rally but fall 11-9 to Round Rock
By Amanda Perry APERRY@ASTROS.COM
ROUND ROCK - Despite coming back from a 5-0 hole after half a frame and holding the lead until the seventh inning, the Sugar Land Space Cowboys (53-29, 4-3) fell to the Round Rock Express (41-40, 4-3) in an 11-9 defeat on Monday night at Dell Diamond.
Starter RHP Blair Henley found trouble in the first inning, giving up a pair of RBI singles and doubles to give Round Rock a quick 5-0 lead. Henley’s night ended with two outs in the first, and RHP Conner Greene came in relief to punch out Frainyer Chavez.
Playing from behind, the Space Cowboys got one back in the second on a solo shot from
Quincy Hamilton. Jacob Amaya led off the third stanza with a single and made it to third on a stolen base and throwing error by the catcher Matt Whatley. A wild pitch on ball four to Luke Berryhill gave Amaya an opportunity to score the second run for Sugar Land. Later in the frame, with the bases loaded and RHP Peter Solomon on the mound, Omar Narváez drove in Berryhill on a sacrifice fly to center. On the next pitch, Dixon Machado smashed a three-run homer to left field, launching the Space Cowboys past Round Rock at 6-5. Greene pitched 3.1 innings in relief, and his only run allowed came in the bottom of the third on a sacrifice fly from Jose Barrero. The righty reliever surrendered just a hit and a walk
while striking out three. In the fifth, Will Wagner and Pedro León started the frame with back-to back singles to put runners on the corner for Narváez, who sent another fly ball to center that was caught but gave Wagner enough time to score from third. David Hensley tacked on an insurance run on an RBI single to give Sugar Land an 8-6 advantage. Whatley smacked a home run to make it a one-run game in the bottom of the sixth, but Narváez responded with one of his own in the seventh inning to make it 97. With RHP Drew Strotman (L, 0-1) on the bump, Sandro Fabian singled and Trevor Hauver hit an RBI double to send Fabian home. The next batter, Jax Biggers, tied the game at nine on a triple, and
later gave Round Rock the 109 lead by stealing home before RHP Nick Hernandez threw a pitch. The Express extended the gap in the bottom of the eighth on a home run from Justin Foscue. RHP Aidan Anderson (W, 4-1) and RHP Daniel Robert (S, 4) shut down the Space Cowboys in order during the eighth and ninth frames to end the game and send Round Rock to an 119 win.
Sugar Land Space Cowboys games can be heard on ESPN 92.5 FM or online at https:// player.listenlive.co/47381 and seen on MiLB.TV, MLB.TV and Bally Live. Perry is a writer for the Sugar Land Space Cowboys, the TripleA affiliate of the Houston Astros. This article is used by permission.
Fort Bend libraries to offer demonstrations of history databases
Community Reports
Fort Bend County libraries in July will offer a series of demonstrations of Infobase, a database that allows residents to explore the far corners of history with the library system’s online collection of history resources.
From ancient and medieval times through modern world history, these resources offer a portal through time for students, educators, and researchers who wish to delve deeply into the events, cultures, people, and places that shaped the course of history around the world.
The Infobase History resources cover four distinct areas: African-American History, American History, Ancient and Medieval History, and Modern World History. All four of the digital collections are fully cross-searchable.
History researchers get online access to thousands of subject entries, biographies, primary sources, videos and slideshows, images, timelines, and maps/graphs. These comprehensive resources offer authoritative, award-winning content with a user-friendly interface for desktop or mobile
devices.
With a Fort Bend County Libraries card, access to this invaluable resource is free anytime, anywhere, with any computer or device with an Internet connection, whether at the library or at home or school.
Demonstrations of this free online resource will take place at the following locations in July, but those who are interested may also inquire about this resource at any time at any FBCL location.
• Monday, July 8, 2:00 pm
- First Colony Branch Library (2121 Austin Parkway, Sugar Land) Registration is NOT required.
• Thursday, July 18, 10:30 am - Cinco Ranch Branch Library (2620 Commercial Center Blvd, Katy) Registration required.
• Monday, July 22, 10:00 am - George Memorial Library (1001 Golfview, Richmond) Registration required.
• Monday, July 29, 6:00 pm - University Branch Library (14010 University Blvd, Sugar Land) Registration required
The areas of history included within Infobase include:
About African-American History
Covering more than 500 years of the African-American experience, this resource offers a fresh way to explore the full spectrum of AfricanAmerican history and culture. Read about key figures and events, examine famous speeches and other primary sources, and get context from the in-depth timelines. Topic Centers include different eras and subjects, such as the Harlem Renaissance, Landmark Court Cases, Great Black Migrations, and much more.
About American History
This comprehensive resource spans more than 500 years of political, military, social, and cultural history in the Americas, highlighting the important people and events of the American experience. Primary sources - ranging in format from letters and speeches to testimony, peace treaties, diary entries, reports, proclamations, and more - add great value by making history more immediate and real. Topic Centers provide good
starting points for research on subjects, such as America at War, Early America, Daily Life in America, Multicultural America, Society and Social Issues, Foreign Affairs and U.S. Government, and much more.
About Ancient & Medieval History
This robust resource provides thorough coverage of world history, from prehistory through the mid-1500s, with special Topic Centers on key eras, civilizations, and regions. Explore the ancient Near East, Egypt, Greece, and Rome; ancient and medieval Africa, Asia, and the Americas; and medieval Europe and the Islamic World. Each civilization’s history is brought to life through a variety of tablet/ mobile-friendly media.
About Modern World History
This resource offers a comprehensive look at world history, from the mid-15th century to the present. Topic Centers include categories for regions of the world, eras, and subjects, such as the European Renaissance, the British Industrial Revolution, Apartheid in South Africa, French
and Mexican Revolutions, and much more. Learn about featured people, such as women in world history, enlightened thinkers, or dictators and tyrants.
Library cardholders can access the Infobase history resources remotely through the Fort Bend County Libraries website, www.fortbend. lib.tx.us. Simply click on the “Research” tab, then “Digital Resources & Databases.” Se-
lect the Subject option, and choose “Geography, History, & Social Sciences.”
The demonstrations are free and open to the public. To register for a demonstration, visit Fort Bend County Libraries’ website (www. fortbend.lib.tx.us), click on “Classes & Events,” select the library, and find the program on the date indicated. For more information, call FBCL’s Communications Office (281-633-4734).
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• Collaborative teams of experts
EDITORIAL
Garbage in, garbage out
By Lynn Ashby ASHBY2@COMCAST.NET
THE ALLEY – It’s not here, nor there. I go from back door to back door up and down my alley checking my neighbors’ garbage cans, and they are getting suspicious. Am I a dumpster-diver looking for slightly-used-but-still serviceable coffee pots or leftover linguini? No, don’t laugh, but I am looking for my garbage can. Someone took it. This is not a big deal, and I don’t have the nerve to report the loss to the police. Besides, my complaint would probably end up in a warehouse along with the other
EDITOR’S NOTE:
more than 264,000 crime reports the HPD can’t find the time to investigate.
What happened is that after that unexpected typhoon (or derecho, we all learned a new word) that ripped through Houston on May 16 I went out my back door to fetch my garbage can and it was gone. It probably was blown down the alley. Maybe the garbage collectors thought my container looked so dilapidated that they performed a mercy killing and tossed it in, too. This brings up the question of how do you get rid of an unwanted garbage can? Put it in your new can? It reminds me of the Australian who got a new boomerang and went crazy trying to throw away the old one.
Incidentally, I use the term “garbage can” which is not a can but a heavy plastic container, a tall, square thing with a lid. Anyway, my neighborhood, Morbid Meadows, does not use the City of Houston garbage collectors, but a private company, Garbage of Eden, Inc. I called it and asked for a new can. They were out of stock. There must have an organized ring of can
thieves, just like those gangs that slip under your car and steal your catalytic converter. Garbage of Eden, Inc. recommended that I buy one at Loew’s or Walmart. I shopped for a can that reflected my taste and talent, maybe an orange-and-white one sporting a “Hook ‘Em Horns” logo or a camouflaged can with a “Semper Fi” on the side. I had to settle for a can that I hoped would pass inspection by the HOA’s Taste Police.
In my old neighborhood, Running Rats Acres, every can was the same: big and black, designed so that the truck, with a big fork, could pick up the can and dump it in the truck. One man, one dump. My new neighborhood, thanks to an unexpected move caused by Hurricane Harvey, has a different and modern method. A guy running alongside, grabs the can and dumps it into the back of the truck. Science is wonderful.
We don’t like to discuss garbage, but it’s important. We bemoan our fate when the power goes off, the water no longer waters and you can never find a cop when you
need one. But we take our garbage pickup for granted, and are alarmed when it’s not collected. I recall the New Yorker who suffered a garbage strike. So he put his trash in nice boxes, a bow around them, and left the parcels in his car parked on the street. Sure enough, the next morning they were gone. We all have garbage in common, be you a billionaire of a mere millionaire. No doubt Buckingham Palace and the White House have cans filled with their unwanted refuse, although of a higher class. Whatever your status in life, you generate a lot of that stuff. The average person in the U.S. produces 4.9 pounds of trash per day, which amounts to about 147 pounds of trash per person per month or 1,788.5 pounds per year. Overall, the U.S. produces 268 million tons of trash annually. That makes us by far the Number 1 garbage producer in the world. The world’s Number 1 producer of garbage per person is Canada, higher than Bulgaria in second place. The U.S. comes in third in per person garbage producer.
We might quickly mention recycling, which we apparently don’t care for. As of 2018, on average, each American recycled only 1.16 pounds of waste that year. Paper and paperboard products make up the largest percentage of all the materials: 23.1 percent, but that percentage is dropping. Why? Because we no longer use paper for notes, messages and such, turning instead to computers, iPhones and iPads. When I was a tad, my father bought a home incinerator which was installed on the covered back porch. It was a white box about half the size of a refrigerator, and needed a smokestack, so workers put in a big vent which required a hole in the roof. It was a major undertaking – and didn’t work, which is probably why you never heard of home garbage incinerators. This brings us to the Holmes Road Dump. The city built a giant incinerator there which was not only going to burn our trash but generate electricity. Like our home fire, it never worked, was deemed by the feds to be a smoky health hazard and was shut down in 1974
Each town around Houston has its own rules and schedules. The City of Houston handles about 400,000 curbside residents. In any town, the process can get more complicated than we might assume. There are residential pickups. Recycling. Holiday schedules. Curbside pickup for bulk waste and tree waste. I had a huge painting of the Old Man and the Sea which I inherited. I put it out with my regular stuff and, sure enough, they took it. I suppose some trash collector also collects large paintings. They won’t pick up motor oil. Don’t put out your old computer until you wipe it clean of your threating emails to your member of Congress. That garbage man may be an FBI agent. At one time the Worry of the Month was disposal diapers, which seemed to be filling up our landfills. Young folks, if you ever had to deal with washing and drying cloth diapers you don’t worry about landfills, but you can put out your leftover linguini.
Trashby is at ashby2@ comcast.net
Learn more about recycling in Fort Bend County at fortbendcountytx.gov/government/departments/county-services/recycling-
or
Lynn Ashby Columnist
“Don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t do something. Make your own victories. Make your own mistakes.” - Joan Jett
It was early afternoon when I first whiffed one of the most awesome examples of how cool being a newsman could be. I was hanging around my desk listening to regurgitated international news reports on the TV monitors and hearing Marvin Zinder yelling down the hall about something relatively meaningless and inconsequential . My assignment editor Irwin shouted in my direction. “Garay! I got a couple of Australians looking for tickets to the playoffs!”
“That’s weird,” I thought. “What makes him think I
Happy Independence Day!
This holiday has always held a special place for me. When I was growing up, I was something of a civics nerd. I was in the Boy Scouts (alas, I didn’t make it to Eagle status), and I believed in the tenets of the Boy Scout Oath. In seventh grade, I persuaded my parents to let me go on a school trip to Washington, D.C., where my classmates and I saw the U.S. Capitol, the National Mall, the Smithsonian Institution, the National Archives, Arlington National Cemetery
know anyone who could score Houston Rockets post season tickets, and why would I do it for a bunch of Australians I’ve never met?” I could see from Irwin’s face that I looked confused. So he just shouted, “Pick up line 2!” This type of cordiality is typical in the news business. The woman on the other end introduced herself as a southwest Houston resident with friends who’d shown up from out of town. The men were from somewhere near Perth, Australia, and had forged a non-traditional trip to the U.S. to take in the Rockets during the NBA Finals. Apparently this father and son were chilling somewhere near the Outback, and casually mentioned how they’d like to see Charles Barkley play. For whatever reason, that notion turned into a loose plan. After scraping together a few bucks, they set off with a sack of blind trust that not only they would make it, but somehow find tickets when they got here. I was instantly hooked. These are the stories I liked. Stuff that’s different and unfolding in real time. I jotted down the address and called on a photographer to interview these Aussies with me.
We arrived 30 minutes later at a one-story ranch-style house. I’ve always liked the Australian people I’ve met along the way, although there hadn’t been many. These two guys were just like them. Through heavy accents, they told me everything. The bus trip to here. A train trip to there. The boat ride to the midpoint. And finally the flight to Houston. They’d arrived at this woman’s doorstep like shabby little sports refugees. They were affable and earnest, with an amazing story about how they got here. It was a true adventure. They both thought Charles Barkley the greatest thing since autographed Nikes.
As we wrapped up our interview, I asked if they’d mind us helping them get tickets. They assured us they would not stand in our way. I made a plan. In order to get these weary travelers the tickets they sought, I’d need help. And that commodity was more likely to come from a friendly source. So, with Aussies at my side and cameras rolling, we set out. I found the largest distributor of Fosters Lager Australian beer in Houston. We cheekily asked the proprietor if he had an inside line on Rockets tickets for the people of Fosters’s
homeland. He said he did not, and wished us well. Next, we hit an Outback Steakhouse, a chain known to identify with Australian culture. The manager there similarly informed us that they had no back channel ticket source either. He likewise told us to travel in peace. Then we arranged to take the story to the Rockets practice. We walked in to the gym, and the Aussies couldn’t believe it. A full court practice with Charles Barkley . I introduced myself to him and he greeted my guests. They stood there awestruck. In the end, Barkley set them both up with seats for the remaining home games.
I’ve often marveled at why a father and son would travel halfway around the world to watch large men bounce a ball and throw it in a hole. But the answer is no mystery. The National Basketball Association has made this sport something much more. Over the years, the NBA has given us amazing moments and souring losses. It’s created drama and controversies. Cities hate each other because of the rivalries the league has blessed. They’ve created a colorful, high-spirited and colorful culture. They did it through careful planning and years of image-building. The NBA had
actually created a destination for two dudes in the wilds. It’s a powerful example of what American sports can do, and how far their image can reach.
But it hasn’t always been like that. In the 1970’s, the NBA sank into a depression: low attendance numbers, limited national interest. Even the players were apathetic.
But the 1980s gave us Larry Bird, the Bad Boys from Detroit, and the creation of Showtime in LA.
When the WNBA launched in 1996, it showed promise. And in Houston, the league found a great launchpad. We won the first four league championships on the shoulders of names like Cynthia Cooper (now Cooper-Dyke) and Sheryl Swoopes. And according to Britannia, the WNBA is the most successful women’s sports league in history. But even league leaders would acknowledge there’s room for improvement. Currently, the WNBA earns about $60 million a year. By way of comparison, the NBA generates $10 billion. But with new broadcast contract negotiations looming in 2026, that is likely to improve for both.
I’ve been watching the league recently, and I’m impressed. The players seem
bigger and quicker. There’s great passing and more longrange shooting. And now, they have someone named Caitlin Clark. This rookie from Iowa, like her or not, has generated a ton of otherwise impossible excitement. Not only does Clark shoot from unconsciously deep zip codes, she’s very quick and passes like very few of her peers. This is exactly what the league needs. The fact that Clark is white has prompted a heightened focus on race, and the resulting tension has earned the WNBA plenty of collateral attention. Even names like LeBron James, Shaquille O’Neal and Barkley himself are weighing in more about their female counterparts. Currently, as a rookie, Clark is 16th in the league in total points scored. Just this weekend she earned a standing ovation for her play. But it was in Phoenix. Clark plays for Indiana. I can’t remember any NBA player respected like that outside of retirement during the regular season. Is Caitlin Clark a big enough name to attract Australians? Let’s slip another shrimp on the barbie, and watch what happens.
Garay can be reached at MarkGaray426@gmail.com
and Ford’s Theater, where President Abraham Lincoln was assassinated. I still own two paperback books on U.S. history I bought during that trip, one that contains the country’s founding documents and another with brief biographies of the U.S. presidents up to that time.
Later, I enlisted in the U.S. Navy. Most of my hitch was spent aboard an aircraft carrier based in San Diego. Every time I walked on or off the ship, I turned to salute the U.S. flag at the stern (or, if wearing civilian clothes, simply stood at attention).
I may not have been the most squared-away sailor on board, but my sense of patriotism never wavered.
One year the Fourth of July happened to fall on one of my so-called “duty days,” when I wasn’t permitted to leave the ship. We were at our home port, so it was disappointing not to be able to go out and enjoy the festivities. But that night, I walked up to the flight deck and was able to see several large fireworks
displays stretched along San Diego Bay. It was one of the best Independence Days I ever spent.
Like one of my early journalism idols, the former NPR morning host Bob Edwards who died earlier this year, I became interested in politics early on, watching the national party conventions and presidential debates on television as a pre-teen. I was fascinated by the political to-and-fro, but like Bob, I didn’t necessarily want to be directly involved in it.
As I quoted Bob in an earlier column, “I wanted to be part of the conversation, and journalism seemed to be a way to do it.”
Last week I watched the first scheduled debate this election year between President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump. No doubt like many of you, like many across the country, I found the experience dispiriting. Without commenting on the qualities of either candidate or their fitness for office, I found the level of discourse neither elucidat-
ing nor inspiring. Thanks to some of the guardrails put in place by host media outlet CNN and agreed to by both campaigns, this first debate didn’t devolve into the exercise in sheer nastiness that the pair’s first match-up in 2020 became. But by the end of last week’s debate, when the candidates began arguing about their respective golf handicaps, I had long since given up taking it seriously. We’ve got about four months to go until Election Day, and as I’ve written before, it promises to be a long slog. There’s little that any of us, individually, can do about that. But during this holiday week, one thing we can do is reaffirm our commitment to this one, sacrosanct ideal: no matter our personal politics or partisan affiliations, we are all, first and foremost, Americans.
It seems to me that not that long ago, that wouldn’t have seemed like a debatable proposition. But over the last decade or two (maybe three), it has felt more
and more like people believe that those who don’t vote like they do are some sort of “other,” like a member of an alien race of beings. But, of course, that’s not true. As far back as the Founding, there have been divisions within this country. In a nation as pluralistic as the United States, that’s not only to be expected, it’s all but inevitable. We even had a Civil War before we settled some of those divisions, and even then the job wasn’t done.
Too many of us of late seem to have forgotten that history. There’s a lot of blame to go around. Weakened civics education in schools. ubiquitous social media, partisan cable news outlets, the fraying of social institutions, the geographic “sorting” of people into groups that think just alike - the list of suspects is long and keeps growing. I expect I will hear a lot of things over the next few months that will upset me, even alarm me. No doubt so will many of you. I believe the best thing I can do is
resist, to the extent that I can, the temptation to lash out at the people around me, in person or in my various social networks, who might express those views. It will be hard. The means by which we are able to vent our anger are right at our fingertips, on an all-butconstant basis. But I’ve been down that road before, and I ultimately did not find it rewarding.
Like most of you, I plan to spend this Independence Day with friends and family, and also get out into the community to enjoy the festivities. That’s an important word, “community.” Here in Fort Bend, one of the most diverse places - racially, religiously, economically - in this very diverse country, we are giving new shape to the very concept of community. And people across the country are watching how we do it. On this Fourth of July, let’s outdo ourselves.
Fountain salutes at KFountain@fortbendstar. com
Lenora to headline Sugar Land's Summer of Sound finale
The Sugar Land’s Civic Art Division will hold the grand finale of its first Summer of Sound festival with headliner Lenora on July 6, from 7-10 p.m., at Oyster Creek Park, 4033 Highway 6. A DJ will kick off the event beginning at 7 p.m., with MBK and Friends taking the stage from 8-845
p.m. The band is described in a news release as “a dynamic ensemble delivering an energetic and inspiring blend of 90’s and 2000’s hip-hop and R&B.
“Known for their exceptional musicianship and positive messages about love and life, the band features John MBK on keyboard and vocals, Ase on bass, Nuno on guitar and Snupe on drums,” the
press release states. In addition to the musical performances, there will be a digital exhibition by the world-renowned artist collective Input Output. This creative media lab designs and develops mixed reality experiences, blending art and technology to create stunning visuals. Admission is free, and attendees are encouraged to bring blankets, chairs, and picnic baskets to enjoy a relaxing evening of music. Food trucks will be available on site. For the best parking experience, especially during the Fourth of July weekend, attendees are advised to arrive early and park at Lost Creek Park, 3703 Lost Creek Blvd., and walk to Oyster Creek. There will be limited parking at Oyster Creek Park.
speak several languages and encompass many faiths, all are welcome. For more information call 281-277-2200 and ask for ESL information. You may also email ESL@grandparkway. org MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND CONCERT HONORS FALLEN HEROES
The Exchange Club of Sugar Land presents “A Night to Remember” on Sunday, May 26, at 7:05 p.m. The patriotic concert features a brass band, Grammy winning singers, ballet dancers and a 30-member chorus. The concert takes place in Sugar Land Town Square, in front of the City Hall Façade. Bring a chair and join us!
“A Night to Remember” is FREE and open to the public. Canned food donations are encouraged for East Fort Bend Human Needs Ministry
LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS OF FORT BEND
The League of Women Voters of Fort Bend, a nonpartisan organization, will provide voter registration and education events prior to the Feb. 5 deadline to be a registered voter in the March 5 Primary election. Locations, dates, and times include: (1) Wednesday, 1/24 -- Fort Bend YMCA, 4433 Cartwright Rd, Missouri City 7:30am - 12:30pm and 57pm; (2) Thursday, 1/25 -- First Colony Library 3:30 - 5:30pm; (3) Sat., 1/27 -- Cinco Ranch Library 10:30am - 1:30pm and University Branch
Sugar Land, Brazos Hall, 9am - 2pm; (5) Thursday, 2/1 -- ThriftWise, 501 Hwy 90E, Richmond -- 10am - 1pm. Register to vote, update your current voter registration, and get nonpartisan voting information at any of these events, or contact lwvfortbend@gmail.com.
NO HOCUS POCUS IN MUSIC MAGIC CLASS FOR 6 & 7-YEAR-OLD BOYS!
Young boys need music in their life for mental, physical and emotional growth and the best place to receive quality music instruction is with the Fort Bend Boys Choir of Texas! They offer Music Magic, an eight-week music enrichment class for six and seven-year-old boys. The Fort Bend Boys Choir of Texas, currently in its 42 nd season, brings music alive with the use of movement, musical games, singing and other child-centered activities. Boys learn about pitch matching and rhythm awareness in addition to developing large muscle coordination, increased focus and better musicianship. Music Magic helps boost brainpower, sparks creativity and forges strong connections with others. No auditions are necessary for the class – just a love of music and singing! Serving as Music Magic director is Founder and Artistic Director William R. Adams who leads this class on Tuesday evenings from 6:30 p.m. – 7:15 p.m., beginning March 19 and ending May 14 at the First United Methodist Church Missouri City, 3900 Lexington Blvd., Missouri City. Music Magic will then sing at the Fort Bend Boys Choir’s annual Spring Concert on Saturday, May 18! Classes are limited in size so please call the choir office at (281) 240- 3800 to pre-register or visit their Music Magic web page at https://fbbctx.org/our- programs/music-magic/. Be sure to stop by their Facebook page for the latest on the Fort Bend Boys Choir's Music Magic class and the organization's public performances.
AMERICAN LEGION POST 942
311 Ulrich Street, Sugar Land meets the fourth Tuesday of each Month at 7:00 pm. All Veterans are welcome.
LOVING FRIENDS IS A GROUP OF WOMEN AND MEN WHO ARE WIDOWS AND WIDOWERS THAT MEET MONTHLY FOR LUNCH, FRIENDSHIP, AND SOCIALIZATION
Lunches. are planned for the fourth Tuesday of the month at various local restaurants. Please contact Bobbie Tomlin at {281} 967-0718 For more information about us and to learn about this month’s planned lunch. We hope to meet you soon.
QUAIL VALLEY GARDEN CLUB
The Quail Valley Garden Club is very busy, not only with meetings, but with some fun “stuff” for our members and the community. Please find our fall schedule of events that the QVGC will be involved with this fall leading up to the holidays.
FBJSL IS ACCEPTING CAF GRANT APPLICATIONS
We provide grants of up to $5,000.00 to charitable causes serving Fort Bend County with requests to fund a critical need, pilot a program, or expand a significant service to the community. If your agency or organization is interested in applying for a CAF grant, please visit the Request Support page of the FBJSL website (www.fbjsl.org/request-support). All applications should be submitted via e-mail to brccom@fbjsl.com
THE SANCTUARY
FOSTER CARE SERVICES
We are a child placing agency that provides wrap around care support for foster children and foster families. We provide free therapy services, 24 hr. crisis intervention, respite/alternative care services and community-based support. For more info, www.sanctuaryfostercare.org
ALIEF AARP CHAPTER 3264
Meets the first Thursday of every month at 10:00 a.m. at Salvation Army Church, 7920 Cook Road, Houston, TX 77072. Educational Program/ Entertainment at each meeting. Bus Trips every month. Seniors 50 and above invited. Call 281-785-7372 for more information.
SUGAR LAND ROTARY CLUB
Sugar Land Rotary Club, the nation’s oldest community service organization, wants you to be its guest at a meeting that could turn out to be the best fit for getting involved with a local, non-political, humanitarian service organization with a global presence to satisfy your passion. We’re on a quest for new members! Call or email Dean Clark, 469-8502424, dean7351@gmail.com. We’re a friendly group that meets once a week for lunch.
FT. BEND ACCORDION CLUB
Meets on the 4th Sunday of every month from 2:pm - 4:pm at: CHRIST CHURCH SUGAR LAND (in the Chapel) 3300 Austin Parkway, Sugar Land, TX 77479 FREE and Open to the Public! We welcome everybody! If you play accordion, beginners to professional and would like to play Call, Text or email: Vince Ramos Cell: 281-204-7716 vincer.music@gmail.com.
LITERACY COUNCIL OF FORT BEND COUNTY
We enhance lives and strengthen communities by teaching adults to read. We need your help. Literacy Council is actively recruiting Volunteer Tutors to provide instruction for English as a Second Language (ESL) Levels 0-5, three hours a week. For more information, call 281-240-8181 or visit our website www.ftbendliteracy.org.
GIVE A GIFT OF HOPE
Give a Gift of Hope one-time or monthly. Your help provides access to therapies and services children with autism might otherwise go without. Please consider Hope For Three in your Estate, Planned, or Year-End Giving. Register now, or learn more about exciting events: www.hopeforthree.org/events.
DVD-BASED ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASS WITH NO HOMEWORK REQUIRED
Weekly class designed to help you understand and appreciate the Bible by giving you a better sense of the land and culture from which it sprang. The class meets at 9:30 am every Sunday at First Presbyterian of Sugar Land (502 Eldridge Rd.). For more information call 281-240-3195.
EXCHANGE
EXCHANGE, America’s Service Club, always welcomes guests and is in search of new members! Various Fort Bend clubs exist and can accommodate early morning (7 a.m.), noon and evening meeting time desires. For more info, contact Mike Reichek, Regional Vice President, 281-575-1145 or mike@reichekfinancial.com We would love to have you join us and see what we are all about!
MISSOURI CITY AARP CHAPTER 3801
Meets the second Monday of every month at 11:30 a.m., at 2701 Cypress Point Dr., Missouri City Rec Center. Lunch, education, and entertainment. All seniors over 50 invited. For more information, call 713-8595920 or 281-499-3345.
Summer camp 2024 Guide Guide
MISSOURI CITY
CAMP OLYMPIA
Day, Sports Ages: 4 - 14
Dates: June 10 - Aug. 2
Cost: $220-$310 weekly
$250 (beginning April 1)
$275 (week of camp) 7100 Knights Court www.olympiatx.com
FORT BEND FAMILY YMCA
Academics, Art, Day, Sports Ages: 5 - 15
Dates: May 30 - July 28
Cost: $75 per session, per child 4433 Cartwright Road www.ymcahouston.org
