Houston Defender: June 27, 2010

June 27 – July 2, 2010 | FREE

Volume 79 Number 35

www.defendernetwork.com

IN MEMORIAM:

Justice for all?

Bud Johnson 1934-2010

DEFENDER NEWS SERVICE

To many in the African-American community, he was known as the “African Warrior.” But to those who knew and loved “George “Bud” Johnson, Sr. he was more than a talented journalist, he was a loyal friend. Johnson died on June 19. He was 76.

George Johnson, Sr. was born in Houston, Jan. 7, 1934 to Sam and Winnie Johnson.

Name He attended Wheatley High School, before transferring to Aldine’s George Washington Carver High, where he graduated in 1953. After graduation,

Pilot Public Defender endorsed

By Aswad Walker

2008 per capita

Washington DC Texas Harris County

★BUD JOHNSON, Page 4

Texas Southern University’s Board of Regents is issuing a stern warning to the state’s top higher education official that plans to change the way universities are funded could hurt their students.

Public universities now receive state money based on how many students are enrolled on the 12th day of class. Higher education officials are asking that funding be based on how many students are enrolled on the final day of class.

Raymund That would encourage schools to try Paredes harder to keep students on track, since graduation rates remain low.

Statewide, 57 percent of students earn a college degree within six years. At Texas Southern, it’s about 13 percent, although TSU officials say that’s up from 11 percent two years ago.

Gary Bledsoe Higher Education Commissioner Raymund Paredes has also proposed that money from the Texas Grant financial aid program be allocated based on merit, as well as financial need. That would ensure the low-income students who are most likely to succeed in college — deter★TSU REGENTS, Page 4

$108.14 $7.22 $6.11

Dallas Public Defender Review

State funding changes could impact TSU DEFENDER NEWS SERVICE

H

ouston/Harris County is by far the largest city in the nation with no public defender program.

Many believe this fact puts the city’s poorer citizens at greater risk of losing their freedom due to wrongful convictions. As a result there has been a movement afoot in the city, trying for several years now to establish a Public Defender Office (PDO). An application for a pilot Public Defender program is currently under review by the Texas Task Force on Indigent Defense, with its proponents hoping it will not only be approved, but lead to a fully-funded branch of Harris County operations.

Currently, Harris County operates with a courtappointed counsel system for indigent defense. Under

Indigent Defense Spending

July 2008 - Average Cost

Misdemeanor Cases Felony Cases

Public Defender

Private Counsel

$77 $314

$150 $380

★JUSTICE Page 4

Public Defender Private Counsel

Hurricane season threatens Haiti recovery

By Zenitha Prince SPECIAL TO THE NNPA FROM THE AFRO-AMERICAN NEWSPAPERS

(NNPA) - At first glance, you wouldn’t think much has changed in Haiti since an unprecedented tremor ravaged Port-au-Prince five months ago.

“There are piles of rubble everywhere and some parts of Port-au-Prince look like Armageddon,” said American Red Cross spokeswoman Julie Sell.“People who work in the humanitarian and disaster relief field for years have said this is possibly the worst destruction of an urban area since World War II.” But despite the ragged landscape, aid workers and officials say, the country is steadily eking out a recovery that some hope will make the northern hemisphere’s poorest country better than it was before the disaster.

“We’ve had good successes,” said Paul Weisenfeld, coordinator of USAID’s Haiti Task Team. “The response has been robust and extensive and comprehensive but it’s a challenge when you’re Photo:Jonathan Ernest

Haitians continue to pick up the pieces after the devastating earthquake six months ago.

★HAITI, Page 3

INTERVIEW

Norah Jones knows why

By Kam Williams CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Norah Jones was born Geethali Shankar in Brooklyn on March 30, 1979 to Sue Jones and Ravi Shankar, the legendary Indian sitar player. At the age of four, she and her mom moved to groovy Grapevine, Texas where she started singing in the church choir at an early age, while learning to play the piano, guitar and alto saxophone.

At 16, she changed her name to Norah Jones while attending Booker T. Washington High School. After graduation, she majored in piano at the University of North Texas until she decided to return to New York City to form a band. In 2002, she made a mellow debut with “Come Away with Me,” a universally-acclaimed CD, which won eight Grammy Awards and is the best-selling jazz album of all time at over 20 million copies and counting.

Norah’s next couple of records, “Feels Like Home” and “Not Too Late,” also went platinum, and she’s currently on tour for her fourth, “The Fall.” Besides singing, songwriting and playing multiple instruments, this gifted Renaissance woman is also an actress who has enjoyed a starring role in “My Blueberry Nights” and appeared as herself in “Two Weeks Notice” and “Life Support Music.”

Here, the sultry siren talks about life, music and her latest screen outing in “Wah Do Dem,” a road comedy where she cameos as the ex-girlfriend of a just-dumped slacker who gets mugged while vacationing in Jamaica.

Kam Williams: Hi Norah, thanks for the time.

Norah Jones: Hi Kam, everything cool with you?

KW: Yes, thanks. What interested you in “Wah Do Dem?” NJ: Well, I had taken some time off, and wasn’t really doing much at the time, just sort of hanging out in New York. I get lots of random requests, which might be cool,

Click on Defendernetwork.com Weekend

Weekend

Monday

Marian Wright Edelman

Relationship Matters

Ron Walters

Fighting Child Obesity

Cheating With No Remorse

Let's Take Back Our Jobs

★NORA JONES, Page 2

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JUNE 27 – JULY 2, 2010 | DEFENDER

Nora Jones

continued from page 1 but just don’t make sense at the time for a lot of different reasons. With “Wah Do Dem,” I was free, and it was a really interesting concept. They didn’t have a script, just an outline of where they wanted the story to go and a plan to improvise, but with an underlying storyline. It sounded easy enough to do, so I spoke to them on the phone, and they seemed like good people and really cool.

KW: I really enjoyed the film although I was a little disappointed by the ending, which I don’t want to give away except to say I was hoping for a more clear-cut resolution of your character Willow and Max’s [played by Sean Bones] relationship.

NJ: I know what you mean, but I think the film isn’t about the relationship, but about Max’s figuring his stuff out, and kind of growing up a little bit. I think for him to do that, there shouldn’t be a girl around in the end, even though audiences might find it more satisfying. This way, it’s more like real life.

KW: I guess I wanted you to have a bigger role.

NJ: No, that’s the other reason I liked it.

First of all, I wasn’t prepared to commit to a large project at the time, because I was tired.

So when they said they only needed me for a small part, I thought that would really be a lot of fun for me, because I don’t make or break the film, and I liked the way the directors [Ben Chace and Sam Fleischner] approached shooting it.

KW: Guerilla style.

NJ: Yeah, they didn’t have any permits, and they used a lot of real people in Jamaica. It was crazy. They were very ambitious, and I was a little worried about whether they’d be able to pull it all off, but they did.

KW: Do you have another acting gig planned?

NJ: Not right now, although I really enjoy it when I actually have the time to do it.

KW: What about your music? Where can people see you play?

NJ: I just finished a U.S. tour, and we’re leaving tomorrow for Europe for a month or so.

KW: Who’s in the band? The same people playing on your latest album?

NJ: A great group. Sasha Dobson on guitar,

Photo: Wah Do Dem LLC

Sean Bones and Norah Jones in WAH DO DEM, a new film from writer/directors Ben Chace and Sam Fleischner. banjo, percussion and backup vocals, Smokey Hormel on guitar, Joey Waronker on drums, Gus Seyyfert on bass, and John Kirby on keyboards. Except for Sasha, they all played on the record.

KW: How would you describe your new sound?

NJ: I have a hard time describing it. I’d rather just play it. But I’d say it’s definitely taken a little bit of a shift, and I like where it’s going. I’m excited about trying out a lot of different sounds. It’s nice to change and explore.

KW: You strike me as an irrepressible artist who’s always inclined to be faithful to her true nature.

NJ: That’s cool with me. I like that.

[Chuckles] KW: You play more guitar on this album.

What’s your favorite instrument?

NJ: I love the piano. I’m more familiar with the piano. But I think for that reason, I enjoy playing the guitar, because I’m a little bit more limited on it. The main reason I play the guitar is that I like it, it has a different sound, and it’s also portable. It’s way easier, since I can’t carry a piano around with me. So, it’s become a good outlet for me to write on.

KW: You could try a melodica.

NJ: I could play a melodica, but I can’t imagine traveling with a melodica somehow.

[Laughs] KW: Which culture do you identify with most closely?

NJ: Probably American, since I grew up here. I’m living in New York, and I grew up in Texas. I have a real love of Texas culture, and I always love visiting, but I don’t know if I’d move back. It’s a different thing down there. And it’s so hot. [Chuckles] KW: Plus, the Gulf of Mexico is going to be turned into a giant tar pit if they can’t figure out a way to plug the hole. How do performances in small versus larger theaters affect your connection between you and the audience?

NJ: They’re different. I like both. I play in a lot of bars in New York with smaller bands, and I really enjoy it. But I’ve also enjoyed playing larger arenas on this tour recently, because the audiences have been so loving.

So, they’re different, but both are very rewarding.

KW: What was it like becoming an overnight sensation after the release of your first album?

NJ: It was crazy for a few years, but it’s settled in now. I have a lot of good people

who’ve stuck with me, and I feel like I know who my friends are now. I just try to take the good, and let go of all the stressful bad stuff.

KW: Is there any question no one ever asks you, that you wish someone would? If so, please answer it.

NJ: I guess not. I can never think of that one.

KW: If you could have one wish instantly granted, what would that be for?

NJ: Oh, that’s a hard one. There’re too many things. [Giggles] KW: What is your favorite dish to cook?

NJ: Spaghetti.

KW: What do you consider your biggest accomplishment?

NJ: I feel like I’ve just stayed true to myself, which I think is a big accomplishment in this business. Whether you like me or not, I’ve stayed pretty true to my art. I also feel good about having worked really hard to establish myself as an artist.

KW: What is your earliest childhood memory?

NJ: It’s of a dream I had where I was playing in a playground and I bit my lower lip off. I was in daycare and two or three at the time. I woke up so shocked by the dream that I’ve remembered that moment ever since.

KW: What is your guiltiest pleasure?

NJ: Bacon and eggs, although I don’t feel that guilty about it. I’m not old enough to have to worry about it yet.

KW: What’s been the happiest moment of your life?

NJ: I don’t know. I’ve had a lot of them. I can’t pick just one.

KW: Do you ever wish you could have your anonymity back?

NJ: I’m pretty lucky. I can kinda be anonymous easier than a lot of other people who are very successful. And I’m not sure why that is.

KW: My guess is that you don’t travel with a big entourage or try to cultivate that celebrity energy.

NJ: Yeah, I don’t disguise myself when I go to the grocery story, and I don’t dress up, either. So, I just look like a little kid, usually, because I’m pretty short.

KW: How do you want to be remembered?

NJ: With a smile.

KW: Thanks for a great interview Norah, and have fun in Europe.

NJ: Cool, thanks a lot, bye.

3

JUNE 27 – JULY 2, 2010 | DEFENDER

Haiti

continued from page 1 working with numbers that big.”

Weisenfeld said the earthquake has “unfortunately, given us a lot of records”: largest number of urban displaced people ever with more than two million displaced Haitians living in settlements, of which 1.7 million are in Port-au-Prince; largest distribution of temporary shelters; largest distribution of food and water; one million and counting persons vaccinated and more.

Despite the overwhelming needs and the challenging numbers, Haitians now have 50 percent more portable water than before the earthquake; the spread of disease – which many feared could cause a second wave of disaster – has been largely contained and the Haitian government is regaining its footing.

With 10 percent of the country’s civil service killed and the presidential palace and other government buildings destroyed, the Haitian government’s “ability to step up and take a leadership role in responding to the disaster was severely affected,” said Weisenfeld. “[But] over time we’ve seen them step up and play an increasing role,” aided by support from USAID and other groups that have provided staff, hardware, computers and other capacity-building resources.

Taking a note from Indonesia’s handling of the aftermath of the tsunami, the government created the Interim Haiti Reconstruction Commission, which is heading the recovery effort – taking over from the United Nations, which had initially led the emergency response meetings.

Moving past the emergency phase, however, is proving to be a challenge. And the largest obstacle is the 20-25 million cubic yards of debris – 20-25 times the rubble created by the destruction of New York’s twin towers – that give testament to the worse earthquake Haiti has seen in 200 years.

“Now we’re in a more challenging time because of land ownership and other issues that make it more difficult to achieve more sustainable solutions” such as the switch from temporary to transitional housing, Sell said.

“To build these transitional shelters, land has to become available,” she added. “[But]

VOLUME 79 • NUMBER 35 JUNE 27 – JULY 2, 2010 Publisher Sonceria Messiah-Jiles Editor Von Jiles Associate Editor ReShonda Billingsley Art Director Cale Carter Columnist Yvette Chargois Sports Editors Max Edison Darrell K. Ardison Contributing Writers Aswad Walker Webmaster Corneleon Block The Houston Defender Newspaper published

by The Houston Defender Inc. Company (713) 663-6996. The Defender audited by Certified Audited Circulation. (CAC). For subscriptions, send $60.00 — 1 year, to: Defender, P.O. Box 8005, Houston, TX 77288.

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every spare patch of land is covered. It’s hard to go one block without seeing damaged buildings and people in shelters.”

On June 9, the Haitian government approved population relocations to areas outside the capital. But while nongovernmental organizations have grants to help support families that make the move, many are

unwilling to move from the city, perhaps because of a lack of jobs and other resources elsewhere. Building that infrastructure in the short term – and sustaining the gains made in the country’s recovery – will likely be severely thwarted by the approaching hurricane season, however.

With hundreds of thousands

of people huddled together in tent villages perched precariously on hillsides and other unstable land likely to turn to mud when it rains, the potential for catastrophe is exponential.

Sell said the Red Cross and other NGOs have hired Haitians to assist in hurricane emergency preparations such as: digging ditches to channel water down

hillsides, shoring up hillsides with sandbags, leveling land, laying gravel, teaching first aid, and marking emergency evacuation routes. And, in areas where mitigation efforts prove futile, residents have been relocated, Weisenfeld added.

This extended “emergency response phase” – which the UN said could continue for the

next 12 to 18 months – is raising some concern with the pace of sustainable rebuilding efforts in Haiti.

“I think the worry we have is people adjust to their situation,” Weisenfeld said. “We have to move aggressively; we don’t want Haitians to get used to living in these conditions.”

4

JUNE 27 – JULY 2, 2010 | DEFENDER

Bud Johnson

Justice

Johnson enrolled in the journalism program at Texas Southern University. Determined to break into the news business, he took a job at the Acres Homes Reporter as a janitor.

Johnson spent most of his 56year journalism career working for the Black press, mainly covering sports and writing commentary. He worked for the Houston Informer and the Houston Post in the late 1950s, before becoming the sports editor of the Forward Times in 1960. He moved to news and opinion as the paper’s managing editor from 1986 to 1996 before transferring to the African-American News & Issues in that same position.

His popular columns became known for their “tell-it-like-itis” formats, and included his weekly Bud’s Eye View column and a monthly social roundup called “This Bud’s For You.” He captured police news in “It was Like This” – his humorous take of local police reports.

Johnson kept working, despite his battle with colon cancer, which recently spread to his liver. Johnson was preceded in death by his wife, Gloria and is survived by two sons, George Jr. and Bruce Johnson.

Johnson’s wake will be held June 25, from 6 pm-9 pm and the funeral will be June 26, at 11 am at Pleasant Hill Baptist Church, 1510 Pannell in Houston, TX.

this system, judges must approve a list of eligible attorneys to be appointed to cases. Once an attorney is assigned to the case, the judge decides whether or not to grant that attorney’s requests for investigators, experts, and compensation. The appointing judge even has the power to remove attorneys from the appointment list altogether.

State Senator Rodney Ellis views the current system as problematic and inviting of “good ole boy” issues of favoritism and personal prejudices, granting judges a level of influence that can greatly interfere with an attorney’s freedom and ability to advocate on behalf of their client.

“Defense counsel serves as the final protector of the innocent in our courtrooms, so when our system operates to impede the quality of indigent counsel, our poor are disproportionately subjected to losing their freedom unjustly,” said Ellis.

Another area of contention of PDO advocates is the level of resources, or lack thereof, available for indigent defense. As of 2008, the Harris County District Attorney’s Office had a budget of over $50 million, while in the same year the county spent $24 million on indigent defense. The DA’s office had over 30 investigators on staff, while appointed counsel have no dedicated investigators and have to ask the judge in order to hire one. The proposed Public Defender Office is supposed to have parity with the District Attorney’s Office in regard to pay for attorneys and other staff.

According to the American Bar Association’s Ten Principles of a Public Defense Delivery System, the standard for evaluating any type of indigent defense delivery system, Harris County is in violation of five of them, relating to issues of independence from judges wielding inordinate amounts of power and influence over attorneys and their ability to defend clients, funding and pay equity, adequate staffing to effectively handle, research and defend caseloads, and the effective supervision and systematic review of defense counsel.

“The core goal of our justice system is protect the public safety—by ensuring the innocent are protected and the guilty brought to justice. When we fail to provide quality counsel in the courtroom, and risk convicting an innocent person, it is bad law enforcement and ineffective justice. We end up with an innocent person in prison, while a guilty perpetrator is free to commit more crimes,” shared Ellis.

These institutional impediments to providing quality counsel are compounded by the lack of essential resources—due to inadequate funding— available for indigent defense. Thus, attorneys are burdened with overwhelming caseloads, inadequate time to visit with clients or conduct sufficient research, limited access to investigators and experts, and no real independence to zealously advocate on behalf of their clients. Meanwhile, while prosecutors enjoy substantial independence and resources to pursue a case against the defendant, a court-appointed attorney is subject to judicial influence.

Ellis believes such a system goes against the core values of this country.

“The promise that every person, rich or poor, stands equal before the law, is at the fundamental core of the American democratic ideals of liberty and justice. This promise was included by our country’s Founding Fathers, in the Bill of Rights, Sixth Amendment of the Constitution, and in our Pledge of Allegiance. As well, we read its words— ‘Equal Justice Under Law’—on the front of the U.S. Supreme Court,” added Ellis. “When we undermine such a core principle of democracy, we truly undermine the integrity of all of the core laws the law of the land. If this Constitutional Right is expendable, which one is next?”

Proponents of change believe a PDO will change the current status quo, with its director selected through an independent oversight board where a majority of the members have had prior experience in providing indigent defense representation.

Some of the best practices PDO proponents are looking for in a potential Harris County program include the employment of qualified attorneys paid on par with attorney’s working in the DA’s office, caseloads limited to ensure quality representation, adequate staff to handle cases along with staff for effective data-gathering, case tracking, and data analysis. Needed also are an adequate number of attorney support staff—investigators, paralegals, social workers, and administrative staff; as well as ongoing attorney training, supervision and performance evaluations.

Washington, DC’s Public Defender Service (PDS) is often cited as best in the country. PDS is a federally funded, independent legal organization governed by an eleven-member Board of Trustees.

In 2008, per capita spending for indigent defense in Washington DC was $108.14 per capita, compared to $7.22 in Texas and $6.11 per Harris County resident.

Other respected county-based Public Defender Offices include San Diego, San Francisco and Los Angeles Counties in California, and Miami-Dade County in Florida. In Texas, Webb County and El Paso County are considered the best. Statewide Public Defender systems that are cited include Wisconsin, Minnesota, New Jersey, Maryland, Massachusetts, and Connecticut.

Those questioning the potential of Harris County adopting such a system point to cost issues. However, Ellis and others believe cost issues weigh in favor of instituting a PDO.

continued from page 1

TSU Regents

continued from page 1 mined by factors including high school rank and test scores - get the money first. Other students would still be eligible, but the program now covers 55 percent of eligible students, so there’s no guarantee students with lesser academic credentials would receive the help.

“I think it makes sense to reward students who have worked really hard,” Paredes said. He offered similar proposals in 2009 .

This year may be different, he said, noting that the state faces a growing budget deficit at a time when legislators are questioning how much the state is getting for its money.

Ultimately, Paredes contended, the proposals could persuade legislators to increase funding for higher education, since they are designed to reward success.

“It is really a strategy to make an argument to raise funding for higher education,” he said.

“The proposals and how they would impact the mission here would not be positive,” said regent Gary Bledsoe, an attorney from Austin who also serves as president of the Texas NAACP. Paredes disputes that claim.

“An institution like Texas Southern has a huge potential for a larger share of funding,” he said, because the proposals also include new funding for schools serving at-risk students.

TSU officials say they have not yet determined exactly how the proposals would affect TSU’s share of funding.

Paredes is traveling the state to talk with university leaders about the proposed changes, which do require legislative approval.

Advertise in the Defender

continued from page 1

Harris County is one of the few counties without a Public Defender Office.

In July 2008, the Task Force on Indigent goals. As part of this project, TSP staff and repreDefense conducted a review of Dallas’ appellate sentatives from the American Bar Association’s public defender and trial-level caseload standards Standing Committee on Legal Aid and Indigent and found that, during the first quarDefendants (ABA-SCLAID) underter of 2008, the average cost per mistook two site visits to Harris County demeanor case assigned to a public in March and April to speak with a defender was only $77, while the wide variety of judges, lawyers, average cost per misdemeanor case county officials, elected representaassigned to private counsel was $150. tives, and members of the commuFor felony cases, public defenders nity about the current state of indiaverage cost per case was $314 while gent defense in Harris County and cases assigned to private counsel the challenges and opportunities of averaged $380. a new PDO. TSP staff also worked “Study after study, example after with court staff, county officials, example, proves that a public defendand staff from the Texas Task Force er system is the most cost effective on Indigent Defense to understand Rodney Ellis way to deliver quality legal services what case and attorney data are to the poor. In addition, it prevents presently kept by the courts and the corruption of the “good ole boy” what other measures are potentially system of judges appointing attorneys,” said Ellis. available for review and evaluation.

“We spend more than just about any other state Since TSP’s site visits, Harris County has subin the nation to operate our prisons,” said Brandon mitted an application to the Task Force seeking Dudley, Ellis’ chief of staff. “We have a moral approximately $4 million in support for a pilot, obligation to make a comparable investment hybrid PDO. That PDO would provide representoward creating a justice system that ensures all tation for all defendants with mental illness and in citizens, regardless of their economic status, are all appellate cases in county criminal courts, as treated equally under our law.” well as in juvenile matters and in trial and appel“From our crime labs to the prosecutor’s office late cases in participating district courts. That to indigent defense, Houston and Harris County application is presently under review by the Task have deservingly received national ridicule over Force, which has or will offer a preliminary the past few years for practices leading to the con- response to Harris County in the near future. viction of the innocent. It’s time we took the necThe Spangenberg Project is a nationally- and essary steps to repair our broken system,” added internationally-recognized criminal justice Ellis. research and consulting group that specializes in Public defender programs are almost universal- independent, high-quality research on access to ly considered by experts to be the most cost-effec- justice and indigent defense services. Operated as tive way to deliver high quality indigent defense The Spangenberg Group (TSG) for over twenty services because they provide an organized institu- years, TSP researchers have conducted work in all tional infrastructure that ensures accountability, fifty states and have provided consultative servicmentoring, performance standards, comprehensive es to jurisdictions seeking to reform and improve training, and monitoring to ensure consistent, their indigent defense and legal aid delivery proquality representation is being delivered—just like grams. In 2009, TSG joined George Mason the prosecutor’s office. One of the biggest advan- University’s Center for Justice, Law, and Society tages of a public defender system is the ability of to form The Spangenberg Project. the public defender to play an institutional role After its work and research in Harris County, representing the defense function and perspective TSP endorsed the creation of a PDO for Harris in devising and administering the county’s crimi- County, while urging that the pilot project be nal justice policies, just as the prosecutors and extended into more courts and provide representajudiciary represent their respective functions in the tion to more felony cases than the present propossystem. al envisions; the PDO be overseen by an independWith budgets of municipalities already stretched ent board or commission comprised of stakeholdto the limit, start-up funds have been raised as an ers from within the criminal justice community, issue. However, the Texas Task Force on Indigent with clear directives and goals; the relevant stakeDefense makes multi-year grant funds available to holders must agree on the criteria for the office’s counties starting public defender programs. The success—with preserving and raising the quality largest start-up initiative to date is Lubbock of indigent defense taking precedent over cost savCounty’s multi-year grant to establish the State’s ings; and the PDO receive sufficient resources and first Regional Capital Public Defender Office to staff. serve an 85-county region in the 7th and 9th judiAccording to The Spangenberg Project’s report cial regions in West Texas. to the Harris County Criminal Justice In February, 2010, the American Bar Coordinating Council, “Harris County has Association’s Bar Information Program granted a embarked on a significant and important undertakrequest from Harris County to engage the consult- ing with its proposed pilot public defender office. ing services of The Spangenberg Project at George This project can be successful if court and county Mason University (TSP) to assist county officials leaders are careful to provide sufficient resources, in planning for a possible Public Defender Office ensure true independence, and round out the (PDO). In particular, TSP was asked to assist the office’s scope so that effective representation can Commissioner’s Court and judiciary in establish- be afforded a larger number of defendants. It will ing what goals they can expect to achieve with a be essential to track the PDO’s progress, establishPDO and what types of information should be ing baseline data and providing periodic assessmeasured in evaluating progress toward those ments of the office’s operations.”

SPORTS

JUNE 27 – JULY 3, 2010 | DEFENDER

Max Edison

on Sports

TSU’s Bush Cited Texas Southern’s Rodney Bush was recently named the SWAC’s Jefferson-NicholsonProphet Sports Information Director of the Year. Bush was voted as the 2010 honoree by the league’s Sports Information Directors during the group’s annual spring meeting.

Bush, who is in his sixth year at the helm of the TSU sports information department, was also voted to serve as the Chairperson of the SWAC Sports Information Directors for the next two years. He had previously held the ViceChairperson position for the group.

Needless to say, Bush was happy to be named the recipient of this award.

“I’m humbled and honored to receive this award,” Bush intimated. “I’m pleased that the people who selected me for this honor were the same folks that have helped me develop throughout the years.

The honor is not about me, but more about our great university, Texas Southern and the coaches and student athletes that I serve.”

Athletic director Charles McClelland believes Bush is more than worthy of the honor.

“Anytime your peers select you it’s a tremendous honor,” McClelland shared. “Rodney and the sports information department strive to be the very best the conference has to offer and it shows. I am extremely happy with what he has accomplished.”

The award is named in honor of former SWAC Sports Information greats Sam Jefferson (Jackson State), Collie Nicholson (Grambling ★EDISON, Page 6

5

Astros

Time to make a change Max Edison DEFENDER

A

fter being swept in a three game series by intra-state rival, the Texas Rangers, the Astros are at a critical juncture in the 2010 season. With a record of 26-44 (press time), they have the third worst record in the Major Leagues.

Unfortunately for the Astros, it’s been a season of frustration. Inconsistency has been the buzzword to describe the 2010 season. When they pitch well, they don’t hit. When they score runs, the bullpen collapses.

The team ranks at the bottom of most offensive categories. They are last (30th) in batting average (.233), last in hits (533), 29th in homers (40) and 28th in RBI (222). Utility infielder, turned starting second baseman Jeff Keppinger has turned into the team’s top hitter (.284). AllStar Hunter Pence is hitting .269. Perennial RBI producers Lance Berkman and Carlos Lee are hitting a paltry .237 and .223 respectively with 29 and 38 RBI. Gold glove lead-off man Michael Bourn is batting .251 with an OBP of .331.

Bourn, who continues to play spectacular defense, leads the NL in stolen bases (21). He, for one thinks the offensive problems are very basic.

“We just aren’t hitting the ball,” Bourn explained. “Pitching is there. Defense is there.

You have to have three phases of the game, and one phase just isn’t there.”

On his recent struggles at the plate, Michael believes in the process of basic baseball.

“I’m not pushing the panic button. I just have to work through it and take it day by day.

Sometimes it’s going to test you, but you really have to dig in.”

The pitching staff ranks 25th in ERA (4.73) and 25th in whip (walks, hits per innings pitched). Ace Roy Oswalt has rebounded from a very mediocre 2009, but many of his best efforts to date have been wasted because of a lack of run support. Wandy Rodriguez, the gem of the staff

Forrest Brook alum Jason Bourgeois.

Astros top prospect Jason Castro has been called to the Major Leagues.

New third baseman Chris Johnson.

★ASTROS, Page 6 Photos: Houston Astros

Darrell Ardison

on H.S. Sports Shane Hallmark was faced with an opportunity that he couldn’t refuse.

Following a two-year stint as head football coach at Fort Bend Hightower High School, and compiling a 24-2 record, including earning the 2008 Touchdown Club of Houston Coach of the Year award, the 43-year-old Hallmark exited to become the new head coach at Klein High School.

Hallmark spent 10 years in Klein ISD, including five at Klein Forest High School.

His wife has been working in the district since 1996, and when the opportunity came for a reunion of sorts for the couple, Hallmark jumped at the chance.

They talked about it as a family and decided this opportunity was the best thing for the family.

Former Hightower assistant head coach and offensive coordinator Barry Abercrombie replaced Hallmark, who said it wasn’t an easy decision to leave Hightower.

Hallmark said he felt blessed to have the job at Klein because he knew what kind of man former head coach Stan Labay was and what kind of program he ran.

Last month Hallmark completed his first spring practice at Klein.

Labay stepped down after 40 years of coaching and teaching. The 62-year-old ★ARDISON, Page 6

High School 7-On-7 Football Pros, Cons

Players from Yates and Worthing participate in 7-on-7 high school football.

By Darrell K. Ardison DEFENDER

Since the “anointing” of 7-on-7 football as an official sport in Texas high schools back in 1998, there has been an ongoing debate as to its overall value in relation to the brethren edition that’s played in the fall.

Many coaches will readily admit that improving physical conditioning, team chemistry and timing between the quarterback and receivers as obvious virtues of the sport.

Other coaches say 7-on-7 football isn’t a realistic version of the game because the quarterback faces no pressure from the defense, defensive backs can’t be physical with receivers and players get a false sense of what plays work in the summer and which ones will be successful in the fall.

One coach revealed to the Houston Defender

that 7-on-7 football during May, June and July has become a “must” due to the growing popularity of AAU basketball. “If we’re not doing this (7-on-7), then our kids are out traveling and playing another sport,” he said. “Football is the first boys sport when the academic calendar cranks up in August.”

Over the past several weeks, 7-on-7 tournaments have been held at high schools throughout the greater Houston area, including Manvel, The Woodlands, Madison, Dulles and Yates.

The Defender caught up with several head coaches and got their opinions on 7-on-7 football.

“When I first started coaching, this is what we did with the kids in June,” said Yates head coach Ronald Miller, who guided his team to a 10-2 record in 2009 and another playoff appearance. “After the kids would do their

work in the weight room, they’d come out on the field and work on offense and defense for two hours. Somebody just figured out a way to make money off of it.

“Overall, I think it is beneficial to any program that’s involved with it,” Miller said. “It’s good for cohesiveness and working on your quick passing game. The quarterback has only four seconds to get rid of the ball so you want the receivers to run precise routes. That way the quarterback can gain confidence the receivers will be where they’re supposed to be.”

In a recent 7-on-7 game between longtime Houston Independent School District rivals Yates and Worthing, Miller said that he and his assistants made a startling revelation.

“We saw a kid today that we had slated to be ★HIGH SCHOOL, Page 6

SPORTS

6

Astros

continued from page 5 in 2009 with a 14-12 record, has fallen completely apart this season. His ERA is 6.09 and currently leads the NL with 10 losses, a pace that possibly could see him garner 20 losses if he’s not careful!

For Oswalt, the frustration has mounted to such a point that he’s finally considered waiving his no-trade clause.

“If a team comes up to you and asks for a trade, that’s pretty much saying they want to go in a different direction,” Oswalt said. “Who’d want to say no to a team that asks you to be traded? If they came to me and wanted to go a different direction, I would listen.”

As the mid-way point of the season approaches and the long, hot, dog days of summer set in, Astro management has decided to make some major roster changes. Changes the team hopes can salvage their season, develop some promising young talent and keep the fans engaged, even if the team is not in the playoff hunt.

Earlier this week, the team announced plans to purchase the contracts of catcher Jason Castro and outfielder Jason Bourgeois and to recall third baseman Chris Johnson, all from Triple A Round Rock.

“I think we have to see what some of these guys can do,” skipper Brad Mills shared. “If they are the ones to go further beyond this year, then we need to find those answers and we need to find out about it.”

Castro was the Astros first pick in the 2008 MLB First Player Draft. Castro is the club’s #1 prospect, a ray of hope in a Minor League system that is considered one of the weakest in baseball. Castro, was the first player drafted under the regime of general manager Ed Wade and assistant general manager/director of scouting Bobby Heck. He represents the future and provides assurance better days are ahead.

He hit .313 in 16 games for the Astros in Spring Training this year. The 23-year-old catcher is hitting .265 in 57 games at Round Rock with four home runs, 26 RBI and 32 walks in what is his first season in Triple A. Additionally, he played for the U.S. squad in the All-Star Futures game (hit 3-run HR), was a member of the Gold Medal winning Team U.S.A. squad in the IBAF World Cup in September and started for the West squad in the Arizona Fall League’s Rising Stars game in November.

For all the hype, Castro, a former Stanford, All-American, keeps things in perspective.

“I’m ready for whatever they ask of me,” Castro said. “I’m prepared and excited to get going.”

Castro will be expected to start immediately behind the plate due to the injury sustained by Humberto Quintero in the Rangers series.

Bourgeois, a 28-year-old Houston native, was fifth in the Pacific Coast League in batting with a .345 clip in 65 games at Round Rock. He was also tied for fourth in the league in stolen bases (18) and tied for eighth in on-base-pct. (.405).

Bourgeois, who was claimed off waivers

by Houston from Milwaukee on October 26, 2009, hit .321 in 13 Spring Training games for the Astros with two triples and a .412 on-base-pct. Bourgeois has appeared in 30 Major League games in his career, six for the White Sox in 2008 and 24 for the Brewers last season.

This will be the second Major League stint for the 25-year-old Johnson in 2010.

He opened the season with the Astros, appearing in eight games (.227, 5x22). In Round Rock, he was hitting .329 in 38 games with eight home runs, 33 RBI and a .570 slugging pct. In Spring Training, Johnson, who was the Astros fourth pick in the 2006 Draft, led the Grapefruit League in both HR (8) and RBI (22) in 25 games.

Johnson has appeared in 19 Major League games the last two seasons combined for the Astros.

Wade cautioned that fans should not count on these teams being the saviors for the 2010 season.

“They are not coming up here to save this ballclub,” Wade said. “They are coming up as young players to bring enthusiasm and coming up here to show us what they are capable of doing.

“We’re 70 games into the season and there are some moves we can make, and some moves are more difficult to make, and in all honesty, in some measure, all three of these players are victims of circumstances,” Wade said. “The circumstances we find ourselves in with the way we’ve been playing over the 70 games.”

Ardison

High School

Labay guided the Bearkats to a 2009 Class 5A Division II regional title and a berth in the state semifinals before succumbing to eventual state champion Abilene 29-21.

The Bearkats’ head coach since 2003, Labay compiled a 43-34 record at Klein and had a 146-107 career record in 23 years as a head coach. The Sam Houston State alum had coaching stints at Klein, Wallis Brazos, Coppell, El Campo, Bellville, Dobie and Willis before returning to Klein.

Klein was 11-4 in Labay’s final season as head coach.

Hallmark says that Klein ISD has that small town feeling where people know each other on a first-name basis and athletics are important. He said the kind of support that you get is tremendous and that everybody that leaves the district, wants to eventually get back.

a running back that turns out to be an outstanding receiver,” Miller said. “That helps us as a staff because now we can get this kid on the field when before he might have been stuck as a third or fourth-string running back.”

Houston Sterling head coach Dwayne Colbert says that he believes bigger schools may reap more benefits from 7-on-7 because they have a larger pool of players to pick from.

“It’s not as feasible for smaller programs because you have just a few boys that you’re depending on,” Colbert said. “With the 7-on7 season so close to fall two-a-day practice sessions, you run the risk of burning them out.

“On the plus side, 7-on-7 builds teamwork, chemistry and timing between the quarterback and receivers along with the defensive backs and linebackers,” Colbert said.

Worthing head coach Brandon Ellis

continued from page 5

continued from page 5

JUNE 27 – JULY 3, 2010 | DEFENDER

Edison

continued from page 5 State) and Chuck Prophet (Mississippi Valley State).

Dynamo Lend a Hand The Houston Dynamo have partnered with the Horizon Relief Corporation to use a portion of the proceeds from the upcoming Dynamo Charities Cup match to assist the relief efforts for victims of the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico, it was announced recently.

“I am glad that we, as an organization, have the opportunity to assist victims of the oil spill throughout the Gulf Coast ,” Dynamo COO Chris Canetti said. “It is an unfortunate situation that has affected the livelihoods of so many, and I am confident our fans will rally behind the cause and come out on Saturday to show their support.”

The second annual Dynamo Charities Cup, which will see the Dynamo face Salvadoran club Aguila, will now benefit the organization that is assisting fishermen and those dedicated to the energy and seafood industries. Fans have the opportunity to contribute to the cause by purchasing a ticket to the game or by visiting HoustonDynamo.com/charities and making a direct donation.

“Horizon Relief is pleased to see a team like the Dynamo stepping up to help those who have been affected most by the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil disaster and will make sure that every dollar contributed goes to filling the gap this disaster has left in the lives of deckhands, dockworkers, and plant workers in the seafood industry,” Horizon Relief Corporation CEO Kevin Voisin said.

For $15, fans can purchase a ticket to the game as well as meet select Dynamo players after the match. In addition, the Dynamo will wear their white jerseys at home for just the second time in team history, the first was on October 15, 2008, to benefit Hurricane Ike relief efforts and the jerseys will be auctioned off to fans after the game, with all proceeds benefiting the Horizon Relief Corporation.

believes the 7-on-7 season allows his kids time to bond into a team.

“It gives the guys time to mesh together and become a team. They get their timing down and learn what passing routes work best against certain defenses,” he said.

“The quarterback really benefits because he learns the difference between a five-yard slant and a 10-yard out pattern,” Ellis said.

“He knows when they’re going to run certain patterns and how fast they’re going to run the patterns. The timing and confidence factors are improved big time.”

Ellis sees only one drawback from 7-on-7 competition.

“You can almost drain yourself out before the season even starts. Between practice and the tournaments every weekend, it’s almost like a full-blown season,” Ellis said. “It’s like a season before the season, and you have to watch carefully so that you don’t wear your guys down too much. They’re constantly running in that hot sun.”

While competing in the Dulles 7-on-7 tournament, Worthing faced the likes of Chavez,

Hastings, Dulles, Bellaire and Fort Bend Bush. With four victories in five outings, the Colts qualified for the state 7-on-7 tournament this week.

“That’s another good thing about 7-on-7,” Ellis said. “We get to go up against suburban schools and see different looks that we don’t ordinarily see. It’s a chance to see new faces and new schools and provides good exposure for us.”

In this weekend’s 12th annual Fox Sports Southwest 7-on-7 state championship on the Texas A&M campus in College Station, 96 teams will compete for state titles in two divisions. The Division II tournament (Class 1A3A) will feature 32 teams while the Division I tournament will offer 64 entries.

Tournament officials say there’s a strong possibility the Division II tournament will expand to 64 teams next year.

Houston area teams in the field include Fort Bend Bush, Worthing, Cypress Creek, Cypress Woods, Lufkin, and Beaumont West Brook.

By Darrell Ardison

AUTO NEWS

2010 Toyota Highlander The Hopkins & Associates Agency delivered an old favorite last week. That was thanks to Marcia Smith, my best contact in nearly 10 years of evaluating vehicles of all shapes, colors and functions.

Why do I like this particular vehicle?

The Toyota Highlander reminds me of a pickup truck that I owned for more than 10 years. It was during my formative years as a young adult with a growing family and plenty of responsibilities.

That Ford pickup (F-100) was very accommodating and reliable. Everything was within close reach and assessable.

I remember one time leaving from Kyle Field in College station after watching a high school football playoff tripleheader in frigid conditions, that I thought it wasn’t going to start at the end of the night.

It started right up, and carried me to my next destination in Brenham.

The 2010 Toyota Highlander 4X2 sports utility vehicle comes from a rock, solid family origin.

I’ve always found it to be durable, functional and easy to drive. The latest version proved to be no different.

Coming in the middle of high school baseball season, the 2010 Toyota Highlander had its work cut out for it.

For openers, I had to transport members of my baseball team to HISD’s CLC (Barnett) baseball field for a Saturday doubleheader against league-leader Furr and a makeup game against Phillis Wheatley High School.

Needless to say, we arrived in style, with my twin trainers Sade and Sane Piquet, leading the way.

The new Highlander sports an efficient 3.5-liter, 24-valve engine matched with a fivespeed automatic transmission that easily keeps up with any-

HIGHLANDER: HIGHLIGHTS MSRP base price $32,480 (as tested - $33,290) Fuel economy 18 miles per gallon (city), 24 mpg (highway)

thing else on the road.

Youngsters love luxury, and that element was fulfilled with leather interior/heated power eight-way driver and four-way passenger 40/20/40 split second-row seating with fold/flat recline.

I liked that feature myself.

Then we had a tri-zone automatic front/rear air conditioner that cooled us within

Engine 3.5-liter V6 Transmission Five-speed automatic Combined fuel economy 20 mile per gallon

seconds. My kids wanted to hear music, and the 2010 Highlander answered with a AM/FM/six-disc in-dash CD changer equipped with satellite radio.

Of course, the usual expected amenities like power windows and door locks were in place.

The Highlander was visually appealing with color-keyed

bumpers and door handles, power heated outside mirrors, a rear spoiler and moonroof with roof rails.

During practice the remainder of the week, I let down the third-row seats and carted a cooler with ice water to our on-campus field. The rear cargo liftgate made the cooler easily assessable and my kids could cool down on demand.

Safety features included an enhanced vehicle stability control with traction, antilock brakes with brake assist, driver and front passenger advanced front air bags, driver knee air bag along with driver and front passenger seat-mounted side air bags.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) says the 2010

Highlander earned five-star ratings in three categories, including frontal driver, side front seat and crash rear seat.

The vehicle also added fourstar ratings in crash passenger and rollover.

Did I mention a 3.5-inch multi-function display with backup camera?

Options, options and more options – that’s why the Highlander is one of my favorites.

CLASSIFIED

LEGAL NOTICE

LEGAL NOTICE Neighborhood Centers Inc. (NCI), a nonprofit human services organization, announces a Request for Proposal (RFP) #10-07 for Educational Teaching Services.

The deadline for submitting a proposal is Wednesday, July 14, 2010 by 12:30 p.m.

(CST). To receive RFP #10-07, e-mail Solomon Surles III, Contracts and Supply Management Coordinator, at ssurles@neighborhood-centers.org.

NEIGHBORHOOD CENTERS INC. ENCOURAGES SMALL AND HISTORICALLY UNDERUTILIZED BUSINESSES TO APPLY.

Neighborhood Centers Inc. (NEIGHBORHOOD CENTERS INC.), a non-profit human services organization, announces a Request for Proposal (RFP) for JANITORIAL SERVICES & SUPPLIES. The “mandatory” Vendors Conference is scheduled for THURSDAY, JULY 1, 2010 @ 1:30 p.m.

(CST). The deadline for submitting a proposal is Friday, July 16, 2010 by 5:00 p.m.

(CST). To receive the invitation to this RFP, please e-mail Randy Mackay, Expense Reduction Analysts, at RMackay@ExpenseReduction.com , no later than Wednesday, June 30, 2010.

Please do not contact Neighborhood Centers directly.

NEIGHBORHOOD CENTERS INC. ENCOURAGES SMALL AND HISTORICALLY UNDERUTILIZED BUSINESS TO APPLY.

JUNE 27 – JULY 2, 2010 | DEFENDER

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LIFTING AS WE CLIMB……..This was the theme for the 39th Annual National Association of Black Accountants when about 1,500 of them convened here in Houston. They broke new ground as their leaders charted the course for the organization’s future, deepened connections and provided greater value for members and corporate partners with new convention programming. NABA has the unique privilege of representing the interests of more than 100,000 minorities in furthering their educational, professional and career aspirations in the related business fields of accounting, consulting, finance and information technology. Houston Chapter President, Gene Padgett and local convention co-chair, Felicia Farrar were all smiles at its success.

Over $197,035 in scholarships were awarded, at least 100 members participated in a day-long service to the William A. Lawson Institute for Peace and Prosperity Preparatory Academy for boys by painting the school…indoors, participants attended numerous workshops, luncheons, receptions and awards ceremonies honoring the nation’s top financial wizards. In the mix at the Lifetime Membership Reception hosted by the Federal Reserve Bank, were Founder, Frank Ross, NABA National President, Walter Smith, National Director, Calvin Harris, Jr., Executive Director, Gregory Johnson, Jackie Hoyer, Donald Bowers, Dominique Harvey, Lamont Waddell, Ja’Nice Sparks, Robert Dunlap, Yosief Ghirmai, Verna Green and Ken Bouyer. Over 80 exhibitors participated in NABA Expo to include Cargill, Grant Thornton LLP, IRS, State Farm, MetLife, Deutsche Bank, GE Capital, Johnson & Johnson, Walmart Stores, Spectra Energy Corp and Well Fargo Bank, to name a few. Continued Success!.......JUNETEENTH CELEBRATION……..Many activities took place celebrating African-American freedom, education and achievement including Wells Fargo & Company, who hosted a local Media Luncheon during the NABA Convention. The company leaders shared their involvement, commitment and financial success to the Houston African-American community as well as their current local community efforts. Attendees at this event included Regional President of Greater Houston, Glenn Godkin, Senior VP of Market Growth & Development Manager, Cary Yates, Senior VP and Business Banking Manager, Shaun Coard and Senior VP of Diverse Segments Enterprise Marketing, Michelle Thornhill. Wells Fargo was named the world’s 14th most admired company by Fortune magazine in 2009 and one of the top 50 companies for diversity by Diversity Inc. magazine form 2002-2009 as well as receiving several other honors. Continued success to you also!.......TRIBUTE TO OUTSTANDING FATHERS………Over 300 folks filled the ballroom of the Junior League of Houston for the 2010 Texas Spring Cypress Chapter of the Links, Inc. as they honored several outstanding fathers. The sixth annual event, chaired

by Carolyn Grant celebrated the contributions El Franco Lee, Harris County Precinct One Commissioner, Gerald W. McElvy, Retired President of ExxonMobil Foundation, Albert Myres, Senior VP of Government and Public Affairs, RRI Energy, Inc. Val Thompson, Executive Director of International Trade Center and Cary Yates, Senior VP of Market Growth and Development with Wells Fargo Bank.

The first- time recipient of the Beloved Community Award was presented to Allen R. Parker, Sr. Additionally, five $2,000 scholarships were awarded to the 2010 graduates of Booker T. Washington High School. Kudos wereas given to outgoing President, Pamela Davis and a warm welcome was given to incoming President, Angela Joubert.

Congratulations!........ Have a great week and remember to watch CROSSROADS on Channel 13 Sunday morning with Melanie Lawson for your event covered

by Ms. Chag. Also check out our website at defendernetwork.com to view the “Event of the Week.”…..From Chag’s Place to your place, Ciao Darling!

JUNE 27 – JULY 3, 2010 | DEFENDER

Calvin Harris Jr., Verna Greer, Gene Padgett and Ken Bouyer

Jackie Hoyer, Gene Padgett and Dominique Harvey

Ja'Nice Sparks and Lamont Waddell

Robert Dunlap, Frank Ross and Yosief Ghirmai

Sharmagne Taylor and Donald Bowers

D'Mar Phillips and Claire Fontenot

Gregory Johnson and Walter Smith

Johnique Lang

Cary Yates and Glenn Godkin

Ronald Chiles and Carla Cargle

Shaun Coard, Hugh Rowden and Michelle Thornhill

Honoree Albert Myres and Pamela Davis

Honoree Cary Yates and Clearese Yates

Angela and Cedric Joubert

Pamela and Bailey Davis