Fort Bend Independent 09419 by Fort Bend Independent

email: editor@fbindependent.com

VOL 12 No. 36

Phone: 281-980-6745

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FORT BEND FAIR. BALANCED. INFORMATIVE. WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2019

P. O.BOX 623, SUGAR LAND, TX 77487-0623

Official newspaper of Fort Bend County & Missouri City

Commissioners court votes ‘eyes wide shut’ to create new judge post By SESHADRI KUMAR Fort Bend County Commissioners Court, last week, ignored the data and the recommendation of the county auditor and the budget officer and approved the position of an Associate District Judge. The vote was on party lines, with Commissioner Grady Prestage, County Judge KP George and Commissioner Ken R. DeMerchant, Democrats, voting in favor and Republican Commissioners Vincent Morales and Andy Meyers

voting against the move. The item was not included in the proposed budget after four of the five members of the court accepted the budget officer’s recommendation earlier at a budget workshop meeting. Prestage, however, was in favor of approving the associate judge position. Since the item was being included in the budget after the budget was finalized, Commissioner Meyers placed it on the court agenda for discussion.

Olson’s “No HATE Act” elicits widespread community support

The majority of the commissioners court chose not to see something in plain view, apparently to support the demand of a newly-elected District Judge, who is also a Democrat. This conclusion is inevitable because neither did District Judge William O’Neil present any justification for the associate judge position nor did the other commissioners give a reason for their decision to support the See JUDGE, Page 3

KP George, Brian Middleton, Marco Roberts, Swapan Dhairyawan, Eugene Howard, Pete Olson, Randy Czarlinsky, Shehzad Chatriwala and Rev. Gerald Rivers with the backdrop of St. John’s Baptist Missionary Church in Missouri City, a victim of arson in a hate crime that remains unsolved.

Majestic Morocco . . . Your Magic Carpet Awaits Committee Chairs: front row (l-r): Co-Chairs Gena Horak and Mindy Cabble. 2nd row (l-r): Peggy Jackson, Executive Director Brenna Cosby, Cindy Cheng, Laura Winters, Terri Wang. 3rd row (l-r) Jessica Kij, Laura McGregor, Renu Narang, Michelle DeMora. Back row (l-r): Cynthia Gratzer, Jennifer McBride, Syndee Howgate, Brooke Terrell, Kay James, Lisa Kulhanek, Giulia Hattan, Jenni Leonetti, Stacy Bynes, Jasmine Raziuddin, Seeju Dupre, Carol Evans, Christy Saxer and Lesley Alberty. Not pictured: Carol Scott, Fran Steele, Lynn Halford, Shefali Jhaveri, Nappinnai Natarajan, Carrie Nesmith, Kathy Keene, Mary Favre, Liz Furman, Veronica Sopher.Photo courtesy of Mary Favre and Jasmine Raziuddin. See story on Page 3.

Four incumbents face six challengers in Missouri City

By BARBARA FULENWIDER Missouri City will have 10 candidates on the ballot for the four city council district seats in November. The four incumbent district council members running for re-election face a total of six challengers. District A’s councilman is Reginald B. Pearson who is running for a second time in office against hopeful Cheryl Sterling. Pearson is 56 years old and his occupation is specialty food buyer. He has been in Texas for 55 years and in Missouri City for 10 years. Sterling, 68, is a retired educator who is running for Pearson’s council position. She has been a Texas resident for 60 years and in Missouri City for 26 years.

District B Councilman Jeffrey L. Boney is running for re-election and if he wins it will also be his second term. He is a former bank executive and has lived in Missouri City for 19 years. His opposition is JaPaula Kemp, who is 50, and an attorney. District C Councilman Anthony G. Maroulis is also running for re-election and has 3 hopefuls running against him. Maroulis is 52 years old and works in health care. He is a native of Texas and has lived in Missouri City for 21 years. Other District C hopefuls are Raj Joseph, 51, a lecturer who has lived in Texas for 9 years and in Missouri City for 7 years. Steven Okoroha is also running against Maroulis. He is 34 years old, an attorney

and has lived in Missouri City all his life. S.A.M. Chatriwala is 70 and an engineering consultant who has lived in Texas for 27 years and in Missouri City for 7 years. Incumbent Floyd Emery, councilman for District D, is 82 and retired from Halliburton. He has been a resident of Missouri City for 40 years and in Texas for 50 years and was elected to represent District D residents in 2011. His opponent for office is Cindy Forney who is 56 and self-employed. She has been a resident of Texas for 31 years and has lived in Missouri City for 7 years. The election this year will be Tuesday, Nov. 5.

By SESHADRI KUMAR With the backdrop of a 150-year-old, historic African American Church on Oil Field Road in Missouri City, which has survived all types of hateful attacks, U.S. Rep Pete Olson, (R-TX 22) declared, “Hate has no place in our thoughts, words, actions or hearts and all over the United States, hate must end.” His call “ Hate must end” was again echoed by the gathering on Aug. 28 when Olson unveiled the “No HATE Act” for the area communities. Congressman Olson coauthored the No HATE Act with Rep. Don Beyer (D-VA). This bill provides incentives for hate crime reporting and offers additional resources for combating and prosecuting hate crimes at several levels of government. The Act provides grants for State run hate crime hotlines, and establishes additional penalties for individuals convicted under the Matthew Shephard and James Byrd, Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act. The meeting, billed as a press briefing, was attended by Rev. Gerald Rivers, St. John’s Missionary Baptist Church, Pastor; Randy Czarlinsky, Director, American Jewish Committee Houston; Eugene Howard, President – Brazoria County, National Association for the Advancement of Colored People; Shehzad Chatriwala (Founding Member, Brand Lane Islamic Center / Islamic Society of Greater Houston; Swapan Dhairyawan,

President, Indo-American Chamber of Commerce of Greater Houston; Marco Roberts, President, Houston Log Cabin Republicans; Fort Bend County District Attorney Brian Middleton and Fort Bend County Judge KP George. Pastor Rivers in his welcome remarks pointed out that the St. John’s Missionary Baptist Church, founded in 1869, is rooted in the history of African Americans in Fort Bend County. It was organized by freed slaves in DeWalt, now Missouri City. Three years ago it received the historical marker from the state. Despite past vandalism and arson, the church has survived through the dedication of parishioners and regional leaders. The church suffered heavily from arson in 2006 and the culprit could not be traced. (Rivers was chosen to lead the church after Pastor David Fisher died in January 2017. After raising funds over the past few years, efforts are now on to rebuild the church.) “Hatred is evil It must be eradicated. Hatred is like a rotten apple in a barrel. If it is not taken out, it will infect the whole barrel,” Rivers said. Though the Centers for Disease Control does not report on “the disease of hate,” it can be eradicated. One way is to start with children and tell them the difference between hate and love, Rivers said. Olson, in his remarks, pointed out that the Houston Police Department last year reported the highest increase in

Sponsored by Serving Fort Bend County for 28 years!

hate crimes in the last 10 years. To combat hate crimes, first hate crimes should be promptly reported, instead of shoving them under the carpet, Olson said. While the latest FBI data show a 17% increase in hate crimes in 2017, dramatic underreporting of hate crimes still makes it impossible to understand the full scope of the problem, Olson said. NAACP representative Eugene Howard commended Olson for acknowledging the issue, and for help in solving the problem. “The soul of America is at stake. We must teach this to our children,” Howard said. Previously, Hilary O. Shelton Director, NAACP Washington Bureau & Senior Vice President for Policy and Advocacy, had issued a statement of support. “On behalf of the NAACP, our nation’s oldest, largest and most widely-recognized grassrootsbased civil rights organization, I would like to thank you for your courage, your wisdom, and your leadership by introducing H.R.3545, the National Opposition to Hate, Assault, and Threats to Equality (NO HATE) Act of 2019. ….The NO HATE Act is the next logical – and necessary – step in helping us as a nation better understand and prevent hate crimes. In the unfortunate event one does occur, it also provides much needed assistance in the healing process, and at the same time helping in the prevention of future hate crimes. The NAACP See HATE, Page 3

Page 2 • INDEPENDENT • SEPTEMBER 4, 2019

NEWS

Child Advocates of Fort Bend’s Membership Coffee

Getting ready for the coffee Front row (L to R) are: FRIENDS Council Members Joyce Ericsson, Child Advocates of Fort Bend Development Officer Lisa Moore and Pat Somers. Back row (L to R) are: Kristin Styles-Jannossey, Mindy Benefield and Laura Leatherwood. FRIENDS of Child Advocates of Fort Bend, an auxiliary volunteer group supporting Child Advocates of Fort Bend, will host its annual Fall Coffee Membership social in the home of Pat and Brad Somers, on Tuesday, October 1, at 10 am. The public is invited to attend and join FRIENDS. Membership dues of $40 support a variety of activities benefiting the children served by Child Advocates of Fort Bend and the volunteers who help them. For further information on FRIENDS, the location and to RSVP for the event, please contact Kristin Stiles-Janossy at 713-3848096.

FRIENDS of Child Advocates of Fort Bend is an auxiliary league which helps support activities benefiting the children served by Child Advocates of Fort Bend and the volunteers who help them. Their Special Needs Fund underwrites the needs of children that other providers are unable to offer – items that most people take for granted. The fund has underwritten backpacks filled with school supplies, summer camp tuition, tutoring, caps and gowns for graduating seniors and computers for college students. Child Advocates of Fort Bend is a non-profit agency that has been making a difference in the lives of abused and neglected children for

28 years. Its mission is to Provide a Voice, Heal the Hurt, and Break the Cycle of child abuse in Fort Bend County. Through its Court Appointed Special Advocates Program, Children’s Advocacy Center (CAC) and more than 200 trained community volunteer advocates, Child Advocates of Fort Bend improves the lives of more than 400 children each month and has served more than 16,500 children since opening its doors in 1991. To learn more or for more information on how you can get involved with Child Advocates of Fort Bend contact Volunteer Services at lcastellanos@cafb.org or 281-344-5100.

Ride to Rosenberg Car Show returns to Downtown Rosenberg

The third annual Ride to Rosenberg Car Show returns to Historic Downtown Rosenberg on Saturday, Sept. er 7, 2019 from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. The Rosenberg Arts Alliance and the Rosenberg Main Street Program have partnered to bring a fun day filled with classic, modern and art cars, musical entertainment and delicious food trucks to the city. “We’re very excited to bring back the car show for a 3rd year and showcase not only so many awesome cars, but our historic downtown as well which features amazing art, lots of food and plenty

of shopping opportunities,” said Renee Butler, Ride to Rosenberg Show CoChairman. “Be sure to bring the family out and grab your camera! There’s so much you won’t want to miss.” The first 150 car show entries will be accepted and registration is open to all makes and models of vehicles. Cars will be split into eight classes according to year model. Trophies will be awarded for first and second place in each class, as well as a Best of Show trophy. Swag bags and t-shirts

will be given to each entry at registration which will be held at the 3rd Street Art Park located in the 800 block of 3rd Street from 8-10 a.m. This family-friendly event is free and open to the public. When arriving in downtown, please note there will be street closures to accommodate for the show. For more information, or for a registration form, please contact Renee Butler at reneebnr@yahoo.com, give the Rosenberg Main Street Program a call at 832-5953330 or visit the Facebook Event Page: https://bit. ly/2U8NEaC.

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INDEPENDENT • SEPTEMBER 4, 2019 • Page 3

NEWS Judge From Page 1

creation of the additional post. The decision is more egregious when seen in the light of the estimated cost of $1.4 million in personnel costs and another $1.5 million in creating additional courtroom space. Prestage, however, proposed an allocation of only $300,000, enough to hire a judge and a court coordinator. Fort Bend County has eight full time elected district judges and four associate judges. In addition, there is a child protection court (0.26 Full Time Equivalent) and child support court (0.68 FTE). Two of the associate judges were assisting two district judges each. Associate Judge Stuti Patel was attached to the 240th District Court Judge Frank Fraley and 400th District Judge Maggie Jaramillo. Associate Judge John Hawkins was assisting former 268th District Court Judge Brady Elliott and the 434th District Court Judge Jim Shoemake. Judge O’Neil, after his election, took office in January this year and declined the services of Hawkins and sought a new associate judge exclusively for his court. He was told informally that the position could not be created by commissioners court. Also, the Board of Judges did not make a positive recommendation for creating the position. Commissioners Meyers had always been watching the court case loads and clearance rate, to determine if additional judges needed to be appointed. Already, many county courts and district courts have been created in recent years to meet growing case load. Meyers had opposed creation of associate

judge positions even when Republican judges had asked for it previously. Meyers also seconded the research done by Commissioner Morales who obtained the data from the Office of Court Administration. Based on the application of case weights to 2018 filings as reported to the Office of Court Administration, an analysis of District Courts’ workload showed that Fort Bend County needs 11.5 full time judges, but it actually has 12.9 judges. A new district court was created in 2017. Last year, total case filings were 17,108 marking a 2 percent increase over the previous year. Statewide change in filings and clearance rate was 1 percent last year. Fort Bend County’s District Courts’ case clearance rate at 95 percent in 2018 was the same as the state’s clearance rate. A court should attempt to dispose of at least as many cases as are filed in order to avoid a backlog of cases. This would result in a 100% clearance rate. Clearance Rate and Backlog Index from September 1, 2017 to August 31, 2018 in Fort Bend family courts and criminal courts were pretty good, but poor in civil cases. The clearance rate for criminal cases was 98.7 percent and backlog index was 0.6. The clearance rate for family court case is 99.3 percent and backlog index is 0.8. A backlog index of 1.0 means that the court disposed of the equivalent of the pending case load in one year. A court should have a minimum goal of achieving a civil backlog index of 1.0 or less. On average, criminal cases should be disposed more quickly than major civil cases, so courts should maintain a lower backlog index for criminal cases than civil cases.

Majestic Morocco – Your Magic Carpet Awaits The Fort Bend Education Foundation will hold its 27th Annual Gala on Saturday, February 29, 2020, at the Sugar Land Marriott Town Square. Gala Co-Chairs Mindy Cabble and Gena Horak are over the moon with this year’s theme “Majestic Morocco – Your Magic Carpet Awaits” presented by Perdue Brandon Fielder Collins & Mott, L.L.P. Let the spirit of Morocco manifest itself in you as you discover its mysteries while helping celebrate 27 years of success of the Fort Bend Education Foundation. Experience a Moroccan night like no other, rich with beautiful colors and elaborate and intriguing sights. Picture yourself in Casablanca or Marrakech as you enjoy a fanciful feast of marvelous flavors. After, Rock the Kasba as you set your body in motion to the music of Password. Shoot for the Moroccan desert stars while bidding on a myriad of live auction items presented by resident snake charmer Commissioner James Patterson. Place your bids often and make them high! Gather together with a group of friends like a band of Berbers for a bid that will shoot for the moon. Leave this mesmerizing Moroccan evening with great memories and satisfaction in your efforts to support the Fort Bend Education Foundation. Planning is now in progress. Information regarding sponsorships, auction donations and individual tickets is available at www.fortbendisd.com/foundation. The Fort Bend Education Foundation touches every school in Fort Bend ISD. Its mission is to enrich and enhance the quality of education for all Fort Bend ISD students through it grant programs. — By Jessica Kij

Hate From Page 1

is pleased and proud to endorse this legislation, and we look forward to working with you to pass this bill into law.” Swapan Dhairyawan, a member of the Hindu community and a constituent of Congressman Olson, in his remarks commended the signature legislation and cited two principles from the Hindu philosophy. One is that service to the society is akin to service to god and the other is that the whole world is one family. The Islamic Society representative Chhatriwala said the community is 100 percent behind this legislation. The world Islam in Arabic means “Peace” and the religion

acknowledges all other faiths, while they should compete with each other in doing good. Middleton said, “My job is to fight evil. Hate crime is evil.” “We are committed to preventing this evil and any person committing this crime will face fierce prosecution. We will not tolerate hate in Fort Bend County,” Middleton said. KP George echoed the DA’s sentiments and offered all possible support in fighting hate crimes. (Companion legislation has been introduced by Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT). Senate Bill 2043 has been read twice and referred to the Committee on Judiciary. The House version HR 3545 has not yet been sent to committee.)

Fort Bend’s civil case clearance rate is 85.8 percent and backlog index is 1.2 . Morales asked for the new case filings in the 240th court and 268th court on Aug. 2, but he has not received the numbers yet. “I do not have specific information for the courts that will receive an additional associate judge. But, the overall analysis does not justify another judicial officer,” Morales said. “I could not support the additional associate judge no matter who the Judge is because of the research I did to come to the conclusion. It is not fair to the taxpayers if there is not solid justification at this time,” he said. Why in Morales’ opinion is an additional Associate Judge and/or Coordinator not needed currently? Morales’ research shows that the number of newly filed cases vs. disposed cases does not justify an Associate Judge position. There are 5 District Courts that hear criminal and civil cases. Currently those five courts have 2 associate judges that are available to hear cases. The District Judges requesting an associate Judge are choosing not to use the Associate Judges available to assist them. (There are 6 County Courts at Law with 2 Associate Judges that have been operating with only the 2 Associate Judges with no issues.) Currently there is no built out court room for an Associate Judge to use. There is a need for an additional courtroom for visiting judges and specialty courts right now, so any built out courtroom would be used for that and not an associate judge. A suggestion was the option of sharing a courtroom-not only will that not work it makes no sense - if you have to share a courtroom then a Judge is not working a full docket. No other county has criminal or civil Associate Judges except

Fort Bend County. It is said because of the population growth an associate judge is needed - Harris County has close to 5 million people with no Associate Judge in criminal or civil courts. Creating an Associate Judge position requires additional necessary positions. One

associate judge will require extra salaries and positions such as a bailiff (sheriff), clerks (2), prosecutors (DA) at a minimum. This does not include the build out of a courtroom (no funds and takes 1.5 years approximately) and furnishing the courtroom. The need does not justify the expense (million +)

Although the request for Associate Judge Position was on the agenda of the Board of District Judges, after discussion at the meetings there was no action taken and there was not any recommendation to Commissioners Court for an additional Associate Judge.

2019 Sugar Plum Market

With the calendar year racing ahead the 2019 Sugar Plum Market presented by the Fort Bend Junior Service League (FBJSL) and Title Sponsor, Memorial Hermann Sugar Land, is just around the corner. The 19th Annual Market will take place at the Stafford Centre Performing Arts Theatre and Convention Center Friday, November 8th from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturday, November 9th from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. A special Preview Night will be held from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Thursday, November 7th. This VIP event allows patrons to shop the Market before the general public. The 2019 Market theme, JOY to the World, is more than just a theme as this common holiday phrase has become more of the mission of the Market. The 2018 Market raised a record breaking $335,000 which provided grants to nonprofit organizations across Fort Bend County. Beneficiary GiGi’s Playhouse Sugar Land “is grateful to have the continued support of the Fort Bend Junior Service League. Because of your support we are able to deliver free programs, positive support, social change campaigns, and more. Your [FBJSL] funds are helping individuals with Down Syndrome achieve greater wellness, education, career skills, autonomy and acceptance within their communities,” says Dawn Schordock, Operations Director of GiGi’s Playhouse Sugar Land. “We are deeply grateful for

Top Left to right: GiGi’s Playhouse Sugar Land attendee, Carrie, Recipients of FBCDC Open Doors program; Bottom: Homes destroyed in Harvey being restored by Habitat for Humanity Fort Bend. the Sugar Plum Market’s support of Open Doors. Thank you for helping us provide an amazing environment for learning in Fort Bend, and for ensuring that all children in the community, regardless of their financial circumstances, are able to experience Fort Bend Children’s Discovery Center (FBCDC) through Open Doors,” Says Hunter Reynolds, Donor Relations Coordinator of Children’s Museum of Houston. “Through the partnership with the FBJSL, proceeds from the Market fund the CHR program and have impacted over 30 families in Fort Bend County. In 2018, as FBHFH works towards the road to recovery for victims of Hurricane Harvey, our

partnership with FBJSL and the Sugar Plum Market will be crucial to the overall health and well being of those that lost their homes during the storm,” Says Sherwin Sun, Executive Director of Fort Bend Habitat for Humanity. The 2019 Market will once again benefit numerous Fort Bend County charities and continue to spread joy. None of the grants would be possible without the continued support and generosity of sponsors. For more information, including sponsorship and underwriting opportunities, please visit www.sugarplummarket.com or contact the Sugar Plum Market CoChairs by email at information@sugarplummarket.com.

Water District Notice of Public Hearing on Tax Rate The Fort Bend County Municipal Utility District No. 115 will hold a public hearing on a proposed tax rate for the tax year 2019 on Monday, September 23, 2019 at 2:30 p.m. at The Muller Law Group, PLLC, 202 Century Square Boulevard, Sugar Land, Texas 77478. Your individual taxes may increase or decrease, depending on the change in the taxable value of your property in relation to the change in taxable value on all other property and the tax rate that is adopted.

FOR the proposal: AGAINST the proposal: PRESENT and not voting: ABSENT:

D. Keel, F. Hester, K, Balasubramanian, & K. Sheblak (none) (none) C. Hanney

The following table compares taxes on the average residence homestead in this taxing unit last year to taxes proposed on the average residence homestead this year. Last Year Total tax rate (per $100 of value) Difference in rates per $100 of value Percentage decrease in rates Average appraised value General exemptions available (excluding senior citizen’s or disabled person’s exemptions) Average taxable value Tax on average residence homestead Annual decrease in taxes if Proposed tax rate is adopted And percentage of decrease

This Year

0.440 /$100

Adopted

$491,911

$ -$0.010 /$100 -2.2727%

-$73,787 $418,124 $ 1,839.75

0.430 /$100

Proposed

$493,649 -$74,047 $419,602 $1,804.29

-$35.46 -1.9274%

NOTICE OF TAXPAYERS’ RIGHT TO ROLLBACK ELECTION If taxes on the average residence homestead increase by more than eight percent, the qualified voters of the district by petition may require that an election be held to determine whether to reduce the operation and maintenance tax rate to the rollback tax rate under Section 49.236(d), Water Code.

Questions or comments regarding this notice can be directed to Esther Buentello Flores at the tax office at (281) 499-1223.

INDEPENDENT • SEPTEMBER 4, 2019 • Page 4

OPINION

Missouri City City Council plays the “tagging” game Tagging is mostly known as a sports terminology. It means to touch someone being chased in a game of tag. In baseball, one can ‘tag out’ a runner by touching the player with the ball or with the glove holding the ball. In professional wrestling where two-member teams compete, teammates tag alternating within the ring. In the modern digital age, tagging takes place in Facebook postings and you have #hashtags in Twitter But, in city council meetings, “tagging” has a different meaning. To tag means to postpone or delay the consideration of an item on the agenda. Generally when a councilmember asks to tag an item, the mayor or presiding officer agrees to do it, even without asking for a reason. Missouri City City Council had such a policy in place for several years. But, with new members elected to the city council, and with their own understanding or misunderstanding of the term “tagging,” some of their ill-informed tagging potentially has cost the taxpayers. In some instances, the items were time-sensitive. In one instance the delay of approving an item(LED lighting project) cost the tax payers $80,000. (Mayor Yolanda Ford disagreed with this interpretation of the city manger and city council and said tagging was justified in that case as the city was leaving too much money on the table and another vendor was willing to do the job cheaper. The city manager had to remind the council that the item was under discussion for 18 months) In another instance, by delaying a contract with the city of Pearland on a wastewater treatment plant, the city potentially

Inside Track By Seshadri Kumar lost millions of dollars in savings. On another occasion, one city council member tagged the hiring of an external auditor ostensibly because one of the seven council members was absent. When the item was voted on, it failed on 3-3 tie vote. The consequence was that the same item could not be brought back to the agenda for another 90 days under the city charter. Mayor Ford and At-large city council members Vashaundra Edwards and Chris Preston form a three-member squad in this tagging match. Several major items on the agenda have received 4-3 or 3-4 votes, where the three voted on the same side of the issue. It is illustrative of the dysfunctional city council when you witness the same way (3-4 fiasco) the city council addressed the problem posed by unjustified “tagging.” In the Aug. 5 meeting, Councilman Floyd Emery’s proposal on changing the rules for tagging came up for consideration. The amended rule would eliminate the risk of just one councilmember deciding the fate of a critical agenda item which is time-sensitive or would become costly if delayed. Under normal circumstances, a single councilmember can still ask for delaying an item, but give a reason for seeking the delay. The mayor would grant the request in such instances. The majority of city council

will have to vote on the request if the city staff state that the item is time-sensitive. This is the new rule. The new policy is: “A request to tag an item shall be approved by the presiding officer, provided such tagging shall not render such agenda item moot, as determined by the city manager or his designee. Should such a determination be made, the item will be considered time sensitive and a majority vote of the council is required to tag such item.” But, the trio, Ford, Edwards and Preston did not want the city council to have any say on tagging an item. In the words of Edwards and Preston, it amounted to “censorship” and it took away the right of the councilmember to do his or her due diligence. These councilmembers do not see the inherent flaw in their position. Each councilmember, including the mayor, has just one vote. How can the absolute power of one councilmember in approving or disapproving an action represent the will of all the people? Does it not disenfranchise the rights of the other six council members? This basic principle of democracy and fairness is lost on the three dissenting members. The irony or the fate of this tagging controversy was comical in the Aug. 5 meeting when the item was placed on the agenda. There were only four members present. Mayor Yolanda Ford and three councilmembers Floyd Emery, Jeffrey Boney and Reginald Pearson were present, just enough to make the quorum. Knowing that the item was unlikely to pass, Emery wanted to tag the item.(Not that the matter is time-sensitive or will have any cost impact.) There were only three votes in favor.

The item required four votes to pass, said the city attorney. The item was postponed for consideration after a closed session discussion with the city attorney. When council resumed its meeting, the agenda item was again considered. The motion to change the tagging rules was proposed and no one seconded it and the motion died. (Emery’s wish was granted) Meanwhile, a three-member subcommittee was to consider the item and make a recommendation to the city council. Emery, Edwards and Preston were on the committee. The item was again on the Aug. 19 meeting agenda. Preston and Edwards said Emery would not accept their suggestions and had imposed his own idea on the committee. Emery rebutted by saying that the two councilmembers were asked to give their suggestions, but they never responded. Councilmemeber Boney had to repeatedly ask Edwards and Preston about their proposal that Emery allegedly rejected. He asked them to make their amendment so that city council could consider. Essentially, they sought to kill Emery’s proposal that city council vote on tagging a timesensitive agenda item. That amendment was defeated 3-4. Emery, Anthony Maroulis, Boney and Pearson voted against the amendment (of killing the new rule). Then, the original motion of new tagging rule was adopted on a 4-3 vote. Ford, Edwards and Preston voted no. The four district council members are now seeking re-election. The squad of three is believed to be supporting new candidates to unseat the four incumbents. Will that happen?

Water District Notice of Public Hearing on Tax Rate The Fort Bend County Municipal Management District No. 1 will hold a public hearing on a proposed tax rate for the tax year 2019 on Thursday, September 12, 2019 at 12:00 p.m. at 12841 Capricorn St., Stafford, Texas. Your individual taxes may increase or decrease, depending on the change in the taxable value of your property in relation to the change in taxable value on all other property and the tax rate that is adopted.

FOR the proposal: AGAINST the proposal: PRESENT and not voting: ABSENT:

J. Hermann, J. Bowles & S. Espinosa (none) (none) R. Garza & D. Adolph

The following table compares taxes on the average residence homestead in this taxing unit last year to taxes proposed on the average residence homestead this year. Last Year Total tax rate (per $100 of value) Difference in rates per $100 of value Percentage increase in rates Average appraised value General exemptions available (excluding senior citizen’s or disabled person’s exemptions) Average taxable value Tax on average residence homestead Annual decrease in taxes if Proposed tax rate is adopted And percentage of decrease

This Year

$0.45 /$100

Adopted

$342,256

$0.45 /$100

$0.000 /$100 0.0000%

$ 0 $342,256 $1,540.15

Proposed

$338,424 $ 0 $338,424 $1,522.91

-$17.24 -1.1194%

Questions or comments regarding this notice can be directed to Esther Buentello Flores at the tax office at (281) 499-1223.

Sugar Land seeks members for boards, commissions

Sugar Land is looking for volunteers interested in giving their time, energy and expertise to serve as members on the Building Standards Commission, the Zoning Board of Adjustment and the Sugar Land 4B Corporation (SL4B). Applications must be submitted electronically by Sept. 11 at 5 p.m. through the Serve Sugar Land website at https://volunteer. sugarlandtx.gov/. The groups provide valuable insight and advice on various issues and events. The Building Standards Commission is comprised of members who have knowledge of the property maintenance codes and are qualified by experience and training to decide matters related to building construction and property maintenance. Activities of the commission are limited to those authorities granted by state statute. The Zoning Board of Adjustment hears and decides appeals of administrative decisions on the interpretation and application of the city’s zoning ordinance and requests for special exceptions and variances from the city’s zoning ordinance. The Sugar Land 4B Corporation is a special economic development corporation with the purpose of promoting, assisting and enhancing economic development activities and quality of life opportunities within Sugar Land. The corporation’s activities and projects are funded with a quarter-cent sales tax that is restricted for economic development purposes by state law, with the economic development activity generated by SL4B benefitting residents through commercial value and revenues that lower the residential property tax burden. Boards and commissions are essential to the operation of city government. Service can be a rewarding and hands-on experience. For more information on the boards and commissions application, nomination, interview and appointment process, contact the Community Engagement Office at (281) 275-2401 or email volunteer@sugarlandtx.gov.

Practical approach to meditation Fort Bend County Libraries’ Sugar Land Branch Library will present “The Practical Approach to Meditation” on Monday, September 16, from 6:30 to 8:00 pm, in the Meeting Room of the library, located at 550 Eldridge. A second workshop, “Meditation for Dealing with the Stress of Modern Life,” will take place on Monday, September 23, from 6:30 to 8:00 pm, in the Meeting Room of the library. Daya Sharma will present a basic introduction and demonstration of this mental-relaxation exercise in which one trains the mind to be calm and silent while in a state of contemplation, introspection, and reflection. Learn how meditation can improve one’s physical, mental, and spiritual health by decreasing stress and worry, enhancing relaxation, and promoting inner growth. Those attending the program will hear about effective meditation strategies and will have an opportunity to practice a simple but profound meditation technique. Daya Sharma has incorporated meditation exercises into his daily routine for more than 15 years, and enjoys giving workshops locally on the benefits of meditation. The programs are free and open to the public. For more information, see the Fort Bend County Libraries website (www.fortbend.lib.tx.us), or call the Sugar Land Branch Library (281-238-2140).

Free SAT practice sessions at Fort Bend libraries

Representatives from Princeton Review will conduct free SAT® practice-test sessions at Fort Bend County Libraries in September. The SAT tests are college-entrance exams used by U.S. colleges to assess high school students’ general educational development and their ability to complete college-level work, as well as to determine admissions and award scholarships and grants. The full-length practice-test sessions help students to gain experience and become better prepared for the actual test. The scores on these practice tests will be shared only with the student; they will not be sent to any educational institutions. The SAT® test consists of three sections – Reading, Writing and Language, and Math. The practice test takes place from 10:30 am to 3:00 pm, including administration and breaks. Those taking the practice test are encouraged to bring at least two #2 pencils. Examinees may bring any 4-function, scientific, or graphing calculator, as long as it is not on the prohibited list shown in the SAT Calculator Policy. The schedule of SAT practice-test sessions is as follows: •September 14 – Sienna Branch Library, 8411 Sienna Springs Blvd, Missouri City. •September 21 – Missouri City Branch Library, 1530 Texas Parkway The sessions are free, but seating is limited and reservations are required. To register online at the library’s website (www. fortbend.lib.tx.us), click on “Events,” select the library, and find the program. Participants may also register by calling the libraries: Sienna Branch Library (281-238-2900), or the Missouri City Branch Library (281-238-2100). If unable to attend, please give a 24-hour cancellation notice so that others on the waiting list may attend. FORT BEND FAIR. BALANCED. INFORMATIVE.

12551 Emily Court, Sugar Land, TX 77478 Mailing Address: P.O. Box 623, Sugar Land, TX 77478 Seshadri Kumar Publisher & Editor

www.fbindependent.com 281-980-6745

Fort Bend Independent, (USPS 025-572) is published every Wednesday (for a subscription rate of $20 per year) by Fort Bend Independent, LLC., 12551, Emily Court, Texas 77478. Periodicals Postage Paid at Stafford, Texas. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Fort Bend Independent, P.O. Box 623, Sugar Land, Tx 77487.

NEWS Gary Majors announces bid for Fort Bend County Precinct 2 Constable

INDEPENDENT • SEPTEMBER 4, 2019 • Page 5

Water District Notice of Public Hearing on Tax Rate The First Colony Municipal Utility District No. 9 will hold a public hearing on a proposed tax rate for the tax year 2019 on Thursday, September 26, 2019 at 4:00 p.m. at the Heritage Colony Clubhouse located at 3320 Double Lakes Drive, Missouri City, Texas. Your individual taxes may increase or decrease, depending on the change in the taxable value of your property in relation to the change in taxable value on all other property and the tax rate that is adopted. FOR the proposal: AGAINST the proposal: PRESENT and not voting: ABSENT:

R. Castells, G. Perry & C. Brown (none) (none) M. Burton & R. Grogan

The following table compares taxes on the average residence homestead in this taxing unit last year to taxes proposed on the average residence homestead this year. Majors Former Fort Bend County around ensuring the taxpayPct. 2 Constable Gary Majors ers’ dollars are appropriately has announced his candidacy managed and aligned with the for the post. He will seek the services our community reDemocratic party nomination quires,” Majors aid. next March. “I have heard the concerns The incumbent Constable from the community, and is Daryl Smith. In the 2018 in those conversations, they Democratic Party primary, have expressed their desires Smith defeated Majors. to see innovative, consistent, Majors served in the Con- and exceptional services. stable’s office from 1994 to “To ensure ongoing align2018. ment, I have plans for sevIn 2016, the Fort Bend eral community outreach County Commissioner’s programs that are designed Court unanimously appointed strategically to provide open him as the Precinct 2 Consta- interaction and think tanks for ble after the death of Ruben our officers to hear from the Davis. communities they serve. “After many months of “Strategic partnerships prayer, consultation with my with our elected officials will family and friends, and en- be leveraged to ensure we couragement from the Fort can deliver the right services, Bend County Precinct 2 com- and secure funding to provide munity, I have decided to join the most up-to-date officer the race to become the Fort training in the areas of active Bend County Precinct 2 Con- shooter situations, emergency stable in 2020,” Majors said. response, and diversity train“I have served my com- ing. munity in the Constable’s “Fort Bend County Preoffice from 1994 to 2018. I cinct 2 residents deserve a will build on that vast experi- Constable who is transparence to bring a fresh approach ent with its operations, cares to how the office serves our about the community, activecommunity. My work is not ly listens to concerns, and has done. I welcome the oppor- the experience to identify and tunity to return the office to a implement solutions. I am balanced budget and catapult the voice this community deits services to the next level. serves,” Majors said. I have a sense of urgency

An African American woman enters the race to succeed U.S. Rep. Olson

A 19-year military veteran injured in a Baghdad car bombing is entering the race to replace retiring District 22 Congressman Pete Olsen. Keli Chevalier is a woman, a graduate of Yates High School in the third ward, and she is conservative. District 22 is now 75 percent minority, and Chevalier’s entrance into the race as an African-American woman now gives Republicans a real chance to keep the seat red, according to a press release from Chevalier’s campaign. “If Republicans don’t have candidates that look like me, the party is not going to get heard, and if the Republican party doesn’t get heard it cannot win, and if Republicans don’t win America loses,” says Chevalier. “When working minority families really think about their values they will realize the Republican party shares their desire for prosperity for their families,” says Chevalier. “They don’t want handouts, they want ladders for the success of their families.” Chevalier’s spine was fractured after a car bomb exploded during her third tour of duty. After a difficult transition back to civilian life as an injured female veteran, Chevalier founded and runs the WAVE charity for female veterans. “I am battle tested in many ways, and I am more than willing to stand up and take that oath again,” says Chevalier. Chevalier has already set her sights on convincing folks in Brazoria, Fort Bend and Harris Counties that angry democratic politics of the AOC squad will destroy the America she fought for. “They are angry and divisive and what they want to do this country will bankrupt America,” says Chevalier. The mother of three boys was set to make her campaign announcement Tuesday morning outside the American Legion Hall near Ellington Field. On the Republican side, at least five candidates are mentioned as running for Congressional District 22. They are Fort Bend County Sheriff Troy Nehls, Brazoria County Court at Law Judge Greg Hill, Joe Walz, a U.S. Army veteran from Richmond, Houston area Republican activist Kathleen Wall, and Felicia Harris Hoss, former Pearland City Councilmember, who also ran for Congressional District 14 just as Wall did for Congressional District 2. Chevalier is the sixth to announce. According to sources, a high-profile, mystery candidate from the Houston area may enter the race in the next few days.

Last Year Total tax rate (per $100 of value) Difference in rates per $100 of value Percentage increase in rates Average appraised value General exemptions available (excluding senior citizen’s or disabled person’s exemptions) Average taxable value Tax on average residence homestead Annual increase in taxes if Proposed tax rate is adopted And percentage of increase

This Year

0.220 /$100

Adopted

$255,685

$ $0.017 /$100 7.7273%

$ 0 $255,685 $ 562.51

0.237 /$100

Proposed

$254,744 $ 0 $254,744 $603.74

$41.23 7.3297%

Questions or comments regarding this notice can be directed to Esther Buentello Flores at the tax office at (281) 499-1223.

Water District Notice of Public Hearing on Tax Rate The Fort Bend County Municipal Utility District No. 129 will hold a public hearing on a proposed tax rate for the tax year 2019 on Monday, September 23, 2019 at 12:00 p.m. at the offices of The Muller Law Group, PLLC, 202 Century Square Boulevard, Sugar Land, Texas. Your individual taxes may increase or decrease, depending on the change in the taxable value of your property in relation to the change in taxable value on all other property and the tax rate that is adopted.

FOR the proposal: AGAINST the proposal: PRESENT and not voting: ABSENT:

B. Gray, R. Lin, L. Garcia, and J. Dimicelli (none) (none) H. Guidry-Groves

This Year

0.330 /$100

Adopted

$479,170

$ -$0.010 /$100 -3.0303%

$ 0 $479,170 $ 1,581.26

0.320 /$100

Proposed

$466,972 $ 0 $466,972 $1,494.31

-$86.95 -5.4988%

Questions or comments regarding this notice can be directed to Esther Buentello Flores at the tax office at (281) 499-1223.

INDEPENDENT • SEPTEMBER 4, 2019 • Page 6

Water District Notice of Public Hearing on Tax Rate

‘It’s Cool To Care’: Tool to tackle bullying at school

The BURNEY ROAD MUNICIPAL UTILITY DISTRICT will hold a public hearing on a proposed tax rate for the tax year 2019 on September 23, 2019 at 3:00 pm at Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce, 445 Commerce Green Blvd., Sugar Land, TX 77478. Your individual taxes may increase or decrease, depending on the change in the taxable value of your property in relation to the change in taxable value of all other property and the tax rate that is adopted. FOR the proposal: MARK JOHNSON, LYDIA ROSENTHAL, J. STUART NIXON AND CYNTHIA VAN DEURSEN AGAINST the proposal:

None

PRESENT and not voting:

None

ABSENT:

STEPHEN GRIFFITH

The following table compares taxes on an average residence homestead in this taxing unit last year to taxes proposed on the average residence homestead this year. Last Year Total tax rate (per $100 of value)

This Year

$0.22/$100

$ 0.22/$100

Adopted

Proposed

Difference in rates per $100 of value

$-0-/$100

Percentage increase/decrease in rates(+/-)

- 0-%

Average appraised value

$298,668

$297,252

General exemptions available (excluding senior citizen’s or disabled person’s exemptions)

Average taxable value

$298,668

$297,252

Tax on average residence homestead

$657.07

$653.95

Annual increase/decrease in taxes if proposed tax rate is adopted (+/-)

$-3.12

and percentage of increase (+/-)

-0.4748%

The 2019/2020 Teen Huddle volunteers create a circle of love and band together during their annual beach retreat to prepare for their year of philanthropic giving and supporting families and children living with autism spectrum disorder. Anxious feelings are normal during times of change, and this month, children will face those feelings when heading back to school. New faces, a different environment and the possibility of bullying are fears for any child when returning to school. However, for children with autism, those worries are multiplied. Students living with autism spectrum disorder are 63 percent more likely to be bullied in public schools than typically PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE The Commissioners Court of Fort Bend County, Texas has set a public hearing on Tuesday, September 24, 2019, at 1:00 p.m. for acceptance of the traffic control plan for Sendero Tract Canyon Fields Drive Street Dedication, Precinct 3. The hearing will be held in the Commissioners Courtroom at 401 Jackson Street, Second Floor, Richmond, Texas. You are invited to attend and state your approval or objection on this matter.

Submitted by,

Laura Richard Fort Bend County Clerk THE STATE OF TEXAS CITATION BY PUBLICATION VIA PUBLICATION OF THE FORT BEND INDEPENDENT NOTICE: You have been sued. You may employ an attorney. If you or your attorney do not file a written answer with the clerk who issued this citation by 10:00 a.m. on Monday next following the expiration of forty-two days from the date of issuance of this citation, same being October 07, 2019 a default judgment may be taken against you. The case is presently pending before the 458TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT of Fort Bend County sitting in Richmond, Texas. It bears cause number 18-DCV-258101 and is styled: State of Texas VS. $1,527.00 U.S. Currency The name and address of the attorney for PLAINTIFF OR PETITIONER is: MARK LAFORGE ASSISTANT DISTRICT ATTORNEY 301 JACKSON ST RICHMOND TX 77469 281 -633-7638 The nature of the demands of said PLAINTIFF OR PETITIONER is as follows to-wit: THE PROPERTY DESCRIBED HEREINABOVE WAS SEIZED BY PEACE OFFICERS OF THE STATE OF TEXAS. THE STATE OF TEXAS IS ENTITLED TO HAVE SUCH PROPERTY FORFEITED AND TITLE RENDERED TO THE STATE OF TEXAS OR AN AGENCY OF THE STATE OR A POLITICAL SUBDIVISION AUTHORIZED TO EMPLOY PEACE OFFICERS. WHEREFORE, PREMISES CONSIDERED, PETITIONER RESPECTFULLY PRAYS THAT UPON HEARING, THIS COURT ENTER A JUDGMENT OF FORFEITURE OF THE DESCRIBED PROPERTY TO PETITIONER, THAT THIS COURT AWARD POSSESSION AND TITLE TO SUCH PROPERTY TO THE PETITIONER TO BE ADMINISTERED PURSUANT TO CHAPTER 59 OF THE TEXAS CODE OF CRIMINAL PROCEDURE , FOR INTEREST, IF ANY, FROM THE DATE OF DEPOSIT IN AN INTEREST BEARING ACCOUNT, FOR COST OF COURT AND FOR SUCH OTHER AND FURTHER RELIEF AS THE PETITIONER MY SHOW ITSELF TO BE ENTITLED. If this Citation is not served, it shall be returned unserved. Issued under my hand and seal of said Court, at Richmond, Texas on this the 20th day of August, 2019. DISTRICT CLERK BEVERLEY MCGREW WALKER FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS Physical Address: 1422 Eugene Heimann Circle, Room 31004 Richmond, Texas 77469 Mailing Address: 301 Jackson St., Room 101 Richmond, Texas 77469 Deputy District Clerk Autumn Dolnik (281) 233-3279

THE STATE OF TEXAS CITATION BY PUBLICATION TO: AIDA VAZQUEZ NOTICE: You have been sued. You may employ an attorney. If you or your attorney do not file a written answer with the clerk who issued this citation by 10:00 a.m. on Monday next following the expiration of forty-two days from the date of issuance of this citation, same being October 07, 2019 a default judgment may be taken against you. The case is presently pending before the 400TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT of Fort Bend County sitting in Richmond, Texas. It bears cause number 18-DCV-249716 and is styled: State of Texas vs $14,000.00 U.S. Currency The name and address of the attorney for PLAINTIFF OR PETITIONER is: MARK LAFORGE ASSISTANT DISTRICT ATTORNEY 301 JACKSON ST RICHMOND TX 77469 281-633-7638 The nature of the demands of said PLAINTIFF OR PETITIONER is as follows to-wit: WHEREFORE, PREMISES CONSIDERED, PETITIONER PRAYS THAT THIS PETITION BE CONSIDERED AN ORIGINAL NOTICE OF SEIZURE AND INTENDED FORFEITURE AND THAT CITATION ISSUE TO THOSE PARTIES AS SET OUT IN THIS PETITION; THAT UPON HEARING THIS COURT FIND THAT THE $14,000.00 US CURRENCY IS CONTRABAND AS DEFINED IN THE TEXAS CODE OF CRIMINAL PROCEDURE, ARTICLE 59.01 (2) AND THAT THE COURT ALLOW FORFEITURE OF THE ABOVE DESCRIBED PROPERTY TO THE STATE OF TEXAS BY AND THROUGH THE OFFICE OF THE DISTRICT ATTORNEY OF FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS, AS AGENT FOR THE STATE AND IN ACCORDANCE WITH ITS LOCAL AGREEMENTS, SUBJECT ONLY TO ANY INTEREST OF THE BONA FIDE HOLDER OF THE PERFECTED LIEN OR PERFECTED SECURITY INTEREST ON SAID CONTRABAND AND THAT THE PROPERTY BE DISPOSED OF PURSUANT TO ARTICLE 59.06 OF THE TEXAS CODE OF CRIMINAL PROCEDURE AND THAT ALL COSTS BE TAXED AGAINST CLAIMANT IN THIS CAUSE AND FOR SUCH OTHER RELIEF AT LAW AND IN EQUITY AS THE PETITIONER SHALL BE ENTITLED TO RECEIVE. If this Citation is not served, it shall be returned unserved. Issued under my hand and seal of said Court, at Richmond, Texas on this the 20th day of August, 2019 . DISTRICT CLERK BEVERLEY MCGREW WALKER FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS Physical Address: 1422 Eugene Heimann Circle, Room 31004 Richmond, Texas 77469 Mailing Address: 301 Jackson St., Room 101 Richmond, Texas 77469 Deputy District Clerk Salena M. Jasso 281-341-3787

Issued under my hand and seal of said Court, at Richmond, Texas on this the 20th day of August, 2019 .

THE STATE OF TEXAS CITATION BY PUBLICATION TO: LUIS ARMANDO GARZA MURJLLO VALLE DE GUADALUPE #18 VALLE REAL TAMAULIPAS 87560 MEXICO NOTICE: You have been sued. You may employ an attorney. If you or your attorney do not file a written answer with the clerk who issued this citation by 10:00 a.m. on Monday next following the expiration of forty-two days from the date of issuance of this citation, same being October 07,2019 a default judgment may be taken against you. The case is presently pending before the 268TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT of Fort Bend County sitting in Richmond, Texas. It bears cause number 17-DCV-239526 and is styled: State of Texas VS $12,633.00 U.S. Currency The name and address of the attorney for PLAINTIFF OR PETITIONER is: MARK LAFORGE ASSISTANT DISTRICT ATTORNEY 301 JACKSON ST RICHMOND TX 77469 281-633-7638 The nature of the demands of said PLAINTIFF OR PETITIONER is as follows to-wit: PLAINTIFF PRAYS THAT THIS PETITION BE CONSIDERED AN ORIGINAL NOTICE OF SEIZURE AND INTENDED FORFEITURE AND THAT CITATION ISSUE TO THOSE PARTIES SET OUT IN THIS PETITION; THAT UPON HEARING THIS COURT FIND THAT THE $12,633.00 U.S. CURRENCY IS CONTRABAND AS DEFINED IN THE TEXAS CODE OF CRIMINAL PROCEDURE, ARTICLE 59.01 (2) AND THAT THE COURT ALLOW FORFEITURE OF THE ABOVE DESCRIBED PROPERTY TO THE STATE OF TEXAS BY AND THROUGH THE OFFICE OF THE DISTRICT ATTORNEY OF FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS, AS AGENT FOR THE STATE AND IN ACCORDANCE WITH ITS LOCAL AGREEMENTS, SUBJECT ONLY TO ANY INTEREST OF THE BONA FIDE HOLDER OF THE PERFECTED LIEN OR PERFECTED SECURITY INTEREST ON SAID CONTRABAND AND THAT THE PROPERTY BE DISPOSED OF PURSUANT TO ARTICLE 59.06 OF THE TEXAS CODE OF CRIMINAL PROCEDURE AND THAT ALL COSTS BE TAXED AGAINST CLAIMANT IN THIS CAUSE AND FOR SUCH OTHER RELIEF AT LAW AND IN EQUITY AS THE PLAINTIFF SHALL BE ENTITLED TO RECEIVE. If this Citation is not served, it shall be returned unserved. Issued under my hand and seal of said Court, at Richmond, Texas on this the 20th day of August, 2019.

DISTRICT CLERK BEVERLEY MCGREW WALKER FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS Physical Address: 1422 Eugene Heimann Circle, Room 31004 Richmond, Texas 77469

Mailing Address: 301 Jackson St., Room 101 Richmond, Texas 77469

Mailing Address: 301 Jackson St., Room 101 Richmond, Texas 77469 Deputy District Clerk Salena M. Jasso 281-341-3787

THE STATE OF TEXAS CITATION BY PUBLICATION TO: ONESIMO DELEON CRUZ NOTICE: You have been sued. You may employ an attorney. If you or your attorney do not file a written answer with the clerk who issued this citation by 10:00 a.m. on Monday next following the expiration of forty-two days from the date of issuance of this citation, same being October 07, 2019 a default judgment may be taken against you. The case is presently pending before the 400TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT of Fort Bend County sitting in Richmond, Texas. It bears cause number 17-DCV244505 and is styled: State of Texas VS $10,000 U.S. Currency The name and address of the attorney for PLAINTIFF OR PETITIONER is: MARK LAFORGE ASSISTANT DISTRICT ATTORNEY 301 JACKSON ST RICHMOND TX 77469 281-633-7638 The nature of the demands of said PLAINTIFF OR PETITIONER is as follows to-wit: WHEREFORE, PREMISES CONSIDERED, PLAINTIFF PRAYS THAT THIS PETITION BE CONSIDERED AN ORIGINAL NOTICE OF SEIZURE AND INTENDED FORFEITURE AND THAT CITATION ISSUE TO THOSE PARTIES AS SET OUT IN THIS PETITION; THAT UPON HEARING THIS COURT FIND THAT THE $10,000.00 U.S. CURRENCY IS CONTRABAND AS DEFINED IN THE TEXAS CODE OF CRIMINAL PROCEDURE, ARTICLE 59.01 (2) AND THAT THE COURT ALLOW FORFEITURE OF THE ABOVE DESCRIBED PROPERTY TO THE STATE OF TEXAS BY AND THROUGH THE OFFICE OF THE DISTRICT ATTORNEY OF FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS, AS AGENT FOR THE STATE AND IN ACCORDANCE WITH ITS LOCAL AGREEMENTS, SUBJECT ONLY TO ANY INTEREST OF THE BONA FIDE HOLDER OF THE PERFECTED LIEN OR PERFECTED SECURITY INTEREST ON SAID CONTRABAND AND THAT THE PROPERTY BE DISPOSED OF PURSUANT TO ARTICLE 59.06 OF THE TEXAS CODE OF CRIMINAL PROCEDURE AND THAT ALL COSTS BE TAXED AGAINST CLAIMANT IN THIS CAUSE AND FOR SUCH OTHER RELIEF AT LAW AND IN EQUITY AS THE PLAINTIFF SHALL BE ENTITLED TO RECEIVE. If this Citation is not served, it shall be returned unserved.

Deputy District Clerk Salena M. Jasso 281-341-3787

developing peers. Facing that statistic can no longer be ignored. Local nonprofit, Hope For Three, has constructed a program to educate and empower students and educators. It’s Cool to Care (ICTC) intends to bring bullying to a halt and break down boundaries for children living with autism. Since inception, the ICTC program has successfully presented information to more than 15,000 students and educators throughout the Greater Houston area. ICTC creates heightened awareness and knowledge through its key concepts of patience, empathy, and anti-bullying. The target audience for this program is grades K-12, as well as faculty members. During the presentation, handouts are used to illustrate and define what autism is, and interactive exercises and videos depict the daily struggles and experiences of those living with autism. Students are given real-life tactics to put to use on how to be a ‘good friend’ and an advocate for anti-bullying. Not only has ICTC reduced bullying and assisted educators in identifying and handling issues, it also inspired students to give back. More than half of this year’s Teen Huddle program, presented by

Hope For Three, is made up of high school students who completed an ICTC training. Teen Huddle is an auxiliary group of 20 teen volunteers from 13 different area schools who share a mission, “To increase autism awareness and acceptance among teens.” The bi-monthly programs they host provide families with ‘Parents Time Out’ and ‘Sibling Sessions;’ a mentor program for siblings of children with autism. The 2019/2020 Teen Huddle volunteers, which also includes four teens who experienced ‘Siblings Sessions’ were inducted during a beach retreat last month and are eager to begin their philanthropic journey. “ICTC and Teen Huddle are both Hope For Three programs conducted to ignite a stronger, more knowledgeable community,” said Samantha Katchy, Hope For Three Family Assistant Manager. “These relationships not only help cut down the statistics of bullying but also provide a pathway for more inclusive opportunities.” Schools, businesses and organizations can schedule an It’s Cool To Care presentation by contacting Hope For Three at 281-245-0640 or visit hopeforthree.org/programs.

The Commissioners Court of Fort Bend County, Texas has set a public hearing on Tuesday, September 24, 2019, at 1:00 p.m. for acceptance of the traffic control plan for Masons Field Road, Precinct 1.

PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE The Commissioners Court of Fort Bend County, Texas has set a public hearing on Tuesday, September 24, 2019, at 1:00 p.m. for acceptance of the traffic control plan for McCrary Meadows, Section 4, Precinct 3.

The hearing will be held in the Commissioners Courtroom at 401 Jackson Street, Second Floor, Richmond, Texas. You are invited to attend and state your approval or objection on this matter.

Submitted by,

PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE

Laura Richard Fort Bend County Clerk PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE

The Commissioners Court of Fort Bend County, Texas has set a public hearing on Tuesday, September 24, 2019, at 1:00 p.m. for acceptance of the traffic control plan for Bonbrook Plantation South, Section 5, Precinct 1. The hearing will be held in the Commissioners Courtroom at 401 Jackson Street, Second Floor, Richmond, Texas. You are invited to attend and state your approval or objection on this matter.

Submitted by,

Laura Richard Fort Bend County Clerk PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE The Commissioners Court of Fort Bend County, Texas has set a public hearing on Tuesday, September 24, 2019, at 1:00 p.m. for acceptance of the traffic control plan for the intersection of Mount Logan at San Marco Drive within Sienna Village of Destrehan, Section 7, Precinct 1. The hearing will be held in the Commissioners Courtroom at 401 Jackson Street, Second Floor, Richmond, Texas. You are invited to attend and state your approval or objection on this matter.

Submitted by,

Laura Richard Fort Bend County Clerk

City of Missouri City LEGAL NOTICE THIS IS A MANDATED PUBLICATION OF THE LEGAL NOTICE ******* OPENING DATE OF September 24, 2019 AT 2:00 pm. ******* Invitation for Bid (IFB No. 19-341) Paving and Drainage Improvements for Independence Blvd. Segment 2; Commodity Code: 913-95 Pre-Bid Conference is September 17, 2019 at 10:00 AM Responses must be sealed, marked on the outside of the delivery envelope with the IFB name and number as listed above, and the date of opening. Responses must be delivered to the attention of City of Missouri City Attn: Purchasing Office IFB No. 19-341 1522 Texas Parkway Missouri City, Texas 77489 Prior to the acceptance deadline. Responses marked improperly and therefore misdirected may be disqualified. Until final award of the contract, the City reserves the right to reject any or all responses, to waive irregularities or technicalities, to re-advertise, or proceed to do the work otherwise when in the best interests of the City. No bid may be withdrawn during the 60 days following the bid opening date.

COMMUNITY The Big One-Oh! JR at Inspiration Stage

Inspiration Stage brings the world premiere pilot production of a brand-new musical, The Big One-Oh! JR, based on the novel by Dean Pitchford, at the Sugar Land Auditorium,226 Lakeview Dr. Sugar Land, Sept. 6 - 8. Don’t miss the Saturday evening show, Sept. 7 at 7:30pm, which will be viewed live by the authors, composers and creators of the show, in from New York City. The audience will get to participate in a Q&A/Talkback session after the performance with: the librettist for The Big One-Oh! JR., Tim McDonald, iTheatrics and MTI Broadway Junior founder; the original book’s author, Dean Pitchford;

and iTheatrics’ vice president of publishing and Broadway Junior’s resident choreographer, Steven Kennedy. “This is a fantastic opportunity for not only our students participating in the pilot, but the general community, to learn about how the show was developed, straight from the New York professionals themselves,” says Mandy SeymoreSensat, Inspiration Stage’s artistic director and the director and choreographer for The Big One-Oh! JR Pilot. The same professionals who created this junior version of The Big One-Oh! are also working on a full version of the show that will debut offBroadway in October.

Eleven-year-old Jaxon Daniel, a 6th grader at First Colony Middle School who lives in Sienna Plantation, is excited to appear in his 8th show with Inspiration Stage as the lead character, Charley Maplewood. Daniel says, “I am excited to play Charley. It will be a fun experience to create the entire show! This brand new pilot production is an amazing opportunity for everyone at iStage.” Inspiration Stage is producing The Big One-Oh! JR in cooperation with and at the special invitation of iTheatrics and Music Theatre International (MTI). iTheatrics adapts main stage Broadway musicals so they can be performed by

kids in school and after-school settings. They create these adaptations for a distinguished list of clients, including MTI, one of the world’s leading theatrical licensing agencies. Through the pilot process, Inspiration Stage’s creation of this brandnew musical will eventually be available for all theatres to license in the future. “As the premiere pilot of a new Junior show, the actors and artistic team have the opportunity to create original characters, create the scenic design and create the choreography,” says the show’s director/choreographer and Inspiration Stage’s artistic director, Seymore-Sensat. “I’m beyond excited about the journey ahead of us. This pilot and world premiere is a huge honor and we are all jazzed to be a part of it. This is an amazing opportunity for our production staff and cast — we get to breath life into this fabulous children’s book, from page to stage.” The Big One-Oh! JR follows the story of Charley Maplewood, as he turns ten — the big one-oh — and decides to throw a party for himself, complete with a “House of Horrors” theme. Charley has never been one for parties — that would require friends, which he doesn’t have. So, of course things don’t work out as he plans. In trying to make friends, he ends up inviting the class bully Cougar to come, and that’s before he ruins the cake and sets the garage on fire. Will Charley be able to pull it together before the big one-oh . . . becomes the big OH-NO!? With four shows over the weekend of Sept. 6 - 8, The

INDEPENDENT • SEPTEMBER 4, 2019 • Page 7

Big One-Oh! JR has a cast of 40 talented youth, ages 8 - 17. Joining Seymore-Sensat on the iStage production team are music directors Benjamin Luss and Relana Gerami-Luss and stage manager Courtney Sackett. Showtimes are: Fri. Sept. 6 at 7:30pm; Sat. Sept. 7 at 3:30pm and 7:30pm; and Sun. Sept. 8 at 3:30pm. For information and tickets, visit https://inspirationstage. com/shows/the-big-one-oh-jr-

pilot-production/. Inspiration Stage is a national award-winning performance arts studio located in the historic Sugar Land Auditorium at 226 Lakeview Dr. The 2019/2020 season was recently announced and includes ten youth productions, as well as acting and production classes. Tuition assistance is available to qualifying participants. For tickets and information, visit www.inspirationstage.com.

“Birds of Southeast Texas” hosted by Sugar Land Garden Club Do you wonder about the colorful birds we hear and see here in southeast Texas? Sit back and enjoy learning about the myriad birds in our region from Gary Clark, the Houston Chronicle’s weekly nature columnist. Gary is the author of 10 books, including “Book of Texas Birds.” He has been active in the birding community for more than 45 years. He conducts birding workshops and leads birding & photography tours throughout the world with his wife Kathy Adams Clark. Gary is currently a professor in the business and economics department at Lone Star College. Arrive early to get a good seat and no binoculars necessary! The meeting will be held Tuesday, Sept. 17, at St. Basil’s Hall at 702 Burney Road in Sugar Land. Refreshments and social time begins at 9:30 am and the program starts at 10 am. Free and open to the public. Visit www.sugarlandgardenclub.org or call 281-901-1970 for more information.

AUTOMOBILE: Jeep Compass also that destination charge of $1,495 for a total of $29,175. Jeeps are built on more than 75 years of legendary heritage and are the authentic SUV.

PROGRAM MANAGEMENT I COMMISSIONING At Rice & Gardner Consultants, Inc. we act as an extension of our clients by offering comprehensive, custom services from concept to closeout

By BARBARA FULENWIDER The 2019 Jeep Compass expands the brand’s global reach with legendary and bestin-class 4x4 off-road capability, fuel-efficient powertrains, premium and authentic Jeep design, superior on-road driving dynamics, open-air freedom, and innovative safety and advanced technology. The test drive was the Jeep Compass Upland 4x4. It runs on 17-inch Trailhawk wheels, has matte black tow hooks, front suspension skid plate, gloss black grille with black rings, fog lamp bezels and badges, gloss black roof, silver anodized interior accents, bright chrome exhaust tip and Trailhawk all-weather mats. For 2019, Jeep Compass Limited models got a new high altitude appearance package that includes 19-inch wheels, Uconnect 8.4-inch infotainment center with navigation, high-intensity discharge headlamps with signature LED light, LED tail lamps, Satin Gloss Granite grille surrounds, daylight opening and badges, gloss black roof and deeptint glass, anodized gunmetal interior finishes and tungsten interior stitching. New adaptive cruise control

technology has been added to Advanced Safety Group Package and includes refreshed 17inch Trailhawk wheel finish, premium lighting and standard 7-inch Uconnect radio on Sport and Latitude models The Jeep Compass features 17 global combinations of fuel-efficient powertrain options, premium, distinguished, authentic Jeep exterior styling and an open-air dual-pane sunroof. The interior has various sculptured forms, high-quality materials and state-of-the-art technology. The Compass Upland 4x4 is powered by a 2.4-liter engine that gets 30 mpg on the highway and 22 in the city for an average of 25 mpg. The engine is mated to a 9-speed automated transmission. Buyers have a choice of three transmissions: the class-exclusive nine-speed automatic transmission for 4x4 models; six-speed automatic transmission for 4x2 models, and six-speed manual transmission for 4x2 and 4x4 models. Jeep Active Drive Low features class-leading 20:1 crawl ratio and exclusive five-mode Jeep Selec-Terrain system for best-in-class off-road performance. Selec-Terrain provides

up to five modes for the best four-wheel-drive performance in any weather condition. Auto, Snow, Sand and Mud modes are standard on all 4x4 models. For 2019, the all-new Jeep Compass lineup consists of the Sport (4x2 and 4x4), Latitude (4x2 and 4x4), Limited (4x2 and 4x4), and Trailhawk. Optional packages are the Upland Appearance Package available on Sport; Altitude Appearance Package available on Latitude and the High Altitude Appearance Package available on the Limited. The Jeep Compass Upland came with remote keyless entry, pushbutton start, speed control, rear back up camera, rear window defroster, intermittent windshield wipers, electronic stability control, electronic roll mitigation, 4-wheel anti-lock brakes, and Uconnect with 7-inch display. A l s o , A p p l e C a r P l a y, Google Android Auto, Bluetooth streaming audio, steering wheel mounted audio controls, power front windows, tilt/ telescope steering column, rear 60/40 folding seats, 6-speakers, and 2nd row USB port. The Compass Upland retails for $23,345. Options tacked on were $4,335 and there is

6161 Savoy Drive, Suite 1212, Houston, TX 77036 I 713.482.2300 I www.ricegardner.com

INDEPENDENT • SEPTEMBER 4, 2019 • Page 8

NEWS

Fearless, fashionable models with Down Syndrome raise money for Friends of Down Syndrome

Join us at All Gussied Up 2019, where the spotlight will be on Houston-area models with Down Syndrome. This fashion show fundraiser is like no other in Houston. The third annual style event, produced by nationally known fashion event producers Lenny Matuszewski and Tamara Klosz Bonar, will dazzle guests on Sunday, Oct. 27, 2019, from 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. at Audi Central Houston, 2120 Southwest Freeway in Houston. The inspiring models will be showing off fall fashions from

Dillard’s, All Gussied Up’s fashion sponsor. Proceeds from All Gussied Up will benefit Friends of Down Syndrome and the Down Syndrome Academy in Houston. Monies will help outfit the nonprofit’s new campus with stateof-the-art operations and provide additional programming for Houston’s teens and adults with Down Syndrome. Honorary Chair Leisa Holland-Nelson invites guests to purchase tickets and soak in an afternoon full of magic, champagne and dessert. Runway seats are $95. General admission tickets

are $25. For tickets and more information, visit allgussiedup2019.eventbrite.com. Raffle tickets for exclusive fashion prizes are being sold online at go.rallyup.com/agu2019. For more information on Friends of Down Syndrome or the Down Syndrome Academy, visit friendsofdownsyndrome.org or call 281-989-0345. For details regarding All Gussied Up 2019, contact Event Co-Chair Kim Winkelmayer at kim@winkelmayer.com or 650-823-0029.

Tarrik Zaid, MD Gynecologic Oncologist

Julie A. Boom, MD Director of the Texas Children’s Hospital Immunization Project