may + june 2020
We
welcome
the opportunity to be of service
Serving Houston & Surrounding Areas since 1985
1 Mott Lane
Piney Point Village $2,750,000 Magnificent home prominently situated on an exclusive and private street in the heart of Piney Point. This 7,560 sqft home sits on a three-quarter-acre lot surrounded by mature trees, lush landscaping, and expansive green lawn.
2154 Inwood Drive
15831 Fleetwood Oaks Dr.
1100 Uptown Park Blvd. #72
618 Woodbend Lane
MLS# 67320111 | 713.932.1032
Julie Brann | 713.594.8736
MLS# 71822163 | 713.932.1032
MLS# 72693588 | 713.932.1032
River Oaks · $2,985,000
Fleetwood · $1,250,000
Montebello · $1,550,000
3410 Sagecircle St. W
1437 Alexander Street
4902 Cypress Spring Dr.
MLS# 80336502 | 713.932.1032
MLS# 16212535 | 713.932.1032
Janice Ratliff | 713.819.0801
Galleria · $599,000
Heights · $695,000
713.932.1032
|
Missouri City · $330,000
Memorial West · $725,000
771 Kuhlman Road
Memorial Oaks · $11,500/mo Suzie Davis | 713.932.1032
BernsteinRealty.com
Imagine days full of possibilities in your beautiful new home at The Village of River Oaks. Discover an exceptional lifestyle that offers delicious cuisine, enriching programs, concierge and valet services, transportation, and signature amenities. You will continue to Live Life WellÂŽ with the added spectrum of care and wellness services tailored to your individual needs. The Village distinctive lifestyle is centered around you and the life you deserve.
PLAN TODAY FOR A BETTER TOMORROW.
www.villageofriveroaks.com
We are still selling homes during the days of COVID-19 Listings Pending or Sold March/April 2020
17910 Country Hills/Tomball $799,500 MLS# 15451121
13201 Tracewood Cove/Parkway Villages $649,900 MLS# 25014065
8653 Green Kolbe Ln/Kolbe Farms $435,000 MLS# 66661494
Home Buyer Activity In March/April 2020 5238 Calle Cordoba Pl Houston, TX 77007 $820,000 Non MLS 1917 Rosewood St/Museum District $499,900 MLS# 28998343
808 Woodcrest #A/Lowell Heights $359,500 MLS# 66621846
1919 Rosewood St/Museum District $499,900 MLS# 19475566
808 Woodcrest #D/Lowell Heights $364,500 MLS# 69915982 806 Woodcrest #D/Lowell Heights $359,500 MLS# 32114902
3481 Crystal Creek Dr Sugar Land, TX 77478 $600,000 MLS# 37885524 6815 Scarlet Sagebrush Katy, TX 77449 $190,228 Non MLS
Day 50 of the COVID-19 Pandemic Shutdown as I write. So many business and individuals have been negatively a ected, but real estate has remained open for business. We stopped holding open houses during the Stay Home Stay Safe restrictive period, but we are still showing homes. I have got 9 properties under contract since the restrictions began and have listed 3 more homes. All companies associated with real estate have remained working – mortgage and title companies, builders, contractors, inspectors, etc. If buyers or agents are concerned about catching COVID, they can wear gloves and masks while touring homes. I simply turn on all the lights, open up doors to all the rooms and keep my distance from the buyers or renters looking at the home. If Sellers are concerned about having people in their home, they can provide shoe covers and a trash can near the front door, then wipe down door handles and common touch points with a sterilizing cloth. As we head into May, restrictions will be lifted for other businesses, and hopefully soon our economic machine will be fully back up and running. We can all get back to work if we use good judgment and best practices as we share space with others.
David Michael Young Broker Associate
713-320-6453 2001 Kirby Dr Ste 600 Houston, TX 77019 david.young@elliman.com www.youngrealtyhouston.com
2001 KIRBY DRIVE, HOUSTON, TX 77061. 281.652.5588 © 2020 DOUGLAS ELLIMAN REAL ESTATE. ALL MATERIAL PRESENTED HEREIN IS INTENDED FOR INFORMATION PURPOSES ONLY. WHILE, THIS INFORMATION IS BELIEVED TO BE CORRECT, IT IS REPRESENTED SUBJECT TO ERRORS, OMISSIONS, CHANGES OR WITHDRAWAL WITHOUT NOTICE. ALL PROPERTY INFORMATION, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO SQUARE FOOTAGE, ROOM COUNT, NUMBER OF BEDROOMS AND THE SCHOOL DISTRICT IN PROPERTY LISTINGS SHOULD BE VERIFIED BY YOUR OWN ATTORNEY, ARCHITECT OR ZONING EXPERT. EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY.
10 Magnolia Woods Dr/Kingwood $3,750,000 MLS# 50130592
845 E Friar Tuck Ln/Sherwood Forest $1,999,000 MLS# 68603547
11406 Chartreuse Court/Royal Oaks CC $1,495,000 MLS# 23495530
2619 Newman St/Upper Kirby $849,000 MLS# 63293249
4019 Driscoll St/Montrose $819,900 MLS# 66254848
608 W Saulnier St/Montrose $599,000 MLS# 19570947
14510 Tivoli Dr/Terraces on Memorial $599,000 MLS# 66293976
4010 Childress St/West University $489,000 MLS# 7161863
5718 Winsome Ln/Galleria Area $469,000 MLS# 3073589
2316 Beall St/Shady Acres $379,000 MLS# 79964966
3814 Center St/Washington Corridor $319,000 MLS# 18208693
10902 Memorial Dr/Hunters Creek $1,995,000 MLS# 46885169
Proven Performance – Year After Year
Over 17 years experience working with buyers and sellers of residential real estate in the Greater Houston Area.
David Michael Young
713-320-6453 david.young@elliman.com www.youngrealtyhouston.com
/ May + June 2020
contents
Send comments, thoughts or ideas to intownmagazine@gmail.com
14
10
ON THE COVER Barbara Perlick
19
16
8 PUBLISHER’S LETTER 10-12 CORONAVIRUS BUSINESS IMPACTS 14-15 DR. MARC BOOM IN THE VIRUS TRENCHES
16-18 19-21 22-23
INTERVIEW WITH JUDGE LINA HIDALGO TRIBUTE TO MEMORIAL HIGH SCHOOL CLASS 2020 FINANCIAL FOCUS
PRODUCTION
PUBLISHER
M. A. Haines EDITOR
Lisa June
memorialvillagesmagazine.com
Web Design CSS Art & Design Layout & Graphic Design CSS Art & Design Graphic Designer Cris Bell Photographer Wells Brown
CONTRIBUTORS
Lindsay Mowad William Hanover Marene Gustin Evans Attwell Philip Berquist Minnie Payne
For advertising rates and information: 713.525.8607 intownmagazine@gmail.com Space reservation deadline is 15 days prior to publication.
Memorial Villages magazine is published bi-monthly by SNS Media. Articles are welcome and will be given careful consideration for possible publication. Memorial Villages magazine does not assume any responsibility for unsolicited materials. Materials submitted will be returned if accompanied by a stamped, self-addressed envelope to Box 980757 Houston, TX 77098. You can also e-mail intownmagazine@gmail.com. Copyright 2020 by Intown magazine. All rights reserved. Content may not be reprinted or reproduced without permission from Intown magazine.
6 | Mv | May + June 2020
WORTHWHILE CONVERSATIONS
WHEN CAN WE UNBUCKLE THE SEATBELTS?
J. Harold Williams, CPA/PFS, CFP®, and the L&W professional team discuss the Fiduciary Standard and placing the client’s best interest first. THE LAST 4-5 MONTHS WERE FULL OF TURMOIL IN FINANCIAL MARKETS. IS THIS UNUSUAL COMPARED TO OTHER MARKETS L&W HAS OBSERVED OVER 49 YEARS? In our 49-year history, we’ve seen a lot of markets that created financial uncertainty, which makes planning difficult. The “flavor” of each dish offered up by a market is always distinct, but the basic ingredients are the same. The key to a successful outcome in personal financial health is not unlike following a healthy diet – get sound ongoing advice from someone who has your best interest at heart.
WHAT DO YOU MEAN, “…YOUR BEST INTEREST AT HEART”? Linscomb & Williams has a longtenured executive client who was recently and unexpectedly forced to retire early from the hospitality industry. We explained it this way:
Ask someone, “What should I eat?” and you likely won’t get the same recommendation from your neighborhood butcher as from a Registered Dietician. Your butcher might recommend the pork spareribs that just arrived, knowing you’ll find that recommendation appealing. The dietician, on the other hand, insists on a balanced program that will achieve your ultimate health goal, though it includes items you might not like.
WHERE’S THE CONNECTION TO FINANCIAL ADVICE DURING MARKET TURMOIL? Much of what passes for financial “advice” today is equivalent to the butcher selling you the pork spareribs. The pork spareribs are what he has on hand to sell; he thinks they will work OK for you and that you’ll be happy. He’s not that concerned whether it is the best option for your long-term health. The majority of financial advisors today still operate outside a pure fiduciary standard, and are under
no legal obligation to put your best interest above their own.
PRESUMABLY, L&W FOLLOWS A DIFFERENT APPROACH? At Linscomb & Williams, we are like that Registered Dietician. Following the fiduciary standard, we are obligated to put your interest ahead of our own. This is always important, but most especially, in times of market turmoil -- times when it makes sense to get a second opinion from an experienced firm with no products to sell. We have an experienced team to deliver that second opinion right here, right now. For more information, or a copy of our Form ADV, Part II, with all of our disclosures, call Grant Williams at 713 840 1000 or visit www.linscomb-williams.com.
Linscomb & Williams is located at 1400 Post Oak Blvd., Ste. 1000 in Houston, TX For more information call 713 840 1000 or visit www.linscomb-williams.com. Linscomb & Williams is not an accounting firm.
Covid-19 captured through the lens of a photographer ather than words to fill this space, Intown decided that pictures tell a better story. Houstonian and professional photographer Barbara Perlick is using this time in quarantine to capture incredible images around Houston. A picture is worth a thousand words, holds true especially during times of struggle and uncertainty.
A few questions for Barbara Perlick Int: What were you looking for in telling your Covid-19 story through your camera lens? BP: I’ve been really touched by the images of healthcare workers selflessly helping others. It shows Houston’s strength and sense of community. My desire was to capture a different side of the story. I wanted to show the effects of COVID-19 on the city from the average person’s perspective. I wanted to point out that to experience the full impact of these black and white photographs, it is imperative to know that they were taken mid-day during the week. Int: Why were so many of your photos in black and white? BP: Black and white is my signature style. I am drawn to it because I believe it creates a stronger emotional connection and lends itself to timelessness. The black and white images reflect the serious and somber emotions during COVID-19. Int: What did you feel or learn during your many days of shooting this remarkable collection of Houston photos? 8 | Mv | May + June 2020
BP: When I first became interested in photography, my goal was to document where I was so I could always look back and remember how I felt in a specific moment. My first photoshoot was difficult for me to digest. There was emptiness where there is typically congestion, and lines where they never existed. It was overwhelmingly sad, and this new reality hit me hard. Houston is an amazing city. I’ve always found that difficult times can bring out the best in people, which is why I felt it was necessary to show the positive outcomes of this experience as well. I began to photograph these situations in color because I wanted to demonstrate that there is a bright side to this seemingly grim time. I’ve been so impressed by the ingenuity of both children and adults as they have developed creative ways to still celebrate life’s important moments and help others. For more go to www.houstonintown.com or www.barbaraperlickphotography.com
Th e G r e at e r H o u s t o n L u x u ry H o m e C o n n e c t i o n
Real Estate Professionals Serving Houston Luxury Home Community
10 Magnolia Woods Drive | Deer Ridge Estates
254 Pinerock Lane
Grand 12,708 SF estate on 3.85 acre lot in guard gated Deer Ridge Estates with guest house and pool house. Backyard playground features a large pool, secluded hot hub, many covered patios, 2 outdoor kitchens, fountains, fire pits, palapas and walking trail through the woods. David M. Young | Douglas Elliman Real Estate | 713-320-6453
Must see to believe home in a private enclave on a corner lot in Bentwater! Open floor plan with a sleek chef ’s dream kitchen with an Oriental jade glass overlooking a gorgeous pool. Stunning custom art niches. Master retreat has its own private veranda. Stunning home built for privacy. Beverly Smith | Coldwell Banker Realty | 713-569-2113
List Price $3,750,000 | MLS #50130592
List Price $1,495,000 | MLS #10538526
10902 Memorial Dr | Hunters Creek
516 W. 9th Street | Heights
Outstanding gated Hacienda in the heart of Memorial. Solidly built Spanish style home. Landscaped grounds with resort style pool, cabana, summer kitchen and firepit. Quarters over 3-car garage. Twelve car guest parking on wide circular drive. David M. Young | Douglas Elliman Real Estate | 713-320-6453
Mediterranean stunner in the heart of the Heights, walking distance to renowned shops & dining. This gem stands out from the rest with sky-high ceilings, 8 ft wooden doors, and striking archway details. The inviting front porch opens through rustic double doors to a luxurious layout designed for entertaining. Formal dining, chef 's kitchen & 2-story living centered by a gorgeous wrought iron spiral staircase. Michelle Hinton | Compass Real Estate | 832-795-2246
List Price $1,995,000 | MLS #22426798
845 E. Friar Tuck Ln | Sherwood Forest List Price $1,999,000 | MLS #68603547
Classic 4 bedroom home with on fully fenced interior ¾ acre lot in Sherwood Forest, which has 24/7 security patrol. Outdoor entertainer’s paradise with resort style swimming pool, multiple covered lounge & dining areas, water features, sound system, mosquito misting system. David M. Young | Douglas Elliman Real Estate | 713-320-6453
List Price $899,000 | MLS #31427356
CHUBB • PURE • AIG • CINCINNATI
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Business
FOCUS
CORONAVIRUS Business Impacts
Understanding Business Loss Insurance - - What business owners should consider when they are told their losses are not covered
B
eing a business owner right now is difficult. Between Coronavirus damage and orders from state and local governments, most businesses have shut down. While businesses are closed, fixed expenses (e.g. rent, utilities, insurance) drain cash reserves. As commerce in many sectors of our nation’s economy has ground to a halt, most businesses have been forced to close, and for some, the only option has been to furlough employees. Many business owners were diligent, purchased insurance, and paid premiums for years in order to have coverage for business losses. Often insurance agents and brokers promoted the insurance by describing the policy as a “safety net” in case there was a business interruption. But now when the coverage is needed the most, insurance companies and agents are telling businesses that their losses are not covered. One thing is certain: when it comes to protecting policyholders against business losses associated with the Coronavirus Pandemic, business owners are finding out 10 | Mv | May + June 2020
of the legal precedent interpreting insurance policies. When it comes to insurance coverage, the specific language of the policy makes a difference. While some policies have formidable exclusions that arguably eliminate coverage, there are many variations in the policy language and some policies may not exclude coverage. In connection with most business loss claims associated with the Coronavirus Pandemic, three things that to look for in a commercial property insurance By Rob Ammons policy are (1) business interruption covThe Ammons Law Firm erage, (2) civil authority coverage, and (3) that the insurance industry is not a good microorganism coverage or exclusion. neighbor and not on their side. Business Interruption Coverage Despite what businesses are being Business interruption coverage entold, there may be insurance coverage sures a business for losses caused when for losses associated with the Corona- its normal business operations are disvirus Pandemic. Whether a business is rupted. This coverage is usually bundled covered for the current interruption in with other types of coverage under a its activities is a question that requires business owner’s policy, but some busian analysis of the specific language of nesses may have separate policies that the insurance policy including all exclu- cover business-interruption losses. sions, a review of the government order A feature of business interruption closing local businesses, and knowledge coverage you will want to be aware of
Your Advocates
During the Coronavirus Crisis and Beyond H DEDICATED TASK FORCE H LAWYERS WITH EXPERTISE H EXPERIENCE WITH SIMILAR CASES
LET US HELP YOU WITH YOUR BUSINESS INTERRUPTION CLAIM Contact: THE AMMONS LAW FIRM Covidclaim@ammonslaw. com (866)-808-0690 www. ammonslaw. com
HOUSTON I DALLAS I CORPUS CHRISTI I McALLEN
is the standard policy language in most policies that limits coverage to losses caused by “direct physical loss of or damage to property.” Based on the claim denial letters business owners are receiving, it appears that the insurance industry is taking the position that a virus in a business that attaches to surfaces, lives for days, is highly contagious and potentially deadly does not constitute any damage to the business owner’s property. While no Court has yet ruled on whether the Coronavirus causes property loss or damage in a COVID -19 case, there are comparable situations where Courts have found the requisite property damage to invoke business interruption coverage. The language of the Harris County Judge’s Order that closed businesses should also be helpful to businesses when they challenge the denial of their insurance claims. Specifically, Harris County Judge Hidalgo’s Order states: Whereas the COVID-19 virus is contagious and spreads through person-to-person contact, especially in group settings; and Whereas the COVID-19 virus causes property loss or damage due to its ability to attach to surfaces for prolonged periods of time; and https://www.readyharris.org/Stay-Home
Based on this declaration, it can be argued that all businesses that are normally open to the public have suffered the type of property loss or damage necessary to trigger coverage under standard business interruption policy language.
Civil Authority Coverage Many businesses have insurance policies that include “civil authority” coverage—a type of coverage for lost business income that should be available when your business is closed by order of a government entity. Seems clear. However, when it comes to insurance coverage issues, very little is black and white. Insurance companies and their armies of lawyers are very creative when 12 | Mv | May + June 2020
it comes to finding ways to deny coverage to businesses and policyholders. For example, after September 11, 2001, airspace was closed by the government. Airlines, hotels, restaurants, and other hospitality businesses were devastated by the loss of business they suffered due to the lack of airline travelers. Even though these businesses had civil authority coverage, insurers denied their claims, arguing that the government orders did not order that those businesses close. The same thing happened to businesses in Louisiana after hurricane Katrina. In those cases, the Courts sided with the insurance company claiming that the businesses were never actually ordered to close. But Coronavirus is different. The position that the insurance companies took in the wake of these past disasters can be used against them now! The same court decisions that favored insurance carriers in these past disasters can be used to make a strong case that civil authority coverage directly applies for business losses caused by government-ordered business closures due to the coronavirus.
Microorganisms Since the outbreak of SARS in 2003, some insurance policies explicitly exclude damages caused by microorganisms. A standard insurance clause excludes payment “for loss or damage caused by or resulting from any virus, bacterium or other microorganism that induces or is capable of inducing physical distress, illness or disease.” Other policies, however, only exclude from coverage losses caused by bacteria, but not viruses like Coronavirus. Here again, a careful reading of the policy is crucial. Insurers will likely also argue that standard policy language that bars coverage for damages caused by “pollution” or other exclusionary language applies to business losses caused by Coronavirus, and different courts have interpreted these provisions differently. So it is important that the specific policy language be reviewed by a lawyer familiar with the court decisions interpreting these provisions of the business insurance policy.
Finally, at least some policies that target the restaurant, gym, movie, healthcare, and similar industries industry explicitly provide coverage for losses caused by “communicable or infectious diseases,” without the need to show that the loss was the result of actual physical damage to property.
Conclusion When business pay premiums for business interruption coverage, they expect to be covered if they are unable to continue normal operations. Business losses caused by Coronavirus are staggering. Business owners can expect the insurance industry to use every imaginable excuse to avoid covering these losses. A prudent business owner should not rely on an insurance company or anyone beholden to the insurance industry to interpret the policy language or to tell them whether their business loss claim is covered. At the same time, it makes little sense for struggling business owners to incur more expense paying lawyers hourly fees to review their insurance policy language. The Ammons Law Firm is currently reviewing business insurance policies under a contingency fee arrangement that requires payment only if a recovery is ultimately obtained for the business owner. This means that a business which has already lost revenue due to the shut down does not have to incur any out-ofpocket expense. Given the hefty premiums that business owners have paid for business loss insurance and the uniform way in which insurance companies are denying the claims, it cannot hurt to have a qualified lawyer review the policy language to determine whether payment may be owed for Coronavirus-related losses.
Rob Ammons is a business owner and the Founder of The Ammons Law Firm. He has been representing business owners and consumers in claims against insurance companies for over thirty years.
Independence Heights
BAYOU ISLAND PARK
The Hidden Gem of Memorial 1130 Bayou Island Drive Just south of Buffalo Bayou and within the Spring Branch school district, (Frostwood Elementary, Memorial Middle and High Schools) Bayou Island Park is an exclusive gated community which has never flooded and offers significant value for those seeking a home in the Memorial area. Bayou Island Park homes average 25 years newer and $250,000 less than their 77024 neighbors.
$1,100,000 1135 Bayou Island Drive Stunning, recently updated home in the prestigious Bayou Island Park gated community. Zoned to Spring Branch ISD's acclaimed Memorial High School, Memorial Middle School and Frostwood Elementary, this is the place to live. From the beautiful curb appeal to the open kitchen and living space, this home has it all. Recent updates include new roof (March 2020), new lighting, new paint throughout, new flooring, updated kitchen and landscaping.
$750,000 J. Christopher Cantele Westside REALTORSÂŽ
281.925.3035
ccantele@remax.net
ME D I CAL
PE R SON
‘20
OF
T H E
YE A R
CEO in The Trenches of A Pandemic Houston Methodist’s Dr. Marc Boom 2020 Medical Person of The Year
By Virginia Billeaud Anderson
A
pestilence out of the mouth of Hell had strangled hospital operations, and forced Dr. Marc Boom, President, and CEO of Houston Methodist, to scramble to save patients and protect the lives of employees. A critical administrative duty was to construct Highly Infectious Disease Units for COVID-19 patients. Far more difficult was to restrict family visits, which caused Richard Steubinger to die without his children and grandchildren present. Richard’s nurse, Tabatha Ketner, however, filled in and acted like family. Wearing personal protective gear that required shouting through a face shield, Ketner flashed family pictures, and transmitted messages of love. Boom began every day with a 7 am conference call to the CEOs of the other Texas Medical Center institutions, he told Intown. Their war room sessions hashed out strategies like finding ventilators. At every turn, his attention shifted with new mandates. In mid-April, Governor Abbott green-lighted diagnostic surgeries such as biopsies, with elective surgeries soon to come off lockdown. Boom didn’t need his Wharton School MBA to know the importance of revving up services. Days before, Methodist began administering the antiviral drug Remdesivir in clinical trials, and several weeks previously led the nation in transfusing blood plasma from recovered COVID-19 patients into sick COVID-19 patients. Further, Methodist hooked up with VGXI Corporation to develop a COVID-19 vaccine. But Boom’s most fundamental duty was to inspire the beleaguered staff, which he did in a video message. 14 | Mv | May + June 2020
In it, Boom framed the virus era as historical. “Future generations will look back at this point in history and recognize it as one of our finest hours.” And emphasized duty. “Like other first responders, health care professionals have chosen these bedside roles with the understanding that they come with certain risks. Throughout history, whether during wartime or natural disasters, physicians, nurses, and other clinical personnel, and the teams who support them have recognized their profound duty to do what is necessary to care for patients. We all must now be ready to act. It’s hard work, but the rewards are priceless, as we are all given the sacred
privilege of caring for patients in their most dire hour.” A colleague told Boom he looked tired on video, so he fessed up to it in an email. Yes, tired, Boom wrote, but he wasn’t complaining or looking for sympathy, it was a blessing and a privilege to lead the organization, and his employees were tired. “I wish I could promise you that this will be over soon and that things will be back to normal. But I can’t. What I can promise you is that I will continue to pray for guidance and strength. And I will continue to come to work every day and strive to be unparalleled at my job so that you can be unparalleled at yours. Never forget that we are all in this together.”
Boom’s email revealed he had been blindsided. “Our battle against COVID-19 is something I’ve never experienced before as a physician or administrator.” A telling admission for a guy who watched Tropical Storm Allison wallop the most significant medical complex in the world. Unfamiliar terrain, yet Methodist was favorably positioned. Early in his career, Boom developed a hankering to work in the business side of medicine, so as CEO, he championed tech innovations that served patients and reduced costs. During the virus, telemedicine and virtual care helped operations to continue. “We must all be ready to sacrifice,” he said on the video. Indisputably, the CEO included himself. “I felt the need to speak from the heart to acknowledge the difficult situation we were about to face and to let everyone know I would be right there with them fighting day in and day out,” Boom told us. Aware that long hours and the stress of disrupted child care from school closures compound the threat to those in the virus trenches, we asked Boom about his situation. Boom’s wife Julie is a pediatrician at Baylor College of Medicine and Texas Children’s, and school closures have their three children home, Kathryn and John from universities, and Janie from eighth grade. The entire family worries about “both Mom and Dad in a health care setting each day.” How does he stay healthy during the virus? He walks two miles every evening with Tessa and Major. His hounds are bouviers. For reinforcement, a morning walk too. “Tessa and Major think they’ve died and gone to heaven!” Dr. Marc Boom (b.1966) has been the CEO for nine years. He administers eight hospitals, outpatient facilities, emergency, imaging and orthopedic annexes, a research institute, residency program, and affiliated, and specialty and primary care physicians. Boom also helps to reign in gifts such as the $21 million by the Jerold Katz Foundation for medical research. Surprisingly, he also sees patients. Last year, Houston Methodist celebrated 100 years.
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| Mv |15
INTERVIEW with
I
n 2018 elections voters determined it was an out with the old and in with the new. Many newly elected officials were surprisingly young and female. Nowhere was this more evident than in Houston, Texas, when 27-year-old Lina Hidalgo defeated longtime Republican Judge Ed Emmett for Harris County Judge. The margin was a paltry 13,000 votes, and many attributed it to the Beto effect. Still, also it was an uncanny strategy devised by Hidalgo and her supporters that targeted a group of “at-risk� voters who they determined may not vote a straight ticket. Her smarts are traced back to high school, where she was encouraged to attend accelerated classes, which enabled her to attend and graduate from Stanford. Rather than attend Harvard and NYU
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Harris County Judge
Lina Hidalgo
to pursue a joint degree, she decided to put that idea on hold and run for County Judge. Before being elected as the CEO of Harris County’s 3 billion-plus budget Judge Hidalgo held positions as an interpreter at Texas Children’s, the Internews Network in Asia, and the Texas Civil Rights Project as a volunteer on criminal justice reform. Our interviewers caught up with the Judge during the height of the coronavirus response. John Granato: We appreciate you joining us, Judge. How are you? Lina Hidalgo: Doing great. Thank you for having me. John Granato: Well, I can’t imagine the difficulty in your job, but what has happened with COVID 19, how
much did that kick up the amount of what you have to do? Lina Hidalgo: You know, in some ways as we came into office about a year ago and since then, I think the second day in office, we had heavy rain. We’ve had three floods, three chemical fires. Now we’re a large community. Things are bound to happen. But this is unlike anything anybody has ever seen, you know, and we’re facing it the world over. So, of course, it’s a huge challenge. But there is also something uniting about it that all of us are empowered and have a role to play in this disaster. This is not just about the first responders and emergency management. It’s not only about the doctors, but it’s also about all of us. Due to the people in this community and because we took
actions early on, our curve is flattening. We pull together just like we pull for a sports team. And it shows. Raheel Ramzanali: How hard was it to put in specific orders when it was so early, and I don’t think the public understood what was at stake. Lina Hidalgo: We knew that this was going to have dire economic consequences from the very first measures due to the stay-home order. But we knew it was the only way forward. I mean, unfortunately, in this country, we haven’t had enough testing. We finally are catching up. But early on, the only tool we had was the blunt tool of shutting everything down. We didn’t have enough testing to isolate the folks who were sick so everybody else could go to work like they’ve done in other coun-
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May + from Junesources 2020 v Compass is a licensed real estate broker and abides by Equal Housing Opportunity laws. All material presented herein is intended for informational purposes only. Information is compiled deemed reliable but is subject to errors, omissions, changes in price, condition, sale, or withdrawal without notice. No statement is made as to accuracy of any description. All measurements and square footages are approximate. This is not intended to solicit property already listed. Nothing herein shall be construed as legal, accounting or other professional advice outside the realm of real estate brokerage.
tries. They really left us no choice. We’re now developing these better tools as the testing is catching up, and then that will help get the economy back on track faster. Raheel Ramzanali: Now, while everyone is at home, Judge, there is a lot of free time. There’s a lot of time to do some good in the community by filling out the 2020 census. It’s crucial for funding our community programs over the next ten years. Lina Hidalgo: Yes. Look, our public health departments are supposed to be receiving allocations from this big, you know, the stimulus package, a federal package that’s gone through hundreds of millions of dollars for local governments. That money is assigned based on census tracts. And so, you know, I know I’m talking to sports fans. We’re all competitive. We’ve got a lot of community pride, and right now, there is a way for us to compete with the census because we’re
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a huge community. We’re a diverse community. And if we don’t count everybody in this community, we’re not going to get the money we deserve. It may be Houston’s bigger than Chicago. Let’s prove it. We’re actually, Check out that census mailer everybody’s received or go to my 2020 census dot gov. Fill it out. It takes about five minutes, ten at most. Raheel Ramzanali: I moved from Pakistan, and I only had a Social Security card. So you always worried as a family, like if you fill this out. What’s going to happen? Right. Am I going to get deported? Lina Hidalgo: That’s right. I mentioned the census couldn’t be more critical because it’s the last chance we’ll have until 2030. Right. For the next ten years to represent our community. But also, it’s safe. Your data is protected by federal law. Folks could go to prison for sharing anything. And, you know, polit-
ical boundaries are drawn due to census. So that’s something else that we can do. I mean, it’s amazing how much power each of us as individuals has during this time. John Granato: You’re doing a heck of a job. Judge and all this must be an incredible time having had a lot of tragedies already in your brief time, haven’t you? More than a lot of elected officials will have in a lifetime. Lina Hidalgo: Yeah, but you know each time we’ve learned from it. I mean, that the disaster we had last year with the fire, we could all see the plume all across the county. We’ve been able to update our environmental policies, make sure that everybody is playing by the rules. Right. But you don’t have some companies getting off easy while everybody else is doing their job. And, you know, with this. I think everyone is just pulling together. We know how to do that. That’s why we’re good. That’s why we’re strong. That’s why we’re also faithful to our teams. You know, it’s just part of our spirit, which is as beautiful. And we have to build on that. John Granato and Raheel Ramzanali
Memorial High School Class of 2020
A tribute to your sacrifice
Celebrates Memorial High School Seniors
Allegiance Title Memorial Team
10497 Town and Country Way | Suite 120 | Houston, TX 77024 281.747.7850 | www.allegiancetitle.com May + June 2020
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MEMORIAL HIGH SCHOOL CLASS 2020
MEMORIAL HIGH SCHOOL CLASS 2020
Email us for a PDF of this tribute at intownmagazine@gmail.com
Financial Focus
Financial survival in the
W
hen 2020 began, few, if any, of us could have expected that in just weeks our lives would be turned upside down by a mysterious virus that causes a dangerous disease called COVID-19. Now, like the rest of the world, we are facing down a viral threat, not only to our physical health but also to our economic wellbeing. Our ability to survive now and thrive later will depend on how well we take care of ourselves physically and financially.
By Karin Hall Senior Vice President Frost Commercial Banking 22 | Mv | May + June 2020
Keeping yourself healthy and safe is your first priority, but maintaining your financial health during the COVID-19 outbreak is also vital to ensure you stay prepared for whatever happens in the coming weeks. What can you do to protect your finances now and emerge from the pandemic ready to move forward? • Expect the unexpected. With so many unanswered questions about the disease and the economy, financial experts caution to be more careful than usual with your household finances. Look for ways to cut expenses, even if only temporarily.
• Manage stress appropriately. Resist the temptation to soothe anxiety or boredom by indulging in online retail therapy or a big splurge, such as a new car. • If you’re still working, consider boosting your emergency fund; if you’re not working, use your emergency fund as you need it, and thank yourself for having the discipline to save for a time like this. • Seek help when you need it. If the pandemic has affected your income, many lenders, utility companies, landlords and others are willing to help you through this unusual time. Best approach: Proac-
time of COVID-19 tively reach out for help before you miss payments and damage your credit score. • If you own a small business, look for help from the Small Business Administration (SBA) through its new Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). Visit the SBA at www.sba.gov for information, or contact your bank to apply. • Stay calm. If you are an investor, the current volatile stock market may have you on edge, but investment decisions made out of negative emotions, such as fear and confusion, can actually hurt you financially. Take a deep breath, think about your goals and talk to your financial or wealth advisor for guidance. • Take care of yourself emotionally. Purposely look for ways, even if they are small, to put some “normal” back in your life.
Would you like to talk to a financial professional? Contact Karin Hall at 713.388.1190 or karin.hall@frostbank.com. Investment and insurance products are not FDIC insured, are not bank guaranteed, and may lose value. Brokerage services offered through Frost Brokerage Services, Inc., Member FINRA/SIPC, and investment advisory services offered through Frost Investment Services, LLC, a registered investment adviser. Both companies are subsidiaries of Frost Bank. Investment management services, financial planning and trust services are offered through Frost Wealth Advisors of Frost Bank. Additionally, insurance products are offered through Frost Insurance. Deposit and loan products are offered through Frost Bank, Member FDIC. Frost does not provide legal or tax advice. Please seek legal or tax advice from legal and/or tax professionals.
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Unmatched service. Sound advice. And peace of mind knowing your money is well cared for. Now, how can we help you today? Visit us at frostbank.com or call at (800) 51-FROST.
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May + June 2020
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