06-15-2022 EDITION OF THE FORT BEND STAR by Fort Bend Star

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Fort Bend / Southwest • Volume 47 • No. 39 • $1.00

Missouri City keeps IT manager as interim city manager Armors Your Glass From Burglars, Storms & Heat

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Entrepreneur group expanding into Fort Bend County

By Matt deGrood MDEGROOD@FORTBENDSTAR.COM

Less than a year ago, Sedrick Cole was running the city of Missouri City’s IT department. Now, he’ll be overseeing the city’s $61.2 million general fund budget and staff of almost 400 fulltime employees for the foreseeable future. The city council last week in a 4-3 vote opted to keep Cole in place as the city’s interim city manager while it searches

for a full-time replacement. Mayor Robin Elackatt was joined by councilmembers Lynn Clouser, Anthony Maroulis and Floyd Emery in voting to keep Cole in the interim role, while council members Vashaundra Edwards, Monica Riley and Jeffrey Boney voted against the decision. Like several other recent decisions in Missouri City, the vote did not pass without some controversy. “I do want to make it

FBISD teachers seek higher pay, more security

Cole

clear that we’re getting ready to continue the contract for Mr. Sedrick Cole, and he doesn’t have

the experience needed, and he doesn’t have the certifications needed for a city manager,” Edwards said ahead of the vote. City leaders declined to make Cole available for a phone interview with the Fort Bend Star last week. But Cole provided written responses to several questions about his expanded role with the city. “While I am overseeing city management, I am just one piece of the puzzle,” he wrote. “The city has a great leadership team and frontline

employees who are dedicated to providing the support needed to help make this transition as smooth as possible.” The city, however, has declined to provide information about who has remained part of the city’s administration since the council opted last month to fire former City Manager Charles “Tink” Jackson. But there’s some evidence there’s been

SEE COLE PAGE 7

Raising their voices

By Matt deGrood MDEGROOD@FORTBENDSTAR.COM

A Houston-based entrepreneurial program is expanding to Fort Bend County, with plans to tap into the area’s potential for startup companies, according to the company’s new owner. The Fort Bend Economic Development Council (FBEDC) has reached an agreement with Houston Exponential to expand into the county, according to a news release. Through a partnership, Houston Exponential will share office space with the economic development council and institute programming meant to support local founders and innovators, according to the release. “We could not be more thrilled to bring Houston Exponential to Fort Bend County,” said Rachelle Kanak, executive vice president of marketing and operations for the FBEDC. “Our county is ripe for an explosion of innovation and entrepreneurialism and we are excited HX will help support and grow our innovation community.” Houston Exponential was formed several years ago after Houston failed to recruit Amazon’s big second headquarters to the region, according to Lawson Gow, the company’s new owner. The organization was initially founded as a nonprofit and helped expand Houston’s reputation as a startup destination, according to an InnovationMap article. Gow is a Houston native who started a company called The Cannon in 2017 to provide workspaces and other resources for Houston-area startups, he said. After several years running The Cannon, Gow took a step back and started a holding company, called Gow Companies, that recently acquired Houston Exponential. While Houston Exponential was founded as a nonprofit, Gow now plans

SEE ENTREPRENEUR PAGE 7

The teachers aren’t all right. For months now, school administrators and experts in districts across Fort Bend County and the country have talked about an exodus of teachers from the profession and how they might go about staunching the loss. All of it came to a head last week when a group of teachers protested with several organized labor groups outside Fort Bend ISD’s administration building, seeking better salaries, safety precautions and smaller class sizes, among other issues. “I taught for 31 years and, last year, my salary was only about $16,000 higher than a first-year teacher,” said Terri Verdone, a teacher who opted for retirement from FBISD. Verdone spoke at last week’s protest and laid out how more and more paperwork, few raises and retention bonuses and a seemingly uncaring administration had led her to decide not to return next school year. “I’m content with my decision, but I will miss my students,” she said. Local and national education experts have known that teachers were leaving the profession. Through just the first six months of the fiscal year, about 470 teachers had quit before their contracts were complete – a significant uptick from other recent years, such as 2020 when 378 left before their contracts ended, according to an April Texas Tribune article. FBISD Superintendent Christie Whitbeck, for instance, spoke about more than 120 teacher vacancies in December – shortly

Teachers and other attendees speak at a protest last week in front of the Fort Bend ISD administration building, seeking higher wages and more security from the district. (Photo by Matt deGrood)

after her arrival – and the need to maintain high teacher pay to recruit high-quality candidates. The average starting teacher salary in FBISD is about $58,000, she said at the time. Representatives for the district, in response to the protest, released a media statement that argued that they have increased teacher pay. The new budget, for instance, includes a $1,500 increase for teachers and a 2 percent raise for non-teaching staff, according to the district’s response. That,

coupled with a 6 percent teacher raise and a 4 percent raise for non-teaching staff last year, make FBISD comparable to surrounding school districts, according to the news release. The teachers and organizers who gathered last week said they were frustrated FBISD hasn’t yet taken steps to increase teacher pay like some area districts, such as Houston ISD, which last week approved a pay increase that will give teachers an 11 percent raise on average. But the protesters’ frustrations with the profession

went far beyond just pay. Glenda Macal, the president of Fort Bend AFT, a union that represents FBISD teachers, laid out teachers’ concerns through the organizing group’s RESPECT campaign. “R” stands for raising salaries, “E” stand for expectations within reason, “S” is for safety and security, “P” is for not taking away teachers’ planning times, the second “E” is for eliminating

SEE TEACHERS PAGE 7

Panthers proud despite state semiﬁnal loss By Landan Kuhlmann LKUHLMANN@FORTBENDSTAR.COM

Ridge Point second baseman Zion Stephens prepares to s in at a pitch d rin a e ion - A nal a ainst Strake Jesuit on June 3. The Panthers lost to eventual state champion Southlake Carroll in the Class 6A state semi nals. (Photo by Landan Kuhlmann)

It was a historic season in many ways for the Ridge Point Panthers’ baseball team, but ultimately the team fell short of its goal of a state title in Round Rock last week. The Panthers dropped a 6-1 decision to the eventual state champion Southlake Carroll Dragons last Friday at Dell Diamond in Round Rock in the Class 6A state semifinals, and were de-

nied the chance to play for their first state championship in the process. It is the second straight trip to Round Rock during which Panthers have lost to Southlake Carroll, after also falling to the Dragons in the 2019 state championship game. “We just got beat,” head coach Clinton Welch said. “Plain and simple.” The semifinal loss brought an end to the high school careers of 10 Ridge Point seniors who played their last game

in purple and white on Friday. It was a tumultuous one for a group that includes starting pitcher Hunter Nichols and Texas A&M commit Justin Vossos, a group that Welch said led by example and held the team together despite high school careers that saw them experience extreme lows (C OV I D -19 - s h o r t e n e d 2020 campaign) along with the high of reaching

SEE RIDGE POINT PAGE 7

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PAGE 2 • Wednesday, June 15, 2022

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County gearing up for Juneteenth celebrations By Landan Kuhlmann LKUHLMANN@FORTBENDSTAR.COM

As Juneteenth approaches, there are multiple events happening around Fort Bend County to commemorate the occasion. Juneteenth, also known as Emancipation Day, celebrates the day of June 19, 1865, when Union Maj. Gen. Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston and announced that Abraham Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation, which was signed two years earlier, had freed enslaved people. Kendleton Former Congressman Pete Olson is organizing a tour of

two local historic cemeteries as part of Kendleton’s Juneteenth Freedom Celebration on Saturday at Bates Allen Park, 630 Charlie Roberts Ln. There will be four tours of both the Newman Chapel and Oak Hill cemeteries, according to a news release, which will begin at the burial site of Texas State Legislator Benjamin Franklin Williams in the Newman Chapel Cemetery. In addition to being the first African American from Fort Bend to be elected to the Texas House of Representatives, Williams was the first African American to be an ordained Methodist minister in Texas as well as the first United States

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Attendees of last year's Missouri City Juneteenth parade look on during the event. There are multiple events planned in Missouri City and around the county this weekend to commemorate the holiday. (Staff ﬁle photo)

Postmaster General in Kendleton, according to the release. That will be followed by a short walk to the Oak Hill Cemetery by crossing through the tunnel cut in the brush. The tour is meant to honor Williams and others buried there while raising awareness for needed upkeep. The 30-minute tours will run at 10 a.m., 10:30 a.m., 11 a.m., and

11:30 a.m., according to the release. For more information about the walking tours, community members can reach out to Olson at 281-216-0842 or via email at pgointex@hotmail. com. Missouri City There are multiple Juneteenth events happening in Missouri City, which just last

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year became one of a growing list of Texas communities to adopt Juneteenth as a city holiday. The city, which is 39.1 percent African American, according to World Population Review, has a long history of celebrating the holiday. One such event will be the Missouri City Juneteenth Celebration Foundation kicking off the holiday weekend with a family night out at 5 p.m. Friday at Hunter’s Glen Park, 1340 Independence Blvd. That will be followed on Saturday with a concert in the park at 6 p.m. and the “One Mile of Smiles” parade at 7 p.m. For more information or to buy tickets, go to missouricityjuneteenthcelebration. com/. Another celebration will be the Juneteenth Jubilee, which will take place from 6-9 p.m. Saturday at the Amphitheater at Club Sienna, 9600 Scanlan Trace. Admission is free, and the celebration is open to the public, according to the event webpage. There will be live music from Reggie Jamz and Swagg Boiz as well as gourmet food trucks. For the kids, there will be video games along

with face painting, balloon art, kiddie rides and more. For more information on the Juneteenth Jubilee, visit the event page at siennatx. com/juneteenth-jubilee. Needville There will be a Juneteenth Zydeco, R&B, and Western concert and fundraiser for A Place for Dreamers, which offers animal-assisted therapy for children with emotional and behavioral issues, on Saturday at Harvest Park, 3100 Violet St. The event will begin at noon, and the concerts will begin at 7 p.m. with performances from artists such as Step Rideau and the Zydeco Outlaws. There will also be attractions such as mechanical bull rides, food tickets, raffle tickets, a photo booth and vendors, according to the event page. Tickets for the event cost $25 per person. To purchase tickets to the festival or to find more information, go to eventbrite. com/e/juneteenth-zydecorb-western-concertfestivalfundraiser-mental-healthtickets.

Happy Juneteenth from everyone here at The Star!

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Districts should work with teachers on improving conditions Matt deGrood

MANAGING EDITOR

David Milch, the famed creator of the television show “Deadwood,” uses this fascinating technique in the show where two characters will be in conversation with each other. Except they’re not, really. Rather, each character is busy having a conversation with themselves, about whatever is bothering them. On surface

level, the characters are exchanging words, but they’re really talking right past one another. The reason this concept has so stuck with me is because it’s amazing how true to life it is. People have a bad habit of conversing with one another, without ever really taking the time to understand what the other person is saying. For months now, we’ve heard again and again that teachers are leaving the profession and that if something doesn’t change soon, the education industry as a whole faces an existential crisis. During our reporting on all sorts of education issues, we’ve listened to a lot of theorizing

from elected leaders and even education experts about what might be causing the exodus. Perhaps it’s low salaries, some guessed. Or maybe teachers are tired of the classroom being turned into a lightning rod for political controversy, others guessed. Noticeably absent from conversation, at least until now, was the teachers who’d been leaving the profession themselves. While we here at the Fort Bend Star imagine it’s not fun to become the subject of protests, we hope last week’s demonstration at Fort Bend ISD’s administration building can be the start of a much-needed conversation.

Based on last week’s protest, it appears the answer is that no single issue is turning teachers away from the profession. Rather, it’s a combination of factors that have added up to discourage even some of the most dedicated teachers out there. Even before the protest, FBISD faced myriad issues moving into the next school year, from how to overcome pandemicrelated learning gaps to how to steer the district’s finances back into the black following news that it was facing a $47 million budget deficit. Rather than use those reasons as an excuse not to address the latest crisis, it’s important that district administrators

reach out to teachers and work through solutions together. Teachers might be more willing to listen and stay if they’re granted an opportunity to participate in discussions about what programs should be cut to save money. Beyond a quick fix, districts across the county should use this as an opportunity to realize something important – having good data, even when that data doesn’t make you look good, is critical to building the best future for all involved. Is anyone with FBISD having conversations with teachers that choose retirement and leaving the profession over

Fort Bend students earn scholarships By Landan Kuhlmann LKUHLMANN@FORTBENDSTAR.COM

The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo recently announced that nearly 500 high school students from around the state had received scholarships from the organization’s educational program, and 26 Fort Bend County students were among them. Students from 18 different high schools in Fort Bend ISD, Lamar Consolidated ISD, Needville ISD and Stafford MSD received scholarships, as did a student from a local charter school, according to a news release from the rodeo. The release said the scholarships are part of the organization’s total annual commitment of more than $22 million in educational funding awarded to students across Texas. Each of Fort Bend ISD’s 11 high schools had at least one scholarship recipient, with three coming from Bush. Lamar Consolidated also had three students win scholarships, while Terry and Fulshear had two recipients apiece.

Each of the 493 students awarded received $20,000 to apply toward a four-year undergraduate degree, for a total scholarship commitment of nearly $10 million. “Our mission of promoting agriculture while supporting Texas youth and education is at the core of everything we do at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo,” rodeo president and CEO Chris Boleman said in the news release. “We are proud of what these scholars have accomplished, and it is thanks to the generosity of our donors that we can support these students as they continue their educational journey.” Below is a list of the local students who received

scholarships. Fort Bend ISD Aruf Ali – Austin Arsalan Bhai – Travis Taylor Hawkins – Ridge Point Joana Iglesias – Willowridge Phoebe Lin – Dulles Larry Nguyen - Hightower Rebecca Nguyen – Kempner Tiffany Nguyen – Bush Michael Ogu – Bush Farah Syed - Bush Sabrina Tam – Elkins Jazmine Weathers – Marshall Gregory Zachariah Clements Lamar Consolidated ISD Marianne Alvarado – Terry Mario Cardenas – Terry Julia Evers – George Ranch Jaden Ho – Lamar Consolidated Shanda Horm – Lamar

Consolidated Ebehireme Igene – Lamar Consolidated Addie Nowak – Fulshear Abigail Opoku – Foster Jaden Phung – Fulshear Needville ISD Yahir Santiago – Needville Colton Stavinoha – Needville Stafford MSD Isaiah Mosley – Stafford Charter School Ibtesam Jamal – Harmony School of Innovation

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returning for another school year? What does data from those exit interviews show about the job generally and the work that FBISD specifically is doing to retain talent? We’ve all heard the old adage that teachers don’t get into the business to get rich. But they’re speaking louder than they ever have before that something isn’t working with their industry-wide trend to leave the career that many of them have come to love. And without some serious soul-searching by everyone involved, it’s an issue that isn’t likely to go away soon.

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WOKE UP CRYING WITH PAIN Tammy and Ralph Donovan own two local Auto Check locations--First Colony and Bear Creek. Tammy says, “I was having a lot of trouble with my neck. I couldn’t turn it when I was watching TV, or when Ralph would say something to me. Our shop service manager, Sandy, told me one of our clients was a chiropractor: Dr. Zack Brazzell at Sugar Land Health Center. She thought he could help me.” Ironically, Ralph had previously sent Tammy a picture of Sugar Land Health Center’s sign when he dined at a nearby restaurant. But Tammy describes herself as stubborn. “For a long time, I did nothing,” says Tammy. Then one night, Tammy woke up crying at 1am. She says, “I had severe spasms in my neck. I thought, ‘Ok. Dr. Brazzell’s name has been sent to me in two different ways...so I finally scheduled a consult at Sugar Land Health Center.” Tammy’s x-rays revealed the source of her pain. She had a disc that was becoming compressed, and she had issues in her lower back as well. Tammy says, “Dr. Brazzell talked extensively with Ralph and I about how he could help me, and what procedures Sugar Land Health Center had to offer. He set up a treatment plan for me that included adjustments, decompression, electrical, and laser therapies. Dr. Brazzell also provided lifestyle recommendations. I was stubborn at first (surprise!), and set myself back by spending five hours on the riding lawn mower. After that, I followed all of Dr. Brazzell’s recommendations. He highly recommended I do a lot of walking, and he also focused on health and diet. With every suggestion, I felt improvement...and I lost weight in the process! I now sleep better, and I have really good range of motion. When Ralph talks, I can look at him!” “When I started at Sugar Land Health Center, my pain level was a 9,” explains Tammy. “My neck was hurting and spasming, and I was in tears. Last Tuesday, my pain level was a 2. My x-rays showed incredible improvement. I absolutely recommend Sugar Land Health Center to anyone. The entire staff is genuine and sincere. They look out for what’s best for you, and the doctors really know what they’re talking about!” We have moved. See our new address

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PAGE 4 • Wednesday, June 15, 2022

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Dulles student honored with community service award By Landan Kuhlmann LKUHLMANN@FORTBENDSTAR.COM

A Fort Bend ISD student recently received recognition from the state’s board of education for service to the Fort Bend and FBISD communities. Last Friday, Dulles High School incoming senior Anvi Garyali was named a recipient of the 2022 Student Hero Award by the Texas State Board of Education (SBOE) District 4, according to a news release from FBISD. The SBOE Student Hero Award is given to students in public schools who demonstrate “exemplary volunteer service

that benefits their fellow students, school or wider community,” according to the district. Garyali was one of just 15 students statewide to receive the award, one from each of the SBOE’s regional districts. "We are so very proud of Anvi," FBISD superintendent Christie Whitbeck said. "She shows what I believe to be true - to whom much is given, much is expected." During her time at Dulles, FBISD said Garyali has served with the Fort Bend Community Prevention Coalition – a program of the Fort Bend Regional Council on Substance Abuse, Inc., which

aims to help reduce and prevent substance abuse among youth. The district said Garyali also founded a non-profit organization called Rhythm of Life during the COVID-19 pandemic to teach seniors and teens about mindfulness and health coping strategies for dealing with stress and other mental health problems. "Not a day goes by where I don't think about how grateful and lucky I am to do the work that I do for the people around me," Garyali said. "Doing this is a passion of mine, and I am so incredibly honored and lucky to do what I do." Anvi Garyali of Dulles High School, center, recently received the “State Hero” award from

the Texas State Board of Education District 4 for community service. (Contributed photo)

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Local football stars showcase skills at Bayou Bowl By Landan Kuhlmann LKUHLMANN@FORTBENDSTAR.COM

More than a dozen recently-graduated senior football players from the area took the field at an annual All-Star Game designed to showcase the best players from the Greater Houston area. On Saturday, players from around the area took part in the annual Greater Houston Football Coaches Association (GHFCA) All-Star game at Traylor Stadium in Rosenberg between an East squad and West squad. In total, the area saw 20 senior players from 10 different high schools in Fort Bend ISD and Lamar Consolidated ISD represent the West team. Among the most notable performances from local stars included Travis’ Anthony Njoku, who took the majority of reps

at quarterback for the West team. Njoku, who is going to play at Davidson College along with brother Dominic, connected on two touchdown passes in the game – one apiece to George Ranch’s Joseph Wilson and Lamar Consolidated receiver Rayshawn Glover. However, it wasn’t enough as the East team held on for a 24-20 victory. The Bayou Bowl was an annual all-star game between teams from Texas and Louisiana from its inception in 2003 until 2014, according to GHFCA, when it became a showcase for players strictly from the Greater Houston area after the GHFCA and Louisiana High School Athletic Association mutually agreed to end their partnership on the event. Below is a full list of senior Bayou Bowl All-Stars from local schools:

Travis Anthony Njoku, QB Dominic Njoku, DB Ridge Point Ryan Phillips, RB Z’Ericq Earls, RB Ronald Morrison, OL Dulles Dominic Williams, DE Jaden Flowers, OL Marshall Demetrius Charles, OL Laurence Tillman, DL Clements Matt McGinnis, LB Nathan Morris, OL George Ranch Joseph Wilson, WR Matt Lambert, DL Lamar Consolidated Rayshawn Glover, WR Fulshear Luke Guzzetta, LB/P/K Joe Sims, OL Richmond Foster Courage Ugo, DB Austin Yeager, OL Rosenberg Terry Michael Odom, RB Anthony Axel, DB

Travis’ Anthony Njoku drops back to pass during an Oct. 9, 2021 game against Bush at Hall Stadium in Missouri City. Njoku was one of 20 recently-graduated Fort Bend County senior football players to take part in last weekend’s GHFCA Bayou Bowl All-Star game. (Photo by Landan Kuhlmann)

Cowboys Corral: Emmanuel Valdez shining in Sugar Land agent until at least the 2025 season. So where do they go? Frankly, I can’t see the Astros moving on from a franchise icon in Altuve unless he personally steps away. Bregman will be almost 31 years old when his contract is up, and the Astros don’t tend to extend long-term deals to those on the other side of 30. But he’s also a cornerstone of this current core, so another extension would not be out of the question. The Astros have shown an extreme willingness to

Landan Kuhlmann SPORTS REPORTER

In this week’s player profile, we’re going to take a look at a seemingly diminutive infield prospect who has done nothing but hit – and then hit some more – over the last two seasons, and could force his way onto the Astros within a season or two. No, this is not a flashback edition of the column to a Jose Altuve scouting report circa 2009. It’s on recent Triple-A call-up Emmanuel Valdez, who made his Space Cowboys debut with a bang on June 7 by homering in each of his first two Triple-A atbats against the Oklahoma City Dodgers as part of a three-hit night. So far, the 23-year-old Valdez is 7 for 20 with two home runs and five extra-base hits in 21 plate appearances for the Space Cowboys. Initial overview Valdez initially signed with the Astros as an international free agent out of San Juan de la Maguana, Dominican Republic in 2016 at just 17 years old. He quickly showed promise on the Astros’ Dominican Summer League rookie team, accruing 24 extrabase hits in just 55 games as a teenager. He would then endure the typical ups and downs of getting accustomed to pro ball over the next few seasons. But after the 2020 season was canceled due to COVID-19, he came back as a new hitter. Listed at just 5-foot-9 and 191 pounds, Valdez might not immediately jump off the page with raw physicality. But just like Altuve in recent seasons, Valdez has shown the ability to leverage what he does have into an elite power stroke since the start of the 2021 season, with 39 home runs and 80 extra-base hits in 144 games across three minor league levels. So what exactly has he done to initiate the uptick in production? Let’s examine things a little deeper. Landan’s lowdown Truth be told, I didn’t have much idea about who Valdez was prior to probably late last season, and I’m probably not alone. He wasn’t on any league or organization top prospect list. But the deeper I’ve dug, the more I’ve come away incredibly impressed. Valdez was leading the Double-A Texas League in batting average (.357) and OPS (1.112) at the time of his promotion this season, while ranking third in onbase percentage (.463) and slugging percentage (.649) and being tied for third

sell high on prospects in recent seasons in pursuit of a title. Just look at the trade of Bryan De La Cruz last season, and even utility infielder Josh Rojas when he was dealt to the Diamondbacks in 2019 as part of the Zack Greinke trade if you want a similar situation as Valdez finds himself in. As much as I hate to say it, I wouldn’t be one bit surprised if they do the same with him either this season or next unless the situation drastically changes.

GO SPACE COWBOYS! Recent Space Cowboys call-up Emmanuel Valdez, shown here with Double-A Corpus Christi, has made an instant impact for the Astros’ Triple-A aﬃliate. (Photo from Facebook)

with 11 homers. And more impressive than what he’s done, is how he’s done it. The increased power has not given way to a rash of huge strikeout numbers as is common in hitters with the same type of change in power – in fact, just like several prospects we’ve recently analyzed. His 23.5 percent strikeout rate this season is not much out of the ordinary from his career 20.3 percent figure, while a 15.5 percent walk rate and career 10.3 percent walk rate shows that the plate discipline has not waned, either. He is continuing to exhibit one of the primary traits that he has long possessed, while adding new skills to the repertoire. Turning to the quality and type of contact, we

see more improvements. His line drive rate is north of 29 percent after never cracking 25 percent prior to this season, while his ground ball rate has stayed relatively constant hovering between 32-35 percent since 2017. About 27.7 percent of his fly balls have left the ballpark – breaking a career high of 18.2 percent that he set last season – despite the fly ball rate staying about the same, suggesting he’s simply hitting it much harder. Another key thing that sticks out is his ability to hit the ball the opposite way and up the middle. Most every hitter favors the pull side, and so does Valdez – but the rate of batted balls up the middle has risen almost every year. That shows a willingness

to take what a pitcher gives him – and in a game full of shifts, it lessens a defense’s ability to shade him a certain. In turn that gives him the ability and space to turn on the ball and display the newfound power stroke in full. Projection Valdez primarily plays second base and third base, but has also made starts in left field and right field this season, which is no surprise given how the Astros value versatility. But alas, Valdez finds himself in a similar predicament as many Astro infield prospects in recent seasons. His primary positions are manned by franchise cornerstones Alex Bregman and Jose Altuve, neither of whom is a free

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Sugar Land offering residents minor tax savings By Matt deGrood MDEGROOD@FORTBENDSTAR.COM

Sugar Land might soon offer residents minor tax relief in response to unprecedented growth in property values

across Fort Bend County. The city council this month gave the first approval toward a plan that would increase the homestead exemption from 12 to 13 percent for the 2022 tax year, according to a city news re-

lease. If approved, the increased exemption would provide the owner of a $420,000 home about $15 per year in savings, according to the city.

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our newsletter using the QR code just above this story. When you point a phone camera at the code, it’ll take you to a website where you can sign up to receive our free newsletter every Monday through Friday. That way you can keep up with all the latest happenings on our website, fortbendstar. com, in between reading our weekly print edition.

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turnover since that vote. A staff website page for deputy city manager Paula Ryan, for instance, has been deleted. Elackatt has not responded to requests to discuss the turnover at city hall. Missouri City has had a revolving door at city manager in recent years. The council in May opted to fire Jackson less than five months after his tenure began. The move came after an investigation into allegations about Jackson’s hiring and firing practices with the city. Before Jackson’s hiring, Missouri City also paid almost $1 million in severance payments to Jackson’s two predecessors, Anthony Snipes and Odis Jones, who were fired by the city council in February 2020 and May 2021, respectively. Tara Powdrill Crain, spokesperson for the city, has said the city won’t give Jackson any severance pay and that GovHR USA – the search firm that first identified Jackson as a candidate for Missouri City – provided a clause in its contract under which it will waive the recruitment fee for a new city manager because Jackson didn’t stay for a full year. The city paid the firm about $23,000 to find Jackson. During the meeting in which the council opted to fire Jackson, the council also voted to appoint Cole as interim city manager for up to 30 days before naming an interim manager and, eventually, a full-time city manager. Cole had been serving as the city’s IT manager before Jackson promoted him to chief information officer. Cole’s salary before taking over as interim manager was about $150,000 per year, but the council has approved a 20 percent increase, according to Crain.

mandated extra duties, “C” is for the cap in student/ teacher ratios and “T” is for trust in teachers’ professional expertise, Macal explained. “Houston just gave teachers an 11 percent salary increase,” she said. “That’s respect. We are losing teachers all the time to other districts, retirement and just leaving the profession.” FBISD trustee David Hamilton said earlier this month he had also heard complaints about the district not backing teachers in instances of student discipline. “I think it might be more of a problem in middle school than high school, but they don’t feel safe and because of the bad behavior, they can’t teach,” he said. Teachers’ call for higher salaries and more resources comes as FBISD faces a budget deficit for the upcoming fiscal year of about $47 mil-

H RIDGE POINT FROM PAGE 1 Round Rock for the second time in program history. “The seniors were a special group. We really enjoyed going out to practice each day with this team,” Welch said. “Going to state their senior year will be a lifelong memory. Many guys on this team will still be (the) best of friends 40 years from now – the bond doesn't go away.” Ridge Point struggled to find traction all game against Southlake Carroll starter Griffin Herring, who is committed to LSU and Welch said had not allowed a run in his previous 55 innings. The Panthers mustered just five total hits and weren’t able to

H ENTREPRENEUR FROM PAGE 1 to turn it into a business, he said. And Fort Bend County is central to his plans, he said. “Fort Bend County is full of families with high average incomes, high education attainment and an entrepreneurial spirit,” Gow said. “Every day, there are people in Fort Bend County that are driving up to the Cannon’s location at I-10 and the Beltway. They’re leaving the county.” Houston Exponential will slowly ramp up programming in Fort Bend County in coming months, developing a calendar of events for those interested in startups to attend, he said. At its height, Houston Exponential will provide a bevy of resources and contacts needed to expand the county’s startup community.

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Wednesday, June 15, 2022 • PAGE

Teachers and other attendees speak at a protest last week in front of the Fort Bend ISD administration building, seeking higher wages and more security from the district. (Photo by Matt deGrood)

lion, according to budget documents. The district’s general fund is about $768 million, according to planning documents.

Despite that shortfall, Macal said she thought some bad programming could be eliminated to find funding to give teachers bigger salaries.

“We can’t drop the ball,” she said. “It’s important to pay teachers so the good ones stay.”

push a run across until the seventh inning in their final at-bat of the season thanks to an RBI double by junior first baseman Travis Vlasek, who had two hits in the game. Vlasek was named to the all-tournament team for his performance in the game. Kellen Gradisar led the Panthers on the mound with five strikeouts in five innings of work. “We were going to have to hold them to one or less runs to win,” Welch said. ”He beat us.” And though they fell short of the ultimate goal of winning a state championship, Welch knows that making it to Round Rock is nothing to sneeze at – especially coming out of Region III. Ridge Point took out top-ranked Katy

Tompkins in the regional quarterfinals on their way to a Region III-6A crown, as well as defending regional champion Strake Jesuit en route to a final record of 35-6. What’s more, the Panthers look to be set for another run next season. They will likely return starting pitchers Kellen Gradisar and Jack McKernan as well as catcher JJ Kennett – who has given a verbal commitment to Dallas Baptist University – and Vlasek. “Winning our region and getting to state is a tough, challenging endeavor,” Welch said. “Once you get there, winning state against three great teams is just as difficult. The coaches tip our caps to our players. It was an incred-

ible playoff run.” One of the indelible memories, Welch said, will be seeing his young men dogpile after clinching the trip to the state tournament and seeing the fruits of the work they had put in. Other than Vossos, who was on the 2019 team that made it to the Class 6A state final, no player on the roster had experienced the feeling of being among the state’s final four. They have now, Welch said, and he will never forget that scene. “Dreams, and lofty goals, can happen,” he said. “‘Get in and get hot’ is something they hear in this program. They certainly did that.”

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position available at Stamd Health Care Incorporated in Richmond, TX. Assist occupational therapists in providing occupational therapy treatments and procedures in the homes of patients; Select therapy activities to fit patients’ needs and capabilities; Monitor patients’ performance in therapy activities, providing encouragement; Instruct, or assist in instructing, patients and families in home programs, basic living skills, or the care and use of adaptive equipment; Maintain and promote a positive attitude toward clients and their treatment programs; Observe and record patients’ progress, attitudes, and behavior and maintain this information in client records. Req. a minimum of an Associate Degree in Occupational Therapy Assistant (Foreign Diploma OK) and a current Texas State Occupational Therapy Assistant License. Send Resume to 20642 Garden Ridge Canyon, Richmond, TX 77407 (Jobsite).

LEGALS Application has been made with the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission for a MB: Mixed Beverage permit: ROMA RESTAURANT GROUP,LLC dba Alex’s Kitchen,to be located at 2601 Cartwright Rd. Ste. E, Missouri City, TX 77459, Fort Bend County. Member Arturo Rodriguez

ADVERTISEMENT TO BIDDERS Sealed bids, in duplicate, addressed to Fort Bend County M.U.D. No. 26, Randy/Dee Park, Single Wythe Brick North Boundary Wall. Bids will be received at Quail Valley Utility District Office at 3134 Cartwright Rd. Missouri City, TX. 77459 by 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, June 28th, 2022, and then publicly opened and read aloud. Plans and specifications may be purchased at One Hundred fifty dollars ($150.00) or may be sent by email, at no charge, by contacting rachelrock81@gmail.com cc. sweitzer.assoc@gmail.com, 281.813.8641. A cashier’s check or bid bond in the amount of 5% of the total amount of the bid must accompany each bid. The District reserves the right to reject any or all bids and to waive all defects and irregularities in bidding or bidding process except the time of submitting a bid. The successful bidder, if any, will be the responsible bidder which in the Board’s judgment will be the most advantageous to the District and result in the best and most economical completion of the project.

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NOTICE TO BIDDERS Sugar Land Regional Airport TxDOT Solicitation No.: NTB2212SUGAR00013 A “Notice to Bidders” is issued for construction of airport improvements at Sugar Land Regional Airport for: Parallel Taxiway Relocation – Project 5. Sealed bids need to be addressed and delivered to Mrs. Elizabeth Rosenbaum, Director of Aviation, 12888-B Hwy. 6 South, Sugar Land, Texas 77498. Bids will be received until 2:00 PM, July 20, 2022, then publicly opened and read. Any bid received after closing time will be returned unopened. Bidders may print free plan sets from Plans Online http://www. txdot.gov/inside-txdot/division/support/plans-online.html. Or bidders may buy plan sets from the Reproduction companies listed on the website. Questions concerning specifications and plans should be directed to, Nathan Mikell, P.E. or Craig Clairmont, P.E. at (281) 494-3252. Visit the Aviation website http://www.txdot.gov/inside-txdot/ division/aviation/projects.html or call Mirelda Cavazos, TxDOT, Aviation, at 512-416-4520 for bid information.

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PAGE 8 • Wednesday, June 16, 2022

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Review: Service, affordability illustrate Café Goo Goo Yen’s local popularity By Matt deGrood

LKUHLMANN@FORTBENDSTAR.COM

The Kung Pao chicken at Café Goo Goo Yen was a solid choice during a recent visit, being both filling and reasonably-priced. (Photo by Matt deGrood)

one day. It just wasn’t my place. That being said, I have a hard time finding much fault with the restaurant. While eating my food, I overheard a conversation between a difficult customer and an employee. The customer kept calling the employee over (who was busy with the lunch rush) and asking for different items and making other timeconsuming requests that could have been asked for all at once. The exchange was enough to irk even me,

someone with no direct stake in it, but the employee was an exercise in class and grace. “Yes, right away,” was about the only response I heard. And the employee greeted each request with a smile. Furthermore, there aren’t too many places around these days where one can enjoy a filling meal – complete with soup, a spring roll, rice and an entrée- for less than $9. That sort of deal combined with exceptional service means Café Goo Goo Yen is no

place to sniff at.

Café Goo Goo Yen

Address: 1730 Williams Trace Blvd., Suite L Hours: 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday-Friday; 11:30 a.m.-9 p.m. SaturdaySunday Entrée prices: $8.85$15.25 Kid-friendly: Yes Senior discount: No Healthy options: Spicy eggplant ($10) Star of the show: Kung Pao chicken Rating:

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CALENDAR JUNE 16 LIBRARY’S ONLINE PODCAST CLUB FOCUSES ON ANIMAL MINDS IN JUNE T h e n e x t m e e ti n g o f th e U n i v e r s i ty B r an c h L i b r ar y’ s O n l i n e P o d c as t C l u b w i l l b e T h u r s d ay, J u n e 1 6 , b e g i n n i n g at 6 p . m . T h e th e m e f o r th e m o n th i s “ A n i m al M i n d s . ” A l i n k to th e W e b e x m e e ti n g w i l l b e e m ai l e d to al l w h o r e g i s te r . T o r e g i s te r o n l i n e at th e l i b r ar y’ s w e b s i te ( w w w . f o r tb e n d . l i b . tx . u s ) , c l i c k o n “ C l as s e s & E v e n ts , ” s e l e c t “ V i r tu al Programs,” and ﬁnd the program. Participants may also r e g i s te r b y c al l i n g th e U n i v e r s i ty B r an c h L i b r ar y at 2 8 1 6 3 3 -5 1 0 0 . JUNE 16-22

LIBRARIES OFFER INTRODUCTORY HANDSON COMPUTER & TECHNOLOGY CLASSES Fort Bend County Libraries’ Adult Services staﬀ will present a v ar i e ty o f f r e e , i n tr o d u c to r y c o m p u te r c l as s e s th i s m o n th . T h e c l as s e s w i l l c o n s i s t o f a h an d s - o n i n tr o d u c ti o n to b as i c s k i l l s f o r p e o p l e w h o w o u l d l i k e to l e ar n m o r e ab o u t u s i n g th e s e c o m p u te r an d te c h n o l o g y p r o g r am s . T h e c l as s e s w i l l tak e p l ac e i n th e C o m p u te r L ab s o f th e l i b r ar i e s ; s e ati n g i s l i m i te d an d r e s e r v ati o n s ar e r e q u i r e d . M S W o r d 2 0 1 9 Su r v i v al B as i c s i s 1 0 : 3 0 a. m . T u e s d ay, J u n e 2 1 , at U n i v e r s i ty B r an c h L i b r ar y, 1 4 0 1 0 U n i v e r s i ty B l v d . , 2 8 1 6 3 3 - 5 1 0 0 . M S W o r d 2 0 1 0 : A d v an c e d i s 2 - 3 p . m . T u e s d ay, J u n e 2 1 , at Si e n n a B r an c h L i b r ar y, 8 4 1 1 Si e n n a Sp r i n g s B l v d . , 2 8 1 - 2 3 8 - 2 9 0 0 . M S W o r d : I n te r m e d i ate – T h u r s d ay, J u n e 1 6 , 6 : 3 0 p m . w i l l b e h e l d at th e Su g ar L an d B r an c h L i b r ar y, 5 5 0 E l d r i d g e , 2 8 1 - 2 3 8 - 2 1 4 0 . M S E x c e l 2 0 1 6 Su r v i v al B as i c s – T h u r s d ay, J u n e 1 6 , 1 0 : 3 0 - 1 1 : 3 0 a. m . , w i l l b e h e l d at th e M i s s o u r i C i ty B r an c h L i b r ar y, 1 5 3 0 T e x as P ar k w ay, 2 8 1 - 2 3 8 - 2 1 0 0 . M S P o w e r P o i n t 2 0 1 6 Su r v i v al B as i c s i s 7 p . m . W e d n e s d ay, J u n e 2 2 , at M i s s i o n B e n d L i b r ar y, 8 4 2 1 A d d i c k s C l o d i n e R o ad , 8 3 2 - 4 7 1 - 5 9 0 0 . JUNE 20 FORT BEND COUNTY LIBRARIES TO CLOSE IN OBSERVANCE OF JUNETEENTH A l l b r an c h e s o f F o r t B e n d C o u n ty L i b r ar i e s w i l l b e c l o s e d M o n d ay, J u n e 2 0 , i n o b s e r v an c e o f J u n e te e n th . R e g u l ar

eighth and ninth Texas location for Two Hands, which has dozens of locations in 19 states throughout the country, and its second and third locations in the Houston region. According to its website, Two Hands offers seven different types of Korean street-style corn dogs such as the Injeolmi Dog, which has bean powder and Two Hands’ sweet sauced caked on top of the traditional corn dog. For more information, visit their website at twohandsus. com Texas A&M AgriLife opens local vegetable garden education center The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service opened the Vegetable Garden Enhancement Project created by the Fort Bend County Master Gardeners on June 3 in Rosenberg, according to a news release. According to the release, the new vegetable garden project at 1402 Band Road was created to help “empower urban communities to use agriculture and conservation as a platform to promote education, sustainability and community,” as well as with inherent food needs. In addition to providing residents in need with food assistance, the release said the garden is used to teach both children and adults about growing food successfully in a home environment.

Email to jsazma@fortbendstar.com or mail to: Fort Bend Star, 14100 Southwest Frwy. Ste 230, Sugar Land, TX 77478

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ONGOING PEACE OFFERS SCHOOL-AGE PARENT ENGAGEMENT VIRTUAL SERIES J o i n “ P ar e n t E n g ag e m e n t Sc h o o l - A g e V i r tu al Se r i e s ” that P.E.A.C.E. (http://peacenurtureskids.org/) oﬀers at n o - c o s t to p ar e n ts o n T u e s d ays i n M ay to ad v an c e th e i r c h i l d r e n ’ s ac ad e m i c an d s c h o o l s u c c e s s an d n u r tu r e th e s o c i al - e m o ti o n al d e v e l o p m e n t o f te e n s . C al l 8 3 2 - 4 1 5 3 0 8 8 o r e m ai l : p p s 4 p e ac e @ yah o o . c o m . LITERACY COUNCIL OF FORT BEND COUNTY h an c e l i v e s an d s tr e n g th e n c o m m u n i ti e s b y te ac h i n g to r e ad . W e n e e d yo u r h e l p . L i te r ac y C o u n c i l i s l y r e c r u i ti n g V o l u n te e r T u to r s to p r o v i d e i n s tr u c ti o n g l i s h as a Se c o n d L an g u ag e ( E SL ) L e v e l s 0 - 5 , th r e e a w e e k . F o r m o r e i n f o r m ati o n , c al l 2 8 1 - 2 4 0 - 8 1 8 1 o r u r w e b s i te w w w . f tb e n d l i te r ac y. o r g

JAM WITH SAM J o i n Sam G r i c e T u e s d ay e v e n i n g s at 6 : 3 0 f o r a c as u al e v e n i n g o f m u s i c . W e p l ay a v ar i e ty o f m u s i c i n c l u d i n g b l u e g r as s , c o u n tr y, g o s p e l an d s o m e w e s te r n . W e r e q u e s t ac o u s ti c i n s tr u m e n ts o n l y p l e as e . W e w e l c o m e b o th p ar ti c i p an ts an d m u s i c l o v e r s w h o e n j o y l i s te n i n g to g o o d l i v e m u s i c . T h e r e ’ s n o c h ar g e an d w e w e l c o m e beginners and gladly offer gentle assistance. We meet at F i r s t P r e s b yte r i an C h u r c h , 5 0 2 E l d r i d g e R d , Su g ar L an d . P l e as e c al l Sam at 8 3 2 - 4 2 8 - 3 1 6 5 f o r f u r th e r i n f o r m ati o n . THURSDAY MORNING BIBLE STUDY FOR MEN Su g ar L an d F i r s t U n i te d M e th o d i s t C h u r c h , 4 3 1 E l d r i d g e Road offers a Thursday Morning Bible Study For Men. T h i s g r o u p i s o n g o i n g an d u s e s a v ar i e ty o f s tu d i e s throughout the year. The breakfast, coffee and donuts are f r e e . J o i n u s an y ti m e ! T h u r s d ays , 6 : 3 0 - 7 : 3 0 am i n W e s l e y

14090 S.W. Freeway Suite #200 Sugar Land, TX

(Direct)

Hall. Call the church oﬃce at 281-491-6041 or Mike Schoﬁeld at 281-217-5799 for more information. SUGAR LAND A m e r i c an L e g i o n F r e e m T h u r s d ay o f e v e r y m o n th Su g ar L an d , T e x as , at 7 : 0 P o s t h al l i s av ai l ab l e f o r 5 3 7 0 i f i n te r e s te d .

AMERICAN LEGION an P o s t 9 4 2 m e e ts th e f o u r th at th e P o s t f ac i l i ty, 3 1 1 U l r i c h , 0 P M . A l l v e te r an s ar e w e l c o m e . r e n tal f o r e v e n ts . C al l 7 1 3 - 5 5 3 -

GIVE A GIFT OF HOPE G i v e a G i f t o f H o p e o n e - ti m e o r m o n th l y. Y o u r h e l p p r o v i d e s ac c e s s to th e r ap i e s an d s e r v i c e s c h i l d r e n w i th au ti s m m i g h t o th e r w i s e g o w i th o u t. P l e as e c o n s i d e r H o p e F o r T h r e e i n yo u r E s tate , P l an n e d , o r Y e ar - E n d G i v i n g . R e g i s te r n o w , o r l e ar n m o r e ab o u t e x c i ti n g e v e n ts : w w w . h o p e f o r th r e e . o r g / e v e n ts DVD-BASED ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASS WITH NO HOMEWORK REQUIRED W e e k l y c l as s d e s i g n e d to h e l p yo u u n d e r s tan d an d ap p r e c i ate th e B i b l e b y g i v i n g yo u a b e tte r s e n s e o f th e l an d an d c u l tu r e f r o m w h i c h i t s p r an g . T h e c l as s m e e ts at 9 : 3 0 am e v e r y Su n d ay at F i r s t P r e s b yte r i an o f Su g ar L an d ( 5 0 2 E l d r i d g e R d . ) . F o r m o r e i n f o r m ati o n c al l 2 8 1 2 4 0 -3 1 9 5 EXCHANGE E X C H A N G E , A m e r i c a’ s Se r v i c e C l u b , al w ays w e l c o m e s g u e s ts an d i s i n s e ar c h o f n e w m e m b e r s ! V ar i o u s F o r t B e n d c l u b s e x i s t an d c an ac c o m m o d ate e ar l y m o r n i n g ( 7 a. m . ) , n o o n an d e v e n i n g m e e ti n g ti m e d e s i r e s . F o r m o r e i n f o , c o n tac t M i k e R e i c h e k , R e g i o n al V i c e P r e s i d e n t, 2 8 1 575-1145 or mike@reichekﬁnancial.com We would love to h av e yo u j o i n u s an d s e e w h at w e ar e al l ab o u t! MISSOURI CITY AARP M e e ts th e s e c o n d M o n d ay o f e v e at 2 7 0 1 C yp r e s s P o i n t D r . , M i s L u n c h , e d u c ati o n , an d e n te r tai n 5 0 i n v i te d . F o r m o r e i n f o r m ati o n 2 8 1 -4 9 9 -3 3 4 5 .

CHAPTER 3801 r y m o n th at 1 1 : 3 0 a. m . , s o u r i C i ty R e c C e n te r . m e n t. A l l s e n i o r s o v e r , c al l 7 1 3 - 8 5 9 - 5 9 2 0 o r

BECOME A FOSTER GRANDPARENT V o l u n te e r s ar e n e e d e d to b e a r o l e m o d e l , m e n to an d f r i e n d to c h i l d r e n w i th e x c e p ti o n al n e e d s i n th c o m m u n i ty. T r ai n i n g , m i l e ag e r e i m b u r s e m e n t, tax - f r e m o n th l y s ti p e n d i f e l i g i b l e . C al l to d ay to h e l p c h an g th e w o r l d , o n e c h i l d at a ti m e i n R o s e n b e r g . F o r m o r i n f o r m ati o n , c al l 2 8 1 - 3 4 4 - 3 5 1 5 .

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Shown is a selection of chicken and other options that will be available at Nando’s PERiPERi when it opens. The South African restaurant is planning to open a location in the Fort Bend County of Katy next spring. (Contributed photo)

and answer the “5 Ws” Who, What, When, Where, and Why.

l i b r ar y h o u r s w i l l r e s u m e o n T u e s d ay, J u n e 2 1 . T h e o n l i n e l i b r ar y i s al w ays o p e n at w w w . f o r tb e n d . l i b . tx . u s . F o r i n f o r m ati o n , c o n tac t th e l i b r ar y s ys te m ’ s C o m m u n i c ati o n s Oﬃce at 281-633-4734.

W e e n ad u l ts ac ti v e fo r E n h o u rs v is it o

A South African restaurant with locations all around the country is making its first foray into Texas next year, and one of the new locations will be in the northernmost part of the county. Nando’s PERi-PERi on Thursday announced its first new major market expansion in more than seven years, and one of its new locations will be in La Centerra in the Fort Bend County portion of Katy. The restaurant has plans to open the Katy location by the spring of 2023, according to the release, along with another one in Montrose shortly beforehand. The release said Nando’s marinates flame-grilled chicken in PERi-PERi – or African Bird’s Eye Chilli – sauce for at least 24 hours before grilling it over an open flame and basting it with PERi-PERi sauce to the customer’s preferred spice level. Nando’s has more than 50 locations nationwide as well as its flagship restaurant in Johannesburg, South Africa. The two Houston-area locations will be the restaurant’s first Texas spots. “Our authentic flavors were born in South Africa, but are built for Houston,” Nando’s CEO John Fisher said. “We can’t wait to welcome Nando’s newcomers and loyalists who have long lobbied for us to come to Texas and to this fast-growing city known for its incredible diversity and culinary scene.” For more information on Nando’s, visit its website at nandosperiperi.com. Korean street corn dogs coming to Sugar Land A Korean street corn dog restaurant is making plans to open multiple restaurants in Fort Bend County later this year. When they open, Two Hands restaurants at 3540 State Highway 6 and 13550 University Blvd. will be the

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EXPERIENCE COUNTS! 35+ YEARS SERVING FORT BEND COUNTY 281-243-2344 281.243.2300

South African restaurant coming to Katy By Landan Kuhlmann

MDEGROOD@FORTBENDSTAR.COM

Chinese food has become such a ubiquitous part of American life that it seems each of us has our “place” by which all other restaurants are judged. This is the cuisine’s biggest challenge and also its strength. I’d heard enough about Sugar Land’s Café Goo Goo Yen, 1730 Williams Trace Blvd. Suite L, during my time with the Fort Bend Star that I decided last week it was time for a visit. Upon my arrival, I was greeted by a dining room full of patrons who’d obviously frequented the place and a diligent staff quickly moving from table to table. I even remember an employee asking a visitor about their children – a conversation snippet that brought a smile to me. There’s quite a bit to love about the Sugar Land mainstay – from quick and efficient service to a clientele base that has been visiting for years. What keeps Café Goo Goo Yen from top ratings, however, is that its food wasn’t among the best Chinese food that I’ve had, at least during my visit. I ordered the Kung Pao chicken and it was tasty, filling and, with a lunch special costing a little more than $8, completely reasonable. But I didn’t leave the restaurant plotting my next visit. It was solid food and I suspect its convenient location near our office might mean that I’ll be back again

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