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Posts published in September 2020

Some Aldine students return for In-Person classes

September 29, 2020
Aldine ISD Superintendent Dr. LaTonya M. Goffney visits with a pre-kindergarten student at Magrill Primary School during the first day on in-person learning in AISD on Monday, Sept. 21.

ALDINE – Aldine ISD Superintendent Dr. LaTonya M. Goffney toured five campuses as a group of students returned to in-person instruction on Monday, Sept. 21.

Dr. Goffney made her first stop at Davis High School where she was greeted by the school’s drum corps, which performed for her and other onlookers.

“Thank you for waking us up,” Dr. Goffney said to the percussionists. “How are you all feeling? I hope you are all cautiously optimistic. I can’t wait to see you all perform during the year.”

She then toured a number of classrooms along with Davis High Principal Anthony Watkins.

Dr. Goffney’s next stop was to Hambrick Middle School where she was greeted by the school’s new Principal Jose Almendarez. She also stopped by the cafeteria to visit with members of the school’s Child Nutrition and thanked them for their dedicated service to Hambrick’s students.

“Thank you all so much,” she sad. “You have been working so hard.”

HC Judge Hidalgo urges voters to register

September 29, 2020

Deadline is October 5

HOUSTON – Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo, along with Houston Rockets manager Doug Hall, and Harris County Clerk Chris Hollins, held a news conference last Friday to encourage residents to register to vote The deadline to register to vote is October 5 and early voting begins on October 13.

For the first time, Toyota Center will be an early voting site open to any registered voter in Harris County from October 13 to October 30. It will be open seven days a week from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday thru Saturday and Noon to 7 p.m. on Sundays. From October 27 to October 30, it will be open 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.

The home of the Rockets will also be an Election Day vote center. You can vote in person or drive-thru.

$10M Remains in Harris County Emergency Rental Assistance Program

September 29, 2020

Eligible Renters should apply immediately

The Harris County Emergency Rental Assistant Program, established by Commissioners Court earlier this summer to provide relief to those struggling from the economic impact of the pandemic, has $10M remaining in the fund.

“I implore all eligible residents to participate in this valuable program,” Commissioner Rodney Ellis said. “Taking advantage of these funds can mean the difference between having a place to stay and being homeless.”

Of the $40M approved by Commissioners Court earlier this summer, $10M remains in the Rental Assistance Program. There are 6,000 landlords with 13,000 different properties registered in the program that’s administered by BakerRipley. The application process will remain open until funds are expended.

2 women riding in Uber killed after chase on Jensen & Parker

September 29, 2020

HOUSTON – Two women riding in the back of an Uber are dead after police said a pursuit suspect crashed into the car they were in, going over 100 mph. Police said the driver they believe is responsible is now facing felony murder charges.

Officers said the crash happened at the intersection of Jensen and Parker around 11:30 Saturday night.

According to police, they were chasing a vehicle after a driver, who has been identified as 45-year-old Brian Okeith Tatum, reportedly ran a red light.

Police said the pursuit came to an end when Tatum crashed into an Uber driver in a silver Honda and killed the two women sitting in the back seats.

Hurricane relief sent to disaster areas

September 15, 2020
City of Houston Relief items assembled at G.R. Brown Convention Center prior to delivery.

City of Houston “Paying It Forward” Volunteers Deliver Hurricane Laura Supplies

HOUSTON – Help was sent for some East Texas residents who are working to rebuild their communities after the devastation caused by Hurricane Laura. Volunteers spent last Friday collecting and packaging supplies that Houstonians have generously donated to the Paying it Forward Hurricane Laura relief effort.

Saturday morning, A-Rocket Moving and Storage drivers left Houston and headed east to deliver more than two truck loads of diapers, nonperishable food, cleaning materials, bottled water, pet food and other supplies.

The trucks arrived by 8 a.m. and staged at the West OrangeStark Middle School, located at 1402 Green Ave., Orange, TX 77630.

“I am proud that Houstonians have opened their hearts and wallets to help our neighbors recover from Hurricane Laura,” said Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner. “Our city will never forget the help that poured into Houston after Hurricane Harvey. We will continue to pay forward the volunteerism and generosity with every chance we get.”

Education Foundation names new head Director

September 15, 2020
LINDA FLORES OLSON

Linda Flores Olson to head Aldine Education Foundation

Linda Flores Olson has joined Aldine ISD as Director of the Aldine Education Foundation.

Mrs. Olson brings 34 years of nonprofit managerial experience to her new role.

“We are super excited to have Linda join our team and lead our Aldine Education Foundation,” said Aldine ISD Superintendent Dr. LaTonya M. Goffney. “Linda brings a wealth of experience to her new position and I am confident she will serve as a strong leader and bring fresh ideas to the Foundation.”

Mrs. Olson comes to Aldine after serving as the Development Director of the Houston Community College Foundation. She has also served as Chief Executive Officer/Executive Director of the Wesley Community Center, as Executive Director of the Houston Hispanic Forum, as Deputy Director of Children At Risk, as Director of Development of Houston PBS, as Director of Major Goals & Planning for Houston PBS, as Director of Corporate Affairs of the Alley Theater, and as Manager of Member Services for the Greater Houston Partnership.

Aldine ISD celebrates Hispanic Heritage month

September 15, 2020

National Hispanic Heritage Month celebrates a diverse group of people. They trace their roots to Spain and other Spanish-speaking countries in North America, Central America, South America, and the Caribbean.

Of the district’s nearly 70,000 students, more than 73 percent are Hispanic. They represent many Spanish-speaking countries.

By the Numbers:

Public input by ZOOM meeting for Pct 2 Parks & Trails Comprehensive Plan

September 15, 2020
A map of Precinct 2 shows the extent of population density, and location of parks as indicated by colored dots.

Harris County Pct. 2 Commissioner Adrian Garcia held a Zoom meeting last Monday night, to get the public’s input and ideas on how to develop a Comprehensive Plan for Parks and Trails in Precinct 2.

About 100 persons participated in the session, which lasted about an hour, exceeding the time planned because of the enthusiasm of the callers and the commissioner.

Adrian Garcia said that he wants Pct. 2 to have a reputation for outstanding parks, that attract people and publicity, and where people can have a good time. He noted that good parks also increase property values.

Garcia revealed that he has an experienced architectural landscape and urban planning firm working on the project. This is Asakura Robinson, headed by Keiji Asakura.

Also participating in the Zoom meeting and the planning for the parks are representatives from Pct. 2 and also the Harris County engineering department. Another consultant is Jose Eduardo Sanchez, a community engagement specialist.