31 July 2005
Chronicle reports on HPD manpower shortage
The Chronicle's Anne Marie Kilday reported Friday on the graduation of 63 new officers from the Houston Police Academy:
After 26 weeks of intensive training, 63 new police officers were sworn in at graduation ceremonies from the Houston Police Academy on Friday night, a giant step for them and a small step toward reducing a serious staffing shortage in the department.
[snip]
The graduates will boost a police department that is struggling with a lack of officers.
The department currently employs 4,365 officers, compared with 5,384 officers in 1996. More recently, about 660 officers have retired since a 14 percent pay raise went into effect in April 2004. Many had been waiting to retire with the increased pension benefits the raise allowed.
Hurtt said earlier this week that it would take about five academy classes each year to return to 1996 staffing levels by 2009 or 2010.
It's good to see the Chronicle give some coverage to HPD's manpower shortage. Aside from KHOU-11, most major Houston media have been strangely silent about the problem, allowing Mayor White and his Council largely to ignore it.
It still needs to be more of a priority.
Posted by Kevin Whited @ 07/31/05 08:42 PM |
30 July 2005
New water playground opens at the Houston Zoo
The Houston Zoo has a new feature for children -- a water playground:
The Houston Zoo will debut its latest attraction for visitors on Saturday -- a water playground at the McGovern Children's Zoo designed in a coastal fishing village setting.
The new feature includes five pop jet fountains and three foaming fountains. A computer recirculates 800 gallons of chlorine-treated water through the fountains in a random pattern so visitors never know which fountain will spout next.
The water playground was a gift from The W.T. and Louise J. Moran Foundation and cost approximately $260,000.
From first-hand experience, I can tell you that children LOVE water playgrounds!
UPDATE: Brian Hill, Houston Zoo's Public Affairs Director, emails that there are a few bugs to be worked out and the water playground is not working right now. He said they hope to have it up and running again next week.
Posted by Anne Linehan @ 07/30/05 10:47 AM |
29 July 2005
MFAH to host baseball discussion
The Chronicle's David Barron alerts readers to what should be some interesting baseball talk Saturday morning:
Curt Smith, whose book Voices of Summer we discussed recently, is in town for a Saturday morning lecture in conjunction with the Baseball Hall of Fame exhibit at the Houston Museum of Fine Arts.
Smith will discuss baseball and broadcasting with Astros announcers Milo Hamilton and Larry Dierker and Chronicle columnist Richard Justice at 11 a.m. Saturday at Brown Auditorium in the museum's Caroline Wiess Law Building.
The discussion — unless Richard starts telling Earl Weaver stories, at which point it becomes a monologue — is free of charge with admission to the museum ($7 for adults, $3.50 for seniors, students with IDs and children age 6-18).
I guess I should just give up with regard to the "chummy" personal nature of so much Chronicle writing. Tomorrow's conversation ought to be interesting to baseball fans.
On a related note, the Astros announced today that Milo Hamilton will cut back on the broadcasts next season, and will broadcast home games only.
Posted by Kevin Whited @ 07/29/05 10:42 PM |
25 July 2005
Food and drink roundup (07-25-2005 edition)
We're finally going to get a food and drink roundup...rounded up.
Alison Cook heads to the boonies to give Santa Fe Flats New Mex Grille a try. That's a long way for a Midtowner to go for red chiles.
Robb Walsh tries Noé and revels in the "mind blowing"ness and complexity of the cuisine. I don't know. I am definitely NOT a sybarite (?).
Dai Huynh joins in the all-things Lakewood Church and tells us eateries local to the new location are gearing up for the tens of thousands of hungry after-church goers.
Ken Hoffman reaches out for Burger King's Tendercrisp Chicken Caesar Salad. Is it a sign of an impending apocalypse that Burger King has, what they call, a 2005 Salad Collection?
And Gracie Ochoa reviews Armadillo Palace.
World Class, all!! Enjoy!!
Posted by Callie Markantonis @ 07/25/05 10:49 PM |
23 July 2005
KHOU's Aqui profiles changing Freedmen's Town
KHOU-11's Reggie Aqui posts a story on Houston's Freedmen's District, which is rapidly losing its historic character because of redevelopment.
This isn't the main point of the story, but it caught my eye:
The city refurbished several shotgun homes in the old style. "They look so great you wouldn't know they are historic, which is kind of a loss too," Litke says.
And they've kept the skinny, crowded streets the founders built.
A number of Houston neighborhoods -- particularly the ones that have historically been economically depressed -- suffer from skinny streets and inadequate city infrastructure. Rather than thinking of it as a charming feature, I've always regarded it as a dereliction of responsibility on the part of the city.
Opinions vary, I suppose.
Posted by Kevin Whited @ 07/23/05 01:49 PM |
18 July 2005
Food and drink roundup (07-18-2005 edition)
What better way to kick off a Monday morning than with a food and drink roundup.
Alison Cook takes in sushi and robata at downtown's version of Azuma and finds the sushi better than the robata.
Robb Walsh roadtrips to Galveston to try Clary's Seafood Restaurant. He's making my roadtrip list longer and longer.
Peggy Grodinsky wants me to trade in my Diet Cherry Vanilla Dr. Pepper for milk lemonade. Well, not really, but some of the drink ideas are about that...unusual.
Dai Huynh searches high and low for the perfect milk shake and malt. The mentioned 59 Diner on Shepherd gets my vote.
Ken Hoffman reaches out for Taco Bell's new and allegedly "mess-free" Crunchwrap Supreme.
Scott Walker devotes a blog post to Ernie's on Banks.
And Joey Guerra checks out the hip pretty people at downtown's Shadow Bar.
World class all, enjoy!!
Posted by Callie Markantonis @ 07/18/05 09:06 AM |
10 July 2005
Texas Medical Center hospitals rank highly in US News survey
The annual US News and World Report survey of "America's Best Hospitals" has been released, and once again Houston and the Texas Medical Center are well represented.
Tom Kirkendall has the details.
The Houston Business Journal and the Chronicle also have coverage.
Posted by Kevin Whited @ 07/10/05 09:35 PM |
DMN previews new Lakewood Church
Bruce Nichols, the Dallas Morning News' man in Houston, has a sneak preview of the new Lakewood Church and its enthusiastic leader:
Besides prominence and easy access, the remodeled facility will feature the latest bells and whistles for a 21st-century ministry. There are interactive areas for children and youth. The pulpit area is bracketed by eye-catching indoor waterfalls (offering ideal angles for TV cameras). The 11-piece band will have room to grow in an orchestra pit that can be raised and lowered hydraulically.
"We wanted to break everyone's mind-set that it was still a basketball arena," said architect Pete Ed Garrett, who has done work for Disney and Universal Studios theme parks.
The rest of the profile is here.
RELATED COVERAGE: Houston Chronicle.
Posted by Kevin Whited @ 07/10/05 09:20 PM |
08 July 2005
Food and drink roundup (07-08-2005 edition)
It's time for another food and drink roundup.
Last week Alison Cook tried and liked the barbecue at Pizzitola's Bar-B-Cue. In this week's more whimsical offering, Alison thinks this Greek girl needs convincing that figs are fabulous things. I don't need much convincing after sampling quite a few today in my mom's backyard.
Robb Walsh tried the buffet at Cafe Monsoon Wine and Curry Grill last week and found some funky Indian fusion dishes. This week he tackles Terlingua Texas Border Cafe, and some of the bH crew get to learn the history of one of their favorite restaurants, Cyclone Anaya's.
Last week Dai Huynh addressed the all too important issue of restaurant lighting. This week Houston's nods to the Indo-Chinese fusion trend has her attention.
Ken Hoffman does the orange-glow fingertip-drill with his review of the new and improved Doritos Nacho Cheesier flavored tortilla chips. You don't need to be a dictator to love this snack.
World class, all of it! Enjoy!
Posted by Callie Markantonis @ 07/08/05 11:16 AM |
07 July 2005
Murphy gone; Bullard and Drexler to work Rockets' broadcasts
The Houston Business Journal reports that Calvin Murphy will not be returning to Houston Rockets television broadcasts this fall. Murphy had taken a leave from the broadcast team in 2004 to handle a personal scandal.
Instead, Clyde Drexler will be the color analyst for home games, and Matt Bullard will handle road games. Longtime announcer Bill Worrell remains the play-by-play man.
Posted by Kevin Whited @ 07/07/05 08:54 PM |
06 July 2005
Downtown jaywalking revenue stream targets Astros parking
Rich Connelly reports that jaywalkers aren't the only target of Mayor White's "downtown mobility" revenue stream:
The Houston police crackdown on jaywalkers is creating some collateral damage on private enterprise. Specifically, that living laboratory of capitalism that is Astros parking.
Supply and demand doesn't get demonstrated much more clearly than by the guys with signs waving you into private parking lots near Minute Maid Park. Across the street from the stadium? Twenty bucks. A block away? Fifteen. And so on.
But Houston police have been handing out tickets to those guys with the signs. Todd Clampffer got hit with one recently. "Cops are at that intersection every single game," he says. "Nobody ever said anything, and then one cop decides to write me a ticket for it."
HPD spokesman Alvin Wright says signs in the street can block traffic. Handing out tickets to parking attendants is part of the overall "mobility initiative" that is targeting jaywalking and bike-riding on downtown sidewalks.
Just wait until Mayor White sends the sign enforcement guy out to ticket them for not having permits!
Posted by Kevin Whited @ 07/06/05 09:53 PM |
29 June 2005
Biggio hit for 268th time, sets modern record
Tom Kirkendall calls our attention to the news that Astros second basemen Craig Biggio was hit by a pitch for the 268th time today, passing Don Baylor to claim the modern Major League record.
It's not entirely clear if congratulations are in order, but the crew at Plunk Biggio reacted with enthusiasm, and apparently got some attention from ESPN earlier.
Posted by Kevin Whited @ 06/29/05 04:57 PM |
26 June 2005
Food and drink roundup (06-26-2005 edition)
It's ten o'clock on a Sunday night, and what better time to read about food. That's right, we have a food and drink roundup about to happen.
Alison Cook checks out Vieng Thai and deems what she finds "authentic Thai cookery."
Robb Walsh tries Soul on the Bayeaux. Who knew that little place we pass on the way to U. of H. games might actually be good? My favorite part of his review:
The menu at Soul on the Bayeaux describes the place as a "Cajun Soulfood Restaurant." It also says "We zydeco everyday!" and "N'awlins cooking at its best." No doubt this mixed bag of cultural catchwords is going to get people riled up. They'll write letters explaining that there aren't any Cajuns in New Orleans and I need to take a trip to Opelousas or Mamou or somewhere.I'm used to it. Every time I write about Houston restaurants serving food from Louisiana, somebody sends a letter to the editor calling me an idiot. I don't mind -- really. Because the truth is, people in Louisiana don't agree on this stuff either. And they call each other idiots all the time. It sort of makes me feel like part of the family.
Ok, Robb.
Peggy Grodinsky sits in on a Dorothy Huang cooking class.
Dai Huynh sets out in search of flan.
Ken Hoffman makes me purchase a liter bottle of the new Coke Zero. I don't know. I must still have the old Pepsi One on the brain.
And finally, Joey Guerra likes the new digs for Guava Lamp.
World class, all of it. Enjoy!!
Posted by Callie Markantonis @ 06/26/05 10:39 PM |
19 June 2005
Food and drink roundup (06-19-2005 edition)
It's a little late, but here is this week's food and drink roundup.
Robb Walsh tries Arcodoro Ristorante Italiano in the Galleria area and leaves us with a primer on Sardinian cuisine.
Peggy Grodinsky heads way south of town to the George Ranch in Richmond with foodie, author, and historian Betty Fussell to sample some beefsteak from the working ranch.
Nicki Britton reports on the growing trend of BYOB establishments in the Houston area, and lists a few of the restaurants that don't mind if you bring along your own bottle.
Ken Hoffman tries Long John Silver's Clams Coastal Combo, and from his review, I learn that there's such a think as crumblies, and that they have a cult following.
Allison Wollam and Margaret Allen with the Houston Business Journal report that Cafe Express is experiencing financial trouble since being acquired by Wendy's.
And finally, Gracie Ochoa visits huge Latin club Planeta Bar-Rio.
World class, all of it. Enjoy!!
Posted by Callie Markantonis @ 06/19/05 11:14 PM |
17 June 2005
Alleged MS-13 member arrested in Houston area
The AP reports that federal officials have arrested two alleged members of the MS-13 gang, one in Harris County:
U.S. immigration authorities arrested two members of a Central America-based gang in Texas this week as part of a nationwide crackdown.
The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement office in Houston announced Friday that Mario Del Carmen Umanzor, a Salvadoran, was arrested by border patrol agents near the border checkpoint in Sarita, Texas, on Monday. Hary Alberto Duran-Lanza, a Honduran, was arrested Thursday in Harris County, which includes Houston.
Both are members of the violent Mara Salvatrucha gang, or MS-13, which is rooted in Central America. More than 300 members have been arrested nationwide since Operation Community Shield was launched in March.
ICE said in a statement that Umanzor was convicted of cocaine possession in 2003 in Virginia and was deported after serving 16 months in prison. He also told authorities he has been arrested multiple times in El Salvador, once for possessing a live grenade.
ICE said Umanzor is charged with illegally re-entering the United States and faces up to 20 years in prison.
Duran-Lanza, who has been arrested on charges including burglary, theft and evading arrest, will be deported, ICE said.
That MS-13 is an extremely dangerous gang that engages in drug trafficking is underscored by Umanzor's rap sheet.
Thankfully, MayorWhiteChiefHurtt have ensured that downtown crosswalks will be safe from deadly gang activities this month. Maybe next month, they can focus on the rest of the city.
RELATED COVERAGE: 2 alleged MS-13 members arrested, 1 from Harris County (KHOU-11), Up close: Life is tough in the 'Gulfton Ghetto' (Dave Fehling, KHOU-11).
Posted by Kevin Whited @ 06/17/05 11:57 PM |
10 June 2005
Armed robbers hit Galleria-area pharmacy
Remember that useful report by KPRC-2 that broke down HPD response times by police beat?
Here's a refresher on some key information:
The difference [in response times] comes from HPD having to compensate for a lack of manpower. The bulk of officers are deployed to areas with the highest crime, but that means neighborhoods with traditionally lower crime rates are left with fewer officers. That also means police take longer to respond to calls for help in these areas.
Criminals can figure out how HPD is deploying its resources.
Thus, when supposedly "low-crime" areas are left with fewer resources because of the manpower shortage that Mayor White and his Council continue to disregard, those areas may start to see some pretty brazen crimes:
Police are looking for robbery suspects Friday morning after they hit a pharmacy in southwest Houston.
The masked men were apparently armed with BB guns when they entered a CVS pharmacy on Richmond and Sage in southwest Houston.
The men allegedly made off with about $2,000 in cash,as well as some codeine and Prilosec.
None of the employees inside was hurt.
Richmond and Sage isn't some vague part of southwest Houston. Richmond and Sage is within walking distance of the Galleria (the city's finest shopping), not to mention the office where I work and the gym I use most of the time. It's not a part of town known for incidents of violent crime!
But criminals seem able to figure out when there's not enough of a police presence. Why is it so hard for our Mayor and his Council?
RELATED COVERAGE: KTRK-13.
Posted by Kevin Whited @ 06/10/05 07:59 PM |
Food and drink roundup (06-10-2005 edition)
The weekend is upon us, and it's time for a quick and easy (not to mention timely) food and drink roundup.
Alison Cook does tapas at Rioja Spanish Tapas...and does them...and does them.
Robb Walsh tries out Sichuan Cuisine and finds good things to report...while bad things find him. Regardless, the once-banned Sichuan peppercorn sounds intriguing.
Peggy Grodinsky knows it's blueberry time in these parts and relates a local farmer's story. She also includes links to other pick-your-own-blueberry farms.
Ken Hoffman gives KFC's Boneless Blazin' Buffalo Wings a try in this week's Drive-Thru Gourmet.
And Gracie Ochoa likes Midtown's EscoBar.
World class, all of it. Enjoy!!
Posted by Callie Markantonis @ 06/10/05 12:06 PM |
07 June 2005
New Mexican restaurant to open along rail line
The Houston Business Journal reports that downtown is finally seeing some restaurant development along the rail line:
Three entrepreneurs that formed a company last month to open and operate bars and restaurants in the Central Business District have signed their first deal.
Joe Martin, John Zotos and Jeffrey Yarbrough have leased the space at 416 Main Street, formerly home to Saba Blue Water Cafe, and are in the process of renovating the 3,600-square-foot location. It will reopen as a yet-unnamed Mexican restaurant.
This will be the first new restaurant along Main Street since the Downtown Entertainment District opened in October 2003.
Martin, Zotos and Yarbrough are planning to bring at least three new venues to downtown.
Posted by Kevin Whited @ 06/07/05 09:58 PM |
05 June 2005
Lord of the Rings exhibit opens
The Lord of the Rings exhibition opened at the Houston Museum of Natural Science this weekend.
The stop in Houston is one of only three for the exhibit in the United States. The exhibit will run through August 28.
RELATED COVERAGE: Isolated Desolation, The Lure of the Rings (Louis B. Parks, Chronicle), One true exhibit unites Ring fans (Louis B. Parks, Chronicle),
Posted by Kevin Whited @ 06/05/05 08:47 PM |
03 June 2005
Hot doughnuts now
Keeping the theme of free eats going, Krispy Kreme wants us to Celebrate Doughnut Day today. Participating Krispy Kreme retail stores will give away one free doughnut of any variety today.
Posted by Callie Markantonis @ 06/03/05 10:09 AM |
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