Observer The Bay Area
VOLUME 9, NO. 02 • THURSDAY, JANUARY 11, 2018 • COMMUNITY NEWS FOR LA PORTE, MORGAN’S POINT, SHOREACRES, SEABROOK & THE GALVESTON BAY AREA
The Texas coastline is slowly disappearing Here’s how one community is coping The Lone Star State’s shoreline is experiencing one of the highest rates of land loss of any coastal area in the country thanks to a combination of subsidence, sea level rise and storm surges.
A new clay berm built to encourage sand dunes along the beach in McFaddin Wildlife Refuge near Port Arthur on Monday, Dec. 11, 2017. Photo by Michael Stravato for The Texas Tribune By Shannon Najmabadi Texas Tribune
The banana water lilies that once filled Jefferson County’s Salt Bayou marsh started dying off years ago. The aquatic plants, with their elegant white and yellow blooms, used to pepper the 139,000-acre wetland in Southeast Texas – a hub for wildlife, boaters and commercial fisheries. Their disappearance has been linked to the development of a shipping channel that hampered the flow of freshwater into the marsh. But scientists say it’s also the symptom of a problem that haunts the entire Texas coast: The shoreline is eroding.
Subsidence, sea level rise and storm surges have all contributed to significant land loss, averaging 4 feet per year along the state’s coastline, according to the Texas General Land Office. In some places, more than 30 feet of shoreline disappears underwater annually. The result? Ecologically-sensitive areas near the coast, like the Salt Bayou marsh, are more prone to inundation by seawater, which kills off saltsensitive aquatic plants and animals. With less space between sea and shore, it can also make neighborhoods and industry more vulner-
able to hurricane storm surges. Todd Merendino, a manager at the conservationfocused group Ducks Unlimited, said sand dunes used to line the shore near the Salt Bayou marsh, forming a crucial buffer between the Gulf of Mexico and the millions of dollars’ worth of industrial infrastructure that lie inland. The dunes are “all gone now,” he said. “One day, you wake up and you go, ‘Wow, we got a problem,’” Merendino said. “And it’s not just an isolated problem where one swing of the hammer is going to fix it.” The problem has inspired a coalition of strange bedfellows in Jefferson County.
Local leaders, environmental activists and industry representatives are working together to execute a variety of projects — some bankrolled by BP oil spill settlement funds — to rehabilitate the marsh and protect the area’s industrial complex. One initiative undertaken is the construction of a temporary 20-mile berm along the marsh’s coastal perimeter on a stretch of the beach there called McFaddin. The plan is to dredge sand from the ocean bottom about a mile and a half offshore and spread it over the clay berm. Vegetation will be grown on top of it to provide a habitat for migratory birds. And the plants’ roots will make the dunes more resistant to erosion. The project is crucial to protecting both the environment and industry, said Jefferson County Judge Jeff Branick. The county “is home to some of the most critical energy resources in the United States. We provide a significant portion of [the country’s] gasoline, diesel fuel, and a majority of it’s commercial and military aviation fuel,” Branick said. The coastal system is “too important for us not to do something to protect.” While still underway, there’s already one big sign the group’s efforts are paying off: The return of freshwater plants like the banana water lilies, which reappeared in the Salt Bayou marsh last summer. See “Texas Coastline” on page 4
Christmas parade winners recognized
Shown left to right are Parks and Recreation Director Rosalyn Epting with Houston Yacht Club representative and Mayor Louis Rigby. Photo by Rebecca Collins
Shown left to right are Parks and Recreation Director Rosalyn Epting with San Jacinto College representative and Mayor Louis Rigby. Photo by Rebecca Collins
On Monday La Porte City Council and Mayor Louis Rigby recognized the winners of the December 8th Annual Lighted Christmas parade. The winners for the four categories were: Best Business: The Houston Yacht Club, Best Organization: La Porte 4-H Club, Best School: San Jacinto College and Best in Show: San Jacinto College.
Shoreacres takes no action to appoint acting city manager Shoreacres took no action on Monday in regard to the appointment of an acting city manager. The appointment would have been active until a full-time candidate is appointed. A motion was made to not approve the item but died for lack of a second. The current city manager David Stall will be retiring at the end of the month and has hired Buck Laquey to serve as assistant city manager. Laquey has previously served as finance director for the City of Elgin, and will start his posi-
tion on January 15. He will be operating under a contract through Texas First Group, a firm that provides interim management services for Texas municipalities. Stall said that after his departure, Laquey would become interim city manager. Council took no action on the issue of coyotes and the discussion was moved to the newt council meeting. All members were present.
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Aggravated Assault with a weapon filed on Houston Man
Cesar Guillermo Lerma-Sanchez 08/20/1985 Submitted by LPPD
In the late evening hours, Thursday January 4th, 2018 La Porte Police Department (LPPD) Patrol Officers were dispatched to the 400 block of South 7th Street, La Porte, Texas for a report of a disturbance with gunshots being fired. When officers arrived the victim, still shaken from the incident, told officers the suspect fled
La Porte Orders Election for May 5, 2018 By Rebecca Collins editor@bayareaobserver.com
La Porte City Council voted unanimously on Monday to order an election for May 5 to elect two council positions and the mayor. Filing for the election officially begins on January 17 and continues through February 16. Mayor Louis Rigby, District 2 Council Member Chuck Engelken and District 3 Council Member Daryl Leonard all have terms expiring in May. Coouncil also adopted an ordinance ordering a special election for voters to consider the proposition: The reauthorization of the local sales and use tax in the City at a rate of one-fourth of one percent to continue providing revenue for maintenance and repair of municipal streets. The general election is being held jointly with the La Porte Independent School District. Council awarded a $95,922 contract to Cobb Fendley and Associates, Inc. for design and construction phase services for the Spencer Highway Fence and Sidewalk Project. The project consists of design and constructing an eight foot precast concrete fence along the south side of Spencer Highway from Farrington to Myrtle Creek and along the north side from Farrington to Valleybrook. The proposed sidewalk will extend from Farrington to Underwood Road. At the September 26, 2016 meeting Council approved the addition of a decorative screening fencing/wall along Spencer Highway from Farrington to Myrtle Creek into to FY17 Economic Development Fund budget. Funding was allocated over two fiscal years with construction to take place fiscal year 17-18. A contract was renewed between La Porte EMS and the Association of Bayport Companies, Inc. for the provision of emergency medical services to member companies located within the Bayport Industrial District. Under the contract, the city’s EMS department will provide emergency medical services to member companies within the district at a rate of $29.37 per employee, per year, an increase of $1.94 over the previous contract. The new contract is for a term of 3 years. Companies that do not participate in the contract will be assessed a $5,000 per response non-member fee. All items under the consent agenda were approved by unanimous vote. All members present.
4th Annual Mardi Gras on Main Join us for the 4th Annual Mardi Gras on Main in historic downtown La Porte! This year’s event will again feature the best craft beer garden in the area, live music by the Mambo Jazz Kings, stilt walkers, face painters, the King & Queen, and much more. NEW! March to Mardi Gras: Umbrella Parade will kick-off the festivities. Get out your glue guns and feathers and let’s see what team has the best umbrellas. Saturday, February 17, 2018 • 4:00 pm - 9:00 pm Five Points Park 201 S. Broadway • La Porte, TX Follow Bay Area Observer On
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the scene. Officers quickly secured the immediate area and captured the suspect a short time later. The suspect, Cesar Guillermo Lerma-Sanchez of Houston Texas, arrived in the 400 block of South 7th Street, reportedly intoxicated and upset over a relationship issue. While in the area, he was approached by the victim, at which time, the suspect reportedly discharged a handgun in the air and then pointed the weapon at the victim. The victim, fearing for their life, called 911. After threatening the victim, the suspect fled the scene and was captured by LPPD Patrol Officers a short distance from the assault location, where he was arrested for suspicion of aggravated assault with a firearm. LPPD contacted the Harris County District Attorney’s Office, who accepted the charge of Aggravated Assault with a Firearm. Lerma-Sanchez is being held by LPPD awaiting bond and subsequent transfer to the Harris County Jail.
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INDEX Community...........................2 Local.....................................3 Texas.....................................4 Arts & Entertainment..........5 On The Water.......................6 Classifieds............................7 In the Garden.......................8
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THE BAY AREA OBSERVER
THURSDAY, JANUARY 11, 2018
COMMUNITY
PETS OF THE WEEK City of La Porte
Galveston/Mainland Boots and Hearts Dance & Auction 2018
FOR MORE INFO: Lisa Brown 281.786.9518 lbrown@texasmolecular.com The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo is a Section 501(c)3 charitable organization. The amount of the contribution that may be deductible for federal income tax purposes is the excess value contributed by the donor over the value of the goods or services received. Consult your tax professional for more information/eligibility.
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Program and Celebration
Saturday, February 17, 2018 6:00 pm - 10:00 pm Bay Area Community Center 5002 E NASA Pkwy • Seabrook, TX Sponsored By Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo
Everyone is invited to the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. program and celebration on Sunday, January 14th 2018 3:30 p.m. It will be held at the Jennie Riley Center 322 N. 4th Street. Eugene Bernard will be the keynote speaker. Admission is free. We will have a great program, good fellowship, and a delicious Soul Food Dinner. For information call Charlie Perry at 713-3989-8782 or Mary Gay at 281-471-3259.
Hometown Heroes Park Has Scheduled Bread of Life Food Pantry Dance Activities! Keynote Speaker Eugene Bernard
Introducing our Pets of the Week “Yoda” and “Obi.” These two wire terriers are photographed with Officer Norman. These boys were surrendered to the shelter together and would love to stay that way. However, this is not required. They are both males and two years old. Come visit them this week! The La Porte Animal Shelter is currently located at 10901 Spencer Highway, and is open Mon-Fri from 9AM-6PM and Saturday/Sunday from 9AM-3PM. 281-471-3810.
City of Seabrook
WEDNESDAYS: There is a free dance practice welcoming everyone from 1:00 to 3:30 pm weekly with Neva Schroder arranging the music to include all dance rhythms. It’s free, well attended and all levels of ability dance to a variety of music. We we encourage everyone to come with or without a partner. We use name tags to assist in getting acquainted. Candy is provided to keep the energy level up, plus ice water and coffee to keep dancers hydrated. DANCE LESSONS ARE AVAILABLE ON TUESDAYS AND THURSDAYS! TUESDAYS: There is beginner ballroom lessons taught by Eileen Bauerlein on Tuesdays from 12:30 to 1:30 at Hometown Heroes Park following the senior luncheon. THURSDAYS: Thursday’s from 12:30 to 1:30 following the senior luncheon, Lewis & Betty Whistler are teaching lessons in Two-Step, Triple Two-Step, West Coast Swing, Night Club Two Step and any dance Eileen is not teaching Tuesdays. In February, they will teach Triple Two-Step. In March they will teach the One Step Polka giving people broader options in dance. Volunteers provide these free opportunities to learn and to practice dance at Hometown Heroes Park . There are three Saturday night dances at Hometown Heroes Park. Everyone is welcome to come. Door fee is $8 or $10 depending upon which night. If questions regarding dances, call Neva at 417 838-2204 A required activity card is free to senior League City residents. Cost is $25 a year for non-resident seniors or a day pass is available. If questions about the activity card, call the City at 281-554-1180.
Bread of Life Food Pantry at First Baptist LaPorte, located at 310 South Broadway will have the next distribution day on Saturday, January 27. The hours are between 10:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. January is for RED clients and new clients only. New and returning clients MUST preregister between January 1 and January 25. Applications are available at the Food Pantry door. Phone # 281-471-7119.
MLK JR. Birthday Celebration Join us in the Teen Isle as we enjoy popcorn and a movie to celebrate the great Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday. Tuesday, January 16, 2018 • 4:15 pm - 6:00 pm Evelyn Meador Library 2400 N Meyer Ave • Seabrook, TX
BAYTOWN FARMERS MARKET The Baytown Farmer’s Market will take place from 8am12noon on the 3rd Saturday of each month from September to May at the all New Town Square located at 213 West Texas Avenue, Baytown TX 77520.
Saturday, January 20, 2018 • 8:00 am - 12:00 pm BAYTOWN TOWN SQUARE 213 TEXAS AVENUE • Baytown, TX FREE- ALL WELCOME
PIT BULL TERRIER This boy is super happy and loves everyone! He appears to be approximately 2 years old. He was found as a stray, so his previous history is unknown, but he seems to do well with children and other dogs. We are not sure how he behaves around cats. $25 ADOPTION FEE~MUST GET RABIES SHOT AND SPAY/NEUTER WITHIN 45 DAYS OF ADOPTION. CALL 281-291-5644 IF NO ANSWER LEAVE MESSAGE RESCUES CAN FAX 501C TO 281-291-5620
A New Dawn Pet Adoption
COLBY
This picture of Colby was taken when he was a younger puppy. Today Colby is a happy 8-pound, 3½ month old little guy who loves and delights everyone he meets. He is curly, soft, beautiful, frisky, and loves playing with his puppy friends. Colby can now be adopted with a puppy contract that requires he be brought to A New Dawn at the appropriate time to be neutered. He will be neutered, microchipped and current on the remaining vaccinations before the adoption can become finalized. Come visit Colby soon; he will steal your heart. A New Dawn Pet Adoption, 202 W. San Augustine, Deer Park. I will be watching for you! www.anewdawnpetadoption.org email:newdawnpetadoption@att.net Facebook @NewDawnPetAdoption
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Observer The Bay Area
Rebecca Collins Editor & Publisher
Carolyn Collins Associate Editor
Mike Shannahan Contributing Columnist
Christopher Trahan Contributing Photographer
Jean West Contributing Columnist
THE BAY AREA OBSERVER Vol. 9, Issue 02, JANUARY 11, 2018 is published weekly for $30 per year by The Bay Area Observer., P.O. Box 82, La Porte, Texas 77572 Periodicals Postage Permit USPS 11650 at La Porte, TX., and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to THE BAY AREA OBSERVER, P.O. Box 82, La Porte, Texas 77572.
Phone: 281-907-3140 • Fax: 866-596-8973 www.bayareaobserver.com editor@bayareaobserver.com
Letters to the Editor policy: The Bay Area Observer welcomes letters from citizens. The editor reserves the right to reject letters or edit for clarity, brevity, good taste and accuracy, and to prevent libel. No poetry, lists, attacks on private individuals, or letter-writing campaigns, please. Please include a phone number where you can be reached during the day. For mailed or fax submissions, you must sign the letter. Views expressed by individual letter writers are not neccessarily the views of the Bay Area Observer or staff.
THURSDAY, JANUARY 11, 2018
Senator Larry Taylor, AT&T, Calpine raise money for Hope Village FRIENDSWOOD, TX - Senator Larry Taylor (R-Friendswood), AT&T and Calpine announced a joint contribution of $30,000 to assist the Hope Village Residential and Day Program recover from Hurricane Harvey and update their technology and day program services. Hope Village has provided residential and support services for children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Friendswood since 1970. Today, the Village serves 60 people in its residential program and 45 in its day program, where villagers can develop job and life skills, receive computer training and participate in recreation programs and social activities. Of the donation, Hope Village spokeswoman Sharon Proulx said, “This donation will be instrumental in changing the lives of our Villagers. We are forever grateful to Senator Taylor, AT&T and Calpine for reaching out in their community and helping those that are most vulnerable in a difficult time of need.” “AT&T is thrilled to provide this $15,000 contribution to support the amazing learning and education programs of Hope Village,” said Mike Flanagan, Director of External and Legislative Affairs at AT&T. “We are proud to support Hope Village’s life changing programs that improve the quality of life of its residents and help them meet their full potential.” Brett Kerr, Calpine’s Director of External Affairs, added “Having our headquarters and several generation facilities in the Houston area, Calpine knows well the devastating impact Harvey had on our community. We recognize how critical Hope Village is to the community that they serve and we are happy to be able to join Senator Taylor and AT&T to help in their restoration efforts.” “The folks at Hope Village have created a welcoming, empowering environment for their residents, and we are incredibly fortunate to have an organization with this level of integrity and compassion reside in our community,” said Senator Taylor, a Hope Village board member since 2000. “I am so grateful to AT&T, Calpine and my golf tournament participants and sponsors for their generous contributions to help Hope Village in their recovery. I look forward to continuing my partnership with Hope Village and helping them in their very worthwhile mission.” Senator Taylor, AT&T and Calpine will present the donation to Hope Village at a press conference on January 10th, 2018 at 1:30 pm at 15403 Hope Village Rd, Friendswood, TX 77546. All are invited to attend. Senator Larry Taylor is a lifelong Texan and Baylor University graduate raised in Friendswood. He and his wife Kerri have three adult children and two grandchildren. Prior to his election to the Texas Senate in 2012, he served five terms in the Texas House of Representatives. Senator Taylor represents Senate District 11, comprised of portions of Brazoria, Galveston, and Harris Counties. To find out more about Hope Village or to donate to their Hurricane Harvey recovery efforts, visit http://www.hopevillage.com/index.html
THE BAY AREA OBSERVER
LOCAL
Nassau Bay Election Notice The City of Nassau Bay will be holding a general election on May 5, 2018 for the purpose of electing a Mayor and three Councilmembers for Positions 2, 4, and 6. The filing period for the general election will begin January 17, 2018 and end on February 16, 2018. Any person wishing to file for candidacy may pick up an application from the City Secretary’s office during the following dates and times: Filing Dates and Times: Start Date: January 17, 2018 End Date: February 16, 2018 Office Hours: Monday-Thursday: 7:30am to 5:30pm Friday: 7:30am to 11:30am City Secretary City of Nassau Bay, Texas 1800 Space Park Drive, Suite 200 Nassau Bay, Texas 77058 For questions or more information regarding the 2018 General Election, please contact City Secretary Sandra Ham at sandra.ham@nassaubay.com.
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Seabrook Rotary Accepting Nominations for Police Officer of the Year Each year the Seabrook Rotary holds their annual Men Who Cook event at Lakewood Yacht Club. As in years past, this event is held to show support for the Seabrook Police Department by recognizing the Seabrook Police Officer of the Year. This award is given to an officer who has demonstrated “Service Above Self”, a basic principle of Rotary. This year’s Men Who Cook event will be held on Tuesday, February 13, 2018. If you know of a Seabrook Police Officer who has performed an act of outstanding heroism, valor or compassion; or who has been involved in a particular deed showing exceptional devotion to duty or community involved during the 2017 calendar year please nominate him or her for this award. All nominees must be a sworn police officer for the Seabrook Police Department. Nominations will close on January 31, 2018. If you would like to nominate a Seabrook police officer please download and complete the Rotary’s Seabrook Police Officer of the Year Nomination Form at www. seabrooktx.gov/police-nomination-form. All forms must be returned to Rotarian Harriet Pilgram on or by January 31, 2018. You may email the completed application to harriet@ bayareahouston.com or hand deliver it to the Rotary Club Secretary during their weekly meetings.
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THE BAY AREA OBSERVER
TEXAS
THURSDAY, JANUARY 11, 2018
Texas has enough federal funds Hey, Texplainer: How does Texas’ budget use taxes from to keep CHIP running through the end of March oil and natural gas production? In the 2017 budget year, the oil production tax gave the state more than $2 billion in revenue, while the natural gas production tax brought in a little less than $1 billion. But where does this money go?
Dozens of stacked oil drilling rigs sit in a yard just north of Interstate 20 between Midland and Odessa. Jerod Foster for The Texas Tribune By Alex Samuels Texas Tribune
Hey, Texplainer: What are the taxes paid from oil and natural gas production used for in the current state budget? Texas leads the nation in both oil and natural gas production — which, in turn, yields significant revenue for the state. Texas charges businesses a 4.6 percent tax rate on oil production and a 7.5 percent rate on natural gas production. In the 2017 budget year, the oil production tax raised more than $2 billion for the state, while the natural gas production tax brought in a little less than $1 billion. Revenue from those taxes is divided among several state funds. The state’s savings account — technically called the Economic Stabilization Fund but known around the Capitol as the Rainy Day Fund — gets 37.5 percent. The Legislature has used the Rainy Day Fund over the years for emergency and one-time expenses, including disaster relief. While oil and gas production taxes are one of its main sources of revenue, the Legislature can also add any surplus in the state budget to the fund — though there hasn’t been a surplus in more than a decade. Another 37.5 percent goes into the State Highway Fund, which is used for highway construction and maintenance and policing public roads. Other sources of revenue for the State Highway Fund include motor vehicle registration fees and the sales tax on motor oil.
For the 2017 budget year, both the State Highway Fund and the Rainy Day Fund received $734 million from oil and natural gas production taxes, according to Chris Bryan, a spokesperson for the comptroller’s office. The remaining 25 percent goes to the Foundation School Program, a Texas Education Agency-administered fund used for expenses such as teacher salaries, bilingual education and special education. As with the other funds, oil and gas production taxes aren’t the only source of revenue for the Foundation School Program: DeEtta Culbertson, a TEA spokeswoman, said 25 percent of all occupation taxes are constitutionally dedicated to public education and are deposited into the program, giving it a total annual revenue of about $1 billion. Texas is expected to collect roughly $4.9 billion in oil production taxes and $1.8 billion in natural gas production taxes for the 2018-19 budget cycle, according to the latest estimates from the comptroller’s office. “As oil prices have recovered in the past few years, we’ve seen those revenues increase significantly,” said Bryan, the comptroller’s spokesman. “We definitely predict growth in that sector moving forward.” The bottom line: Businesses are taxed when they remove natural resources from Texas land. That revenue is collected by the state, which deposits 37.5 percent into the Rainy Day Fund, 37.5 percent into the State Highway Fund and 25 percent to the Foundation School Program.
Texas now has enough federal money to keep alive a health insurance program for more than 450,000 uninsured kids and pregnant women through the end of March, a state official said Friday.
Dr. Javier Saenz checks the ear of Viviana Escareño, 6, for infection. The young girl’s mother, Claudia Escareño, has brought “Vivi” to Saenz’s clinic since she was born. Reynaldo Leal By Marissa Evans Texas Tribune
Texas now has enough federal money to keep alive its health insurance program for more than 450,000 uninsured kids and pregnant women through the end of March, a state official said on Friday. That’s true even though the Children’s Health Insurance Program technically expired on Sept. 30 after Congress failed to renew funding. Carrie Williams, a spokeswoman for the state Health and Human Services Commission, said Texas can keep the program afloat thanks to $248 million in funding allocated through a shortterm spending bill passed by Congress last month. The news, first reported by the Dallas Morning News, comes less than a month after Texas Health and Human Services Commission officials announced that the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services was giving the state $135 million to continue the program through February. Williams said in her e-mail that the $135 million now won’t be immediately needed because of the December spending bill. “If Congress does not fully reauthorize
CHIP by [the end of March], Texas would pursue redistribution funding as it did previously with CMS,” Williams said. Under CHIP, the uninsured rate among children across the country has dropped from 15 percent in 1997 to 5 percent in 2015. The program also offers prenatal care to about 36,000 pregnant women in Texas. About 394,000 Texas children ineligible for Medicaid are covered under CHIP, and another 249,000 Texan children on Medicaid benefit from CHIP’s 92 percent matching rate. Together, Medicaid and CHIP cover about 45 percent of all children in the state. “This is good news in the short term, but Congress needs to get moving on a clean, 5-year CHIP extension as soon as possible,” said Anne Dunkelberg, associate director for the left-leaning Center for Public Policy Priorities, in an emailed statement. “The health of over 400,000 Texas kids depends on it,” State officials submitted a request with the federal government on Nov. 16 for an extra $90 million to support CHIP in the state until February. Disclosure: The Center for Public Policy Priorities has been a financial supporter of The Texas Tribune.
Texas Coastline... Continued from page 1
A digger can be seen near a clay berm being built behind the the dunes and beach at the McFaddin Wildlife Refuge near Port Arthur on Wednesday, Dec. 13, 2017. Photo by Michael Stravato for The Texas Tribune
A “drop in the bucket”?
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The primary aim of dune restoration at McFaddin Beach is to keep saltwater out of the marsh. But such beach renourishment projects have increasingly been used across the country as a way to curb the effects of coastal erosion, said Jens Figlus, an assistant professor in the ocean engineering department at Texas A&M University. Erosion happens naturally because the coast is a battleground between land and water, Figlus said. But storms and rising sea level are shifting coastlines and hastening erosion problems across the globe. That leaves regions with marshy, compactable soil — like Jefferson County — particularly vulnerable to the process’ effects, Figlus said. The local group working to shore up the coast there found that the county’s shoreline is retreating more than 9 feet per year, yielding a loss of nearly 36 acres — or around 27 football fields. The idea behind renourishment projects is to “provide the erosion processes more material to play with,” Figlus said, “so they’re occupied with that new material rather than with the parts that should be protected behind those dunes and beaches.” Still, Figlus said the new sands tend to erode faster than what was originally there. And they don’t stop storms or the erosion process from occurring. Knowing that, he said it’s important to scrutinize how tax dol-
lars are spent on beach renourishment projects, since some may consider the effort a “drop in the bucket.” The cost of the project To proponents of the McFaddin Beach and dune restoration plan, the effort is clearly worth it. Most of the more than $25 million that’s been earmarked for the project comes from settlement money that followed a massive BP oil spill in 2010. Meant to repair environmental damages, the funds are disbursed by several federal and state agencies, including the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. The estimated cost of the project could reach $65 million, said Tim Richardson, a consultant on the project, who previously worked on recovery efforts that followed the Exxon Valdez oil spill. But he said the costs of not completing it are much higher. Without the dune ridge, “You would have an expansion of the Gulf of Mexico into extremely high-value, national energy and national security assets,” Richardson said. Here, “the environmental goal matches up exactly with what industry and homes and businesses need to avoid losses.” Disclosure: BP and Texas A&M University have been financial supporters of The Texas Tribune.
THURSDAY, JANUARY 11, 2018
THE BAY AREA OBSERVER
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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Bumper Jacksons open 2018 with bluegrass, jazz at Bayou Theater
22nd Annual Treasures of the Texas Coast Children’s Art Contest
WHO: All Texas students (public, private, and home-schooled) in grades K-6 are invited to participate. HOUSTON, TX - In the band’s debut performance in Texas, Bumper Jacksons will bring their unique blend of bluegrass, jazz and swing music to University of HoustonClear Lake’s Bayou Theater on Thursday, Jan. 11 at 7:30 p.m. “We’re performing songs from our new album, ‘I’ve Never Met a Stranger,’” said band manager, clarinet and washboard player, and co-founding member Jess Eliot Myhre. The album features original songs and traditional numbers, re-imagined with fresh, contemporary arrangements and three-part harmonies. Myhre said one of the things she and her five bandmates most enjoy doing is attending music festivals. “We meet different people from all kinds of musical and cultural backgrounds. When we get together to jam in the campground, there’s a bond that’s formed that’s like no other,” she said. “The name of the album, “I’ve Never Met a Stranger,” is about knowing people in an intimate way through music without necessarily even knowing their names. Profoundly special human connections can be made by expressing and receiving the human experience through music.” Almost eight years ago in Washington, D.C., Myhre, a clarinetist and longtime student of New Orleans-style jazz, met Chris Ousley, who would ultimately become her Bumper Jacksons co-founder and songwriting partner. Since then, they’ve been working together to refine their unique sound.
She describes it as a melding of the bluegrass and square dance music that was Ousley’s musical influence growing up in the Appalachian Mountains of Pennsylvania, with her own traditional New Orleans jazz background. “We played music festivals and house parties and met people along the way who sat in on our sets,” she said. “Slowly, those guys became members of the band, and it’s why we have such a unique instrumentation. It happened organically.” Bumper Jacksons features a horn section comprised of a trumpet, clarinet and trombone player, and on the opposite side of the stage, a pedal steel guitar. “The pedal steel makes those ‘swoopy’ sounds you hear in country music,” Myhre explained. “Ours is a special and unique arrangement of instruments. We have a brass band punch, but with the pedal steel guitar, we can allude to country music as well. We are able to tie the brass band sounds of the city with country and Appalachian influences.” Myhre said that she hopes to bring UHClear Lake students in the audience on a narrative journey through different kinds of human experiences. “We write about joy, but also loss and regret,” she said. “And please, get up and dance! We are fun and danceable, but there is important introspection to be found in our slower music.” To purchase tickets to Bumper Jacksons online, visit www.uhcl.edu/bayou-theater/ events-tickets.
Clear Creek Community Theater Presents Agatha Christie’s
“Black Coffee” January 12 - 28, 2018
The Queen of Crime returns to Nassau Bay for our first production of 2018 as CCCT presents Agatha Christie’s first stage play: Black Coffee. The story is a spy thriller in which Sir Claud Amory’s revolutionary new formula for a powerful explosive is stolen. Locking his house-guests in the library, Sir Claud switches off the lights to allow the thief to replace the formula, no questions asked. When the lights come on, he is dead. Enter Hercule Poirot, one of Christie’s most beloved sleuths, to solve the mystery. Poirot and Captain Hastings have to unravel a tangle of family feuds, old flames and
suspicious foreigners to find the killer and prevent a global catastrophe. In the grand tradition of classic detective stories, a crime is committed and it’s up to Poirot – and the audience – to unravel the clues to figure out whodunit. Tickets are now on sale. Performances are held each weekend from January 12th – January 28th., 2018. Performances are Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00pm with matinees Sunday afternoons at 2:3o. Tickets are now on sale. Purchase online or call the box office at 281-335-5228 to request reservations. Special rates are available for groups of ten or more!
WHAT: 22nd Annual Treasures of the Texas Coast Children’s Art Contest. Artwork should be based on the theme “Treasures of the Texas Coast” and should depict why the Texas coast is important or special to the student. Artwork must be original and must be a horizontal or vertical drawing or painting measuring approximately eight and a half (8 1/2”) by eleven (11”) inches. The size should not include a mat or border. Entries must not be framed, under glass, or have a protective covering that is attached to the art. Acceptable art media are paint (acrylic, water color or oil paints), colored pencil, colored markers, ink, crayon, and chalk or pastel (fixed). Collages, computer printouts, photography, or photocopies are not eligible. Nothing may be glued, stapled or attached to the front of the artwork in any way. For display purposes, colorful entries are preferred. No use of company logos, product brands, or store names. Any entries with use of such items will be disqualified. Only one entry per student. All entries must have a completed parental release form affixed to the back of the artwork. Use a clear glue stick or tape the form. Do not staple or paper clip the form as it damages the artwork. Ten winners will be chosen in mid-April from each of four grade-level categories (K – 2nd, 3rd – 4th, 5th, and 6th) for a total of 40 winners. One grand prize winner will be chosen from among the 40 finalists. Winning artwork will appear together in a 2019
calendar, which will be distributed throughout the state. This year’s grand prize winner will receive two round-trip coach-class tickets from United Airlines to any United destination in the 48 contiguous United States, Alaska, Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean, one 7-night Caribbean cruise from Royal Caribbean International departing out of Galveston, Miami, Tampa, Ft. Lauderdale, Port Canaveral or Puerto Rico, and a class party at Schlitterbahn Waterpark in New Braunfels. The grand prize winner’s teacher will also receive two round-trip coachclass tickets from United Airlines, and one 7-night Caribbean cruise courtesy of Royal Caribbean International. All 40 winners will receive a ticket to the USS Lexington in Corpus Christi, a ticket to the Houston Zoo, two all day passes to Schlitterbahn Waterpark in New Braunfels, prizes and a certificate of recognition from the Texas General Land Office and a calendar displaying the winning artwork. WHEN: All submissions must be postmarked by Thursday, March 1st, 2018 and mailed to the Texas General Land Office. Late submissions will not be accepted. HOW: Review the contest guidelines and sign the entry/parental consent/student pledge form, and attach the form to the back of the entry. Mail all entries to the Texas General Land Office: Texas General Land Office Adopt-A-Beach Program: Children’s Art Contest 2018 P.O. Box 12873 Austin, Texas 78711-2873 For more information, please see our FAQs, or contact the Adopt-A-Beach program at 877-TXCOAST (892-6278) or at beach@ glo.texas.gov
Bay Area Harbour Playhouse in Dickinson continues with
“Funny Money” By Ray Cooney
Henry A. Perkins, a mild mannered C.P.A. accidently picks up the wrong briefcase, one full of money, at the local pub. Henry assumes it is illicit cash and decides to keep it. As Henry and his wife are waiting for their taxi to the airport for their new life in Barcelona or wherever, the door bell rings. The police detective at the door thinks Henry was soliciting in the men’s room at the pub while he was actually sitting in the loo
counting the cash. Before Henry can extricate himself from this impossible situation, the bell rings again. Another detective arrives thinking Henry is dead; a man with bullet holes in the head and Henry’s briefcase were found in the Thames. Showtimes are Friday & Saturday @ 8:00p.m. and Sunday 2:30 p.m. through January 28.
PAGE 6
THE BAY AREA OBSERVER
THURSDAY, JANUARY 11, 2018
ON THE WATER
Oyster Reef Restoration in Texas Presented by Jennifer Pollack, Ph.D.
North Sabine
Trout and redfish are fair while drifting mud and shell. Waders have taken better trout on the Louisiana shoreline on slow-sinking plugs.
South Sabine
Redfish are fair on the edge of the channel on mullet. Sheepshead and black drum are good at the jetty on live shrimp.
Bolivar
Trout are fair to good on the south shoreline on slow-sinking plugs. Black drum and redfish are fair at Rollover Pass on shrimp.
Trinity Bay
Trout are fair to good for drifters working pods of shad and mullet on the east shoreline on Corkies and MirrOlures. Redfish are good at the spillway on crabs and mullet.
East Galveston Bay
Trout are fair while drifting deep mud and shell on plastics. Whiting and sand trout are good on the edge of the Intracoastal on fresh shrimp.
West Galveston Bay
Trout are fair over deep shell and mud on plastics. Sheepshead, redfish and black drum are good at the jetty on shrimp and crabs. Trout are good for waders in the afternoon on Slammin’ Chicken Bass Assassins.
Texas City
Redfish are fair in Moses Lake on shrimp and crabs. Pier anglers have taken sand trout and sheepshead on fresh shrimp.
Freeport
Sand trout and sheepshead are fair on live shrimp on the reefs. Redfish are fair to good at San Luis pass on cracked blue crabs. Redfish are fair to good at the mouths of drains on Gulps and shrimp.
East Matagorda Bay
Trout are fair for drifters on Gulps over humps and scattered shell. Redfish are fair to good on the edge of the Intracoastal and at the mouths of drains on Gulps and jigs tipped with shrimp.
West Matagorda Bay
Redfish are fair to good on the south shoreline in the guts and bayous on soft plastics and Gulps. Trout are fair in the guts on the incoming tide.
Oyster reefs are important components of healthy ecosystems within U.S. Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico estuaries. Oysters filter and clean bay waters, create fish habitats, and protect shorelines from erosion. They also provide recreational fishing opportunities and support a robust seafood industry, generating over $19 million in Texas in 2014. However, oyster reefs are severely degraded compared to historic levels, with estimates of over 85% lost. Sink Your Shucks -- an oyster shell recycling and reef restoration program -- works with restaurants and seafood wholesalers to reclaim shucked shells and return them to Texas bays. Using these shells, we have restored over 14 acres of reef and engaged with over 1,700 volunteers! Dr. Jennifer Pollack is an Assistant Professor of Marine Biology at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi. Her research focuses on conservation and restoration of marine habitats. Pollack also works with restaurant
and seafood wholesalers to recycle oyster shells for restoring oyster reefs. The program, Sink Your Shucks, recently recycled its one millionth pound of oyster shells, which have been used to restore over 14 acres of oyster reef habitat in the Texas coastal bend. WHO: Dr. Jennifer Pollack WHAT: Oyster Reef Restoration in Texas WHEN: Tuesday, Janaury 16 • 7-8 PM WHERE: Houston Maritime Museum 2204 Dorrington, Houston, TX 77030 COST: Adults (13+): $5 Students, Members, Veterans: Free Active Military: Free Children: Free INFO: Register at http://bit.ly/JanPollack or contact MatthewDoyen at 713-666-1910. Light refreshments will be provided. HoustonMaritime.org
ADVERTISING THAT WORKS!
Port O’connor
Trout and redfish are fair on Corkies over soft mud in waist-deep water in San Antonio Bay. Redfish are fair to good at the mouths of drains and deep channels.
Rockport
Trout are fair on the edge of the ICW on glow Gulps. Redfish are fair to good in California Hole and Estes Flats on mullet and shrimp.
Port Aransas
Redfish are fair to good on the ledges of the channel on mullet. Sand trout are good on shrimp in the channel.
Corpus Christi
Redfish are good in the Humble Channel on crabs and table shrimp. Trout are fair to good on the edge of the flats on MirrOlures, Gulps and Corkies.
Baffin Bay
Trout are fair to good in mud and grass on Corkies and Soft-Dines. Trout are fair to good in the guts along the King Ranch shoreline on Corkies, Gamblers and Bass Assassins.
Port Mansfield
Redfish are fair on DOA Shrimp and Gulps under a popping cork around grass holes. Trout are fair on mud along the edge of the ICW on Corkies and MirrOlures.
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The
South Padre
Trout and redfish are fair on the edge of the Intracoastal and at Gas Well Flats on DOA Shrimp and Gulps. Redfish and sheepshead are fair in the channel on shrimp.
Port Isabel
Trout are fair on the edge of the flats on soft plastics under popping corks. Trout are fair in Cullen Bay and Laguna Vista Cove on shrimp and Gulps. Redfish are fair to good in the holes and guts on Gulps and scented baits.
Bay Area Observer is an advertising vehicle that delivers
TO GET STARTED CALL
281-907-3140 Visit us online at
www.BayAreaObserver.com Nov. 1st – March 1st, 2018 The Wildlife Center of Texas will continue to admit ALL injured, orphaned, and ill native wildlife 7 days a week. Our temporary address while we are moving will be directly behind us at the Houston SPCA’s admissions located at 900 Portway Drive. Please call 713-861-9453 for further information. Thank you for your patience!
A Place To Grow, A Place To Heal, A Place To Be Wild Houston
713-861-9453
Found Injured or Orphaned Wildlife? Follow These Steps: Observe – Look for injuries, parents, and siblings. Replace – If the baby is not injured and the parents are still around, just re-nest it.
Collect – Place it in a box with soft rags and keep
it warm until you can get to the center. DO NOT give the baby any food or liquids!
Contact – Reach out to us right away at (713) 861-WILD
The Wildlife Center of Texas (a non-profit organization) is a 501 (c)(3) organization and therefore all donations are tax deductible.
THURSDAY, JANUARY 11, 2018
THE BAY AREA OBSERVER
PAGE 7
Classifieds
LEGAL/PUBLIC NOTICES $9.50 per column inch
LIQUOR LEGAL NOTICES $10.50 per column inch
PUBLIC NOTICES To Place Legal and Public Notices: Email editor@bayareaobserver.com or Call 281-907-3140
The City of La Porte Sealed Bid #18007 – Temporary Labor REBID, will be accepted until 2:00 p.m. CST on Tuesday, January 30, 2018 and RFQ #18604 – Professional Engineering Services for 2018 Water Master Plan Update, will be accepted until 2:00 p.m. CST on Tuesday, February 6, 2018 at the City Hall information desk located at 604 W. Fairmont Pkwy., La Porte, Texas 77571. Solicitations will be opened and read immediately following the closing hour. For information to register and bid visit: www.publicpurchase.com. For questions, contact purchasing@laportetx.gov. LA PORTE INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT is requesting Competitive Sealed Proposals for E-Rate FY 2018-19 Installation & Configuration of Network Switches #18-004. Proposals will be electronically received by/submitted electronically to Kellogg & Sovereign Consulting, LLC at www.erate470.com, ph. (580) 332-1444, until 11:59 PM, Tuesday, February 27, 2018. Specifications may be obtained from the website, www.erate470.com. Evaluation criteria: Price E-Rate eligible items 20pts, Price-other costs 5pts, Buying group approved bidder 15pts, Reputation 10pts, Quality of Service 10pts, Meet district needs 10pts, Past relationships 10pts, Underutilized business 10pts, Long term cost 10pts.
NOTICE TO BIDDERS Sealed BIDS for the construction of Todville Sanitary Sewer Line Project, Seabrook Project No. 2017-302-1, will be received until 10:00 a.m., January 25, 2018, by the Purchasing Department, City Hall, 1700 First Street, Seabrook, Texas 77586. Bids must be received and time stamped by the Purchasing Department prior to the aforementioned time, when they will be publicly opened and read aloud at the City Hall, City of Seabrook, 1700 First Street, Seabrook, Texas 77586. Bidding Documents may be obtained upon payment of $75 (non-refundable) at the office of the Engineer, Cobb, Fendley & Associates, Inc., 13430 Northwest Freeway, Suite 1100, Houston, TX 77040, with checks made payable to the City of Seabrook or at www.civcastusa.com without charge. Documents can also be examined without charge in the Purchasing Department. A Cashier’s Check, Certified Check, or acceptable Bid Bond, payable to City of Seabrook in an amount not less than 5% of the maximum Bid price submitted, must accompany each Bid as a guarantee that, if awarded the Contract, the Bidder will within 15 calendar days of award of Contract enter into a Contract and execute Bonds on the forms provided in the Contract Documents. The successful Bidder must furnish PERFORMANCE and PAYMENT BONDS on the forms furnished with the PROPOSAL, in the amount of 100% of the total Contract price. A non-mandatory pre-bid conference will be held at City Hall, City of Seabrook, 1700 First Street, Seabrook, Texas 77586, on January 18, 2018, at 10:00 a.m. All prospective Bidders are encouraged to attend. Until final award of the Contract, the OWNER reserves the right to reject any or all Bids, to waive irregularities or technicalities, to re-advertise, or proceed to do the Work otherwise when in the best interests of the OWNER.
BUSINESS & SERVICE
DIRECTORY HANDY MAN / HOME REPAIR
REAL ESTATE
Advertise Now In The Service Directory!
FOR AS LOW AS $20 PER WEEK! Rebecca Collins
281-907-3140
editor@bayareaobserver.com
LAWN MAINTENANCE
PAGE 8
THE BAY AREA OBSERVER
THURSDAY, JANUARY 11, 2018
IN THE GARDEN
Dandelion Spring
IN THE KITCHEN Dandelion Jelly
While the northern parts of our country are having winter storms, here on the Gulf Coast of Texas we are having spring – like weather. It may be fairly cold by the end of one week but it will be followed by mild sunny weather the next. Your dream is that this year you will have the most beautiful lawn in the neighborhood. But all of a sudden, along the sunniest part of the fence where the morning sun hits the ground the strongest, you notice a pushy little tribe of raggedy leaved intruders. Resist the impulse to go straight to the garage and get the lawnmower. Instead give some thought to a different option you have for dealing with this little claim jumper, the unappreciated dandelion. How about a delicious green salad? Eating greens such as dandelion or chickweed or spinach is part of the natural rhythm of the season. In the old days, after a winter of heavy meat consumption, spring greens offered a nice cleansing diet. The young leaves of dandelion are not only delicious in a fresh salad but are also good in soup, sautéed with onions and green peppers, or steamed like any green vegetable. When mature, the roots can be harvested, roasted,
and ground for a coffee substitute. The word dandelion is a corruption of the French “dents de lion” which literally means “lions’ teeth.” This name referred to the deeply serrated edges of the leaves. There was an old superstition that picking and eating dandelion would make one wet the bed. Hence the name “pissabed” was also bestowed upon the plant. As a matter of fact, dandelion is considered an excellent diuretic. Early European settlers intentionally brought dandelion to North America because they considered it a valuable herb. Not only was it considered a food plant; it was also used to treat a host of medical conditions. Even today sources agree that dandelions are high in calcium, iron, potassium, sodium, and vitamins A, B, C, and D. So if you are not afraid of a little “biodiversity” in your lawn, and if the pro and anti – dandelion camps in your neighborhood are not strongly divided, then cultivate a nice patch of dandelion. But be warned, some lawn purists might take offense and cast disdainful looks in the direction of your yard. As far as some of them are concerned, you might as well be raising termites.
INGREDIENTS • 1 quart dandelion blossoms • 2 quarts water • 2 tablespoons lemon juice • 1 package (1 3/4 oz) powdered fruit pectin • 5 1/2 cups sugar
DIRECTIONS • Pick the dandelion blossoms and rinse thoroughly. Snip stem and green collar. • Boil petals in 2 quarts water for 3 minutes. Cool and strain, pressing petals with fingers to extract juice. • Measure out 3 cups of dandelion liquid. Add lemon juice and powdered fruit pectin. Bring mixture to a boil (large jelly kettles work best for this). • Add sugar, stirring to mix well. Continue stirring and boil mixture for 2 ½ minutes. • Pour into small glasses and cover with paraffin when jelly is cool. Enjoy! From The Old Farmer’s Almanac