After pleading guilty in November, a Rosenberg man was sentenced in early March to a total 80 years in prison for aggravated sexual assault of a child and prohibited sexual conduct, according to a news release from the Fort Bend County District Attorney’s Office.
Carlos Portillo-Molina, 45, pleaded guilty to the charges on November 15. In a sentencing hearing on March 6, 434th District Court Judge Christian Becerra sentenced him to 60 years in prison for aggravated sexual assault of a child and 20 years for prohibited sexual conduct with an ancestor/ descendant.
Prosecutors presented evidence at the hearing showing that Portillo-Molina began sexually abusing two children starting when they were 7 – 8 years old. In March 2024, one child, now an adult, reported the sexual abuse, leading to the second child reporting her sexual abuse and disclosing that the Portillo-Molina was still sexually abusing her. Upon being confronted by the family of the children, Portillo-Molina went to the Rosenberg Police Department, where Detective Paul Martin interviewed him. PortilloMolina confessed in detail to his past and current sexual abuse of the children.
After hearing testimony from Martin, the defendant, and one of the children, now a young adult, the Court sentenced Portillo-Molina.
Lead prosecutor Jazmine Smith commended Martin for his effective interview skills that led to the detailed admissions from PortilloMolina about his crimes. Smith also praised the survivors of Portillo-Molina’s abuse for their courage in reporting the sexual abuse.
“Hopefully these strong, young survivors can now move forward with the security of knowing the defendant can never harm them again,” she said in the release.
“This is a just outcome attributable to courage of the survivors, the dedication of law enforcement, and the passion for justice by my prosecutors,” said District Attorney Brian Middleton. “I couldn’t be prouder of the teamwork to make our community safer by holding this abuser accountable for his vile crimes.” Smith prosecuted the
Fort Bend County Health & Human Services on Sunday confirmed the first reported measles cast this year. Measles was detected in an adult female, age 50-60, in the county, and the case is associated with recent international travel, not the recent outbreak in West Texas, the office said in a news release.
Health officials are actively investigating the case and conducting contact tracing to identify possible exposures and
limit further spread of the disease, the office said.
“We want to reassure residents that our public health team is actively conducting case investigations and notifying potential contacts,”
Dr. Gale-Lowe, Director and Local Health Authority of Fort Bend County Health & Human Services, said in the release. “The best way to protect yourself and your loved ones is through vaccination. The MMR vaccine is safe,
By Ken Fountain KFOUNTAIN@FORTBENDSTAR.COM
With the imminent departure of term-limited Sugar Land Mayor Joe Zimmerman, a large audience filled a ballroom at the Sugar Creek Country Club last week to hear from most of the candidates vying to succeed him in the May 3 general election. The opening in the mayoral seat,
Staff Reports
An investigation by the Fort Bend County Sheriff’s Office’s Internal Affairs Division found that one deputy violated departmental policy while another acted within policy guidelines in a January incident involving a reported armed robbery, the office said in a press release on Monday. According to the release, on January 22, Deputies Jonathan Lopez and Mason Koehler were dispatched to the intersection of Ginger Run Way and West Airport Boulevard n response to a reported armed robbery. The caller told dispatchers that the suspects fled the scene on foot on West Airport, but disconnected the line without providing further details.
On January 26, according the release, Deshonda Penn and Marie Hanks filed a formal complaint regarding an interaction that followed the above-referenced call, involving
held by Zimmerman since 2016, has scrambled the city’s political scene immensely, as three of his colleagues on City Council – At Large Position 1 Councilman William Ferguson, District 2 Councilman Naushad Kermally, and Position 4 Councilwoman Carol McCutcheon –have thrown their hats in the ring, leaving their seats open. Also on the ballot for the mayor’s
Penn’s son and Hanks’s nephew, who had been stopped by the deputies.
The subsequent investigation by Internal Affairs found that upon arriving at the scene, Lopez observed two individuals running east on West Airport. “Based on reasonable suspicion, he attempted to stop them for questioning, but they did not comply. Deputy Lopez did not pursue them and continued to the location where the victim was last reported to be,” according to the release.
“Deputy Lopez then relayed his observations to Deputy Koehler, stating that he believed the two males were involved in the robbery. However, Lopez’s communication lacked the necessary precise language required by FBCSO policy,” the release states.
“Deputy Koehler then based his actions on the information given to him by Deputy Lopez and detained both individuals for further investigation. They were released shortly after the robbery victim provided a photo
seat are educator and community activist Michelle Mikeska, restaurateur Alex J. Sowell, and automobile sales executive Sarwar Khan, all first-time political candidates.
Last week’s forum, hosted by the Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce, was moderated by Christopher Breaux, chair of the chamber’s governmental relations division. Breaux announced at the outset of the forum that Khan could not participate because of illness.
confirming the actual suspects,” the release states.
“The investigation determined that Deputy Lopez failed to use sound judgment in his communication, violating General Order #02-01, Core of Standards of Conduct, IV. Details and Procedure, 23, Sound Judgment. As a result, Lopez received discipline and all of patrol will receive re-training on investigatory stops,” the release
The tone of the forum was uniformly civil, with few areas of daylight between the candidates on the questions posed by Breaux, although they sometimes offered slight variations on the issues raised, most of which dealt
states. It does not specify the discipline Lopez received.
“Regarding Deputy Koehler’s actions, the investigation concluded that he acted within FBCSO policy. Based on the information received, Koehler had reasonable suspicion to conduct an investigatory stop. While Koehler did not explain the reason for the detainment immediately, he explained it to them as soon as was feasible which is in line with what policy states,”
“The
Country Club last week.
Michelle Mikeska, Naushad Kermally, William Ferguson, Alex J. Sowell, and Carol K. McCutcheon. Sarwar Khan was absent. Photo by Ken Fountain
Every parking lot was full on Tuesday, March 25, at Texas State Technical College’s Fort Bend County campus in Rosenberg. The Industrial Technology Center was likewise full with booths and people, all for the Industry Job Fair taking place that morning.
More than 50 different companies and employers from throughout the state were in attendance, each hoping to talk with students and alumni from the various programs at the college. One such employer, Applied Materials, was doing more than getting their name out there.
“We build the machines that make semiconductor chips,” Steven Metze, the company’s program manager, said in a news release. “While we are trying to get our name out there, we are also actively hiring.”
According to Metze, the semiconductor industry is booming, leading to a large shortage in available workers. While most people don’t come into their company
knowing everything, having a foundation in electrical engineering, troubleshooting and the like goes a long way. As such, they were looking to hire from programs such as Robotics and Industrial Controls Technology and Industrial Systems.
Thankfully for Metze, enrollment at TSTC’s Fort Bend County campus has been increasing at a record pace. Program classes were mostly cancelled the day of the job fair, replaced instead with encouragement to attend the fair, meet employers and apply for jobs.
Michael Martinez, a student working toward his associate degree in Robotics and Industrial Controls Technology, was excited to learn more about the career paths available to him.
“I came into this fair just looking for what jobs I might be able to do,” Martinez said. “Many of the people (employers) told me about opportunities that I never even knew existed, like programming robots to weld.”
For more information about TSTC, visit tstc.edu.
University Branch Library to host program on retirementage care and living
Community Reports
Fort Bend County Libraries’ University Branch Library will present “Aging in the Right Place” – a program in the Senior Series for older adults and their family members – on Friday, April 11, from 10:30 a.m. to noon, in Meeting Room 1 of the library, located at 14010 University Blvd in Sugar Land, on the UH campus.
Liz McNeel, a senior real-
estate specialist and certified senior-housing professional, will lead a panel of experts who will talk about retirement-living options. The discussion will focus on determining a living arrangement and level of care that is comfortable as well as safe, from remaining in one’s own home with minimal assistance to finding a senior-living community with access to a variety of resources. Examine the pros and cons of aging in
place versus moving to a more supportive environment, from a financial, health, and lifestyle perspective. The program is free and open to the public. For more information, see the Fort Bend County Libraries website (www.fortbend.lib. tx.us), or call the University Branch Library (281-6335100) or the library system’s Communications Office (281-633-4734).
THRIVE OVER 55 Senior Expo
Wednesday, June 4th 9AM-12:30PM
St. Stephen’s United Methodist Church/Fellowship Hall 2003 West 43rd St, Houston, TX 77018
FREE Admission • FREE Food & Drinks
• Gifts and drawings • Games and activities
• Educational information on health, finances and legal concerns
• A chance to meet experts who will offer free advice on a number of senior issues
• An opportunity to mingle with friends
REGISTER NOW TO ATTEND AT https://tinyurl.com/theleaderThrive55 Call For Any Questions Regarding Registration 713-371-3740
Presented by The LEADER NEWS
A student talks to a prospective employer at Texas State Technical College's Spring 2025 Industry Job Fair at the Fort Bend County campus in Rosenberg. Courtesy Texas State Technical College
Fort Bend County Libraries’ University Branch Library will present “Aging in the Right Place” – a program in the Senior Series for older adults and their family members – on Friday, April 11.
Photo by Ken Fountain
Grounds for a lawsuit
STARBUCKS – “I’d like a sizzling cup of coffee, boiling actually,” I say to the barista at the window. “But first let me call my lawyer, accountant and stock broker. Oh, and my dermatologist.” This is my latest get-rich-quick scheme since my Tesla dealership didn’t work out. If you are wondering what is going on, I am about to become rich, although my love life may be over. I am simply following the lead of Michael Garcia, a 30-yearold delivery driver in Los Angeles.
Briefly, Garcia pulled into a Starbucks drive-through in 2020 in LA and ordered three venti-size (that’s Starbuckese for 24 ounces) cups of hot tea. He must have been very thirsty. He later filed a lawsuit claiming that the barista had “negligently failed to properly” secure one of the hot drinks into a drink carrier, which caused the cup to fall out of the container and into Garcia’s lap. Video from inside the store showed Garcia writhing in pain as he pulled away. His lawyers said
YLynn Ashby Columnist
ASHBY2@COMCAST.NET
the experience left him with third-degree burns so bad that he received multiple skin grafts and underwent other medical treatments on his private parts. Since he was hospitalized and treated, he “has lived for five years with the disfigurement, pain, dysfunction and psychological harm caused by the burns,” his lawyers said. The jury agreed and awarded Garcia – get this – $50 million. All of this may sound familiar because of the famed “$2 Million Cup of Coffee,” which we have discussed before, but let me refresh that story which wasn’t what we were led to believe. That case was the poster child for frivolous lawsuits.
The story has gone up on billboards, quoted by politicians and there are even the annual
“Stella Awards.” The case inspired a documentary and was also used as a textbook example for lobbyists trying to get legislation passed to put a cap – so to speak – on jury awards and limit “frivolous” lawsuits. While I’m typing this, hold my cup of venti. In journalism there is a saying: “Don’t let the facts get in the way of a good story.” But let’s play myth-busters and set the story straight – again. What happened was that 79-year-old Stella Liebeck was a passenger in a car driven by her grandson at a McDonald’s in Albuquerque where she ordered a 49-cent cup of coffee in a Styrofoam cup to go. When the car stopped nearby, she attempted to hold the cup between her knees and remove the lid. The coffee spilled on her and she was burned.
As a result of the burns, Stella went into shock, spent eight days in a hospital, underwent skin grafting, became scarred and was on disability for two years. Her lawyer – S. Reed Morgan of Houston – offered to settle for $20,000 to cover medical expenses and damages. Mickey D refused. Morgan came back with $90,000, then an even higher
offer: $300,000, and a mediator suggested $225,000, but McDonald’s refused and countered with $800. So Liebeck sued. During the trial, Liebeck’s treating physician testified Liebeck had thirddegree burns over 6 percent of her body and lesser burns over 16 percent. The surgeon also testified it was one of the worst scald burns he had ever seen. A professor from UT-Austin, a burn expert, testified the risk involved was unacceptable. Jurors learned that McDonald’s, according to corporate rules, sold its coffee at 180 to190 degrees. This is 30 degrees higher than coffee served by other coffee establishments, and coffee served at home is generally 135 to 140 degrees. At McDonald’s much hotter temperatures, the coffee, if spilled, could cause third-degree burns in 2 to 7 seconds. It was too hot to drink, therefore under the “implied warranty of fitness” imposed by the Uniform Commercial Code, the coffee was not fit for consumption as sold.
Another point: McDonald’s had known about its hotcoffee hazard for more than
10 years and had been hit with at least 700 lawsuits from 1982 to ‘92 based on scaldings similar to those of Liebeck. A McDonald’s expert witness said the number of burned people was statistically “trivial.” McDonald’s did not warn its customers about the scalding coffee, admitted the coffee was “not fit for consumption” but had no plans to change anything.
McDonald’s also asserted that customers buy coffee on their way to work or home, intending to consume it there. Yet the company’s own research showed that customers intend to consume the coffee immediately while driving.
The jury unanimously found for Liebeck and awarded her $2.86 million. Why that specific amount of money? This last point is most important: the judge didn’t award those millions, the lawyers didn’t do it. The amount was set by the jurors. They awarded Liebeck $200,000 for compensatory damages, reduced by 20 percent for her own negligence to $160,000. McDonald’s sells 1 billion cups of coffee a year. It generates $1.3 million a day for the company. So the jury fined McDonald’s two days’
The real world of late work
coffee sales, or $2.7 million in punitive damages. It all came to about $2.86 million, minus $50,000 in expenses not counting legal fees. The victory was brief. The judge in the case let stand the compensatory damages but cut the $2.7 million punitive award to $480,000 or three times compensatory damages. Eventually, that “$2 Million Cup of Coffee” slid to $640,000. The judge said the amount was appropriate for McDonald’s “willful wanton, reckless and what the court finds was callous” behavior. The jurors said the company’s stance and attitude were appalling. Liebeck did not receive the full amount of the award approved by the judge. She ultimately agreed to about $500,000. Given this episode, we can only wonder just how much of the initial $50 million Garcia will actually receive. In any event, the next time someone trots out the “$2-million coffee burn,” ask what amount of McMoney they would take to sit still while you pour scalding coffee on their McCrotch. Include lawyer’s fees. Ashby sips cold coffee at ashby2@comcast.net
sions are a solid ‘no-go’.
Makenzi Cannon Youth Columnist
ou’ve landed your dream job with an architecture firm after college graduation. On Monday, your boss asks you to create a presentation for a client. The assignment must be completed by Friday. You’ll get it done, you’ll be ready … easy. You’ve been busy all week and neglecting your project but it’s not due until Friday. That’s a billion years away. Wednesday comes around … and so does your boss. He asks, “How is that presentation coming along? We still need it ready on Friday.” You still have three days; plenty of time. Wednesday night quickly turns into Thursday night. You arrive at the office Friday morning and beg your boss for an extension. You are fired the following day. In the workforce, late submis-
So why do high schools allow students to think it’s okay?
I asked for some input from three college students about the late grade policy established at their schools. One student said her professors are very understanding, if she truly needs an extension. However, not every professor might be as lenient. In theory, allowing individual educators to make those decisions may seem like a good idea, but procrastination plays a huge factor when discussing this topic. Another student said he thinks the deadline extension
gave him a real sense of urgency and gave him an actual responsibility to get it in on time. All three students truly appreciate the flexibility from their professors. However, it is ultimately the student’s responsibility to become more disciplined.
I also discussed this topic with a manager at one of the leading hospitals in Houston. Over the ten years she has managed different teams she has found the work ethic of her employees has declined monumentally. Ranging from less respect to lazier work, the COVID 19 pandemic has taken a toll on
the workforce. Since we’ve become accustomed to lax work environments over Zoom meetings and online classes, getting back to reality was a challenge. Many people think flexible deadlines help students with stress management and responsibility overall. But where do we draw the line between supporting and enabling? Instead of implementing an all-or-nothing approach, schools need to find a balance. By setting clear expectations and allowing exceptions for emergency cases, professors can help students build time-management
skills, while still giving support when it’s needed. If we want to prepare students for the future, we need to hold them accountable now— because in the real world, deadline dates aren’t just suggestions. Cannon is a Ridge Point High School student, class of 2028, a volleyball player, and a member of Jenni’s Rescue/ If you are a Fort Bend County high-school-age student (public, private, charter, or homeschool) who might be interested in becoming a Youth Columnist, please send an email to editor@fortbendstar.com.
Space Cowboys win opening night, but drop series to OKC 1-2
Community Reports
Despite winning on Opening Night on Friday, the defending Triple-A National Champion Sugar Land Space Cowboys fell in the season's first series 1-2 against the Oklahoma City Comets at Constellation Field.
On Friday night, the Space Cowboys scored four in the ninth to improbably top the Comets 4-3 in walk-off fashion.
Trailing 3-0 going to the ninth inning, LHP Brody Rodning made his Triple-A debut by firing a 1-2-3 inning for Sugar Land, striking out one. With one out in the bottom of the ninth, Quincy Hamilton worked a walk and moved to second on a failed pickoff by LHP Joe Jacques (BS,1). Following a strikeout, César Salazar lined a single off the front slope of the mound that ricocheted away from Jacques, scoring Hamilton from second. Zack Short fell behind 1-2 but cranked a game-tying two-run homer to left, knotting the game at 3-3. RHP Logan Boyer (L, 0-1) came on for OKC and surrendered a double to Collin Price and a walk to Kenedy Corona, turning the lineup over to Brice Matthews. The Astros’ #2 prospect laced a 1-1 pitch to the gap in left, easily scoring Price to claim the walk-off victory for Sugar Land. Even though he didn’t factor into the decision, LHP Colton Gordon was sharp in his season debut, striking out five and giving up only three hits in 5.0 innings of
work. His only mistake was a solo home run to Dalton Rushing to begin the fourth, but Gordon closed his night by retiring the final six batters he faced. All told, the southpaw threw 63 pitches, 42 for strikes.
NOTABLE:
• Zack Short’s gametying home run was his first home run since September 16, 2023, in Anaheim against the Los Angeles Angels when he was a member of the Detroit Tigers.
ing nine walks in the contest, the Space Cowboys on fell to the Comets.
• Brice Matthews has now delivered walk-off victories in the Space Cowboys last two regular-season home games. In the regular season finale for Sugar Land on September 15, 2024, Matthews was hitby-a-pitch in the ninth to force in the winning run.
• LHP Brody Rodning collects the win in his Triple-A debut, which came in his 117th career appearance. The lefty was originally drafted by the Blue Jays in the 13th round of the 2017 Draft.
• Sugar Land improves to 3-2 all-time on Opening Day… The Space Cowboys are now also 3-2 all-time in home openers.
• LHP Bennett Sousa fired a 1-2-3 sixth inning, striking out one in his first appearance in an official game since October 1, 2023 @ Arizona with the Astros. On Saturday, despite draw-
Sugar Land got out to a lead in the first inning thanks to a Brice Matthews lead-off single, a steal of second and an RBI groundout by Quincy Hamilton to make it 1-0. However, a pair of baserunners scored on a Hyeseong Kim double off RHP Aaron Brown (L, 0-1) to give OKC the lead in the top of the second.
The Comets broke the game open in the fourth with a fourrun inning, thanks in part to a Kim two-RBI triple, pushing OKC’s lead to 6-2. Sugar Land claimed a run back in the fifth following a walk to Luis Guillorme, two wild pitches and an infield single by Hamilton. Oklahoma City responded with two runs in the top of the seventh, and the Space Cowboys were unable to convert a bases-loaded situation in the bottom of the seventh in the defeat.
• Luis Guillorme reached three times, going 1-for-3 with two walks and a run scored. Guillorme has
reached base five times in his first nine plate appearances with Sugar Land.
• OF Quincy Hamilton drove in both runs for the Space Cowboys, going 2-for-4 with a walk and an RBI groundout. Hamilton also collected an outfield assist in the third when he made a diving catch in right and doubled up Alex Freeland at first base.
• INF Brice Matthews stole his first base of the season in the first inning. Last season, Matthews went 32-for-39 in stolen base attempts. He is now 4-for-4 in steals as a Space Cowboy dating back to 2024.
• Tommy Sacco Jr. started in left field for the Space Cowboys, his first Minor League appearance in the outfield. He converted all four chances in the game.
• RHP Jayden Murray fired 2.2 innings and gave up one run on two hits with a walk and two strikeouts. Murray threw 38 pitches, 24 strikes. It was his first appearance with the Space Cowboys since May 30, 2023 at Round Rock.
Sugar Land stranded 13 runners on Saturday night and went 2-for-12 with men in scoring position. After rallying from down 2-0 in the early frames on Sunday afternoon, the Space Cowboys saw the Comets manufacture a run in the top of the ninth in a 3-2 loss. RHP Lance McCullers Jr. made the start for Sugar Land and struck out the side
in the first. McCullers then allowed a one-out single, a walk and a two-RBI double in the second, putting OKC up 2-0. However, the righty induced a lineout and a flyout to navigate the frame without allowing any further damage. McCullers threw 35 pitches, 20 strikes in his 2.0 innings. Out of the bullpen, LHP Brandon Walter hit the first two batters he saw before going nine-up, nine-down with three strikeouts in 3.0 hitless innings. RHP Rhett Kouba, LHP Bennett Sousa and RHP Nick Hernandez all added scoreless innings of relief work.
In the bottom of the sixth, Jesús Bastidas connected for his first home run of the year to cut Sugar Land’s deficit to one. Zack Short drew a oneout walk in the seventh and scored on a Tommy Sacco Jr. triple to right to level the game, but Sugar Land was unable to bring in Sacco and went to the ninth tied. RHP Logan VanWey (L, 0-1) was called upon from the bullpen, and after an opposite-field single, Chris Okey reached on a bunt for the Comets. Both runners were sacrificed over, and following an intentional walk, a full count walk to Alex Freeland forced in the go-ahead run. Sugar Land put the tying run on in their half of the ninth when Short doubled with one out, and a walk to Sacco gave the Space Cowboys the winning run on base, but RHP Jack Little (S, 1) got a fielder’s choice and a flyout to lock down the win for OKC.
NOTABLE:
• Lance McCullers Jr. utilized all four of his pitches on Sunday, throwing the knuckle curve (31%), changeup (31%), sinker (23%) and slider (14%). He sinker topped out at 94.9 mph and averaged 93.2 mph for the day.
• INF Zack Short earned two more walks on Sunday, going 1-for-2, 2B, R, 2 BB, K. Short has drawn six walks in three games with Sugar Land, the most in the Pacific Coast League in the early stages of the season (next – 3 walks, 10 players).
• Brice Matthews stole his second base in as many games. He is now 5-for-5 in his Sugar Land career in stolen base attempts.
• LHP Brandon Walter made his first appearance in an official game since September 22, 2023 with Worcester against Lehigh Valley. He threw 39 pitches, 25 strikes.
• The Space Cowboys dropped two out of three in their Opening Weekend series for a second straight year. Sugar Land won on Opening Night in Round Rock in 2024 before losing their next two contests. Following an off day on Monday, Sugar Land headed to Durham to begin a sixgame series with the Durham Bulls. This article is by the marketing office of the Sugar Land Space Cowboys, the Triple-A affiliate of the Houston Astros, and is used by permission.
ROSENBERG FROM PAGE 1
case with Assistant District
Attorney Jessica Ramos. Aggravated Sexual of a
MEASLES FROM PAGE 1
effective and provides strong protection against measles.”
“I want to reassure our community that we are working
ABOUT MEASLES
Child is a first-degree felony punishable by 5-99 years, or life, in prison and a fine up to $10,000. Prohibited Sexual Conduct in this case is a second-degree felony punishable by 2-20 years in prison
closely with Health and Human Services to keep everyone informed,” Fort Bend County Judge KP George said in the release. “Your safety and wellbeing remain my top priority. I urge all residents to check
and the same fine. The sentences will run concurrently, and Portillo-Molina will not be considered for parole until half of his sentences are served.
their immunization records, get vaccinated if necessary and stay vigilant for symptoms. Together, we can protect our families, neighbors and the greater Fort Bend community.”
Measles is a highly contagious viral disease that is transmitted by direct contact with infectious droplets or by airborne spread when an infected person breathes, coughs or sneezes. The virus can linger in the air for up to two hours after an infected person has left an area, making it easy to contract in shared spaces.
SYMPTOMS
➢ High fever ≥101°F (38.3°C)
➢ Cough
➢ Runny nose
➢ Red, watery eyes
➢ Rash, typically starting on the face and spreading downward 2–5 days after initial symptoms
➢ Koplik spots (bluish-white specks or a red-rose background appearing on the buccal and labial mucosa usually opposite the molars)
INFECTIOUS PERIOD
➢ People with measles can spread the virus from four days before the rash appears to four days after.
POTENTIAL COMPLICATIONS AND HIGH-RISK GROUPS
➢ While measles can infect anyone, complications can be severe and include ear infections, diarrhea, pneumonia, or, in rare cases, brain inflammation (encephalitis). Those at the highest risk include:
➢ Infants and children under 5 years old
➢ Pregnant women
➢ People with weakened immune systems
PREVENTION
➢ Vaccination with the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine is the most effective way to prevent measles. Two doses of the MMR vaccine provide a 97% protection rate and long-lasting immunity.
➢ The CDC and FBCHHS recommend:
➢ The first dose at 12–15 months of age
➢ The second dose at 4–6 years of age
IMPORTANT ADDITIONAL GUIDANCE
➢ It is advised that an early dose of MMR vaccine be given to infants 6-12 months old if they will be traveling internationally or to an area experiencing a measles outbreak.
WHAT TO DO IF EXPOSED OR SYMPTOMATIC
➢ If you believe you have been exposed to measles or are experiencing symptoms:
➢ Isolate yourself immediately to prevent spreading the virus to others.
➢ Contact your healthcare provider by phone prior to arriving to be tested so they can prepare for your arrival in a way that minimizes exposure to others.
➢ Watch for symptoms, which typically develop 7–21 days after exposure.
VACCINE ACCESS IN FORT BEND COUNTY
Insured Individuals: Contact your healthcare provider or local pharmacy to check vaccine availability.
Uninsured or Underinsured Individuals: Free or low-cost vaccines are available through the Vaccines for Children (VFC) or Adult Safety Net (ASN) programs.
For additional information about measles, symptoms, or vaccination, visit www.cdc. gov/measles or contact Fort Bend County Health & Human Services at 281-238-3233.
LEGAL NOTICE
Application has been made with the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission for a Mixed Beverage Permit with a Food & Beverage Certificate (MB) by J2 + L2 Enterprises, LLC dba – The Perfect Shot, to be located at 18730 University Boulevard, Sugar Land, Texas. Partners of the corporation are Lois and Jerome Reuben.
LEGAL NOTICE
Application has been made with the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission for a Mixed Beverage Permit with a Food & Beverage Certificate (MB) by Flip ’n Patties DnA LLC, to be located at 5870 New Territory Boulevard, Sugar Land, Texas. Partners of the corporation are Angelica and Donramon Jante.
NOTICE
TEST OF AUTOMATIC TABULATING EQUIPMENT AVISO PÚBLICO DE PROBAR EL EQUIPO TABULAR AUTOMATICAMENTE
Notice is hereby given that the automatic tabulating equipment that will be used in the election to be held on May 3, 2025, will be tested on April 8, 2025 at 9:00 a.m. at the Fort Bend County Elections Department, 3730 Bamore Road, Rosenberg Texas to ascertain that it will accurately count the votes cast for all offices and on all measures.
Por la presente se da aviso que el equipo de tabulación automática que se usará en la elección que se llevaran a cabo el 3 de mayo del 2025 se probara el 8 de abril del 2025, a las 9:00 a.m. en el Departamento de Elecciones del Condado de Fort Bend, 3730 Bamore Road, Rosenberg, Texas para asegurarse de que contara con precisión los votos emitidos para todos los cargos y en todas las medidas.
/s/ John Oldham Fort Bend County Elections Administrator Administrador de Elecciones del Condado de Fort Bend
ELECTION FROM PAGE 1
with Sugar Land’s identity as it evolves from an aging and mostly built-out suburb into an increasingly dense and economically diverse city.
The first question posed by Breaux dealt with the future of the Imperial Historic District and the iconic Char House, the 100-year-old symbol of the former Imperial Sugar Company which served as the city’s economic engine through much of the 20th Century and gave the city it’s name.
Sitting idle for more than two decades, the property’s future has been the subject of much speculation, as various developers have made bids to redevelop it. When the most recent effort failed, City Council in February unanimously voted to use sales tax funds to purchase the property so that the Char House could be preserved, with the property ultimately to be sold to a future developer.
In the freewheeling style Breaux often uses in posing questions to candidates, all of the sitting City Council members running for the mayor’s seat said they stood by their February 19 votes to purchase the property. Kermally, a retired businessman who nonetheless has several continuing businesses, had recused himself from an initial vote on the matter but later voted to approve the city to issue certificates of obligation for the purchase of the property.
All of them agreed that it was important that Sugar Land retain and try to preserve the Char House, a point also voiced by Mikeska and Sowell.
An extensive portion of the forum dealt with Sugar Land’s efforts to attract new residents even as recent demographic data shows that the city is losing population, particularly younger people.
Many of the panelists agreed that the downward shift is due to the lack of affordability of housing in the city, which is almost entirely built out. That led to a discussion about what has long been seen as something of a third rail in Sugar Land politics - whether the city should encourage the development of more multifamily housing.
All of the panelists, to some extent, said that the city needs more multifamily housing that could attract
younger professionals, as older, long-term residents are reluctant to leave the city because of its well-regarded services and a relatively low property tax rate.
Ferguson, a peace officer of more than three decades in Fort Bend County, said that his own adult children prefer not to live in Sugar Land because “there’s nothing here for them.” He said the city needs to work harder to attract new retail and entertainment amenities.
McCutcheon, a chemical engineer, said the city should continue to offer tax incentives and rebates to businesses to entice them to locate in Sugar Land in order to bring in the younger professionals the city is seeking, a point that was reiterated by most of the panelists in later questioning.
Asked how the city should go about redevelopment, most of the panelists agreed that the Imperial Historic District and the Lake Point district, site of the departing Fluor company, should remain the focus of the city’s redevelopment efforts. All of them agreed that multifamily housing should be part of that focus.
“If you oppose multifamily development in our city, you oppose the growth and development of our city,” Ferguson said to somewhat muted applause from the audience.
Moderator Breaux next turned to the ever-present issue of flooding mitigation. which has come to the fore in recent years with flooding along the Brazos River during 2017’s Hurricane Harvey and later events. Kernally, McCutcheon and Ferguson all pointed to the efforts the city has made, often in partnership with Fort Bend County and the Texas General Land Office and through bond referenda in 2019 and this year, to provide for mitigation efforts.
Mikeska, saying that the climate is “ever-changing,” said that Sugar Land needs to work with its neighboring municipalities to try to mitigate flooding on a regional level, “so that we’re all stronger together.” Sowell added that as mayor, he would have that Sugar Land representatives attend meetings in those other municipalities to make sure the city’s interests were heard.
Breaux next asked the panelists how Sugar Land can ensure its power needs are met sustainably. In
February, the city announced that it was no longer pursuing a proposed power plant that met with widespread public opposition.
Kernally said that the power plant proposal was part of the city’s due diligence, but that the leaking of information about the proposal had been unfortunate. However, he said, it was his job as a councilman to listen to the concerns of the public.
Ferguson said that during 2021’s Winter Storm Uri, he had delivered gasoline to elderly residents to use in their at-home generators when the power was down throughout much of the region.
“What kind of city would sit aside while our elderly residents were without power because of a lack of political stamina. We’re going to stabilize our power. We’re going to do it in a healthy way, in an affordable way. It will attract businesses here and ultimately we will care for our people,” he said. Ferguson said he was a strong advocate of the use of natural gas as a power source.
McCutcheon advocated the building of “power pods” throughout the state, including in Sugar Land, while Mikeska said the city should look into the development of microgrids which would use renewable as well as more traditional forms of energy.
Asked what role the city should play in the city’s economic development, Ferguson took a very laissez-faire capitalism approach.
“The best way is to get out of the way. Businesses in America will flourish until government gets in the way unnecessarily. I feel like there’s a lot of time when businesses, investors, and developers are exhausted by government,” he said. Kernally said the city’s economic development staff need to be very proactive in supporting large businesses like the startup incubator Plug and Play, which recently opened its Houston-area hub in Sugar Land Town Square, but small and middle-sized businesses as well.
The faith-based organization Disha is slated to hold a mayoral candidate forum on Thursday, April 3, beginning at 6:30pm at The Seth, 6920 Brisbane Court, Sugar Land. Early voting for the upcoming Fort Bend County elections is scheduled from April 22 to April 29, with Election Day on Saturday, May 3.
Fort Bend libraries host workshops on insurance basics for teens
Community Reports
Fort Bend County Libraries offers programs specifically designed for high school-aged teens in grades 9 through 12.
In April, FBCL concludes a free series of Financial Literacy workshops designed to give teens a better understanding of personal finances, credit cards, and money-management skills that will help them succeed in the adult world after highschool graduation.
The series is presented by Fort Bend County Extension Agent Janelle Johnson. Topic will be repeated at three different FBCL locations.
Registration is required.
The series concludes in April with a program on “Insurance Basics.” Students will get an overview of insurance types – including health, auto, and renters’ – and why they are an important part of financial planning.
The schedule of programs on “Insurance Basics” is as follows:
* Monday, April 7, 5-6 p.m. - Mission Bend Branch Library
* Wednesday, April 16, 4:30-5:30 p.m. - George
The series is free and open to the public. To register online at the library’s website (www.fortbend.lib.
and find the
Richmond’s Art in the Bend set for April 5
Community Reports
The Historic Richmond Association will hold its annual Art in the Bend festival in downtown Richmond on April 5 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The one-day event brings local fine art artisans, vendors, live music, performances, great food, and shopping to Morton Street.
“This is our fourth year to celebrate local artists. Since 2022 we’ve chosen a featured artist. This year is Thomas Avinger,” Elizabeth Marie, president of the Historic Richmond Association, said in news release.
“Thomas has been a part of our festival for years. His art and support of the community is something to celebrate.”
The tradition began in 2022 when HRA re-branded the former Art Walk to Art In The Bend. Since then, the festival has featured artists Rita Cinquemani in 2022, Elizabeth Marie in 2023, Michelle Florence in 2024. Artists are asked to create an original work of art with a historic landmark of Richmond,
a dog and their idea of what makes Art In The Bend art.
“What we offer is a unique experience not found in the big cities,” said Amanda Dockum, committee chair of Art In The Bend. “Richmond, the county seat of Fort Bend County is full of Texas history and local flair. Our festivals are family fun. We have incredible shopping with our vendors and local businesses, live music featuring Nowhere But Up that rocked the streets last year, Bark In The Park, food trucks as well as incredible restaurants in downtown and fine art from vendors, in local galleries and the school exhibition to brag on a few thrills.” Morton Street, the main street of the city’s downtown, is rich with historic buildings, local restaurants, and shopping. Art In The Bend is a free-to-attend festival. Parking is free around the festival footprint. Develop Richmond is the event’s headline sponsor. Learn more at historicrichmondtx.org/ art-in-the-bend.
Courtesy Historic Richmond Association
Deadline is noon every Friday. Limit entries to the “5 Ws” Who, What, When, Where, and Why. Email to editor@fortbendstar.com FOR
ONGOING
ABRACADABRA! MUSIC MAGIC FOR 6 & 7
YEAR OLD BOYS STARTS MARCH 18!
The Emmy-Nominated Fort Bend Boys Choir of Texas is offering Music Magic, an 8-week music enrichment program for six- and seven- year[old boys. The class meets from 6:30-7:15 p.m. on Tuesdays starting March 18 and ending on May 6, 2025. Music Magic brings music alive through the use of movement, musical games, singing and other child-centered activities. Boys learn about pitch matching and rhythm awareness in addition to developing large muscle coordination, increased focus and better musicianship. To find out more about Music Magic, visit: https:// fbbctx.org/our-programs/music-magic/.
EMMY-NOMINATED FORT BEND BOYS CHOIR HOLDING AUDITIONS
The Fort Bend Boys Choir is seeking talented young boys who like music and singing. If know of one, encourage him to audition for our award-winning and Emmy-Nominated Fort Bend Boys Choir! No experience is necessary and boys should be around eight years of age or older with an unchanged voice. Auditions are by special appointment at the First United Methodist Church Missouri City, 3900 Lexington Blvd., Missouri City, TX. Visit the Fort Bend Boys Choir’s webpage at www.fbbctx.org or call (281) 240-3800 for more details about auditions. Benefits as a choir member include greater self-esteem and self-confidence, better work ethic and a sense of belonging and community. A boy’s voice has an expiration date so it is important to audition when boys’ voices are still unchanged. Auditions are free!
AMERICAN LEGION POST 942
311 Ulrich Street, Sugar Land meets the fourth Tuesday of each Month at 7:00 pm. All Veterans are welcome.
LOVING FRIENDS IS A GROUP OF WOMEN AND MEN WHO ARE WIDOWS AND WIDOWERS THAT MEET MONTHLY FOR LUNCH, FRIENDSHIP, AND SOCIALIZATION Lunches. are planned for the fourth Tuesday of the month at various local restaurants. Please contact Bobbie Tomlin at {281} 967-0718
For more information about us and to learn about this month’s planned lunch. We hope to meet you soon.
QUAIL VALLEY GARDEN CLUB
The Quail Valley Garden Club is very busy, not only with meetings, but with some fun “stuff” for our members and the community. Please find our fall schedule of events that the QVGC will be involved with this fall leading up to the holidays.
FBJSL IS ACCEPTING CAF GRANT APPLICATIONS
We provide grants of up to $5,000.00 to charitable causes serving Fort Bend County with requests to fund a critical need, pilot a program, or expand a significant service to the community. If your agency or organization is interested in applying for a CAF grant, please visit the Request Support page of the FBJSL website (www.fbjsl.org/request-support). All applications should be submitted via e-mail to brccom@fbjsl.com
THE SANCTUARY FOSTER CARE SERVICES
We are a child placing agency that provides wrap around care support for foster children and foster families. We provide free therapy services, 24 hr. crisis intervention, respite/alternative care services and community-based support. For more info, www.sanctuaryfostercare.org
ALIEF AARP CHAPTER 3264
Meets the first Thursday of every month at 10:00 a.m. at Salvation Army Church, 7920 Cook Road, Houston, TX 77072. Educational Program/ Entertainment at each meeting. Bus Trips every month. Seniors 50 and above invited. Call 281-785-7372 for more information.
SUGAR LAND ROTARY CLUB
Sugar Land Rotary Club, the nation’s oldest community service organization, wants you to be its guest at a meeting that could turn out to be the best fit for getting involved with a local, non-political, humanitarian service organization with a global presence to satisfy your passion. We’re on a quest for new members! Call or email Dean Clark, 832-987-4193, dean7351@gmail.com We just started a new evening club also. Contact me for more info.
CLUB
FT. BEND ACCORDION
Meets on the 4th Sunday of every month from 2:pm - 4:pm at: CHRIST CHURCH SUGAR LAND (in the Chapel) 3300 Austin Parkway, Sugar Land, TX 77479 FREE and Open to the Public! We welcome everybody! If you play accordion, beginners to professional and would like to play Call, Text or email: Vince Ramos Cell: 281-204-7716 vincer.music@gmail.com.
LITERACY COUNCIL OF FORT BEND COUNTY
We enhance lives and strengthen communities by teaching adults to read. We need your help. Literacy Council is actively recruiting Volunteer Tutors to provide instruction for English as a Second Language (ESL) Levels 0-5, three hours a week. For more information, call 281-240-8181 or visit our website www.ftbendliteracy.org.
GIVE A GIFT OF HOPE
BOOK YOUR BOOK YOUR APPOINTMENT APPOINTMENT TTODAY! ODAY!
MISSOURI CITY AARP CHAPTER 3801
Meets
MASTER GARDENERS OFFER KIDS CAMP
Youths entering grades 3-5 can have fun this summer learning about gardening by attending Earth Kind Kids Camp, sponsored by Fort Bend County Master Gardeners.
The July 21-24 day camp will cover the topics of gardening, horticulture and environmental science through different high-energy projects that help the youths learn about seeds, plants, rain and other topics between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. each day.
Registration is open for the camp, which will be in Building D at the Fort Bend County Fairgrounds, 4310 Texas 36 in Rosenberg. The camp is limited to the first 25 paid participants. Register at https://agrilife.org/ftbend4h/event/2025earthkindkidscamp/ The fee is $85. Registration includes all materials, snacks and a T-shirt.
For more information, contact Brandy Rader at Brandy.Rader@ag.tamu. edu
Give a Gift of Hope one-time or monthly. Your help provides access to therapies and services children with autism might otherwise go without. Please consider Hope For Three in your Estate, Planned, or Year-End Giving. Register now, or learn more about exciting events: www.hopeforthree.org/events. DVD-BASED ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASS WITH NO HOMEWORK REQUIRED Weekly class designed to help you understand and appreciate the Bible by giving you a better sense of the land and culture from which it
HOUSTON METHODIST LEADING CARE
We offer a full spectrum of care, including:
• Primary care physicians for you and your family, providing personal care and service
• Specialists with innovative treatments and customized programs for all conditions, including cutting-edge orthopedic, cancer and neurological care
• Collaborative teams of experts using the newest technologies and latest research
