WEDNESDAY • JULY 16, 2025
Commissioners vote along party lines to create citizens’ redistricting committee
By Ken Fountain KFOUNTAIN@FORTBENDSTAR.COM
In the latest salvo in Fort Bend County’s ongoing redistricting battle, county commissioners in a party-line vote last week approved a citizens’ committee to recommend changes to the county’s precinct maps in what would be an unusual mid-decade redistricting.
Each of the commissioners, including Fort Bend County Judge KP George, will appoint two members to the committee. The move was the first ma-
Staff Reports
Editor’s note: In its “Economy at a Glance” report for July, the Greater Houston Partnership
– the regional chamber of commerce – examines the current state of Houston’s economy, including trends in employment, energy, construction, foreign trade, home sales, apartment leasing and vehicle sales.
Houston’s economy has continued to grow through the first five months of 2025 – but at a slower pace than in previous years. This aligns with national trends as the U.S. economy grows but uncertainty and rising material costs are leading businesses to take a cautious posture. Examples of ongoing trends in Houston include:
• Payroll employment is down since the start of the year, with tepid hiring and moderate losses in the professional service sector.
• The unemployment rate remains low, but initial jobless claims are on the rise.
• Readings from the Houston Purchasing Managers Index (PMI) suggest the economy is growing at a slower pace.
• Local sales and use tax collections are up, indicating that spending has been robust.
• International trade has declined in dollar terms, though container volume in Port Houston is up.
• Low oil prices are depressing activity in energy.
• Construction contracts and air travel are down compared to last year.
• Home sales and apartment occupancy are up relative to 2024.
• New vehicle sales are breaking records.
Metro Houston added 29,600 jobs between May 2024 and May 2025. Total nonfarm payroll employment now stands at 3,471,300 jobs. This is down from the record high of 3,479,200 in December, meaning the region has lost 7,900 jobs since the start of the year. Metro Houston shed 41,800 jobs in January as is typical for that month, with temporary holiday employees being let go and annual employment contracts coming to an end. Job growth has been positive but muted since February, with the region averaging fewer than 9,000 new jobs per month. The slow pace of growth largely reflects national trends. On a seasonally unadjusted basis, the U.S. added just 35,000 jobs year-to-date in May. The national job market has cooled during the past few months as uncertainty and increased costs have led businesses to be cautious and delay long-term hiring decisions.
jor vote on redistricting since George – who is facing multiple legal and political challenges –in June announced his switch in political affiliation from Democratic to Republican. That gave Republicans the majority they needed to advance a redistricting bid after a Democratic majority – which then included George – pushed through a controversial map in 2021.
Since March, the Commissioners Court has been embroiled in heated battles over redistricting after Texas Rep. Matt Morgan, a Republican whose 26th District
includes portions of Fort Bend County, sent a letter to the county saying many of Fort Bend’s voting precincts were illegal under state law because they had too few voters.
Longtime Commissioner Andy Meyers, a Republican whose Precinct 3 was most impacted by the 2021 map, has led the charge to do a full redistricting based on Morgen’s letter and one by a Fort Worth-area attorney he hired who said that the 2021
By Ken Fountain KFOUNTAIN@FORTBENDSTAR.COM
Following a three-day bench trial, a federal judge is expected to rule in the next week or so in a case pitting a self-styled citizen journalist’s right to report against the Fort Bend County Sheriff’s Department duty to control an ongoing scene. At the end of the trial in the Houston federal courthouse on July 10, U.S District Judge George C. Hanks, Jr., told attorneys for Justin Pulliam, the social media journalist, and the county to submit final briefs by this Thursday so that he can make a ruling as quickly as possible. The case is one of a growing number of cases involving people called “auditors” who document the actions of police and other governmental of-
ficials for often-lucrative use on social media platforms like YouTube. The U.S. Supreme Court has found that such people have the same First Amendment protections as journalists in traditional media outlets like newspapers and broadcasting. Pulliam, a Fort Bend County resident, has for many years been posting videos of encounters between county law enforcement officers and citizens and posting
Whitbeck loses bid for lawsuit to be reheard
On May 19, 434th District Court Associate Judge Argie Brame signed an order granting the district’s so-called “plea to the
Justin Pulliam, a self-styled citizen journalist, accompanied by members of his legal team, exits the courtroom at the end of his federal First Amendment rights violation lawsuit
against the Fort Bend County Sheriff’s Department last week. Photo by Ken Fountain
Fort Bend County commissioners voted along party lines on July 8 to form a citizens’ committee to advise on redistricting. Here, they are pictured during an earlier meeting. File photo
HAR: Record inventory fuels area housing market in June
also saw increased buying activity.
renewed energy and balance in the market.
According to the Houston Association of Realtors’ June 2025 Housing Market Update, single-family home sales rose 12.5 percent year-over-year, with 8,588 properties sold compared to 7,637 during the same time in 2024.
Active listings were up 31.8 percent over last year with 38,713 available singlefamily properties, which is the highest level ever recorded by HAR. The growing inventory provides prospective buyers with more choices.
They also took advantage of steady home prices. The median home price was statistically unchanged at $346,651. The average price increased 4.4 percent to a record $450,235, which was largely driven by strong demand in high-end home sales.
The luxury segment, comprised of homes $1 million+, experienced a boost in June, with sales 40.6 percent above where they were last year. All other housing segments
“Although the average home price hit a record high in June, it’s important to remember that the median price is a more reliable gauge of market conditions,” said HAR Chair Shae Cottar with LPT Realty. “The fact that the median price was virtually unchanged indicates that prices are holding steady overall. With inventory at record highs and buyer demand on the rise, Houston’s housing market is showing healthy signs of balance.”
“While the U.S. housing market has struggled to return to pre-pandemic levels, Houston’s housing sales have trended normal for the past two years, driven by a strong local economy,” said HAR Chief Economist Dr. Ted C. Jones. “Home prices, however, are softening slightly due to the lowest affordability in 40 years and an inventory trending towards the favor of buyers.”
HAR will publish its June 2025 Rental Home Update on Wednesday, July 16.
June Monthly Market Comparison
The Greater Houston housing market saw continued growth for the second month
in a row. Total home sales rose 10.4 percent above where they were last June. This increase in sales volume was matched by a rise in total dollar volume, which was up 16.4 percent to $4.3 billion.
Active listings, or the total number of available properties, maintained their upward trend in June, climbing 27.2 percent above last year’s level.
Single-Family Homes Update
Buyer demand remained strong across the Houston region in June. Single-family home sales climbed 12.5 percent year-over-year, which is the largest gain since last December. A total of 8,588 homes were sold compared to 7,637 last June. Pending sales reflected the market’s strength, rising 10.1 percent above where they were in June 2024. The median home price was statistically flat at $346,651. A surge in luxury home sales drove the average price to a record high of $450,235. The price per square foot increased from $179 to $181, which is the highest since May 2024.
According to Freddie Mac’s Primary Mortgage Market Survey, the average 30-year mortgage rate decreased from 6.92 percent in June 2024 to
6.82 percent in June 2025.
When combined with the median home price, the typical monthly principal and interest mortgage payment essentially remained flat, dipping slightly from $1,826 in June 2024 (assuming a 20 percent down payment) to $1,811 as of June 2025.
The supply of single-family homes reached a historic high in June, with active listings of single-family homes climbing to 38,713. That is up 31.8 percent from the same time last year, and it marks the highest level of active listings ever recorded by HAR.
Months of inventory expanded from 4.2 months last June to a 5.4-months supply—a level not seen since June 2012. This tops the current national inventory level of 4.6 months, according to the National Association of Realtors. Days on Market inched up from 47 to 49 days.
Broken out by housing segment, single-family home sales in the Greater Houston area performed as follows:
• $1 - $99,999: increased 24.0 percent
• $100,000 - $149,999: increased 0.6 percent
• $150,000 - $249,999: increased 3.4 percent
• $250,000 - $499,999: in-
creased 10.6 percent
• $500,000 - $999,999: increased 14.2 percent
• $1M and above: increased 40.6 percent In June, existing home sales climbed 15.4 percent with 6,159 closings compared to 5,339 last year. The average price rose 5.4 percent to $470,784, which tops the previous record hit in May of $457,557. The median sales price also reached a record high in June of $352,000, which is an increase of 0.9 percent year-over-year.
Townhome/Condominium Update
Houston’s townhome and condominium market continued to experience a decline in demand, with sales falling for the fifth month in a row.
A total of 483 units were sold compared to 505 a year earlier, which is a 4.4 percent yearover-year decline. The average price was down 3.3 percent to $261,702, and the median price dropped 4.6 percent to $230,000.
Inventory levels saw a notable increase, offering more options for prospective buyers. Active listings of townhome and condominiums rose to 3,402 in June, pushing months of inventory from 4.9 months
last year to 8.0. This is the highest level of supply since September 2011.
Houston Real Estate Highlights in June
• Single-family home sales increased 12.5% year-over-year;
• Days on Market (DOM) for single-family homes went from 47 to 49 days;
• The single-family median price was statistically flat at $346,651;
• The single-family average price increased 4.4% to $450,235; • Single-family home months of inventory expanded to a 5.4-months supply, up from 4.2 months last June.
• Townhome and condominium sales declined 4.4% year-over-year. The median price was down 4.6% to $230,000, and the average price declined 3.3% to $261,702.
• Total property sales increased 10.4% with 9,993 units sold;
• Total dollar volume rose 16.4% to $4.3 billion. Editor’s
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The Greater Houston housing market hit new highs in June as strong buyer demand met a record level of available
THE REAL ESTATE
OFFICE – “Welcome,” I say to a young man. “What can I do for you?” He replies, “I’m Bubba ‘Knuckles’ DeScorpio. UT student from Longview, an’ I wanna buy a condo. Cash. Now.” I inquire why a college student would want to purchase a condo since most students rent a pad for the school year, without mentioning that he doesn’t exactly sound like he’s from Longview. “Ya gotta problem wit dat?” he says. “Ya act too many questions. Fuggedaboutit,” and Bubba storms out. That was certainly an odd conversation, I think. Then on my way to check in with my probation officer I switched my car radio to KUT-FM, The University of Texas radio station. “Wealthy families are buying homes to get in-state tuition at Texas universities,” I hear. And so I learned exactly that: a dodge to let me subsidize the college education of kids from rich families. The law even has created a growing industry of real estate agents who specialize in helping students mostly from California, Illinois and
maps put the county in legal jeapardy because of comments George made at the time indicating they were based on racial considerations, which is against federal law.
Meyers has since engaged in several heated exchanges in open session with Precinct 1 Commissioner Dexter McCoy and County Attorney Bridgette Smith-Lawson, both Democrats. At the time of the 2021 redistricting effort, McCoy served as George’s chief of staff and was the person who brought the final map to the court dais for a vote.
Lynn Ashby Columnist
The lies of Texas
ASHBY2@COMCAST.NET
New York use these condos and even homes to save tens of thousands of dollars on a degree from a Texas public university. Here’s how it works: Incoming out-of-state freshmen buy condos with the help of their parents, either by paying in cash or cosigning a mortgage. Students have to own the homes for only a year before they can use them to apply for in-state tuition for the remaining semesters. What a deal. That’s a discount of upwards of $100,000 over three years. Nearly half a dozen Realtors, some who’ve been doing this for more than a decade, collectively sell about 200 condos a year to out-ofstate UT-Austin students.
During their July 8 meeting, commissioners considered two separate items. The first was a voters’ precinct map put forward by McCoy meant to rebalance those precincts, which was voted down 3-2. The second was the creation of a citizens’ advisory committee to consider new commissioners precinct maps, as well as the hiring of a Houston law firm, Rogers, Morris & Grover, to advise on redistricting. The firm is known primarily for its work with public school districts, including Fort Bend ISD. Public speakers, on both sides of the issue, spoke for about an hour before the items came for a vote. That was followed by a long
One Realtor told KUT he has helped about 500 out-ofstate families pull off this ploy. Many opt to sell the homes after two years, often to other out-of-state families. Of those who have since sold their homes, one in three sold after fewer than 500 days. The arrangement is legal. Realtors said it has been accepted by public universities for years. According to the radio report, this coming school year a UT-Austin student from Houston or Sugar Land will pay about $10,000 a year in tuition and fees. A student from California will pay about $40,000. Over four years, someone from out of state could end up owing $120,000 more than a Texan for the same degree. There are requirements to qualify as being a Texan, sort of. Out-of-state students must first live in the state for a year. During that time they must also establish a financial or personal tie to the state by doing one of four things: owning a business, working 20 hours a week at a non-student job or buying property. Or, get this: marrying a Texan. “Darling, will you marry me,
discourse by McCoy, who began by saying there was “no basis for doing a mid-decade redistricting.” There is no valid new population data to warrant a redistricting, McCoy said, which is almost always done every 10 years after the U.S. Census. To do so would both be prohibitively expensive to taxpayers and put the county at risk of legal challenges, he said. Meyers reiterated his argument that the county is at risk of being sued by the federal government over the 2021 maps, and that the proposed effort would allow the public a chance to weigh in on any new maps, which he said had not been the case in 2021.
Longtime Precinct 2
magistrate who found that Sheriff Eric Fagan violated Pulliam’s First Amendment rights when he ordered deputies to remove him from a Julye 2021 press conference at Jones Creek Ranch, which had been closed during the investigation of a body that was discovered there. In that portion of the lawsuit, Hanks will make a ruling only on the amount of damages to which Pulliam is entitled.
But the magistrate and Hanks left open for trial the question of whether then-Sgt. Taylor Rollins of the patrol division violated Pulliam’s rights when he placed him under arrest shortly after arriving at the scene of a confrontation with a man known to suffer from mental illness at his family residence in December 2021.
Pulliam said in testimony that he felt “humiliated” by his treatment by both Fagan and Rollin in the two separate incidents, leading to a loss of self-esteem. He also testified that he has lost income because of the chilling effect the incidents has had on his willingness to continue his reporting activities.
In his own testimony, Fagan said he was mistaken when he ordered Pulliam to be removed from the press conference, saying that he mistakenly believed Pulliam was not an actual journalist. He said he has since told his deputies that social-media journalists are part of the legitimate media. Rollins, who since the 2021 incident has been promoted to the rank of lieutenant in the
patrol division, testified that his arrest of Pulliam was prompted by the latter’s refusal to go to a safer location while Rollins, who was the on-scene commander of the situation involving the mentally ill man, was attempting to secure the scene.
The July 2021 incident
During his testimony on the first day of trial, Pulliam testified the he has been interested in journalism and uncovering corruption by public officials since he was a student at Texas A&M University. He testified that his reporting style, in which he is frequently seen as being confrontational, is borne from his interest in holding officials accountable. In the July 2021 incident, Fort Bend deputies were called to the county’s Jones Creek Ranch park where a car belonging to woman who had been missing for several days was discovered in a lake. The woman’s body was inside the car.
In videos that Pulliam posted from the scene, Fagan is seeing arriving and instructing his then-public information officer to tell Pulliam to go to a parking lot area where other media were gathering for the press conference. Later, Fagan is heard telling a senior officer to tell Pulliam to move several yards from away from the other media people, and to arrest him if he didn’t comply because he wasn’t “real media.”
Pulliam would go on to shoot video of the press conference, but with no discernible audio. In his own testimony, Fagan – who had been in office only since the previous January after being elected in November 2020 – said that Pulliam had
for better or worse but mainly for an in-state tuition?”
There is a side story to this: In 2001, then-Gov. Rick Perry signed into law a bill giving undocumented foreign students living in Texas the right to in-state tuition. Nearly overnight thousands of people signed up. So a student from Lake Charles should say she is actually from Guatemala and slipped across the Rio. After a federal lawsuit was filed in June, the program was cancelled. For at least half a decade UT-Austin did not require students to live in the homes. That changed last year. The school now asks for proof students lived in the property they own for at least a year. But students can create a business by simply renting the home to someone else. So the condo owner has created a business and can use this ploy to get in-state tuition. Texas limits how many outof-state students UT-Austin can accept to no more than 10 percent of students offered admission their freshman year. But that hasn’t discouraged out-of-staters from applying.
Commissioner Grady Prestage, a Democrat, warned that a new redistricting could tear apart the county.
“This is a county we’re all proud of. We love it here,” he said. “You will ruin Fort Bend County right now by this action, trust me.”
In the midst of a heated discussion between McCoy and Meyers, George interjected to call for a vote, prompting a contentious exchange among the commissioners, leading George to recess the meeting for a brief time.
Precinct 1 Commissioner Vincent Morales, a Republican, said he found it “very disheartening” to hear two sitting commissioners argue over
In fact, the opposite has happened: last year, the number of applicants from outside the state grew by 48 percent. This transparent scam means (1) Texas taxpayers are paying for a low-cost college education for students from the other 49 states and (2) UTAustin is notoriously hard to enter, so every classroom seat held by a New Yorker (Hook ‘em, youse guys) means one less Texas kid is there. Well, as a Texas taxpayer who already underwrites billions for Operation Lone Star and sees my money being taken from our underfunded public schools to pay for private schools, this is enough. I have devised my own test to see if a UT student is really from here.
Is Willie Nelson (a) a drink made from tequila and lime juice (b) a wrestling hold (c) on the road again? Finish this sentence: Houston, we have a _. At the battle for Texas independence, Texians yelled: “Remember the (a) Al Capone (b) a la mode or (c) all of the above.” That’s a trick question. The correct answer is (d) albinos. At that battle, true or false: The Mexican general
their involvement in the 2021 redistricting. He referenced comments made by former County Judge Bob Hebert, also a Republican, as a public speaker at the May 27 Commissioners Court meeting, in which Hebert recalled a citizens committee used during redistricting in 2011 and recommended a similar committee this year.
“I wish we had done what is being proposed today back in 2021,” Morales said. “We wouldn’t be sitting here today talking about this today, if we had done some type of process like this.”
“We’ve go to get this right. We’ve got to make sure it’s within the legal bounds, or
was Sam Jacinto. The Texian leader was San Houston. Can you drive northeast on the Southwest Freeway? Texan Elon Musk is the father of how many children – as of this hour? True or false: Musk is known as “the Texas chainsaw massacre” because he likes to saw chains. There are 254 counties in Texas. Name them. Being a UT student, you should know “The Eyes of Texas” (a) was stolen by composers of “I’ve Been Working on the Railroad” (b) is the official state song or (c) should be. A train going 70 miles an hour south from Dallas while another train goes north from Houston at 50 miles an hour will (a) not be Amtrak’s (b) no one was working on the railroad or (c) collide. Buying a condo to avoid paying out-of-state tuition (a) makes the rich get richer (b) is a scam or (c) is a better lesson than anything you will learn in Business 101. If you can’t correctly answer these questions then, as they say in Longview, fuggedaboutit. Ashby hooks ‘em at ashby2@ comcast.net
otherwise, we’re going to get sued anyway,” he said.
Prestage noted that the 2020 U.S. Census data had become available “extremely late,” because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Instead of forming a citizens’ committee, he said, the county allowed members of the public to submit their own maps for consideration.
“In hindsight, it would have been nice [to form a committee], but that wasn’t the hand we were dealt,” he said. When George called for the vote, the measure to form the committee passed 3-2.
A full video of the meeting can be found at fortbendcountytx. new.swagit.com/videos/349053.
been banned from the Sheriff’s Department headquarters under the administration of former Sheriff Troy Nehls, now a member of Congress representing part of Fort Bend County. Fagan testified that he put an end to that practice, and had often talked to Pulliam.
But, Fagan testified, he learned when he arrived at the Jones Creek Ranch scene that Pulliam had been involved in a confrontation with the dead woman’s ex-husband while he was filming family members at the scene. Deputies had to separate Pulliam from the family members, Fagan testified. He also testified that members of the traditional media complained that Pulliam was “unprofessional.”
Fagan testified that at the time, he believed he was justified in ordering Pulliam from the press conference because he did not know that, under Supreme Court precedent, journalists on social media platforms enjoy the same First Amendment rights as those from traditional outlets.
Fagan testified that he has since learned that he was mistaken and told officers in all of his department’s roll-call shifts so. He testified that he also instructed his communications department to add Pulliam to their media email list, which happened in late March of this year, shortly before the trial was originally set to begin.
Under cross-examination by Pulliam’s attorneys, who are from the libertarian-leaning advocacy group Institute for Justice, Fagan said he had made that change in the department’s written media policy, known as a “general
order.” However, the order currently on the department’s website is dated December 29, 2022 and does not include social media journalists as accepted media outlets.
The December 2021 incident
Pulliam testified that on December 21, 2021, he head a police scanner broadcast about deputies investigating a welfare check of a man who he knew to have had run-ins with officers before. The man, who was known to suffer from mental illness, had reportedly locked his mother out of the trailer home they lived in on the site of their family-owned business, saying he was afraid that he might kill her.
In a video Pulliam posted online, Pulliam is seen arriving at the scene with his wife and going up to the business, talking with the mother, who is outside and grants him permission to film. Deputy Rick Rodriguez, the second deputy to arrive on the scene, is heard telling Pulliam to remain where he is.
Shortly afterward, Rollins – who was the shift sergeant on duty at the time – is seen arriving and telling Pulliam and two women on the scene to move across the street. The women were later determined to be employees of Texana, the county’s contracted mental health authority.
Pulliam is heard on the video asking Rollins, “Why, so you can shoot him?.” Rollins replies by asking, “What’s wrong with you, man?,” to which Pulliam replies “What’s wrong with you?” Shortly afterward, Rollins is seen talking to the two Texana employees, whom he allows to
remain. When Pulliam objects, Rollins repeats his order to Pulliam to cross the street before placing him under arrest for the misdemeanor offense of interference with public duties. Pulliam was handcuffed and placed in the back seat of Rodriguez’s police car.
Rollins testified that as the senior officer on scene, his duty was to make sure that everyone there, including Pulliam, were safe while he thought about how to bring the situation to a successful resolution. Pulliam’s refusal to comply with his order distracted him from that, endangering everyone, he testified. In cross-examination, Pulliam’s attorneys grilled him on why he didn’t take the time to explain to Pulliam why he was ordering him to move. In a confrontation that lasted another hour or so, according to testimony, the mentally ill man – who was well-known to authorities for his violent threats against law enforcement and others – was apprehended while carrying a rifle from an adjacent property.
Pulliam testified that after being booked into the Fort Bend County Jail, he was taken to a small conference room, where he was confronted by Fagan, his chief deputy, and others. Video of the group entering the room was played at trial, but it showed the scene only from outside the room.
Pulliam testified that during the interview with Fagan, he demanded to speak to a lawyer and said nothing else. He said that the chief deputy asked Pulliam if he knew who Fagan was, and that Fagan told him, “All right, we’ll do this the usual way” before
leaving. In his own testimony, Fagan said he learned that Pulliam had been arrested while in his office, and went to the jail to check on his welfare since he knew that many in the department had antipathy for him. He said that after speaking briefly to Pulliam, he told his staff to “do it by the book.” Pulliam’s case did not go to trial for several months, and ended in a mistrial when one juror held out for conviction.
Closing arguments
During closing arguments, Jeffrey Rowes, one of Pulliam’s attorneys, said that the department’s actions were a classic sign of authoritarian governments, requiring citizens to comply with orders without explanation or the ability to question them. Rollins’ mere “thinking” that there could be a danger was seen as enough to justify him ordering Pulliam to leave the immediate area, they argued.
Assistant Fort Bend County Attorney Kevin Hedges, by contrast, argued that Rollins had access to much more information about the situation than even the deputies on the scene, and had to act quickly to secure the scene. The attorneys also argued over the amount of damages sought by Pulliam, who estimated his business losses based on his own analysis of YouTube analytics. They also argued over whether Pulliam had taken adequate steps to recover his property which had been seized during his arrest. Attorneys for both sides told the Fort Bend Star they expected Hanks to quickly issue his ruling.
Fort Bend County Sheriff Ed Fagan exits a federal courtroom following a civil rights violations lawsuit trial against his department last week. Photos by Ken Fountain
Lt. Taylor Rollins of the Fort Bend County Sheriff’s Department exits the courtroom following the end of the trial.
argued, among other things, that the district was barred from Whitbeck’s claims by the doctrine of sovereign immunity, which means that in most circumstances, governmental entities cannot be sued. The case had tentatively been set for trial in January.
Whitbeck and Tritico filed an appeal seeking a rehearing of Brame’s order. In the appeal, Tritico requested a “De novo” hearing (Latin for “as for the first time”) on claims Brame erred in granting the district’s plea to the jurisdiction and seeking a review of all of the issues raised in the district’s and Whitbeck’s filings.
On June 24, 434th District Court Judge J. Christian Becerra held an hour-long hearing. Jonathan Brush, a partner in the Houston firm Rogers, Morris & Grover, which represents the district, argued that Whitbeck’s breach of contract failed because the resignation agreement between her and the district was actually an extension of her prior employment contract, since she stayed on as “superintendent emeritus” until the following July.
As such, Brush argued, Whitbeck was obligated to exhaust her “administrative remedies” through both the district itself and and the Texas Education Administration before filing a lawsuit.
Triticio, by contrast, argued that the separation agreement could not be construed as an employment contract on its face, since it included language limiting what either party could say about the matter.
In his July 8 ruling, Becerra wrote that it was the court’s opinion that the district’s plea to the jurisdiction should be granted, with no other comment. He dismissed Whitbeck’s claims “with prejudice,” meaning that she cannot file them again.
Contacted by the Fort Bend Star, Tritico said that he and Whitbeck are considering their future options. He said they have 30 days from the date of Becerra’s ruling to file an appeal.
By Juhi Varma SPECIAL TO THE STAR
A short stretch of Synott Road in southwest Houston now bears a new name – Union Corridor – honoring the many religious institutions that call it home.
At a special ceremony on Saturday, Fort Bend County Precinct 3
Commissioner Andy Meyers and Houston District F City Council Member Tiffany Thomas unveiled a new street sign naming the 0.7-mile stretch of Synott Road “Union Corridor” in honor of unity, peace, and coexistence.
The renamed corridor – running between West Bellfort Avenue and Keegan’s Bayou – is home to at least eight active religious institutions, including Hindu temples, mosques, Buddhist centers, and Christian churches, with a Jain temple under construction.
“’Union Corridor’ is more than a name – it’s a statement about who we are,”Meyers said. “On this stretch of Synott Road, you will find people of different backgrounds and faiths living in harmony. That is something worth celebrating and recognizing.”
A mile of faith and fellowship
The newly designated Union Corridor includes:
• Sri Ashtalakshmi Temple (Hinduism)
• Vietnamese Buddhist Center (Buddhism)
• Apostolic Church (Christianity)
• Chinmaya Mission Houston (Hinduism)
• ISSO (Hinduism - Swaminarayan
tradition)
• ISGH Masjid At-Taqwa (Islam)
• Cao Dai Temple of Synott (Caodaism - Vietnamese syncretic faith)
• Shri Krishna Vrundavana (Hinduism - Madhva tradition)
• Jain Society of Houston (Under construction)
“These institutions serve hundreds of families and together reflect the spiritual richness that defines both Fort Bend County and the City of Houston,” said Dennis Spellman, communications director for Commissioner Meyers. “This clustering of temples, mosques, and churches creates a distinctive interfaith landscape.”
A celebration of unity
The ceremony took place at the
Vietnamese Buddhist Center, where guests gathered for speeches, the street sign unveiling, and an international spread of food provided by local religious and cultural groups.
“Just as all rivers flow into the great ocean – surrendering their names and boundaries to share the single salty taste of the sea – may we too set aside differences to become part of something greater,” said Brother Tri Thanh of the Vietnamese Buddhist Center.
“May this path we walk together lead us to deeper understanding, joy, and lasting peace.”
Faith leaders shared remarks about the shared values that tie their communities together – understanding and respect.
“I want to commend the congregation and spiritual leaders and families
that make Union Corridor a place of reflection, connection and shared purpose,” said Thomas. “Your presence strengthens our cultural and spiritual fabric and represents the best of who we are.”
The Vietnamese Buddhist Center has stood on Synott Road for 35 years and is home to a towering 72-foot statue of the revered East Asian Buddhist figure Guanyin – one of the tallest such statues in the country. Around 10 monks and Zen masters are associated with the temple. Last year, a second towering figure joined the area's skyline: the Statue of Unity depicting the Hindu god Hanuman, unveiled at the neighboring Sri Ashtalakshmi Temple.
Varma is a freelance writer. She can be reached at juhi.varma@gmail.com.
Community leaders and elected officials gather at the Vietnamese Buddhist Center on July 12 for the unveiling of a new street sign designating a stretch of Synott Road as “Union Corridor,” honoring the area’s rich religious diversity. Photos courtesy the Office of Fort Bend County Precinct 3
Commissioner Andy Meyers
A new street sign officially designates this 0.7-mile stretch of Synott Road as Union Corridor.
Brother Tri Thanh welcomed and addresses the audience at the Vietnamese Buddhist Center.
Price picks up three knocks in Space Cowboys’ series-clinching win over OKC
Community Reports
OKLAHOMA CITY – A
three-run fifth and three combined runs in the eighth and ninth lifted the Sugar Land Space Cowboys (8-8, 47-44) to a 6-2 series-clinching win over the Oklahoma City Comets (10-8, 56-37) on Sunday afternoon at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark. The 5-6-7 in Sugar Land’s lineup combined for seven hits, three doubles, three RBI and two runs scored during the Space Cowboys’ final game before the All-Star Break.
RHP AJ Blubaugh (W, 4-8) wiggled out of a two-on one-out jam in the bottom of the first as he struck out two-straight batters to retire the side.
Sugar Land threatened in the top of the second as Jesús Bastidas swatted an oppositefield single to right and Colin Barber walked, but a strikeout and a groundout marooned the runners.
Although Edwin Díaz drew an 11-pitch walk and took second on a wild pitch with one out in the top of the third, he was left in scoring position.
After Blubaugh stranded two runners in the home half of the third, the right-hander started a 1-3 double play in the fourth before inducing a fly-
out to post his fourth-straight zero as the Comets and Space Cowboys stayed scoreless heading into the fifth.
Collin Price led off the top of the fifth with a double, and two batters later, Tommy Sacco Jr. drove in Price with an RBI single as Sugar Land took a 1-0 lead. In the ensuing at-bat, Díaz thumped an 0-1 offering 396 feet to left, resulting in a two-run homer as the Space Cowboys extended their advantage to 3-0.
Sugar Land loaded the bases in the top of the sixth asBarber walked, Price singled and Sacco Jr. kept the inning alive with a two-out base on balls, but a strikeout stranded the runners.
Oklahoma City cut into the Space Cowboys’ lead in the home half of the sixth as CJ Alexander picked up a two-RBI double to make it a 3-2 game.
The Space Cowboys tacked on an insurance run in the top of the eighth as Barber walked and stole second before Price pummeled an RBI double to left-center, his third-straight hit, as Sugar Land pushed out in front, 4-2.
RHP Logan VanWey (H,3) made his first appearance with Sugar Land since being reinstated from the IL in
the bottom of the eighth and fired a 1-2-3 frame with one strikeout.
Shay Whitcomb roped a lead-off single into rightcenter to begin the ninth and moved up to second on a fielding error. Whitcomb then took third on a wild pitch while Jon Singleton walked to put runners on the corners with nobody out. After Luis Castro reached on a fielder’s choice, Bastidas blooped a single to load the bases with one out. In the ensuing at-bat, Barber
belted a two-RBI double to open the game up, 6-2.
RHP Rhett Kouba came on in the ninth and sat down the Comets in order on nine pitches to close out the 6-2 victory.
NOTABLE:
• AJ Blubuagh went 5.1 innings on Sunday with one earned run on three hits with four strikeouts. Blubaugh combined to go 10.1 innings with two earned runs, five hits and eight strikeouts in
two starts against the Comets this series. The right-hander has gone 5.0 innings or further in his last five starts.
• Jesús Bastidas extended his on-base streak to 18 games after going 2-for-5 on Sunday. Over his onbase streak, Bastidas has five doubles, four homers, 17 RBI and 13 runs scored.
• Collin Price went 3-for-5 on Sunday with two doubles, an RBI and a run scored, his second threehit game of the season and first since April 11 against the Albuquerque Isotopes. Price’s two-double game is his first at the TripleA level and first since May 25, 2023 with the Asheville Tourists.
• Jon Singleton is currently on a 16-game on-base streak with four homers, 12 RBI, 11 walks and 11 runs scored after picking up two walks on Sunday.
• Sugar Land has scored six runs or more in their fourth-straight game for the first time since the Space Cowboys scored six runs or more in sixstraight games from June 10-15 against the Reno Aces.
• After homering on Sunday, Edwin Díaz had two doubles, two homers and seven RBI in six games against Oklahoma City this series.
• Colin Barber recorded his third multi-walk game of the season on Sunday and his first multi-walk game since he walked three times on June 21 against the Las Vegas Aviators. Barber went 2-for-3 on Sunday with a double, two RBI, two walks and a run scored, his first multi-RBI game with Sugar Land this season. After Sugar Land’s sixgame series against Oklahoma City and the All-Star Break, the Space Cowboys return home for a three-game set against the Salt Lake Bees. First pitch is set for Friday at 7:05 pm CT. Games can be seen live on the Bally Sports Live App or MLB.TV and can be heard anywhere at SLSpaceCowboys.com. This article is provided by the marketing office of the Sugar Land Space Cowboys, the Triple-A affiliate of the Houston Astros, and is used by permission.
First Fort Bend County sample of West Nile Virus of the year confirmed
Staff Reports
The first positive sample of West Nile Virus in Fort Bend County this year has been confirmed by the Fort Bend County Health and Human Services Environmental Health Division. No human cases of West Nile Virus have yet been reported, the office said in a press release on Thursday.
According to a news release, the division's Mosquito and Victor Control program collected a sample from a mosquito trapping site inside the 77494 ZIP code. In response, the department began evening spray operations on July 9 in the area where the positive mosquito sample was found and surrounding areas.
"At this time, Fort Bend County does not have any reported human cases of West Nile Virus (WNV). To reduce the risk of disease transmission, spray operations will begin on the evening of July 9, 2025, at dusk and continue according to FBCHHS’s Environmental Health’s op -
erating procedures, for three nights, as weather permits, with ongoing surveillance of the area until there are no confirmed positive mosquito samples," the office said.
“After the recent rains and warmer first months of the year, we are seeing an increase in mosquito populations. We remind our residents to enjoy the outdoors but remember to protect themselves and their families from diseases transmitted by mosquitoes,”
Dr. Gale-Lowe, Fort Bend County Health and Human Services Director and Local Health Authority, said in the news release.
"Mosquitos are present throughout the year; however, they are more prevalent during the warmer months, typically most active from June through October. Infected mosquitoes transmit West Nile after biting, and although 80 percent of people exposed to the virus do not get sick, the rest will develop symptoms like fever, nausea, headache, fatigue, and muscle and joint pain. Less than one percent
of those exposed will suffer from West Nile neuroinvasive disease, which affects the nervous system and can cause disorientation, neck stiffness, tremors, paralysis, convulsions, and even death. If you think you have been infected with WNV, contact your healthcare provider," it said.
From the division:
The best way to “Fight the Bite”, is by following the 4-Ds of mosquito safety: Dusk and Dawn Mosquito activity is heightened during these periods. Take the proper precautions of the other D’s when out and about.
Drain Flower pots, pet dishes, blocked gutters, or any containers that may hold standing water to prevent mosquito breeding grounds. Treat any water that cannot be drained.
Dress In long sleeves and pants when outdoors to minimize exposed skin.
Defend By using an EPAapproved insect repellent to protect yourself from mosquito bites.
University Branch Library to host dementia program on July 18
Community Reports
Fort Bend County Libraries’ University Branch Library will present “The Truth About Dementia” – a program in the Senior Series for older adults and their family members – on Friday, July 18, beginning at 10:30 a.m., in Meeting Room 1 of the library, 14010 University Blvd in Sugar Land, on the UH campus. Liz McNeel, a senior realestate specialist and certified senior-housing professional, will moderate a panel of experts who will share comprehensive information about dementia and how to lower the risk by focusing on improving one’s brain health. Attendees will learn
Liz McNeel, a senior real-estate specialist and certified senior-housing professional, will moderate a panel on
18.
United Way's Fort Bend Center to host back-to-school fair on July 26
Community Reports
United Way of Greater Houston, Fort Bend Center will host a Back-to-School Resource Fair on Saturday July 26 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 12300 Parc Crest Drive, Stafford. This free event is designed to support area families and their children as they prepare to head back to school.
With the support of the Ibn Sina Clinic and State Farm agent Kevin Patton, the first 60 families attending the event will receive a free backpack as well as an assortment of recommended school supplies. Families will also have an opportunity to take home a grocery bag of nonperishable food items, courtesy of the Second Mile Mission. The event will also feature community resources relating to education, health, and family wellness.
“This event is about more than providing school supplies. It’s about connecting with families here in Fort Bend and letting them know they are supported,” Robert Quarles, senior manager of the United Way Fort Bend Center, said in a news release. The event is free and open to the public, and families are encouraged to arrive early while supplies last.
Houston.
The first positive sample of West Nile Virus in Fort Bend County this year has been confirmed, according to officials. Public domain image via Wikipedia
Deadline is noon every Friday. Limit entries to the “5 Ws” Who, What, When, Where, and Why. Email to editor@fortbendstar.com
BECOME A MASTER GARDENER
Want to learn new skills in gardening and share them with others? Sign up for the
Fall 2025 Intern Class of Fort Bend County Master Gardeners by July 18. You can find the application form at https://fbmg.org/files/2025/06/MG-Application-2025-1.pdf
Enrollment is limited to 25 participants, and is on a first-come, first served basis. Both application and payment are required to secure a spot.
Master Gardeners work with Boy and Girl Scouts, provide summer kids camps and offer free online and in-person classes about different aspects of gardening. Master Gardeners man a Help Desk and answer gardening questions from our community.
It also is a means of forming lasting friendships.
Learn more about Master Gardeners at https://fbmg.org/become-a-master-gardener/
ONGOING
EARTH KIND KIDS CAMP REGISTRATION OPEN
Youths in 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
ENGLISH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE CLASSES AT GPBC
In conjunction with the Literacy Council of Fort Bend Bend County, Grand Parkway Baptist Church will offer ESL classes on Tuesday nights from mid-August 2025 through May 2026. We are located at 12000 FM 1464, Richmond, across from Austin High School. Our students speak several languages and encompass many faiths, all are welcome. For more information call 281-277-2200 and ask for ESL information. You may also email ESL@grandparkway.org
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 281785-7372 for more information.
LAND ROTARY CLUB
SUGAR
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, sugarlandrotaryclub5890@gmail.com We just started a new evening club also. Contact me for more info.
FT. BEND ACCORDION CLUB
Meets on the 4th Sunday of every month from 2:pm - 4:pm at: CHRIST CHURCH SUGAR LAND (in the Chapel) 3300 Austin Parkway,
vincer.music@gmail.com.
LITERACY COUNCIL OF FORT
GIVE A GIFT OF HOPE
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 sprang. The class meets at 9:30 am every Sunday at First Presbyterian of Sugar Land (502 Eldridge Rd.). For more information call 281-240-3195.
EXCHANGE
EXCHANGE, America’s
