Where I grew up in California, on quiet mornings, you could hear the birds before anything else – finches, warblers, sparrows. They made the dawn feel like something alive. Those songs filled the sky with beauty and made the world feel whole. Now, those voices are going silent.
A new study published last week in Science brought stunning news. Three out of every four of the 500 North American bird species in the study are in decline. Seventy-five percent. It is a collapse happening in real time, in our backyards, in our forests, in our skies.
This is not a mystery. It is not a natural cycle. The reasons are clear – and they are all human-made.
We are destroying bird habitats across this continent. Wetlands, forests, grasslands – paved over or poisoned. We are using pesticides that kill off the insects birds depend on for food. We are building in places that block nesting and migration. And, of course, we are heating the planet in ways that are driving entire species to the edge.
This study is not just a report. It is a warning. And we should treat it as such.
Birds are essential workers in our natural systems. They pollinate plants. They eat pests. They spread seeds that help entire forests grow. When birds vanish, entire ecosystems unravel. The decline of birds is not a small crisis. It is a signal of something much bigger.
We are not just losing birds. We are losing balance. We are watching the Earth’s systems go out of rhythm. That is the extinction crisis.
Many people still do not realize we are living through a mass extinction – what scientists are calling the sixth in Earth’s history. But unlike the one that killed off the dinosaurs, this one is driven by us. Species are disappearing at a rate thousands of
times faster than normal. We are making this planet unlivable for the creatures we share it with – and eventually, if we are not careful, for ourselves.
And yet, there is still hope.
We have done hard things before. We have solved problems that once seemed impossible. In the middle part of the last century, America’s greatest birds of prey were pushed to the edge of extinction. The bald eagle. The peregrine falcon. The osprey. All were being poisoned by DDT, a pesticide that was weakening their eggshells until whole generations were lost.
But in 1962, a scientist named Rachel Carson wrote a book called Silent Spring. She told the truth. She connected the dots. And people listened. The movement she sparked led to the banning of DDT. It led to the creation of the EPA. And it helped bring our great raptors back from the brink.
Today, in places like Chicago, per-
egrine falcons are nesting on skyscrapers. In Maryland, where I live, bald eagles fly over the Chesapeake Bay again. That happened because people fought for it. That is the power of action guided by truth.
We also saw what the world could do when faced with the hole in the ozone layer – another man-made crisis. In the 1980s, scientists sounded the alarm. The world came together to ban the chemicals causing the damage. Now, the ozone layer is healing. We are seeing progress because we acted boldly and together.
We can do the same for birds – and for nature itself.
It starts with honesty. We must name what is happening: a man-made collapse of ecosystems. We must reject the lies coming from those who want to bury the science, downplay the damage, or pretend that nothing is wrong. We know the truth.
And the birds – or the silence where they used to be – are telling it too.
Then we must act. We need to protect the land birds depend on – from forests to shorelines to native grasslands. We need to reduce pesticide use and restore pollinator-friendly habitats. We need to pass strong laws that defend biodiversity. And most of all, we need to stop burning the fossil fuels that are driving the climate crisis and accelerating species loss all around the world.
Birds are not the only canaries in this coal mine. When I was a boy in Pacific Grove, CA – known as Butterfly Town, USA – they came by the tens of thousands. These charismatic critters, each one lighter than a feather, were heavy enough in their great numbers to bend the tree limbs on which they would land. The same butterfly sanctuary that was home to that marvel this year counted fewer than 250 monarchs. From the monarchs to the meadowlarks, we are watching life itself vanish in plain sight.
Simply to go outside – to walk through a field, sit under a tree, hike through a park, or step into the ocean – reveals the deep truth that we are not separate from nature. We are part of it. What happens to the birds, happens to us.
And what history shows – from banning DDT to saving the ozone layer – is that we still have the power to change course when we choose to face the truth.
Let this study be our alarm. Instead of having to face the terrible question of how much time we have left, let us focus on what we do now: that the time to act is right now.
You can write to Ben Jealous in care of this Newspaper or by website at:
In a significant development for Houston’s historic Fifth Ward, Union Pacific has completed the final round of its extensive soil testing initiative surrounding the former Houston Wood Preserving Works (HWPW) site—and the results offer reassurance and renewed clarity for local families.
This milestone, supervised by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and supported by independent laboratories, confirms what previous findings have consistently shown: no immediate health risks associated with soil on the sampled properties. Out of 176 properties tested, 135 were found to be safely below EPA’s protective screening levels. The remaining 41, while above conservative thresholds, still fall below any level that would trigger urgent health action.
“We appreciate the residents and property owners who participated in this sampling effort to help us reach this important milestone,” said Toni Harrison, Union Pacific spokesperson and community liaison. “We’ve prioritized transparency and collaboration throughout the process.”
These efforts are more than just environmental due diligence—they reflect Union Pacific’s broader commitment to Houston’s communities and the future of Fifth Ward families.
UNION PACIFIC’S COMMITMENT TO FIFTH WARD: TRANSPARENCY, TESTING,
AND
A SAFER TOMORROW
By Francis Page, Jr. for www.StyleMagazine.com
Beyond the Headlines: Scientific Rigor and Honest Engagement
The testing spanned five zones of properties, all voluntarily included by residents and owners. The EPA’s child-focused screening benchmarks are intentionally conservative, built on assumptions of daily exposure for the most vulnerable members of the community. This ensures any necessary follow-up action will be scientifically sound and community focused.
Results were mailed confidentially to each property owner or their attorney, protecting privacy while maintaining public trust.
What’s
Next? A Health Risk Assessment
Union Pacific, in coordination with federal, state, and local agencies, is now moving forward with a Health Risk Assessment—a data-driven deep dive expected this summer to further determine if any long-term health concerns need to
be addressed.
This transparent approach stands in contrast to the all-too-common corporate silence around legacy sites. Union Pacific has not only acknowledged its inherited responsibility through its 1997 merger with Southern Pacific, but has consistently leaned into science, community outreach, and environmental integrity for over 20 years.
A Legacy of Stewardship and a Future of Accountability
Union Pacific operates in 23 western states and delivers safe, reliable freight services to millions of Americans. But in neighborhoods like the Fifth Ward, it’s not just about moving goods—it’s about honoring community roots, showing up with integrity, and laying the track for a cleaner, safer tomorrow.
Houston Style Magazine readers, as Houston continues to evolve, Fifth Ward stands at the intersection of historic resilience and modern investment. And thanks to responsible partners like Union Pacific, that journey forward looks increasingly bright.
For updates and detailed environmental reports, visit www.houstonwoodpreservingworks.com.
Toni Harrison - Union Pacific
In a stunning and history-making victory, Carmyn Robey Robinson has shattered barriers and set a powerful new precedent in Brazoria County by becoming the first African American woman ever elected to the Manvel City Council. With a dynamic blend of intellect, grit, and vision, Robinson not only won the race—she doubled voter turnout from the last election cycle, drawing 1,271 voters to the polls and capturing 54% of the vote to unseat the incumbent, Ed Perry.
And just like that, a new era begins. "This is about more than just winning a seat,” Robinson said the morning after her victory. “It’s about opening the door for more voices, more families, and more communities to feel seen, heard, and represented. I am deeply honored and thankful to everyone who stood in the rain, the heat, and in long lines—your belief in this campaign made all the difference.”
Born in Pearland and raised in the shadow of Houston’s historic Fifth Ward, Carmyn Robey Robinson’s leadership bloodline runs deep. Her great-grandfather, the legendary Don Robey, founded the Bronze Peacock Nightclub and Duke-Peacock Records, helping shape the sound of American music. Now, generations later, Carmyn is shaping the sound of leadership in Manvel—one bold decision at a time.
CARMYN ROBEY ROBINSON MAKES HISTORY IN MANVEL: A BOLD NEW CHAPTER OF LEADERSHIP BEGINS
By Burt Levine, Political Editor for www.StyleMagazine.com
A graduate of Pearland High School’s Class of 2007, Robinson left Texas for Howard University, where she studied computer science engineering and pledged Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. She rose
from the halls of Howard to corporate roles at Goldman Sachs and Johnson & Johnson in New York City, but it was a promise she made to her husband, Tim Robinson, that brought her back to Texas.
“I told Tim that this is where I want our children to be born. This is where I want them to grow up. Manvel is home.”
And she means it. Robinson poured herself into the campaign trail, personally greeting voters from 7 AM to 7 PM daily—through pounding rain, blistering heat, and even moments of racial hostility. Confederate flags and slurs did not shake her commitment. They only ignited her resolve.
“A small number of people decided the direction of this city for years. I ran to change that. I ran to remind every neighbor that your voice matters. You deserve leadership that’s responsive, respectful, and reliable,” she said.
Her victory is also a reflection of Manvel’s rapid transformation—from a sleepy Texas town of 9,992 in 2010 to a vibrant, multi-ethnic community now home to over 20,000 residents. The 2020 Census captured a snapshot of that diversity: 36.6% white, 26.6% African American, 25.2% Hispanic, and 7.36% Asian.
And with that growth comes both opportunity and challenge.
“Manvel’s General Fund Budget is
approaching $10 million. We have 60 city employees and one of the highest property tax rates in the region,” Robinson explained.
“We need bold, forward-thinking leadership that supports small business owners, invests in family-friendly parks, and brings innovation to how we serve our residents.”
As an entrepreneur herself, Robinson’s business acumen will be instrumental in helping Manvel manage that growth with equity and foresight. Her passion for food, entertainment, small business, and youth opportunity makes her uniquely equipped to bridge gaps and build consensus.
"I want Manvel to be a city that works for everyone—whether you just moved here or your family has been here for generations. We’re building something bigger than a moment. We’re building momentum.”
With her hand now on the steering wheel of city governance, Carmyn Robey Robinson is already a beacon of what’s possible when courage meets conviction. For Manvel, the future looks bright—and it’s wearing shades of possibility.
Despite horsepower is shifting into high gear! This May, The Houston Auto Show, in collaboration with Evolve Houston and Modern Luxury Houston, is delivering an adrenaline-pumping, elegance-packed weekend with its highly anticipated Luxury Ride & Drive event—where innovation, performance, and prestige converge in unforgettable fashion.
Scheduled for Friday, May 9 and Saturday, May 10, from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM at The Revaire (7122 Old Katy Rd, Houston, TX 77024), this VIP-style showcase gives attendees more than just a glimpse of tomorrow’s luxury vehicles—it puts them in the driver’s seat.
Whether you’re drawn to the whisper-quiet elegance of electric engineering or the raw power of precision gas engines, this exclusive test-drive event is your golden ticket to explore both. Featured brands include automotive royalty like:
Acura
Alfa Romeo
Porsche
Hummer
INEOS
Lucid
Maserati
Mercedes-Benz
From the seductive curves of a
LOCAL: HOUSTON AUTO SHOW ROLLS OUT THE RED CARPET FOR LUXURY: RIDE & DRIVE EXPERIENCE SET TO THRILL AUTO
By Francis Page Jr. For
Maserati to the cutting-edge EV prowess of Lucid, participants can expect a curated, hands-on preview of the 2025 models—all under one stylish roof.
But it’s not just a test drive—it’s an immersive experience. Product specialists from each brand will be on-site, offering one-on-one insights into everything from torque to tech, design to drive modes. It’s luxury redefined, and Houston’s discerning drivers are invited to indulge.
Luxury Ride & Drive Event Details
�� Dates: Friday, May 9 & Saturday, May 10
⏰ Time: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
��
Location: The Revaire, 7122 Old Katy Rd, Houston, TX 77024
waiver of liability for all drivers and passengers
As a bonus for attending, each participant will receive a complimentary ticket to the 2026 Houston Auto Show—a stylish nod to the future of automotive excellence.
Ready to Ride in Style?
Secure your spot and register at: www.houstonautoshow.com/luxury-test-drive
Houston Style Magazine encourages our readers to rev up their weekend plans and embrace this rare chance to feel the future of driving. The Luxury Ride & Drive is more than an event—it’s where elegance meets exhilaration.
Texas Commission on Environmental Quality
NOTICE OF RECEIPT OF APPLICATION AND INTENT TO OBTAIN AIR PERMIT (NORI) RENEWAL
PERMIT NUMBER 56461
APPLICATION. Allpro Manufacturing, Inc., has applied to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) for renewal of Air Quality Permit Number 56461, which would authorize continued operation of the Lead Plumbing and Roofing Products Manufacturing Facility located at 709 North Velasco Street, Houston, Harris County, Texas 77003. AVISO DE IDIOMA ALTERNATIVO. El aviso de idioma alternativo en espanol está disponible en: https://www.tceq.texas.gov/permitting/air/newsourcereview/airpermits-pendingpermit-apps
This link to an electronic map of the site or facility’s general location is provided as a public courtesy and not part of the application or notice. For exact location, refer to application. https://gisweb.tceq.texas.gov/LocationMapper/?marker=-95.336666,29.757777&level=13. The existing facility and/or related facilities are authorized to emit the following air contaminants: carbon monoxide, organic compounds, hazardous air pollutants, nitrogen oxides, sulfur dioxide, particulate matter including particulate matter with diameters of 10 microns or less and 2.5 microns or less and lead.
This application was submitted to the TCEQ on March 4, 2025. The application will be available for viewing and copying at the TCEQ central office, TCEQ Houston regional office, and the Flores Neighborhood Library, 110 North Milby Street, Houston, Harris County, Texas, 77003, beginning the first day of publication of this notice. The facility’s compliance file, if any exists, is available for public review in the Houston regional office of the TCEQ. The application, including any updates, is available electronically at the following webpage: https://www.tceq.texas.gov/permitting/air/airpermit-applications-notices
The executive director has determined the application is administratively complete and will conduct a technical review of the application. In addition to the renewal, this permitting action includes the incorporation of changes in emission factors related to this permit. The reasons for any changes or incorporations, to the extent they are included in the renewed permit, may include the enhancement of operational control at the plant or enforceability of the permit. The TCEQ may act on this application without seeking further public comment or providing an opportunity for a contested case hearing if certain criteria are met.
PUBLIC COMMENT. You may submit public comments to the Office of the Chief Clerk at the address below. The TCEQ will consider all public comments in developing a final decision on the application and the executive director will prepare a response to those comments. Issues such as property values, noise, traffic safety, and zoning are outside of the TCEQ’s jurisdiction to address in the permit process.
OPPORTUNITY FOR A CONTESTED CASE HEARING. You may request a contested case hearing if you are a person who may be affected by emissions of air contaminants from the facility. If requesting a contested case hearing, you must submit the following: (1) your name (or for a group or association, an official representative), mailing address, daytime phone number; (2) applicant’s name and permit number; (3) the statement “[I/we] request a contested case hearing;” (4) a specific description of how you would be adversely affected by the application and air emissions from the facility in a way not common to the general public; (5) the location and distance of your property relative to the facility; (6) a description of how you use the property which may be impacted by the facility; and (7) a list of all disputed issues of fact that you submit during the comment period. If the request is made by a group or association, one or more members who have standing to request a hearing must be identified by name and physical address. The interests the group or association seeks to protect must also be identified. You may also submit your proposed adjustments to the application/ permit which would satisfy your concerns.
The deadline to submit a request for a contested case hearing is 15 days after newspaper notice is published. If a request is timely filed, the deadline for requesting a contested case hearing will be extended to 30 days after mailing of the response to comments.
If any requests for a contested case hearing are timely filed, the Executive Director will forward the application and any requests for a contested case hearing to the Commissioners for their consideration at a scheduled Commission meeting. Unless the application is directly referred to a contested case hearing, the executive director will mail the response to comments along with notification of Commission meeting to everyone who submitted comments or is on the mailing list for this application. The Commission may only grant a request for a contested case hearing on issues the requestor submitted in their timely comments that were not subsequently withdrawn. If a hearing is granted, the subject of a hearing will be limited to disputed issues of fact or mixed questions of fact and law relating to relevant and material air quality concerns submitted during the comment period. Issues such as property values, noise, traffic safety, and zoning are outside of the Commission’s jurisdiction to address in this proceeding.
MAILING LIST. In addition to submitting public comments, you may ask to be placed on a mailing list for this application by sending a request to the Office of the Chief Clerk at the address below. Those on the mailing list will receive copies of future public notices (if any) mailed by the Office of the Chief Clerk for this application.
AGENCY CONTACTS AND INFORMATION. Public comments and requests must be submitted either electronically at www14.tceq.texas.gov/epic/eComment/, or in writing to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, Office of the Chief Clerk, MC-105, P.O. Box 13087, Austin, Texas 78711-3087. Please be aware that any contact information you provide, including your name, phone number, email address and physical address will become part of the agency’s public record. For more information about this permit application or the permitting process, please call the Public Education Program toll free at 1-800-687-4040. Si desea información en Español, puede llamar al 1-800-687-4040.
Further information may also be obtained from Allpro Manufacturing, Inc., P.O. Box 15356, Houston, Texas 77220-5356 or by calling Mr. Cary Ostera, President, at (713) 224-9546.
Notice Issuance Date: April 8, 2025
GRANT FUNDING OPPORTUNITY
METROPOLITAN TRANSIT AUTHORITY OF HARRIS COUNTY
CALL FOR PROJECTS
Enhanced Mobility of Seniors and Individuals with Disabilities Grant Program
The Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County (METRO) is conducting a Call for Projects for the 5310 Enhanced Mobility of Seniors and Individuals with Disabilities grant program.
This program (49 U.S.C. 5310) provides federal funding for the purpose of assisting private nonprofit groups in meeting the transportation needs of older adults and people with disabilities when the transportation service provided is unavailable, insufficient, or inappropriate to meeting these needs.
The program aims to improve mobility for seniors and individuals with disabilities by removing barriers to transportation service and expanding transportation mobility options. This program supports transportation services planned, designed, and carried out to meet the special transportation needs of seniors and individuals with disabilities in all areas. Eligible projects include both "traditional" capital investment and "nontraditional" investment beyond the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) complementary paratransit services.
Projects that provide transportation services for seniors and individuals with disabilities will receive priority consideration.
Project Proposals are due to METRO by June 13, 2025 at 4:00 p.m. (CST), by electronic submittal to: GrantApplications@RideMETRO.org
Late submittals will not be accepted.
Pre-Application Workshop Presentation will be posted on METRO’s Grant website Monday, May 12, 2025: https://www.RideMETRO.org/Grants
Worksheets and other related documents are available to download.
Questions submitted by May 23, 2025, will be posted by May 30, 2025. Please check back for updates.
For more information about these programs or questions regarding the application and budget process, please contact GrantApplications@RideMETRO.org or 713-739-4697.
Campus Chronicles
Avalos P-TECH Senior Daniel Garner Named 2025 Gates Scholar
Daniel Garner, a senior at Avalos Pathways in Technology Early College High School (P-TECH), has been named a 2025 Gates Scholar—an honor awarded to just 300 students nationwide each year. The
Fort Settlement Middle School Earns National Second Place at 2025 National Science Bowl®
Fort Settlement Middle School students brought national acclaim to Fort Bend ISD by securing second place at the 2025 National Science Bowl®, held in Washington, D.C. The team’s outstanding performance marked one of the highest national finishes in school history, showcasing their depth of knowledge, teamwork, and academic excellence on a national stage.
The National Science Bowl®, hosted by the U.S. Department of Energy, is one of the country’s most rigorous science and mathematics competitions for students. Fort Settlement's team advanced through a weekend of highstakes challenges, ultimately competing in the championship round against some of the top young science minds in the nation.
The school community rallied behind the team, with students and staff gathering early in the school’s Commons area to watch a livestream of the final match and support their classmates
prestigious scholarship, which covers the full cost of college, recognizes exceptional academic achievement, leadership, and personal resilience.
Raised in Aldine’s multicultural community, Garner draws strength from his Black and Filipino heritage and the Hispanic neighborhood that shaped him. His educational journey began with a passion sparked in elementary school and led to his enrollment at Avalos P-TECH, where he gained early experience in cybersecurity and emerged as a student leader and mentor.
At Avalos, Garner played key roles in programs like the Chick-fil-A Academy and helped organize community events, all while maintaining strong academics.
from afar. Their collective excitement highlighted a strong school spirit and pride in the academic achievement.
The team’s success is a reflection of the leadership and mentorship of coaches Ms. Staley and Mr. Peugnet, whose dedication to cultivating a passion for science and critical thinking helped prepare students for the rigorous competition. Principal Jennifer Williams praised the team’s accomplishment as a reflection of Fort Settlement’s educational mission.
The school’s motto—“Lead with Courage…Continue to SOAR: Serve, Overcome, Achieve, Respect”— was echoed in the team's journey, from their confident problem-solving under pressure to their collaborative spirit throughout the competition. Their ability to persevere, think strategically, and work as a unit exemplifies the district’s commitment to academic excellence and leadership development.
This national recognition further cements Fort Settlement Middle School’s reputation as a center for STEM achievement within Fort Bend ISD and beyond. It also serves as an inspiration for students across the district to pursue opportunities in science, technology, engineering, and math with confidence and ambition.esta vida, and Amor eterno.
