Houston Style Magazine Vol 31 No 17

April 23 – April 29, 2020

Houston’s Premiere Weekly Publication, Since 1989

Volume 31 | Number 17

Complimentary

CORONAVIRUS – US WEEKLY NUMBERS – March 19, 2020 Cases: 10,442 Deaths: 150 March 26, 2020 Cases: 75,233 Deaths: 1,070

Jesse Jackson

Incarceration Is Now A Death Sentence

April 02, 2020 Cases: 226,374 Deaths: 5,316 April 09, 2020 Cases: 455,876 Deaths: 16,314 April 16, 2020 Cases: 661,813 Deaths: 33,490

Sheila Jackson Lee Calls For Testing On The Harris County Inmates

April 23, 2020 Cases: 866,148 Deaths: 49,002

STAY HOMEHWORK SAFE COVID-19 Reports on State of Texas, Harris, Fort Bend Counties & City of Houston

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H-E-B TO EXPAND STORE HOURS ON MONDAY

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Judge Lina Hildago 30 Day Mandatory Wear Mask In Public Order

RISKY BEHAVIOR: WHAT IS PROPER SOCIAL DISTANCING? New ‘Texan’ – David Johnson

N E W S | C O M M E N TA R I E S | S P O R T S | H E A LT H | E N T E R TA I N M E N T Support Black Owned Businesses

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April 23 – April 29, 2020

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Publisher Francis Page, Jr. fpagejr@stylemagazine.com Associate Publisher Lisa Valadez lisa@stylemagazine.com

Managing Editor Jo-Carolyn Goode editorial@stylemagazine.com

INMATE TESTING: Harris County To Test For COVID-19

Social Media Editor/Videographer Reginald Dominique reggiedominique@me.com Sports Editor Brian Barefield

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NATIONAL WRITERS

Jesse Jackson jjackson@rainbowpush.org Roland Martin www.rolandmartin.com Judge Greg Mathis www.askjudgemathis.com

PHOTOGRAPHERS Vicky Pink vhpink@gmail.com

Risky Behavior: What is Proper Social Distancing?

William Ealy Williamealy1906@gmail.com Semetra Samuel semetra@artistikrebelcreative.com

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Mike Munoz artrepreneur91@gmail.com Robert Franklin editorial@stylemagazine.com

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d.b.a. Houston Style Magazine & StyleMagazine.com Phone: (713) 748-6300 • Fax: (713) 748-6320 Mail: P.O. Box 14035, Houston, TX 77221-4035 ©2020 Houston Style Magazine, a Minority Print Media, L.L.C. Company. All Right Reserved. Reproduction in whole or within part without permission is prohibited. Houston Style Magazine has a 2019 audit by Circulation Verification Council (CVC). Houston Style Magazine is a member of the Texas Publishers Association (TPA), Texas Community Newspaper Association (TCNA), National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA), Independent Free Paper of America (IFPA), Association of Free Community Papers (AFCP) and Members of Greater Houston Partnership(GHP). National Association of Hispanic Publications, Inc. (NAHP, Inc.), Houston Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (HHCC), League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC), Latin Women’s Initiative (LWI), National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ), Houston Association of Hispanic Media Professionals (HAHMP), National Association of Hispanic Journalists (NAHJ), and Members of Greater Houston Partnership(GHP)

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April 23 – April 29, 2020

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COMMENTARY

Incarceration Now Is A Death Sentence

By Jesse Jackson, National Political Writer

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his week, the New York Times featured the story of how the coronavirus savaged the Federal Correctional Complex in Oakdale, Louisiana. On March 28, Patrick Jones, 49, serving a 27-year sentence for possession of crack cocaine with the intent to distribute, became the first federal inmate to die of the virus. Barely three weeks later, seven inmates had died, at least 100 inmates and staff members had been infected, with more than 20 hospitalized -- and an entire community terrorized. The prisoners died, unreported, unknown, their bodies essentially owned by the federal government that imprisoned them.

According to correction officers there, the warden was slow to act, saying that “we live in the South and it’s warm here. We won’t have any problems,” a haunting illustration of the dangers carried by loose rhetoric and tall tales coming from the president and amplified on social media.

While, the horrors of the Andover New Jersey nursing home -- with at least 70 residents dead and dozens more testing positive -- has dramatized the vulnerability of elderly housed in nursing homes, where over 7,000 have died across the country, our grossly overpopulated prisons and jails are quickly becoming the next centers to be ravaged by the disease.

Chicago’s Cook County Jail, the largest in the country, is already one of the nation’s largest sources of infections, with more confirmed cases than the USS Theodore Roosevelt, or the New Rochelle, NY cluster.

Four inmates are dead, 215 have tested positive, along with 191 correction officers and 34 other sheriff’s office employees, one employee just died. We know the most about Cook County because Sheriff Dart has been the most open. Many are suffering and dying of COVID-19 because sheriff offices around the county have not been very open and have not been testing.

Many are suffering and dying in the dark. The jail is overwhelmed. The sheriff and jail workers need more

hands on deck. For every shift change, the virus is recycled in the community.

A state prison in Ohio is now the largest reported source of coronavirus infection in the United States.

I called President Trump and urged him to make testing tracing and social distancing a priority for those who are in jails, nursing homes and prisons. The workers, inmates and communities where the workers live all need help.

In Ohio, 2,300 prisoners in three prisons have tested positive. In prisons and jails across the country, inmates locked up for nonviolent crimes or while waiting trial, and older, vulnerable inmates nearing the end of their terms among others sit in terror, fearful that they face a death sentence.

Prisons and jails are virtual petri dishes for the virus. Social distancing is impossible. Soap and water are often not available.

Correction officers have no choice but to mix with inmates. Many inmates are poor, often suffering the afflictions -- asthma, diabetes, heart conditions, stress -- that make them more vulnerable to the virus.

Prisons and jails have begun -- although far too slowly -- to react. The Cook County Jail has reduced its population from 10,000 to 4,200, partly because of bail reform, some from courts deciding to sentence fewer nonviolent offenders to prison, some from early release. Soap and disinfectants have been made available. Those who show symptoms are separated from the general population and isolated.

Visitors and volunteers have been discontinued, often at great psychic cost to inmates. Facilities are cleaned more frequently. In some prisons, inmates have been locked in their cells for 22 hours a day to limit human interactions.

But -- as is true for the general population -testing is often not available. Too few are tested too seldom. That puts not only prisoners but correction

Donald J. Trump officers and their families, and the people they interact with at risk.

Not surprisingly, prison uprisings have begun as terrorized inmates demand protection and more information. Correction officers have joined in lawsuits to get adequate protective equipment, information, and testing. Too often it is too little and too late.

Donald Trump informed me that he had made his son-in-law Jared Kushner point person on prison reform. The time for aggressive action is long past. Prisons should be made a priority for supplies, for tests, and for early release of as many inmates as possible, particularly the elderly and the vulnerable.

If the pandemic continues to spread through prisons, the toll in lives will soar.

You can write to the Rev. Jesse Jackson in care of this newspaper or by email at jjackson@rainbowpush.org.

Follow him on Twitter @RevJJackson.

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April 23 – April 29, 2020

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Congressional Black Caucus and National Newspaper Publishers Association Demand Stimulus Inclusion

By Stacey M. Brown, Senior Correspondent, NNPA Newswire

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hanks to the efforts of the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC), Democrats have secured $60 billion in new Small Business Administration PPP funding dedicated to small lenders and community-based financial institutions. They’ve also secured $50 billion for the SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program, which will allow approximately $300 billion in loans to small businesses

Congressional Democrats reached an agreement with the Trump administration on an interim coronavirus emergency relief package that provides support and fixes to the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), as well as increased funding for emergency disaster loans and grants, hospitals, health care providers and testing.

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky), without consulting Democrats, had initially tried to push through a bill that would have increased funding for PPP without providing any critical fixes to the program.

The GOP proposal would have done nothing to aid the most vulnerable small businesses and wouldn’t have provided any additional funding to our health care system or testing.

Thanks to the efforts of the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC), Democrats have secured $60 billion in new Small Business Administration PPP funding dedicated to small lenders and community-based financial institutions.

They’ve also secured $50

billion for the SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program, which will allow approximately $300 billion in loans to small businesses.

Additionally, in large part because of the efforts of the CBC, Democrats have secured $10 billion for the SBA’s Emergency Economic Injury Grant program, $75 billion in emergency money for our health system, and $25 billion to increase testing and contact tracing capabilities.

The Senate is expected to pass the legislation.

“While this bill does not address all current needs of the coronavirus crisis, it is a major improvement and will help millions of Americans and our frontline workers,” Rep. Joyce Beatty (D-OH), stated on a conference call with the Black Press of America on Tuesday, April 21.

“Under the leadership of CBC Chair Karen Bass, the CBC has been on the frontlines, and without us, there would be no one fighting for our communities,” Beatty stated, adding that the CBC recognizes that more needs to be done. They will continue fighting for additional funding for working families and those who need it most in the next coronavirus package.

“Rep. Maxine Waters (D-CA) made sure that there was a carve-out in this package for small community banks and credit unions, which ensures that there’s an opportunity for them to take care of their customers,” stated Rep.

NEIMAN MARCUS TO FILE BANKRUPTCY Luxury Retailer Furloughed 14,000 Workers Last Week After Skipping Out on Millions in Debt Payments

By CNN StyleMagazine.com Newswire

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ne of America’s largest retailers is crumbling under the economic pressures brought on by the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

According to several reports, Neiman Marcus is to become the first major U.S. department store to file for bankruptcy.

The debt-laden company had limited options after being forced to close all 43 of its Neiman Marcus locations, nearly two dozen Last Call stores and its two Bergdorf Goodman stores in New York — due to the

crisis and orders to close non-essential businesses, Reuters reports.

Sources told the outlet that the bankruptcy protection filing could happen this week and that the company is also in the final stages of negotiating a loan with its creditors that totals hundreds of millions of dollars to help sustain some of its operations throughout the bankruptcy proceedings.

The luxury retail chain has been struggling financially for years, and just last week furloughed many of it 14,000 employees, as well as skipped millions

Gregory Meeks (D-NY).

“The EIDL program will benefit many small and African American businesses as we move forward,” Meeks said.

Rep. Robin Kelly (D-IL) said the Trump administration has “proven time and again that we cannot trust them.”

Kelly said the CBC continues to work to make sure that crucial data that includes race is collected during testing and tracing of the pandemic.

“Through this bill, we do target hospitals in some of the most needed areas, and as we focus on CARES part 2, we need data to make the best policy decisions. Lives are at stake, so we need

to act quickly,” Kelly stated.

Rep. Dwight Evans (D-PA) said the CBC has always understood that Black-owned and other small businesses “are the backbone of America.”

“We have constantly worked together to try and make things happen,” he stated.

“Under Karen Bass’ leadership, we all understood that the CBC was not going to leave our constituents out.

It’s not possible to conduct business if people are not healthy and safe,” Evans stated.

For more information please logon to: www.StyleMagazine.com

Pictured, top row, left to right: CBC Chair Karen Bass (D-CA), Rep. Maxine Waters (D-CA), Rep Jim Clyburn (D-SC), Rep. Barbara Lee (D-CA), Rep. Joyce Beatty (D-OH), , Rep. Gregory Meeks (D-NY), Rep. Robin Kelly (D-IL), and Rep. Dwight Evans (D-PA). of dollars in debt payments, according to Reuters.

Neiman Marcus reportedly had a five-day grace period on $72.9million in interest payments for bonds maturing in 2024, WWD reported last week. They also had an additional $5.7million in interest due on Wednesday for bonds maturing in 2021, with a 30-day grace period for that.

According to Reuters, the company had tried to avoid filing for bankruptcy last year when they pushed back due dates on its payments in a restructuring deal with their creditors.

However, that transaction ended up increasing their interest expenses.

While Neiman Marcus may be the first to fall, other department stores have also felt the effects of the economic downfall, and are fighting to avoid the same fate.

For more information please logon to: www.StyleMagazine.com

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Neiman Marcus forced to close 43 stores and 12 Last Call Stores and (2) Two Bergdorf Goodman in New York

April 23 – April 29, 2020

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Coronavirus Briefs. . .

Texas Governor Greg Abbott, Texas National Guard Announce COVID-19 Mobile Testing

By StyleMagazine.com Newswire

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overnor Greg Abbott today announced that the Texas National Guard will be mobilizing more than 1,200 personnel as part of COVID-19 mobile testing teams (MTT). The 45 member teams will be mobilized in various parts of the state providing greater access to medical testing. The areas for these MTTs will be identified by the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) with the first two of the 25 teams deployed to Fredericksburg and Floresville, Texas. The remaining 23 teams will be deployed to additional locations based on assessments made

by DSHS.

“The State of Texas continues to expand our COVID-19 testing capacities and ensure that communities across the Lone Star State have access to the resources they need,” said Governor Abbott. “I am grateful for the dedication of our Guardsmen as they continue to serve their fellow Texans throughout the COVID-19 response.”

“COVID-19 testing is a crucial mission in our fight against this virus,” said Maj. Gen. Tracy R. Norris, adjutant general of Texas. “We are proud to support our partners TDEM and DSHS in bringing

this critical capacity to areas in need of medical support.”

The teams will have 11 medical professionals and support staff, as well as 34 soldiers. Currently, the Texas National Guard has the capacity to test 150 people per day at each mobile testing team location.

The Texas Military Department was activated by Governor Abbott in March to assist communities across Texas in the COVID-19 response.

Currently, over 2,500 Guardsmen are serving in various capacities in response to this activation. In working with local communities they have helped manufacture over four million pieces of personal protective equipment, conducted over 9,000 COVID-19 tests, and helped distribute food and supplies with local food banks to thousands of Texans each day.

The MTTs are in collaboration with the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) and DSHS.

Congresswoman Jackson Lee Calls For Widespread COVID-19 Testing For Inmates

By CNN/StyleMagazine.com Newswire

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fter calling for widespread C O V I D - 1 9 t e s t i n g i n H a rris County Jails last week, U.S. Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee is expected to make a donation to the system Tuesday morning.

The congresswoman has expressed concern over the lack of testing being done in Harris County jails with the sheriff’s office confirming that, as of Monday, 93 inmates have tested positive for COVID-19.

“Some have viewed the coronavirus as a slow tsunami. I view it, coming from hurricane country, as sporadic tornadoes,” Lee said. “That means that it may drop down in some hot spot at any moment and take any number of lives.

We know that tornado can hit the Harris County Jail.”

WHAT WE DO KNOW: 2 50 inmates are in quarantine with symptoms of the virus and are waiting on test results 2 More than 2,100 inmates are in observational quarantine. That means they have no symptoms but may have been exposed to the virus.

According to the sheriff’s office, all jail employees and inmates have been issued masks. Employees are required to wear the masks while on duty.

Within the sheriff’s office, 126 employees have been diagnosed with the virus. Of those, 108 work in the jail.

Further, 327 deputies, detention officers and support staff are in quarantine for possible exposure. Six of those employees are hospitalized.

HCSO says it has taken measures to reduce the spread of COVID-19, including: 2 Early isolation of arrestees with COVID-19 symptoms entering the jail at intake 2 Masking all arrestees at the Joint Processing Center jail intake 2 7-day “buffer isolation” of all new inmates prior to releasing to general population 2 Social distancing of inmates (as much as possible), detention staff, and medical staff, even in break rooms 2 Increased availability of soap, water, and hand sanitizer

Right now, there are only 425 test kits for inmates on hand and are only used for those with COVID-19 symptoms.

“I wanted to hold up the letter that I am sending to the county, the Harris County Jail, and as well to the sheriff, asking for immediate implementation of massive testing in the jail,” Congresswoman Lee said last week.

Currently, the Harris County Sheriff’s office staff are getting tested at public sites.

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April 23 – April 29, 2020

U.S. Congresswoman – Sheila Jackson Lee

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Harris County Precinct One Commissioner – Rodney Ellis

Harris County Sheriff – Ed Gonzalez

C.O.H. Health Department Director – Stephen L. Williams

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April 23 – April 29, 2020

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4/1/20 7:08 PM

Governor Abbott Establishes Strike Force To Open Texas

A-Team Advices To Strategically Reopen Texas

By StyleMagazine.com Newswire

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overnor Greg Abbott issued (3) three new Executive Orders to begin the process of reopening the state of Texas while revising hospital capacity and certain social distancing guidelines.

Within the orders, select activities and services that pose minimal to no threat of spreading COVID-19 are allowed to reopen using a “Retail-To-Go” model, certain restrictions on surgeries have been loosened, and schools will remain closed for the remainder of the 2019-2020 academic year.

Within these orders, the Governor has established the Strike Force to Open Texas—a team of nationally recognized medical experts and private and public leaders who will advise the Governor on safely and strategically reopening the state of Texas.

“Texans are battling a colossal challenge—an invisible enemy that has tested our lives and our livelihoods— but overcoming challenges is part of who we are as Texans,” said Governor Abbott. “We have shown that Texas can continue our efforts to contain COVID-19 while also adopting safe standards that will allow us to begin the process of reopening Texas. The Strike Force to Open Texas brings together nationally recognized medical experts with public and private sector leaders to achieve this mission. By coming together, we can get Texans back to work, practice safe standards that will prevent the spread of COVID-19, and we can overcome this pandemic.”

James Huffines will lead the advisory strike force and Mike Toomey will serve as Chief Operating Officer.

Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick, House Speaker Dennis Bonnen, Attorney General Ken Paxton, and Comptroller Glenn Hegar will serve as consulting members.

In addition, Governor Abbott has appointed Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) Commissioner John Hellerstedt, MD, as Chief Medical Officer of the strike force. Dr. Hellerstedt will be supported by three Chief Medical Advisors:

John Zerwas, MD, Executive Vice-Chancellor for Health Affairs at the University of Texas System

Mark McClellan, MD, PhD, Former Food and Drug Administration Commissioner and U.S. Medicaid and Medicare Administrator

Parker Hudson, MD, MPH, Assistant Professor of Internal Medicine and Infectious Diseases at Dell Medical School and program director for the Internal Medicine Residency These health experts will develop a medical architecture to comprehensively test and trace COVID-19 that will enable Texans to gradually and safely begin the process of returning to work and other activities.

The medical team will work alongside a Special Advisory Council who will share innovative ideas to help businesses strategically reopen while containing the spread of COVID-19.

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The council consists of 39 business leaders representing the state’s regions and industries. The advisory council will collaborate with working groups to devise strategies, statewide standards, and appropriate time frames to reopen the Lone Star State while prioritizing the health and safety of all Texans.

The strike force will immediately begin providing input on potential additional openings of activities and services in Texas consistent with guidelines provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

The Governor will announce a revised plan for the state based on these

initial recommendations on April 27.

Special Advisory Council members include: Arcilia Acosta: President and CEO, CARCON Industries & Construction Paul Andrews, Jr.: Founder and CEO, TTI Inc. Mark Bivins: Rancher, Partner in Corsino Cattle Company Kathy Britton: CEO and Owner, Perry Homes Brad Brookshire: Chairman and CEO, Brookshire Grocery Co. J. Bruce Bugg, Jr.: Chairman, Texas Transportation Commission Alonzo Cantu: President & CEO of Cantu Construction Bobby Cox: Owner and Operator, Bobby Cox Companies, Inc. Adriana Cruz: Executive Director, Economic Development & Tourism Division, Office of the Governor Michael Dell: Chairman and CEO, Dell Technologies Scott Dueser: Chairman, President & CEO, First Financial Bank Don Evans: Chairman of the President George W. Bush Foundation, Chairman of Permian Strategic Partnership Tilman Fertitta: Chairman, CEO, and sole owner, Landry’s, Inc. Richard Fisher: Senior Advisor, Barclays and Former President & CEO, the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas Rick Francis: Chairman of the Board, WestStar Bank Holding Company, Inc.

April 23 – April 29, 2020

Notable Texan’s Serving On ‘Strike Force To Open Texas’ Printice Gary: Founding Partner/Principal and CEO, Carleton Companies Brad Heffington: Owner of Heffington Farms, Inc. and Triple T Irrigation, Inc. Jeffery D. Hildebrand: Executive Chairman and Founder, Hilcorp Energy Company Nancy Kinder: President & CEO, Kinder Foundation Tom Luce: Founder and Chairman, Texas 2036 Marc McDougal: CEO, McDougal Companies Jim “Mattress Mack” McIngvale: Own-

er, Gallery Furniture Drayton McLane: Chairman, McLane Group Elaine Mendoza: Founder, President & CEO of Conceptual MindWorks, Inc Balous Miller: Owner, Bill Miller BarB-Q Restaurants Carla Moran: Ramar Communications Dennis Nixon: CEO and Chairman of International Bank of Commerce David Oliveira: Partner at Roerig, Oliveira & Fisher, L.L.P. Ross Perot, Jr.: Chairman, The Perot Group Kevin D. Roberts, Ph.D.: Executive Director, Texas Public Policy Foundation Robert B. Rowling: Owner and Chairman, TRT Holdings, Inc. Kendra Scott: Founder and CEO, Kendra Scott Robert F. Smith: Founder, Chairman & CEO, Vista Equity Partners Sam L. Susser: Chairman of BancAffiliated, Inc. Massey Villarreal: CEO and President, Precision Task Group, Inc. Kirk Watson: Founding Dean of the University of Houston Hobby School of Public Affairs Marc Watts: President, The Friedkin Group Graham Weston: Former Chairman of Rackspace Hosting Inc. Sanjiv Yajnik: President of the Financial Services Division, Capital One

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For more information about the Governor’s Strike Force to Open Texas, visit the strike force webpage.

The Governor’s second Executive Order (GA-16) relates to the safe, strategic reopening of select services and activities in Texas. This order establishes a temporary «Retail-ToGo» model that will allow retail outlets in Texas to reopen beginning Friday, April 24. Under this model, reopened establishments are required to deliver items to customer›s cars, homes, or other locations to minimize contact.

Under this Executive Order, schools — including public, private, and higher education institutions — will remain closed for the 2019-2020 school year. Teachers may go into the classroom for video instruction, to perform administrative duties, and to clean out their classrooms.

The Governor’s third Executive Order (GA-15) relates to hospital capacity and personal protective equipment (PPE) needed for the COVID-19 response. The order loosens restrictions on surgeries put in place by Governor Abbott in March. Beginning at 11:59pm on April 21 through 11:59pm on May 8, all licensed health care professionals and all licensed health care facilities must continue to postpone all surgeries and procedures that are not medically necessary to diagnose or correct a serious medical condition of, or to preserve the life of, a patient who without timely performance of the surgery or procedure would be at risk for serious adverse medical consequences or death as determined by a patient’s physician. Exceptions now include:

• Any procedure that, if performed in accordance with the commonly accepted standard of clinical practice, would not deplete the hospital capacity or the PPE needed to cope with COVID-19, or

• Any surgery or procedure performed in a licensed health care facility that has certified in writing to Texas HHSC both (1) that it will reserve at least 25% of its hospital capacity for treatment of COVID-19 patients, accounting for the range of clinical severity of COVID-19 patients, and (2) that it will not request any PPE from any public source — whether federal, state, or local — for the duration of the COVID-19 disaster.

The Governor also directed state parks to reopen on Monday, April 20th with strict guidelines to reduce transmission of COVID-19 – including requiring visitors to wear face coverings, maintain a six-foot distance from individuals outside of their party, and prohibiting the gathering of groups larger than five.

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Harris County MANDATORY Mask Order

EFFECTIVE MONDAY: Judge Orders Residents To Wear Mask in Public For Next 30 Days 10 Years or Older Should Wear A Face Covering

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Judge – Lina Hidalgo

arris County Judge Lina Hidalgo on Wednesday issued an order requiring residents to wear masks when in public for the next 30 days, beginning on Monday, April 27, 2020. The order requires individuals over the age of 10 to wear a face covering, which can be a homemade mask, scarf, bandana, or handkerchief, when outside the home.

Medical masks or N-95 respirators are not recommended as they are needed for health-care workers and first responders.

Masks should cover the nose and mouth – and must be worn except when an individual is exercising or engaging in physical activity outside alone; alone in a separate indoor or outdoor space; eating or drinking; when driving; or when doing so poses a threat to their health, mental health, or safety.

Masks are not required when an individual is in the presence of only members of their residence.

“When it comes to fighting this virus, each of us is capable of committing heroic acts by making adjustments

By StyleMagazine.com Newswire

in how we live our daily life,” said Judge Hidalgo. “Steps like wearing a face covering, getting tested, and staying home save lives and reduce transmissions, which will get our economy back online sooner. I’m heartened by the number of residents who have already been following guidance to wear face coverings already, but we are in this for the long haul. The best way to get our economy back up and running again - and keep it open - is by making sure we’re working together to prevent the spread of this virus. Wearing face coverings is a vital piece of our playbook.”

The order comes as an uptick in hospital admissions indicates the region has not yet reached the peak of the Coronavirus outbreak. During the past week, the county has doubled its testing capacity and dispatched mobile testing units to all four precincts.

To view the order, or for information on how to make your own face covering, visit: www.ReadyHarris.org.

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April 23 – April 29, 2020

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H-E-B is Extending Temporary Hours of Operation On Monday – Across All Stores in Texas

JOE V’S SMART SHOP

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tarting on Monday, April 27, 2020, all H-E-B stores in Texas will open at 7 a.m. and close at 10 p.m. until further notice.

With an improving supply chain and stronger product availability, our stores have the capacity to serve more customers throughout the day while providing the products they want at our everyday low prices. Along with our new hours, we continue to ease product limits on many items and customers will start to notice many popular departments reopen, such as our bakery, deli and floral departments. Even with our extended hours, our stores remain diligent in following H-E-B’s strict hygiene and sanitation measures as well as proper social distancing protocols. We have dedicated teams of Partners and COVID Action Managers who are trained to ensure sanitation and social distancing procedures are properly followed. All Partners in customer-facing roles are required to wear masks.

M o s t H - E - B p h a r m a c i e s i n Te x as will continue to operate from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and their normal weekend hours.

The H-E-B pharmacies listed below will follow their normal hours:

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H-E-B PLUS STORES

MIHTIENDA

April 23 – April 29, 2020

H-E-B FOOD STORES

· Falfurrias: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. · Aransas Pass: 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. · Gatesville: 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. · Port Lavaca - 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. · Mexia - 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. · Pearsall - 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. · San Antonio MARC (8300 Floyd Curl Dr.) - 8 a.m.

to 6 p.m.

· Carrizo Springs - 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. · Odessa (540 W. 5th) - 8 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. · San Antonio Specialty - 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. · Wimberley - 8 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.

CENTRAL MARKET

Additionally, ongoing protective measures include Plexiglass partitions at all check stands, metered entry into stores, crowd control guidelines to manage customer traffic, deep cleaning and sanitizing of stores and hard surfaces as well as fuel stations throughout the day, and contact-free H-E-B Curbside and Home Delivery to limit direct interaction.

As far as in-store restaurant operations at H-E-B go, some have closed temporarily.

That includes Flaming Bird, South Flo Pizza, Table 620, 3009, Oaks Crossing, The Roastery Meyerland and some True Texas BBQ locations will be closed until further notice.

All of the H-E-B Convenience Stores will operate from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. every day.

Also, ALL Joe V’s Smart Shop locations are open daily from 7 a.m. - 10 p.m.

Starting Monday, April 27, Central Market stores will change their store hours to 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Mi Tienda locations will update store hours to 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.

For more information go to: www.MyHEB.com

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RISKY BEHAVIOR: BEHAVIOR: What Is Proper.

Proper. . .

SOCIAL DISTANCING

By Jo-Carolyn Goode, Managing Editor

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aking risks involves belief in a plan and courage to follow it up with action. Then there are times when taking risks means ignoring information and living life carelessly. Tons of people are adhering to the Stay Home Order, wearing masks in public, and washing your hands frequently. But then there are those who don’t follow the rules, who questioned authority, and always do what they want regardless. Those types of people are the very folks that are keeping the coronavirus alive and spreading. Now by no means am I saying they are 100% responsible for the blame, however, they do account for a good portion of it.

Can you hear the words of the overzealous 22-year-old Miami spring breaker Brady Sluder who said, “If I get corona, I get corona. At the end of the day, I’m not gonna let it stop me from partying.” Hundreds with the same mindset flooded beaches everywhere covering the miles of sand with their bodies in such close contact that the number of positive COVID cases among college students rose greatly. With the spring breakers were families and other individuals who didn’t think COVID-19 was a big deal either. At that time the number of positive cases of coronavirus in the United States topped around 55,000 and the death toll was over 700.

Now, according to the CDC, there are 776,093 people who tested positive

for COVID-19 and a reported 41,758 deaths.

With these increases numbers came some light bulb moments for many college students, including Sluder. He felt extremely apologetic and remorseful for his actions. In a post via Instagram Sluder said, “Don’t be arrogant and think you’re invincible like myself.”

Sluder, however, was not alone in his invincible thinking. There are still adults of all ages who believe corona can’t touch them. Therefore they are endangering others. To them I say, WAKE UP! Your risky behavior is putting everyone in danger and prolonging the spread of COVID-19.

Risk is defined as a possible loss or injury. Risky behavior is the kind of behavior that places an individual at a greater risk of illness. Being at risk is a condition marked by a high level of susceptibility. Individuals who are most at risk, who are most susceptible to acquiring COVID-19, are:

larly if not well controlled

• People 65 years and older

• People with liver disease

•

People who live in a nursing

home or long-term care facility •

People with chronic lung

disease or moderate to severe asthma • People of all ages with underlying medical conditions, particu-

• People who have serious heart conditions • People who are immunocompromised •

Many conditions can cause

a person to be immunocompromised, including cancer treatment, smoking, bone marrow or organ transplantation, immune deficiencies, poorly controlled HIV or AIDS, and prolonged use of corticosteroids and other immune weakening medications • People with severe obesity (body mass index [BMI] of 40 or higher) • People with diabetes • People with chronic kidney disease undergoing dialysis • Information from CDC.gov

Social distancing has proven to be the best method of protecting the above groups and each other. Being at least six feet apart from others minimizes one’s exposure and slows down the spread of the virus. Additional steps in protecting one’s self include

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wearing appropriate masks in public every time you go out, avoid touching your face, and washing your hands frequently. Now there is an additional step when you wear PPEs throw them away properly, like in a trashcan and not on the ground creating litter. This is dangerous. Anyone who picks up the contaminated gloves and masks could catch COVID-19.

If we know the rules why are we not practicing them? The coronavirus is real. It is scary. It is deadly. It is here knocking at your door. Throwing caution to the wind might be a death sentence for you or someone you love.

How would you feel then?

Medical professionals, government officials, and scientists have already confirmed that practicing social distancing lowers your risk, slows the spread, and is the best thing to do at this time. Need I remind you that Houston has yet to reach its peak with COVID-19.

Houston Style Magazine urges everyone to please stay safe and stay at home. And if you must go out in the public for essential errands put on a mask, move quickly to finish the errands, and protect yourself and others.

Stay Home. Work Safe. Wear a Mask.

Keep Your Distance 6 Feet Away.

We are all in this together.

April 23 – April 29, 2020

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Mayor Turner Launches Domestic Violence Awareness Campaign

By City of Houston, Press Briefing

M

United States President – Donald J. Trump

ayor Sylvester Turner and Council Member Abbie Kamin announced a city-wide domestic violence awareness initiative to reach vulnerable populations and provide resources for victims. Local law enforcement and the Houston Area Women’s Center are tracking a rise in domestic violence incidents linked to the crisis.

HPD saw an increase of 8.72% percent in domestic violence calls for service in March compared to February 2020. The Houston Area Women’s Center (HAWC) and the Harris County Domestic Violence Coordinating Council (HCDVCC) are partnering with the City so survivors know service providers are open, ready to help and are taking COVID-19 precautions.

The Mayor also announced a $50,000 grant from Uber to provide ride services to victims of human trafficking and domestic violence who are especially vulnerable to COVID-19’s stay at home order. Uber’s grant expands Mayor Turner’s existing human trafficking COVID-19 response and will assist in launching the city’s new domestic violence response in light of increased reports.

“We cannot tolerate victims suffering in silence while home at the hands of their domestic abusers,” said Mayor Sylvester Turner. “I want to thank Uber for stepping forward and providing $50,000 in rides to ensure that they have a safe way to move around.

I also want to thank HAWC and the HCDVCC who have worked tirelessly during this crisis.”

The city’s and coalition partners’ efforts include: · Rolling out a social media campaign

designed by HAWC and the HCDVCC featuring safety tips, hotline numbers, and videos by Houston Dash players. · HAWC and HCDVCC launching a new website, www.nocovidabuse.

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April 23 – April 29, 2020

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org, which contains vital information and resources.

Leveraging OEM’s messaging delivery systems to ensure people know the DV service providers are open and are able to help.

Partnering with the Houston Food Bank to place DV resource flyers in distributed boxes and bags.

H-E-B will assist with printing flyers for these distributions.

Providing $50,000 in Uber rides for human trafficking and domestic violence victims as needed.

The city is also helping to address the need for short-term hotel lodging for victims since shelters have to reduce their populations to allow for social distancing.

“We may be apart, but victims of domestic violence are not alone. I am grateful to all of our community partners, and our law enforcement agencies, for working together with us to reach as many people as possible,” said Councilmember Abbie Kamin. “We also call on all residents to be aware, to be vigilant, and to help others in need by sharing this information. We will continue to do everything we can to make sure Houstonians are safe.”

“We want to build on our existing presence in Houston and do our small part to help during this challenging time,” said Uber’s Trevor Theunissen, Director Public Affairs. “This is part of our global commitment to provide 10 million free rides and food deliveries to healthcare workers, seniors, and people in need. We’re grateful for Mayor Turner’s leadership on this issue and will continue to work with more organizations to move whatever matters.”

If you are a victim of domestic violence, help is available at (713) 528-2121. If you are in immediate danger, call 911.

NFL Running Back – David Johnson Holds First Press Conference As A Houston Texan

By Brian Barefield, Sports Editor

N

ewly acquired running back David Johnson met the Houston sports media for the first time on Friday.

Just like head coach Bill O’Brien did a day earlier, Johnson talked to reporters via the Zoom app from his home.

The former Arizona Cardinals running back shared his reaction on when he found out that he had been traded to Houston for wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins and draft picks.

“My initial reaction was I was very excited,” Johnson said. “I was on vacation with my family, my wife and kids, and we were very excited – a new beginning. Like I’ve been saying, the Texans are always in the playoffs, a very successful team, and then they have weapons all over. I was very thankful talking to Bill O’Brien and the way he wants to utilize me.”

The 28-year old Johnson had an All-Pro (First Team) season with the Cardinals back in 2016 where he had a combined for over 2,118 yards from scrimmage and 20 touchdowns. Injuries have plagued the Pro-Bowl running back for the last three years and have led some NFL executives to call him “injury prone,” a moniker he is looking forward to changing once he takes the

Houston Texan New Running Back – David Johnson field for the Texans.

“I think that really is a big misconception (the injury prone label),” Johnson responded when asked about his durability. “Especially in this league.

It’s football. Guys get nicked up, get injuries all the time, so you can’t really predict what’s going to happen. I know that I’m going to do everything that I can to be ready and keep my body as healthy as possible.”

Most fans in Houston was not happy when general manager Bill O’

Brien shipped fan favorite DeAndre Hopkins to Arizona back in March. The majority of the Texans faithful had come to love “Nuk” due to the fact that he always gave 100% every time he touched the field without complaint. That leaves Johnson with some “Huge” shoes to fill as he will always be associated with Hopkins in their minds.

“You can’t please everyone,” Johnson expressed to the media. “I’ve learned a long time ago, how to just ignore that and keep grinding, and keep

making sure that I’m as prepared as I can be for Houston. I’m excited that Bill O’Brien came out and got me, and I’ll be ready for them once I get there.”

In order to prepare for the season, Johnson has been watching a lot of Texans games including the 2019 AFC Wild-Card victory over the Bills. One thing that stood out to Johnson about his new offense was the play of quarterback Deshaun Watson and the effective use of his backfield mate, Duke Johnson. With his ability to line up as a slot receiver as well, Johnson becomes a duel threat weapon for new offensive coordinator Tim Kelly. His 10.7 yards per catch average for his career should also make life easier for Watson and the receiving unit.

Johnson and his wife Meghan, who were college sweethearts, are well known throughout the state of Arizona for their philanthropy work through their non-profit organization, Mission 31 Foundation.

According to their mission statement. The organization provides opportunities, support and resources to seriously-ill children and their families by offering daily support and life-changing experiences.

If I could do one thing, I’d have a daycare closer to work.

If you could do one thing for your community, what would it be? More daycare centers? More funding for Head Start? Completing the 2020 Census is a safe and easy way to inform how billions of dollars in funding flow into your community for hundreds of services.

Respond online, by phone, or by mail.

Complete the census at:

2020CENSUS.GOV Paid for by U.S. Census Bureau.

C24097_1a_2019_Census_Daycare_Newspaper_HalfPage_SizeA_9_75x6.indd 02.25.20 Epson HP

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A24097x08B_340-00034703_CMYK_news.tif April 23 4C – April 29, 2020 13 Newspaper - Size A

NON-Bleed Size: 9.75” x 6”

HOUSTON TEXANS Go Into NFL Draft With One Position Solidified

By Brian Barefield, Sport Editor

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GUIDANCE FOR FOOD ESTABLISHMENTS Food has not been identified as a likely source of COVID-19 infection at this time; however, food businesses can play an important role in both protecting their employees and their customers from coronavirus infection by following the below personal and environmental hygiene practices.

VISIT WWW.HCPHTX.ORG OCEE 03/13/2020

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Stay home when you are sick with fever, coughing, and sneezing

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Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water for 20 seconds upon first arriving to work, after using the restroom, before and after eating and frequently throughout the day. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth

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Provide alcohol based (60%) hand sanitizers for use for both employees and customers by placing them at convenient/accessible locations

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Use sanitizing solution (i.e., one teaspoon of unscented household bleach in a gallon of cool water) to frequently sanitize commonly touched surfaces and objects such as electronics, door knobs, faucet handles, counter tops, cash machine key pads, dining tables frequently throughout the day. Change the sanitizing solution at least once every four hours

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Consider temporarily limiting self-serve operations. Examples of such operations include; salad bars, buffets and dispensers. Replace utensils frequently (approximately hourly) during peak use hours for self-serve style operations

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Ensure dishwasher and/or three-compartment sinks are used properly and have the appropriate level of sanitizer for final rinse (50-100 PPM chlorine-based sanitizer, follow product label for other approved sanitizers)

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Ensure sneeze guards are in place where required

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If you have food employees at higher risk for coronavirus with underlying health conditions, such as people 60 or older, people with underlying health conditions (heart disease, lung disease, or diabetes) or those with weakened immune systems or those who are pregnant: consider temporarily assigning them to non-public-contact duties

If you are a food business owner or a food worker and have questions related to your operation, please reach out to your Health Investigator or call 713-274-6300 to speak with office staff. For the latest information, please visit the following site: www.hcphtx.org\COVID-19

April 23 – April 29, 2020

ver the past couple of years, there have been two things that didn’t go together when Texans fans talked about the upcoming season. Consistency and the offensive line were never mentioned in the same sentence. Well that has changed and no matter what the feelings are towards the moves head coach and General Manager Bill O’ Brien has made this offseason, one thing he has finally solidified is the offensive line.

As the 2018 NFL season concluded, the Texans organization had a major issue that needed to be addressed and that was better protection for their superstar signal caller, Deshaun Watson.

He was sacked a league high 62-times that season which represented the most sacks a quarterback had taken since Jon Kitna with 63 in 2006.

No Texans quarterback since David Carr (76 sacks in 2002 and 68 in 2005) had been sacked that many times in one season.

All that changed in 2019 as coach O’Brien made a conscious effort to protect Watson by drafting offensive lineman Tytus Howard and Max Scharping and trading for Pro-Bowl left tackle Laremy Tunsil. The moves paid off as the sacks on Watson dropped tremendously from 62 to 44.

That also led to the offense being ranked in the top ten in yards per carry (8th) and rushing yards (9th).

Some will attribute the Texans’ success to acquiring Tunsil from Miami and the improvement at the center position by Nick Martin, but most of the credit belongs to offensive line coach Mike Devlin as he helped the two rookies (Howard and Scharping) become solid building blocks for the offensive line.

Drafted in the first round with the 23rd selection, Tytus Howard proved

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all the naysayers wrong in his limited action at right tackle. He started eight games before being placed on injured reserve in November for a torn MCL. The Pro Football Writers of America selected Howard for its 2019 All-Rookie team as he only allowed Watson to be sacked two times from the right end when he was in the lineup.

Max Scharping, a second round pick out of Northern Illinois where he didn’t miss a snap as a senior, played in all 16 games and started 14 at left guard for the Texans. By only allowing three sacks in 938 offensive snaps played the Texans may have finally added some youth and stability to the team.

It is safe to say that coach O’Brien has solved the issues at offensive line and once the team signs Tunsil to a long-term deal the team then can move towards a contract extension with Watson. With the recent additions of wide receivers Randall Cobb and Brandin Cooks to go along with running back David Johnson, coach O’Brien feels he has just what it takes on offense to get the team to the next level.

Unlike past years, the Texans will now go into the draft needing to address one major need and that is to help the defensive side of the ball. General Manager O’Brien will look to improve the defensive line and cornerback position due to some veteran players they lost due to free agency. If he continues the trend of picking talent like Howard, Scharping, cornerback Lonnie Johnson Jr., and defensive end Charles Omenihu.

The Texans should be well equipped going into the 2020 season.

For more Sport Info, go to: www.StyleMagazine.com

Mayor Turner Appoints Office Of Business Opportunity Director Houston City Council Approves Appointee

By StyleMagazine.com, Newswire

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oday, Houston City Council confirmed Marsha E. Murray as Director of the Office of Business Opportunity. She has filled the role as Interim Director since September 2019.

Murray previously served as Deputy Director of OBO from 2012-2019.

While at OBO, Murray played an instrumental role in the department’s growth and led comprehensive operational changes and policy updates in the department. Murray also led the expansion of OBO’s services to facilitate free legal assistance and guidance for Houston’s small business community doing business globally.

In February 2019, Murray received OBO’s Advisory Board Chairman’s Advocate of the Year award for her work on behalf of Houston’s business community.

Prior to joining the City of Houston, Murray served as legal counsel to New York City government for 10 years. During that time, she worked to ensure that the most vulnerable New Yorkers had access to social services and led programs that served to maximize

housing options for citizens in a perpetually challenging housing market.

“Marsha Murray’s experience and success working with the business community is the kind of leadership the Office of Business Opportunity needs to continue providing economic opportunity and workforce inclusion in the city of Houston,” said Mayor Turner. “She has consistently shown great leadership and is committed to workforce development as evidenced through her professional achievements.

Since I’ve been mayor, Houston has awarded nearly more than one billion dollars in City of Houston contracts to MWBEs (Minority & Women Business Enterprises). I expect that level of commitment to continue.”

“I am extremely honored to be asked to lead the Office of Business Opportunity. I am keenly aware

of the important role the Office of Business Opportunity plays in ensuring the success of local small businesses and creating employment pathways for disenfranchised individuals,” said Marsha E. Murray, Office of Business Opportunity director. “Under my leadership, I’m committed to providing transformational services and programs to support their resiliency and success.”

Murray has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science and Spanish from Colgate University and a law degree from Villanova University School of Law. Murray is active in the local community and serves on the board of Zonta Club of Houston, a global organization of professionals empowering women worldwide through service and advocacy.

She is a graduate of the Center for Houston’s Future Business/Civic

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Marsha E. Murray, New Director of the City of Houston Office Of Business Opportunity Leadership Forum and has served as an advisory board member of the World Chamber of Commerce. She has served on national and international panels advocating for the continued support and development of small businesses.

Her advocacy for businesses to thrive globally has led her to earn a National Association of Small Business International Trade Educators Certified Global Business Professional designation.

For more information logon to: www.houstontx.gov/obo/

April 23 – April 29, 2020

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Texans Helping Texans Bringing us together during uncertain times.

To learn more go to heb.com/texanshelpingtexans 16

April 23 – April 29, 2020

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