05-05-2021 Edition of the Fort Bend Star

Clements hurdler making rare trip to state meet - Page 4

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Missouri City fires Jones as city manager

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Odis Jones’ controversial entrance into Missouri City’s government was matched by a controversial and costly exit when the city council voted 5-2 to terminate the employment of the city manager during a special meeting on April 26.

Jones, who was hired on a 4-3 vote at the recommendation of former Mayor Yolanda Ford in July of last year, lasted just nine months in his latest stop in city government in Texas. He will receive severance pay exceeding $250,000, according to City Attorney E. Joyce Iyamu.

The move followed Missouri City’s firing of

city manager Anthony Snipes in February 2020, which also was decided by a 4-3 vote.

“I just want to say, this is surprising and shocking to me, but I respect that,” Jones said during the meeting. “But it’s certainly within your authority to do it. I certainly didn’t see this coming, buy y’all made the decision, and what we do in

this profession is respect the governing body’s decisions.”

Jones previously worked as the city manager in Hutto, a town northwest of Austin, where he resigned in December 2019 after a three-year tenure. The Hutto City Council voted

SEE JONES PAGE 7

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Dae, Malone earn FBISD board seats

By Stefan Modrich

Registered nurse David Gonzalez, left, interacts with a patient in the infusion room at Hope Biosciences Stem Cell Research Foundation in Sugar Land.

The foundation has received approval from the FDA for a Phase II clinical trial for stem cell treatments for Parkinson's disease. (Contributed photo)

Nonprofit approved for Parkinson’s stem cell trial

By Stefan Modrich SMODRICH@FORTBENDSTAR.COM

SMODRICH@FORTBENDSTAR.COM

While incumbents prevailed in several key races across Fort Bend County in Saturday’s municipal and school district elections, Fort Bend ISD voters unseated sitting FBISD Board of Trustees President Addie Heyliger, electing Kristen Davison Malone to her Position 6 seat.

SEE ELECTION PAGE 7

A new form of stem cell research from a local nonprofit hopes to produce positive results for people suffering from Parkinson’s disease.

The Hope Biosciences Stem Cell Research Foundation (HBSCRF) in Sugar Land announced April 28 it had received authorization from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for a Phase II clinical trial to assess the efficacy and safety of multiple intravenous (IV) infusions of stem cells in patients with Parkinson’s.

The trial is the first to ad-

minister pure mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), Hope Biosciences CEO Donna Chang said. MSCs are adult

stem cells harvested from fat and provided to Parkinson’s patients repeatedly in large quantities because

Parkinson’s is a degenerative disease.

“It’s the first time where multiple doses are used to treat this disease,” Chang said. “Any place you go will tell you all about the potential of stem cells. The problem is without the right quantity of cells and without repeating treatment, you’ll never get the results you need.”

During the clinical trial, 24 patients will be randomized to receive six IV infusions of 200 million stem cells each, or about 1.2 billion cells total.

The trial will conclude a year from the date that all participants have been enrolled in the trial.

“If you’re degenerating,

you need to regenerate in the same way you degenerated,” Chang said. “You need to constantly treat the disease until you get ahead of it.”

Parkinson's disease is a brain disorder “that leads to shaking, stiffness, and difficulty with walking, balance, and coordination,” according to the National Institutes of Health.

HBSCRF is the nonprofit arm of Hope Biosciences, a biopharmaceutical company, and HBSCRF uses the drugs Hope Biosciences makes to conduct clinical trials.

Thus far, HBSCRF has obtained FDA authorization for

SEE TRIAL PAGE 7

Vivaldi Music Academy opens at Sugar Land Town Square

By Stefan Modrich SMODRICH@FORTBENDSTAR.COM

Malone

Dae

Music runs in the bloodline of Zeljko Pavlovic, whose father was one of the most acclaimed folklore musicians across Bosnia-Herzegovina and the Southern Slavic diaspora of the U.S. His family has a tradition of musicianship dating back two centuries in his birthplace of Sara-

jevo, Bosnia, when he and his family took refuge from the Bosnian War that began to tear apart the region when he was 14 years old in 1992.

“We went through quite a bit of trauma and the war at that age,” Pavlovic said.

Pavlovic started playing violin at 3, and his father played the guitar and tambura, which is a popular genre of folk music across Bosnia, Croatia, and Serbia. After a stint in

Minnesota, he has since called Houston home for 17 years.

Last month, he opened the fourth location of his Vivaldi Music Academy (VMA) at Sugar Land Town Square at 2115 Lone Star Dr. The 2,500 squarefoot facility joins existing locations in West University, Bellaire and Memorial.

The Brussels-educated classical violinist sits on the board of the Houston Metropolitan Chamber of

Pavlovic

Commerce and is a frequent collaborator with the Houston Symphony,

having also performed at Carnegie Hall in New York. He also has shared the stage with Tony Bennett, Yo-Yo Ma, Smokey Robinson and Andrea Bocelli.

Pavlovic has two children, one of whom plays piano and takes voice lessons through VMA. He established his music academy after the chal-

SEE MUSIC PAGE 7

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Gang member convicted of Local families optimistic as killing witness in local park Citgo 6 granted house arrest

By Landan Kuhlmann

LKUHLMANN@FORTBENDSTAR.COM

The Harris County District Attorney’s Office said Saturday that a member of the MS-13 gang, or Mara Salvatrucha 13, has been convicted of capital murder for killing a teenage witness in a Missouri City park in 2016.

According to HCDAO, 24-year-old Douglas Alexander Herrera-Hernandez has been sentenced to life in prison without parole for his role in the shooting death of 16-year-old Estuar Quinonez at Buffalo Run Park in Missouri City.

Herrera-Hernandez

MS-13, according to the district attorney’s office, is a transnational gang started in Los Angeles with members being deported in the 1980s to

Central America that currently has a presence along the East and West coasts of the United States and in major cities, including Houston. Quinonez, who prosecutors said had witnessed multiple gangrelated murders and was going to testify, was shot 15 times, according to a news release from the district attorney’s office.

The district attorney’s office said prosecutors told jurors Herrera-Hernandez, known as “Terror,” admitted arranging to have several other gang members hide in the park while two others picked up Quinonez and took him to the park on June 13, 2016. When Quinonez got to the park, prosecutors said gang members began shooting at him as he sat on a park bench, hitting him in the head

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By Adam Zuvanich AZUVANICH@FORTBENDSTAR.COM

Gustavo Cardenas and Jorge Toledo had been released to house arrest twice before, which at the times were encouraging signs to their families.

But the reprieves were short-lived for the Fort Bend County residents and four other Citgo executives, all of whom have been imprisoned since November 2017 by the regime of Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro.

They were convicted on corruption changes in November 2020 – just a few months after the Katy resident Cardenas and Toledo of Sugar Land were allowed to leave a Caracas prison and spend a second stint under house arrest in Venezuela.

The two men are now under house arrest for a third time, according to their sons in the United States. They were released from prison last Friday night along with the other four members of the so-called Citgo 6 – Katy residents Jose Pereira and Jose Luis Zambrano, along with Tomeu Vadell and Zambrano’s brother,

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Richmond resident Carlos Anez, Toledo’s stepson, said he is grateful for the diplomatic work done so far by the state department, the Office of the Special Presidential Enjoy for Hostage Affairs and former New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson, who has tried to lobby for the release of the Citgo 6. And like the younger Cardenas, Anez said he is cautiously optimistic.

The younger Cardenas said releasing the men to house arrest appears to a goodwill gesture by the Maduro regime that it is willing to communicate with the Biden administration and possibly negotiate the release of the Citgo 6. Sanctions were placed on Venezuela by former U.S. presidents Barack Obama and Donald Trump.

It remains to be seen how Biden and his administration will respond. The younger Cardenas said he is hopeful.

“We once again welcome the move,” Anez said. “… But we continue to ask for the rightful release of the men so they may return home.”

Harris County grand jury declines to indict deputy in Missouri City shooting LKUHLMANN@FORTBENDSTAR.COM

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“I like to think it’s a positive step,” said Cardenas’ son, also named Gustavo.

“It’s certainly better for his morale.”

The younger Cardenas said he views the development as a “show of good faith” by the Maduro regime to U.S. President Joe Biden, who had recently been elected when the Citgo 6 were convicted by a Venezuelan judge. Former U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo called the proceeding a “kangaroo court” and said the convictions were “wrongful,” while the men’s families have described them as political hostages.

Citgo is a subsidiary of PDVSA, an oil and gas company run by the Venezuelan government, and the six U.S.-based executives were called to a meeting in Caracas shortly before Thanksgiving 2017, arrested and accused of trying to make a deal that would financially inhibit PDVSA. Five of the men are dual citizens, and Pereira is a legal U.S. resident.

“It’s far past time they be safely reunited with their families in the United States,” U.S. Sen. Ted

A Harris County grand jury declined to indict a sheriff’s deputy on April 30 for the 2020 fatal shooting of Missouri City resident Joshua Johnson, a news release from the Harris County District Attorney’s Office said.

The 35-year-old Johnson was shot by a Harris Coun-

ty Sheriff’s Office deputy in the 15000 block of East Ritter Circle in Missouri City around 6 a.m. April 22, 2020, the district attorney’s office said. According to the news release, the officer was working with the Gulf Coast Violent Offenders Task Force to try to find a capital murder suspect from Dallas believed to be in the neighborhood.

The district attorney’s office said Johnson ap-

proached the deputy’s black SUV with his cellphone flashlight and what was found to a BB gun and tapped on the deputy’s window. The deputy then rolled his window down and fired multiple shots from the car after Johnson allegedly raised the BB gun, according to the district attorney’s office.

Johnson was hit, and later died in a nearby driveway, the news release said.

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Wednesday, May 5, 2021 • PAGE

3

My Mudcats may need a better coach The reason I volunteered to coach my oldest son’s youth baseball team this year was to pay back what some wonderful men gave me when I was a longhaired, baggy-socked, rail of a kid more than three decades ago. Without a second’s hesitation, I can list them all.

Judge John Karrh, a powerfully gentle man, drove our team from Tuscaloosa, Ala., to Atlanta after the season to watch a Braves game in Fulton County Stadium. I had to borrow $5 from Judge Karrh that night because I didn’t understand budgeting at age 10. He never came collecting.

Bryan Chandler coached our All-Star team. He was meek, a bit nervous – an accountant by trade and in the dugout. His son, Eric, and I are still best of friends today, and I’ll never forget the hug Theresa Chandler (coach’s wife/player’s mom) gave me after I struck out three batters in a row to win a tournament.

Joel Williams owned a barber shop near the University of Alabama. He famously cut Bear Bryant’s hair and had a framed Sports Illustrated page on the wall to prove it. The barber coached a lot like the Bear – gruff and the ever-present aroma of a Winston. In one game, I was struggling on the mound and he handed me a stick of chewing gum.

Jonathan McElvy

“Here, chew this. It will help you relax,” he told me. Coach Williams probably should have handed me one of his Winstons, because the gum didn’t help. Beneath that smoky skin was one of the kindest men I ever knew. He cut my hair until I graduated college.

If there was a man kinder than Joel Williams, I found him my next season. Charlie Hughen knew how to raise his voice, it’s just that he didn’t very often. He loved baseball, he knew baseball, and his son, Scott, was the superstar of our team. I was sad at the end of that season, because Scott was a year older, which meant Charlie wouldn’t be my coach.

That turned out OK, because Jerry Plott wanted to win more than any of them. That should happen when your boys are in their teen years. Jerry’s son, Bobby, and I were as close as brothers those days, and I’m pretty sure Jerry and his wife, Pat, considered me a son back then. I don’t remember how many games we won or lost, but if I saw Jerry

Plott today, I’m pretty sure he’d hug my neck and tell me stories about a baseball game in the late ’80s.

Those men are the reasons I volunteered to coach the 7- & 8-year-old Mudcats this season. I did it for my oldest son Hank, because I love that boy. I love being around him, and I want him to love the game the way I did.

I also did it for the 11 other boys on our team, hoping I could return that $5 from Judge Karrh or the stick of gum from Joel Williams. Maybe, three decades from now, one of them will remember my name and something I said.

What I hope none of my players remember is our record. Wow. It is not good. With one game to go, the Mighty Mudcats are swimming perilously close to the mud – two games out of last place.

With such a tribute to my former coaches, you’d think I’d be better at this.

You’d think I picked up enough knowledge to make us an immediate league contender.

If this were a postgame press conference, I’d tell you the ball hasn’t bounced our way. Then I’d tell you we’ve dealt with an unfortunate string of injuries that has kept us out of the hunt.

For starters, every player has had a bout of emotional injuries. That’s

right, every single player on our team has cried at least once during a game.

That’s tough sledding for a team trying to get over the hump.

We’ve had two players miss time from cuts to their hands. Both instances happened as the athletes were climbing the fence in the dugout.

We’ve had six players who lost their wits because they couldn’t find their hats – in a dugout that measures about 5 feet deep and 12 feet long.

In a space of roughly 60 square feet, about the size of a prison cell, these boys have lost their hats. How can they possibly remember where to throw the ball with a runner on first if they can’t remember where they placed their hats six minutes earlier?

We’ve had players sidelined with inch-long strawberries after sliding into first base – even though we’ve kindly suggested they never slide into first base.

And we’ve had four players miss time with BTF Syndrome. If that’s not an FDA-approved medical condition, it may be after this season. Obviously, I’m referring to Ball to the Face Syndrome, which occurs when a player tries to catch a ball directly in front of his face and the ball miraculously curves around the glove and lands squarely on the cheekbone.

If it weren’t for this spate of bad luck on the injury front, I’m pretty sure we’d still be somewhere at the bottom of the standings.

And I couldn’t be more proud.

You see, most of these boys lost their first year of organized ball to COVID last year. For more than half our team, this is their first season, which means I’m the first coach they’ve had.

For every ball to the face, we’ve had players learn to catch.

For every strikeout

(and boy have there been a few), each boy on our team has reached base and crossed home.

For every time a player has cried, he’s had a hundred smiles on his face.

And for every time I get to kneel next to one of our players and tell him to have some fun, I can see Joel Williams handing me a stick of gum.

Now I know why those men invested in me, and why I can’t wait to do it again.

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Costco Business Center coming to The Grid

By Landan Kuhlmann LKUHLMANN@FORTBENDSTAR.COM

The Grid in Stafford has its anchor tenant, with a unique business concept making its way to the Houston region and Fort Bend County.

According to a news release from StreetLevel Investments, there is a Costco Business Center under construction at The Grid. The news release said Costco Wholesale Corporation has purchased 13 acres and approximately 148,000 square feet of retail space in the mixed-use retail development at the corner of Highway 59 and Kirkwood Road in Stafford.

“We are excited to welcome Costco Business to The Grid and the

city of Stafford. This is a great addition for our residents and will wonderfully complement our growing businesses,” Stafford Mayor Cecil Willis said. “This is just another opportunity that is helping The Grid to redefine the future of Stafford.”

According to the news release, The Grid will be Costco’s first Houston location for its Business Center concept, of which there are 21 throughout the country.

At Costco Business Centers, customers will find different products compared to traditional Costco stores, such as commercial appliances, individually wrapped snacks and an expanded selection of beverages, according to Costco’s website. The website says more than

70 percent of Costco Business Center items are different than what is typically found in its warehouse.

It will be just the second location in Texas, accompanying the location in Dallas-Fort Worth. “(We are) very excited as we continue to be a part of bringing innovative and cutting-edge opportunities to the East End of Fort Bend County,” East Fort Bend Development Authority chairperson Felecia Evans-Smith said. “We promised to deliver new concepts, and Costco Business Center is a great way to address the growing needs of our business community.”

For more information and to stay up to date on all developments coming to The Grid,

Torchy’s Tacos opens in Stafford Torchy's Tacos has opened its newest Houston-area location at The Grid in Stafford at 11327 Current Ln. It is the restaurant's second location in Fort Bend County, joining the existing one in Sugar Land. (Photo from Facebook)

By Stefan Modrich SMODRICH@FORTBENDSTAR.COM

Fans of Trailer Park tacos and Hillbilly chips and queso in Stafford will now be able to get their fix closer to home.

Popular Austin-based taco chain Torchy’s Tacos opened its Stafford location to the public April 28 at 11327 Current Ln., the latest addition to the city’s under-construction development called The Grid.

“There’s a lot of excitement around this area here at The Grid,” Torchy’s managing partner Jason Perales said. “This area has been very welcoming and everyone we’ve met and reached out to in the community, I feel like we’ve been really well-received.”

It is the second Torchy’s location in Fort Bend County.

The first, at 15810 Southwest Fwy. Ste. 600 in Sugar Land, opened in 2015 at Lake Pointe Town Center.

Perales said he has 72 employees at the Stafford restaurant.

The Stafford Torchy’s is the 19th to open in the Houston area and the 87th nationwide.

Perales has two decades of experience working in the restaurant and entertainment industry, including at Topgolf, Hooters and Landry’s. He said he helped launch the Torchy’s location at the Galleria last year as well.

He said Torchy’s plans to add 17 locations this year in the U.S., including in Texas, and to

expand to “four or five more states.”

“We’re super excited to be here,” Perales said. “We’re

thrilled with the reception that we’ve already received and looking forward to meeting everyone and being very actively involved in the community.”

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“Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”

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PAGE 4 • Wednesday, May 5, 2021

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Rangers’ Medrado making rare state appearance Local state track qualifiers

By Landan Kuhlmann LKUHLMANN@FORTBENDSTAR.COM

Clements track and field coach Jason Haddock said not even wet, rainy weather or late start times could derail the community’s support for the Rangers’ lone regional meet participant, senior hurdler Felipe Medrado.

His event, the Class 6A 300-meter hurdles, was one of the last races to reach the starting blocks on April 24 due to inclement weather that had delayed the Region III competition.

“We were in a situation where we ran late because of bad weather, so we knew all the other marks that had come and what he needed to be at in order to get that atlarge spot (to the state meet),” Haddock said.

Less than a minute later, exhaustion gave way to jubilation as the 18-year-old Medrado snagged a wild-card berth to the UIL state meet in Austin with a personalbest time of 38.27 seconds – among the eighth-fastest in Texas among third-place finishers at the four 6A regional meets. He is the first Clements male athlete since 1988 to qualify for the state track meet, which takes place this

Clements' Felipe Medrado sprints toward a hurdle during the District 20-6A meet April 9. Medrado became Clements' first male athlete to reach the UIL state meet since 1988 with a third-place regional finish. (Photo by Bob Calbert)

Friday through Sunday.

“When he crossed the finish line, they started rolling those times out and we saw he had gotten the time he needed, we just went absolutely nuts in the stands,” said Haddock, who is in his second season as Clements’ head coach.

The accomplishment has been a few years coming for Medrado, who said he did not pick up track until around middle school, and did not begin pursuing it in earnest until coming to Clements as a

freshman in 2018.

He has been in the program all four years at Clements, and has been one of the varsity leaders since his sophomore season in 2019, according to Haddock.

“A lot of kids, when you have an affinity and talent for a sport, you want to see yourself succeed,” Medrado said.

“I knew I had the potential and knew that I could grow in this sport. It’s something that was going to challenge me, keep me healthy and every-

Class 6A Bush Girls 800 relay Clements Felipe Medrado – Boys 300 hurdles Elkins Mfoniso Andrew – Girls 400 Girls 1,600 relay Ridge Point Karson Gordon – Boys triple jump Class 5A Hightower Cynai Christopher – Girls 200, girls long jump Dajon Debose – Boys 400 Jaiden Itson – Girls 800, girls 400 Girls 1,600 relay

Marshall Chris Brinkley – Boys 300 hurdles Arveyon Davis – Boys 110 hurdles Tairah Johnson – Girls 100 hurdles, girls long jump Desirae Roberts – Girls 300 hurdles Cesley Williams – Girls 400 Girls 400 relay Girls 800 relay Boys 400 relay Boys 800 relay Class 4A Stafford Boys 400 relay, boys 800 relay Stafford Girls 400 relay, girls 800 relay

thing else.”

A few years later, Medrado – who is primarily a hurdler and short-distance sprinter – has etched his name into the school’s record book. He previously set a school record in the 300 hurdles during the April 15 area meet and then bested the time at the regional.

“I didn’t really know all that about it being so long since we’d had someone qualify,” Medrado said. “I’m really happy to just represent my program and my team to

bring more recognition to the track program.”

His coach said Medrado’s exploits were not much of a surprise. According to Haddock, he tabbed Medrado early in 2020 as a runner who had a chance to make school history. Medrado was among a select group of runners who took part in the Texas A&M High School Indoor Classic in January 2020, finishing third in the event’s 60 hurdles with a time of 8.92 while anchoring the Rangers’ 1,600 relay team.

The work, Haddock said, was a precursor to this year’s history-making season.

“Realizing where his potential can take him has really driven his work ethic,” Haddock said. “When he saw that he really had a shot at achieving some stuff, it cranked up. Then this year, he really stepped up and took a leadership role...At that point, I told our coaches I thought he had a chance to go to state.”

Medrado, however, knows it wasn’t just an individual effort.

“It was just a feeling of validation, that sense of, ‘We did it.’ The first thing I think about when I run a really good race is all of my teammates and my coaches,” he said. “I know I can control my work ethic, but the teammates and coaches are both outside my control. I’m forever grateful for them.”

Haddock reciprocated the sentiment, adding that the some in the Clements community will be making a special trip to Austin for the occasion.

“His teammates mobbed, we mobbed him (when Medrado qualified),” Haddock said. “We’re all just really excited for him.”

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Clements alumnus taken Travis, Ridge Point rally to 13th overall in NFL draft advance in softball playoffs

By Landan Kuhlmann

LKUHLMANN@FORTBENDSTAR.COM

Clements High School football coach Bobby Darnell said Rashawn Slater immediately stood out when Darnell returned to coach at his alma mater right before Slater’s senior season in 2016.

“Putting him through that offseason workout and seeing him go above and beyond then and during the season, you could tell the goals he had,” Darnell said.

Those goals were realized last Thursday as Slater, a standout offensive tackle for the Rangers during that 2016

season, was taken as the 13th overall pick in the NFL Draft by the Los Angeles Chargers. It was the second straight year the Chargers drafted a Fort Bend ISD alumnus in the first round as they selected former Elkins linebacker Kenneth Murray 23rd overall in 2020.

Slater was a three-year starter at Clements and also in college at Northwestern University. And despite the fact those Clements teams won just three games in those three seasons, Darnell said Slater never once let his guard down or let the focus lapse.

“When nobody was in the fieldhouse or in the

weight room – it was him just going through ridiculously tough drills all the time," Darnell said. "… He was a bright spot for our team and someone who was always reliable.”

Fast forward a few years, the 6-foot-4, 314-pound Slater is FBISD’s highest draft pick since Elkins offensive lineman Jake Matthews was selected sixth by the Atlanta Falcons in 2014.

“He went so far above and beyond because he knew what he wanted to do, and (Thursday) was his reward,” Darnell said. “… He had a vision and a goal, there was nothing that was going to keep him from obtaining it.”

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A few years ago I caught my grandson before he hit the coffee table. I caught him...but I hurt my back in the process. I couldn’t get out of bed the next day. I didn’t just want to go to the doctor and get pain meds. My son-in-law recommended SLHC, so I called and they got me in right away. At my first visit they did X-rays and discovered I had scoliosis...which I never knew about! I also have disc degeneration in my neck AND back. I joked with the doctors that it was a good thing my grandson tripped me, because without treatment these conditions would get worse over time! We worked through a customized treatment plan and now I know I can go back when I need them. After treatment I have NO PAIN. I feel so good after each time I go there. Recently I tripped and fell (because of another grandkid). I told Dr. Brazzell I was surprised I was able to get up and go without pain. He told me it was because I’m keeping my back in shape with the follow-up treatment therapy I’m doing. Dr. Harris and Dr. Brazzell are so professional, caring and efficient. They care about me and the staff treat me like family. I’m so grateful for SLHC and have already sent my daughter to see them. I trust Dr. Harris and Dr. Brazzell with my back and my health.” -Debbie Hrncir

CODE: HRNCIR21STAR

By Landan Kuhlmann LKUHLMANN@FORTBENDSTAR.COM

Two of the area’s high school softball powers were on the verge of being eliminated from the playoffs during their respective bi-district series last weekend. Both staged furious rallies to keep their seasons alive.

The Travis Lady Tigers and Ridge Point Lady Panthers overcame seriesopening losses to move on to the second round of the playoffs this weekend.

The Lady Tigers lost 30 to Katy Seven Lakes in Game 1 last Thursday, but bounced back with wins of 2-1 and 14-4 on Friday to win the best-of-three series. Pitcher Rachel Ybarra recorded the last few outs of Game 2, while Lauryn Garza’s first homer of the season proved to be the difference-maker. In Game 3, Ariel Kowalewski had two homers and six RBIs while Ybarra also homered and threw a complete game for Travis (14-3), which will face Cy-Fair in The Travis (top) and Ridge Point softball teams pose for a photo after advancing to the area round of the Class 6A the next round.

Ridge Point found itself playoffs. (Photos from Twitter) in a similar predicament following a 15-5 loss to playoffs as 20-6A’s secBellaire Katy Tompkins in the first ond seed. The Panthers Game 1: 6 p.m. Friday, game of their series. How- beat Bush 13-0 on April 27 Mayde Creek HS ever, the Lady Panthers and defeated Austin 9-0 Game 2: noon Saturday, came back to win 6-5 in on April 28 before games Mayde Creek HS Game 2 last Thursday, against Travis (Friday) and Game 3: 30 minutes afthen polished off the series Dulles (Saturday) were ter Game 2, if necessary with a 7-5 victory in Game rained out.

BASEBALL 3.

Elkins (14-10-1, 8-5) will Class 5A Bi-District Grace Janik had two head into the playoffs as Kempner vs. homers in the series to give the third seed following the Houston Northside her nine on the season, in- April 27 loss to Travis.

Game 1: 4 p.m. Wednescluding a grand slam in Clements (13-16, 6-7) day, Kempner HS Game 3 that proved to be clinched the final playoff Game 2: 30 minutes afthe difference. Ridge Point spot Monday night by virter Game 1 (22-9) will face Bellaire in tue of losses by both Austin Game 3: time TBD, Satthe area round this week. and Dulles. urday, if necessary The Austin Lady BullIn Class 5A, the Kempner Class 6A Bi-District dogs saw their season Cougars used five pitchers Elkins vs. Katy come to an end with losses to shut out Willowridge Tompkins to Katy by scores of 6-0 17-0 to cap their regular Game 1: 6:30 p.m. Frion Thursday and 11-1 on season. The Cougars finday, Elkins HS Friday. Austin ended the ished 18-10 overall and Game 2: noon Saturday, season with a 15-12 overall 13-3 in District 24-5A, Tompkins HS record. good enough to clinch the Game 3: 30 minutes afBaseball teams prep district’s second seed. ter Game 2, if necessary for playoffs Travis vs.

The Travis Tigers head This Week’s Playoff Katy Taylor into postseason play as Schedule Game 1: 7 p.m. Friday, District 20-6A’s champion.

SOFTBALL Taylor HS The Tigers defeated Elkins Class 6A Area Round Game 2: noon Saturday, 5-4 on April 27 before a Travis vs. Cy-Fair Travis HS scheduled game against Game 1: 6 p.m. Friday, Game 3: 30 minutes afRidge Point on Friday was Travis HS ter Game 2, if necessary rained out, finishing the Game 2: 2 p.m. SaturRidge Point vs. regular season at 23-4-1 day, Cy-Fair HS Cinco Ranch overall and 12-1 in district.

Game 3: 30 minutes afOne-game playoff: 7 Ridge Point (20-8, 10-3 ter Game 2, if necessary p.m. Friday, Cinco Ranch district) will head into the Ridge Point vs.

HS

FORTBENDSTAR.COM

THE STAR

See us online www.FortBendStar.com

Wednesday, May 5, 2021 • PAGE

5

Applications open for Fort Bend Youth Leadership Council will select 30-50 students based on qualifications, experience and “willingness to learn and advocate for change,” according to a news release from the county.

Applications must be completed and submitted online at fortbendcountytx.gov/government/

By Landan Kuhlmann LKUHLMANN@FORTBENDSTAR.COM

Fort Bend County is accepting applications for its second annual Youth Leadership Council session.

The program, divided into three sections over the course of nine months,

g o v e r n i n g - b o d y/c o m missioners-court/ county-judge/2021-youthleadership-program/ ylp-application by May 10, and applicants will be notified of their status by May 19. The first meeting is June 8, and there is no registration fee.

All high school and col-

lege-age students in Fort Bend County are eligible to apply for the program. The county said the program will pair participants with at least three professional mentors who will instruct students on how to identify issues and potential projects, strategize and create a plan of action and cultivate

solutions.

Once selected, participants will spend the first three months meeting each Tuesday from 6-7 p.m. The following six months of the program will be held on the second Tuesday of each month from 6-7 p.m.

“Our young people are our future. They will go on to

serve as our next state representatives, county judges and presidents,” County Judge KP George said. “The Fort Bend Youth Leadership program provides our young leaders tools and skills such as highly effective and wellrespected mentors and programming to thrive in the 21st century.”

The Mamie George Community Center in Richmond has added one evening food distribution per week, which will take place on Wednesdays. (Photo from Facebook)

Mamie George Center adds food distribution times for area families

By Landan Kuhlmann LKUHLMANN@FORTBENDSTAR.COM

The Mamie George Community Center (MGCC) at 1111 Collins Rd. in Richmond is adding a food distribution session on one evening per week to allow easier access for lowincome families.

A news release from Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of GalvestonHouston, which operates Mamie George, said the free evening distributions will take place from 5-6:30 p.m. each Wednesday beginning this week.

The standard pickup times from 9 a.m.-noon Tuesdays and Thursdays are still available, but MGCC Executive Director Gladys Brumfield-James said the weekly evening window will give low-in-

come and working families more access to needed food.

"In many cases, individuals are working full-time hours but earning lower wages that won't lift a family out of poverty. Many people with a minimumwage job need help keeping their families fed," she said. "By adding the early evening hours, Catholic Charities can help families who can't come to our usual food distributions held earlier in the day."

In addition to the distributions, MGCC hosts food fairs that are open to all community members one Saturday a month from 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. The next food fair is May 22.

To make an appointment for food pickup or view the food fair schedule, visit CatholicCharities.org/CovidFoodDistribution.

FortBendStar fortbendstar.com

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PAGE 6 • Wednesday, May 5, 2021

See us online www.FortBendStar.com

FBISD plans virtual learning program for at-risk students

By Landan Kuhlmann LKUHLMANN@FORTBENDSTAR.COM

Depending on the Texas Legislature’s approval of funding, Fort Bend ISD plans to offer an exemption-based virtual learning

program during the 202122 school year for students deemed most vulnerable to COVID-19.

A Friday news release from the district said the program would provide full-time virtual instruction using a combination of

synchronous and asynchronous instruction for students identified as being at a higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19 by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

There are anywhere from 6,000-11,000 FBISD

C LASSIFIED

students who have conditions such as asthma, compromised immune systems, diabetes, serious heart disease and liver disease, which place them at a higher risk of complications from COVID-19, according to the district.

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Online applications for the program started Monday and run through May 14 on the FBISD website at fortbendisd.com, and parents must submit one per student in their household who meet the criteria. To be eligible for acceptance into the Virtual

Learning Program, FBISD said a student’s healthcare provider must complete and sign the Texas Education Agency (TEA) Medical Certification for COVID-19 High Risk Exemption form.

That form must be turned in to the district by June 3.

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Alphalete Athletics, LLC: Stafford, Texas: SEEKING LEAD FASHION DESIGNER/PATTERN MAKER CLASSIFIED The position involves the design of apparel from conceptualization to completed product; development and selection of branding elements; development of custom fabric blends; and, communication with foreign suppliers and manufacturers. The job requires the applicant to possess a Degree or Certificate in Pattern Making and Design, as well as a BS/BA in a business-related field, and a minimum 18 months of experience in fashion design and pattern making. The job will require work out of a facility in Stafford, Texas. Interested applicants should submit a cover letter with resume via email to Alphalete Athletics, LLC at hiring.alphalete@gmail.com.

Missed Out On Last Week's Paper?

Responses must be sealed, marked on the outside of the delivery envelope with the RFQ name and number as listed above, and the date of opening. Responses must be delivered to the attention of: City of Missouri City Attn: Purchasing Office/Public Works –RFQ No. 21-331 Mobility Master Plan and ITS Master Plan 1522 Texas Parkway Missouri City, Texas 77489 Prior to the acceptance deadline. Responses marked improperly and therefore misdirected may be disqualified. Until final award of the contract, the City reserves the right to reject any or all responses, to waive irregularities or technicalities, to re-advertise, or proceed to do the work otherwise when in the best interests of the City. No bid may be withdrawn during the 60 days following the bid opening date.

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING SPECIAL EXCEPTION TO THE REQUIRED REAR YARD SETBACK IN THE STANDARD SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENTIAL R-1 ZONING DISTRICT FOR THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT 4826 CALADIUM DRIVE Zoning Board of Adjustment Public Hearing 5:00 p.m., May 19, 2021, City of Sugar Land City Council Chamber, 2700 Town Center Boulevard North, hosted via live stream at http://www.sugarlandtx.gov/1238/SLTV-16Live-Video or https://www.youtube.com/ sugarlandtxgov/live, and Sugar Land Comcast Subscribers can also tune-in on Channel 16 to hear all persons interested in proposed Special Exception to the Rear Yard Setback for 4826 Caladium Drive, Lot 20, Block 3, Lexington Meadows, in the Standard Single-Family Residential (R-1) District

VICINITY MAP:

The agenda item for this meeting will be placed on the City of Sugar Land website at www. sugarlandtx.gov under “Meeting Agendas” Zoning Board of Adjustment no later than Friday, May 14, 2021. Request details or provide feedback on the proposed special exception online at www.sugarlandtx.gov/ PublicHearingComment or contact City of Sugar Land Planning Department at (281) 275-2218.

As of the date of this publication (May 5, 2021) the Centers for Disease Control recommends social-distancing and the avoidance of large and small gatherings in public spaces in order to limit the spread of COVID-19. As a result, the City of Sugar Land has elected to conduct this meeting online.

Members of the public wishing to view the meeting live may do so at the links above. Members of the public desiring to make comments during the public hearing may submit their written comments to the Office of City Secretary (citysec@sugarlandtx.gov). Comments should reference the hearing in the subject line, must be received by 3:00 p.m., Wednesday, May 19, 2021, then will be read into the record during the public hearing. Members of the public desiring to make their comments during the published date and time of the public hearing must e-mail (citysec@sugarlandtx.gov) or call ((281) 275-2730) the Office of the City Secretary by 3:00 p.m., Wednesday, May 19, 2021 to register and receive instructions for direct participation during the hearing.

Should the Centers for Disease Control, and/or the prevailing appropriate authority, lift the restrictions related to social-distancing and the avoidance of large and small gatherings in public spaces prior to 72 hours of the date of the public hearings, the City of Sugar Land will provide notice to the public on the Zoning Board of Adjustment meeting agenda at www.sugarlandtx.gov under “Meeting Agendas.”

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING SPECIAL EXCEPTION TO THE REQUIRED REAR YARD SETBACK IN THE RESTRICTED SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENTIAL R-1R ZONING DISTRICT FOR THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT 4118 TRENT STREET Zoning Board of Adjustment Public Hearing 5:00 p.m., May 19, 2021, City of Sugar Land City Council Chamber, 2700 Town Center Boulevard North, hosted via live stream at http://www.sugarlandtx.gov/1238/SLTV-16Live-Video or https://www.youtube.com/ sugarlandtxgov/live, and Sugar Land Comcast Subscribers can also tune-in on Channel 16 to hear all persons interested in proposed Special Exception to the Rear Yard Setback for 4118 Trent Street, Lot 9, Block 2, Commonwealth Estates Section One, in the Restricted SingleFamily Residential (R-1R) District

VICINITY MAP:

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LEGALS

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NOTICE TO BIDDERS WATER METER REPLACEMENT PROGRAM The City of Sugar Land seeks bids for performing all work required for the following project in the City: BID NO. 2021-18: WATER METER REPLACEMENT PROGRAM BIDDER’S NAME, ADDRESS, AND DUE DATE

CLASS A CDL DRIVERS NEEDED Benefits Include:

• Sign on bonus of $6,500

Specifications and bidding documents may be obtained by registering with Public Purchase www.publicpurchase.com.

• $5,000 safety bonus

Sealed bids in triplicate, one (1) original and two (2) copies, shall be delivered to the City of Sugar Land, Office of the City Secretary, 2700 Town Center Boulevard North, Suite 122, Sugar Land, Texas, 77479, on or before 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, May 13, 2021, at which time bids will be publicly opened and read via teleconference.

Bids received after the opening date and time will not be considered

• Pay per mile/ load

For questions regarding this bid, please post on Public Purchase www.publicpurchase.com no later than 3:00 p.m. Thursday, May 6, 2021.

The City will award the contract and give notice of award within sixty (60) calendar days after the opening date and time.

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NOTICE TO CREDITORS Notice is hereby given that original Letters of Administration in the Estate of KARLA JANE ELLIOTT, Deceased, were issued to G. NICHOLE WILLIAMS, INDEPENDENT ADMINISTRATOR on April 6th, 2021, in Docket No. 21-CPR-035385, pending in the County Court-at-Law No. 5 of Fort Bend County, Texas, to: G. NICHOLE WILLIAMS. The address to which claims may be presented and which is preferred by the personal representative is: DAVID R. DOEHRING Attorney for G. NICHOLE WILLIAMS, Independent Administrator of the Estate of KARLA JANE ELLIOTT 2000 South Dairy Ashford Rd., Ste 298 Houston, Texas 77077

The agenda item for this meeting will be placed on the City of Sugar Land website at www. sugarlandtx.gov under “Meeting Agendas” Zoning Board of Adjustment no later than Friday, May 14, 2021. Request details or provide feedback on the proposed special exception online at www.sugarlandtx.gov/ PublicHearingComment or contact City of Sugar Land Planning Department at (281) 275-2218.

As of the date of this publication (May 5, 2021) the Centers for Disease Control recommends social-distancing and the avoidance of large and small gatherings in public spaces in order to limit the spread of COVID-19. As a result, the City of Sugar Land has elected to conduct this meeting online. Members of the public wishing to view the meeting live may do so at the links above. Members of the public desiring to make comments during the public hearing may submit their written comments to the Office of City Secretary (citysec@sugarlandtx.gov). Comments should reference the hearing in the subject line, must be received by 3:00 p.m., Wednesday, May 19, 2021, then will be read into the record during the public hearing. Members of the public desiring to make their comments during the published date and time of the public hearing must e-mail (citysec@sugarlandtx. gov) or call ((281) 275-2730) the Office of the City Secretary by 3:00 p.m., Wednesday, May 19, 2021 to register and receive instructions for direct participation during the hearing.

Should the Centers for Disease Control, and/or the prevailing appropriate authority, lift the restrictions related to social-distancing and the avoidance of large and small gatherings in public spaces prior to 72 hours of the date of the public hearings, the City of Sugar Land will provide notice to the public on the Zoning Board of Adjustment meeting agenda at www.sugarlandtx.gov under “Meeting Agendas.”

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING SPECIAL EXCEPTION TO THE REQUIRED REAR YARD SETBACK IN THE STANDARD SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENTIAL (INTERIM) R-1-I ZONING DISTRICT FOR THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT 6311 WAGNER WAY Zoning Board of Adjustment Public Hearing 5:00 p.m., May 19, 2021, City of Sugar Land City Council Chamber, 2700 Town Center Boulevard North, hosted via live stream at http://www.sugarlandtx.gov/1238/SLTV-16Live-Video or https://www.youtube.com/ sugarlandtxgov/live, and Sugar Land Comcast Subscribers can also tune-in on Channel 16 to hear all persons interested in proposed Special Exception to the Rear Yard Setback for 6311 Wagner Way, Lot 16, Block 2, Blakely Bend, in the Standard Single-Family Residential (Interim) (R-1-I) District

reynoldsnw.com

LEGALS

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING SPECIAL EXCEPTION TO THE REQUIRED STREET SIDE YARD SETBACK IN THE STANDARD SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENTIAL (INTERIM) R-1-I ZONING DISTRICT FOR THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT 7703 NEW FOREST LANE Zoning Board of Adjustment Public Hearing 5:00 p.m., May 19, 2021, City of Sugar Land City Council Chamber, 2700 Town Center Boulevard North, hosted via live stream at http://www.sugarlandtx.gov/1238/SLTV-16Live-Video or https://www.youtube.com/ sugarlandtxgov/live, and Sugar Land Comcast Subscribers can also tune-in on Channel 16 to hear all persons interested in proposed Special Exception to the Street Side Yard Setback for 7703 New Forest Lane, Lot 15, Block 2, Greatwood Forest Section Four, in the Standard Single-Family Residential (Interim) (R-1-I) District

Reynolds

Nationwide

VICINITY MAP:

The agenda item for this meeting will be placed on the City of Sugar Land website at www. sugarlandtx.gov under “Meeting Agendas” Zoning Board of Adjustment no later than Friday, May 14, 2021. Request details or provide feedback on the proposed special exception online at www.sugarlandtx.gov/ PublicHearingComment or contact City of Sugar Land Planning Department at (281) 275-2218.

The agenda item for this meeting will be placed on the City of Sugar Land website at www. sugarlandtx.gov under “Meeting Agendas” Zoning Board of Adjustment no later than Friday, May 14, 2021. Request details or provide feedback on the proposed special exception online at www.sugarlandtx.gov/ PublicHearingComment or contact City of Sugar Land Planning Department at (281) 275-2218.

As of the date of this publication (May 5, 2021) the Centers for Disease Control recommends social-distancing and the avoidance of large and small gatherings in public spaces in order to limit the spread of COVID-19. As a result, the City of Sugar Land has elected to conduct this meeting online.

Members of the public wishing to view the meeting live may do so at the links above. Members of the public desiring to make comments during the public hearing may submit their written comments to the Office of City Secretary (citysec@sugarlandtx.gov). Comments should reference the hearing in the subject line, must be received by 3:00 p.m., Wednesday, May 19, 2021, then will be read into the record during the public hearing. Members of the public desiring to make their comments during the published date and time of the public hearing must e-mail (citysec@sugarlandtx.gov) or call ((281) 275-2730) the Office of the City Secretary by 3:00 p.m., Wednesday, May 19, 2021 to register and receive instructions for direct participation during the hearing.

As of the date of this publication (May 5, 2021) the Centers for Disease Control recommends social-distancing and the avoidance of large and small gatherings in public spaces in order to limit the spread of COVID-19. As a result, the City of Sugar Land has elected to conduct this meeting online.

Members of the public wishing to view the meeting live may do so at the links above. Members of the public desiring to make comments during the public hearing may submit their written comments to the Office of City Secretary (citysec@sugarlandtx.gov). Comments should reference the hearing in the subject line, must be received by 3:00 p.m., Wednesday, May 19, 2021, then will be read into the record during the public hearing. Members of the public desiring to make their comments during the published date and time of the public hearing must e-mail (citysec@sugarlandtx.gov) or call ((281) 275-2730) the Office of the City Secretary by 3:00 p.m., Wednesday, May 19, 2021 to register and receive instructions for direct participation during the hearing.

Should the Centers for Disease Control, and/or the prevailing appropriate authority, lift the restrictions related to social-distancing and the avoidance of large and small gatherings in public spaces prior to 72 hours of the date of the public hearings, the City of Sugar Land will provide notice to the public on the Zoning Board of Adjustment meeting agenda at www.sugarlandtx.gov under “Meeting Agendas.”

Should the Centers for Disease Control, and/or the prevailing appropriate authority, lift the restrictions related to social-distancing and the avoidance of large and small gatherings in public spaces prior to 72 hours of the date of the public hearings, the City of Sugar Land will provide notice to the public on the Zoning Board of Adjustment meeting agenda at www.sugarlandtx.gov under “Meeting Agendas.”

All persons having claims against this Estate which is currently being administered are required to present them within the time and in the manner prescribed by law. DATED the 29th day of April, 2021.

DOEHRING & DOEHRING

David R. Doehring DAVID R. DOEHRING 2000 South Dairy Ashford Rd., Ste. 298 Houston, Texas 77077 TEL: (281) 497-0093 FAX: (281) 497-8630 EMAIL: ddoehring@doehringlaw.com ATTORNEY FOR THE INDEPENDENT ADMINISTRATOR OF THE ESTATE OF KARLA JANE ELLIOTT

Application has been made with the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission for a Wine and Beer Retailer’s Permit by Sakae Investment Inc. dba Mochi Sushi , to be located at 5854 New Territory Blvd. , Sugar Land , Fort Bend , Texas 77479.

Director Kallie Zou and Tai Hong Cheng Application has been made with the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission for a MIXED BEVERAGE LICENSE by NUKSY’S FINE CATERING, to be located at 229 MURPHY RD, STAFFORD, FORT BEND COUNTY, Texas.

Officers of said corporation is YOLONDA HENRY, OWNER.

Lookin

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Wednesday, May 5, 2021 • PAGE

7

Sugar Land mayor pledges to aid monarch butterfly

By Stefan Modrich SMODRICH@FORTBENDSTAR.COM

Sugar Land Mayor Joe Zimmerman commemorated Earth Day last Thursday by signing the National Wildlife Federation (NWF) Mayors' Monarch Pledge, joining a group of mayors around the U.S. who have committed to aiding the monarch butterfly and other pollinators.

Among the action items Zimmerman has chosen for the city to focus on are creating a monarch-friendly garden at a culturally significant community location, displaying educational signage at its monarch gardens and changing the city’s mowing schedules to allow milkweed to grow unfettered.

“I’m a big outdoors guy,” Zimmerman said. “Me and my family, we’re outdoors people. It only makes

★ JONES FROM PAGE 1 in December 2020 to void a $412,000 separation agreement with Jones, who a few days later sued the city, two of its council members and the current city manager in federal district court, according to Austin TV station KXAN. Missouri City council member Floyd Emery, who represents District

★ MUSIC FROM PAGE 1 lenges he experienced in finding appropriate tutors for his own children, who Pavlovic wanted to learn at a high level.

“It was either the tutor was coming to your house or you were going to their house, and we all know how dysfunctional that can be,” Pavlovic said. “(My children) were not in a formal music school, they were kind of playing in the back of the guitar store.”

★ TRIAL FROM PAGE 1 17 clinical studies across 10 disease areas. These clinical trial authorizations include COVID-19 prevention and treatment, Alzheimer's disease, and traumatic brain injuries.

A Phase II clinical trial is specifically intended to prove the efficacy of the drug, Chang said. The goal of the trial is to produce results that will be successful enough

★ ELECTION FROM PAGE 1 Malone won with 4,345 votes, or 37 percent of the vote, according to unofficial election results released Saturday night. Heyliger garnered 27 percent, and Stephanie Brown received 14 percent. Also running were Alison Drew (11 percent), Rafat Ulain Jilani (9 percent) and Edtrina Moss (2 percent).

With 59 percent of the vote, Judy Dae’s 7,109 votes were enough to secure the FBISD Position 2 seat. Asish Agrawal was the runnerup with 28 percent of the vote. Rehan Ahmed finished third with 10 percent, and Nadeem Naik received 3 percent.

Replacing Stafford City Councilman Xavier Hererra on the Stafford MSD Board of Trustees is Dawn Reichling, who led the field with

sense for cities to embrace this. Everything is linked to nature. We have an opportunity because of the way our park system is set up.”

The monarch butterfly population was around 1 billion in 1996, according to the U.S. Forest Service.

According to a report from Texas A&M University’s Craig Wilson, senior research associate in the Center for Mathematics and Science Education, the number of monarch butterflies was slashed in half from 300 million in 2019 to about 141.5 million in 2020.

NWF cites the loss of habitat due to cropland conversion, urban development and agricultural practices among the chief factors for the monarch’s significant decline.

According to a news release from city spokesperson Doug Adolph, Sugar Land is “now part of an expanding North American network of cities” working to create a monarch-friend-

ly “habitat in public parks, public landscaping, roadsides, medians, backyard gardens and open spaces throughout the entire community.”

Zimmerman said one of the migration routes for

monarch butterflies follows along Brazos River Park, adjacent to the Brazos River.

“We already plant native wildflower seeds out there,” Zimmerman said.

“We can adjust that seed

to plant more nectar seeds and milkweed and adjust the mowing schedules so we don’t mow down the milkweed.”

The butterfly garden the city’s parks and recreation department has in

the works, Zimmerman said, will be a welcoming habitat for other varieties of butterflies in addition to monarchs.

He also encouraged residents to plant milkweed and other pollinated plants to attract butterflies in their gardens.

“Our parks staff is very progressive, and the City of Sugar Land is very progressive, so this makes a lot of sense for us,” Zimmerman said.

Zimmerman said the city has been active in pursuing grants from Texas Parks and Wildlife in the past, and if federal or state funding were to become available for cities who take the monarch pledge or follow other sustainable steps to preserve their habitat, that the city would apply for such funds in the future.

“I would think we’d go after it,” Zimmerman said.

“That wouldn’t even be a question in my mind.”

D, introduced a motion to end Jones’ tenure with the city, and it was seconded

by At-Large Position 2 council member Lynn Clouser. Mayor Robin Elackatt, along with District C councilman Anthony Maroulis and District B councilman Jeffrey Boney, voted in support of the motion to dismiss Jones. Council members Vashaundra Edwards in At-Large Posi-

tion 1 and Cheryl Sterling of District A voted against the motion.

During the open portion of the meeting, council members told Jones his removal was without cause.

Clouser declined to address the specifics of Jones’ status with the city, adding that the council decided it needed to “go in a different direction.”

“I wish Mr. Jones the

best, and thank him for his service,” Clouser said.

Messages for Elackatt, Boney, Jones and Snipes were not returned by press time.

To temporarily replace Jones, the council voted 5-0 (in the absence of Edwards and Sterling) to appoint Assistant City Manager Bill Atkinson as interim city manager. Atkinson has served in the role for 14 years, accord-

ing to a news release from the city.

Edwards questioned whether or not the city would have the stomach to potentially spend $500,000 to search for and hire a new city manager.

Iyamu said pursuant to Jones’ contract, he would receive a lump sum equal to 12 months of base pay, which in his case is a payout of $250,000. That figure, Iyamu said, is not

including medical benefits, Professional Risk Management Services (PRMS), insurance costs, taxes and municipal retirement system payments.

The city also voted 51 to move forward with a request for proposals for a search firm to begin the recruitment process for a new city manager, with Sterling abstaining and Edwards casting the lone dissenting vote.

VMA offers private lessons and classes for all ages and levels, which Pavlovic said have been mostly held via Zoom since the COVID-19 pandemic began.

“The thing that distinguishes us from other music academies or places you can take lessons is I wanted to create something special for our students,” Pavlovic said.

In addition to holding private music lessons for children age 4 and up in cello, drum, flute, clarinet, guitar, piano, viola,

violin and voice, VMA also conducts early childhood music classes, group guitar classes and children’s choir courses.

“It is open for all levels, ages and abilities,” Pavlovic said. “I wanted to make it accessible to all of our students.”

In previous years, Pavlovic has given his students a taste of the touring life, taking his pupils to perform at renowned concert halls such as Carnegie Hall, the Kennedy Center in Washington and the Royal

Academy of Music in London.

His students have also performed at the Chiesa di Santa Maria della Pietà in Venice, Italy, the church attended by Italian composer Antonio Vivaldi, who is the namesake and inspiration behind Pavlovic’s business. “(Vivaldi) himself was an educator,” Pavlovic said. “It was kind of a nobrainer. It just came to me naturally to name it Vivaldi Music Academy.

Also, Vivaldi is one of those composers where if you’re

serious about playing music by the age of 9, 10, or 11, you have to play a repertoire by Vivaldi.”

When Pavlovic’s students performed in Italy, the proceeds from the concert went to the orphanage attached to the church where Vivaldi used to conduct an all-girls choir, he said.

Pavlovic said parents looking for summer activities for their children should consider enrolling them in music lessons either in person or via Zoom.

Tuition for VMA starts at $102 per month for ages 1-5, and $102 for weekly 45-minute group sessions for ages 4-11. Weekly private lessons cost $192 per month for 30 minute sessions and $384 per month for 60 minute sessions.

“The response has been incredible from Sugar Land. The spots are going really fast,” Pavlovic said.

For more information about Vivaldi Music Academy, call 346-330-2646 or email sugarland@vivaldimusicacademy.com.

to form a trend among their larger patient population.

FDA-approved trials typically go through four phases, and getting a pharmaceutical product to market can take 10-12 years after undergoing scrupulous testing, Chang said.

Participants in the Parkinson’s trial must be between 18-75 years of age, and must have been diagnosed with mild-to-moderate Parkinson’s at least six months prior to the start of the trial.

Chang said HBSCRF uses a computer-generated randomizer to decide which patients will get the placebo and which ones will get the treatment.

Patients must also have their own stem cells banked prior to entering the trial to be eligible. HBSCRF’s banking process involves extracting MSCs from a small fat sample and growing them into a cell bank.

There is no cost for the IV medication, Chang said, but there is a charge for banking

one’s stem cells, where patients can choose from four payment plans. The plans range from a $10,000 one-time payment to a $7,000 upfront payment and $100 annually in maintenance fees, $5,000 upfront and $300 per year in maintenance fees, or $3,000 upfront and $500 per year in maintenance fees.

Hope Biosciences launched in March 2020, and HBSCRF administered nearly 100 billion cells for free to its patients during its first year of opera-

tion.

“People are now traveling from all over the U.S. (to participate in clinical trials),” Chang said. “For the Parkinson’s study, I think we’ve had more people calling in from out-of-state than in-state. It’s exciting that we’re here in Sugar Land, of all places. I consider it cutting-edge medicine.”

According to Jan Shultis, a spokesperson for Hope Biosciences, the organization is currently recruiting patients

for its Parkinson’s trial and area residents are eligible to apply for prescreening.

She said the FDA’s Institutional Review Board (IRB) dictates when Hope Biosciences can begin enrolling participants and officially start the clinical trial, but a start date has not been determined as of Tuesday.

Those interested in learning more about Hope Biosciences can visit hopebio.org or call (346) 900-0340 for additional clinical trial information.

393 votes, or 45 percent of the vote, to win the Position 1 seat. Suzette Thompson had 27 percent of the vote, and Clint Mendonca captured 12 percent. Mary Ann Smith, who had withdrawn from the race but remained on the ballot, picked up 80 votes. Edward E. Rector received 47 votes and Darren Blakemore nine.

Position 2 trustee Manuel Hinojosa did not face a challenger in winning his bid for another term.

In the race for the Sugar Land City Council District 1 seat, Suzanne Whatley narrowly defeated Donna Batten Molho by a margin of 707 votes to 701.

Carol McCutcheon, the incumbent in District 4, defeated Sakki Joseph 1,951 votes to 455, or 81 percent to 19 percent.

Naushad Kermally and Stewart Jacobson, the incumbents in Districts 2 and

3, respectively, ran unopposed.

Stafford Mayor Pro Tempore Alice Chen received 689 votes, or 76 percent of the vote, to retain her Position 1 city council seat and defeat challenger Thomas John, who got 27 percent of the vote.

Position 2 Stafford councilman Wen Guerra was unopposed in his reelection bid.

In Missouri City, all nine of the city’s proposed changes to its charter passed, and all passed by a wide margin with the exception of Proposition E, a measure that will extend the term of office for the mayor, district councilmembers and cou nci l member-at-la rge positions from two to three years. It passed with 1,851 in favor of the amendment and 1,178 against. It will take effect during the next election cycle in November.

In Richmond, Position 1 Commissioner Terry R. Gaul held off a challenge from Tres Dale Davis, winning by a margin of 222 votes to 69.

Position 3 Commissioner Carl A. Drozd retained his seat, earning 200 votes to Carlos A. Garcia’s 100.

Rosenberg elected a new mayor in Kevin Raines, who topped Cynthia McConathy with 619 votes compared to her 208.

Rosenberg also had two city council seats up for grabs. In the At-Large Position 1 contest, Tim Krugh prevailed with 711 votes, or 55 percent of the vote. Rudy Cuellar had 21 percent of the vote to place second in a race that also included Alice S. Jozwiak (18 percent) and L. Jay Edenmeyer (6 percent).

In the At-Large Position 2 race, Richard Olson received 595 votes, or 46 percent of the vote, and

Alicia Casias received 25 percent. Both will advance to a runoff election on June 12 to decide the winner in a race that also included Amanda J. Barta (16 percent ) and Henva B. Medlow (13 percent).

Rosenberg officials said the logistics of the runoff election will be finalized at the May 11 special city council meeting.

All results are unofficial until canvassed and certified by the county clerk.

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Monarch butterflies are shown at Sugar Land Memorial Park's butterfly garden. (Photo from City of Sugar Land)

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PAGE 8 • Wednesday, May 5, 2021

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Review: Rebranded Guru still impresses in Sugar Land

By Stefan Modrich SMODRICH@FORTBENDSTAR.COM

A burger and fries is about as iconic as it gets.

It’s as American as Superman, ice cream and apple pie. But the visionaries behind Guru Enlightened Burgers and Bowls, Robert White and Victor Litwinenko, decided their burgers would have more interesting sidekicks.

The first iteration of this concept was Guru Burgers and Crepes. But when Poketo, its sister restaurant at Sugar Land Town Square, closed last May, it moved in with Guru and in the process, changed its elevator pitch from sweet and savory to bold and intriguing.

Some of the appetizers, or “nibblers” as the Guru menu labels them, may be so unique that they even upstage the main event.

I found this to be the case with the Buddha Fries ($6.50), a dish as visually appealing as it was tasty. The fries are topped with cilantro and slathered with Korean BBQ sauce, a jalapeño purée and Sriracha mayonnaise for a colorful and spicy galaxy of flavor, orbiting

The Buddha Fries and Fig Newton burger were an unlikely pairing, but ended up being a match made in heaven during our recent visit to Guru Enlightened Burgers and Bowls in Sugar Land (Photo by Stefan Modrich)

COMMUNITY

CALENDAR

around a fried egg placed in the center.

This is not to diminish the burgers at Guru in any way — the restaurant says it uses Angus USDA choice premium cut beef, and my medium rare patty was cooked to perfection.

But if Guru knocked the fries out of the park, I’d have to say the Fig Newton ($10) was a standup triple into the right-field corner. I don’t have a complaint, so much as an after-the-fact regret, that I didn’t realize I could have tried my burger on challah bread, and I’ll have to postpone that experience for another trip.

However, the Texas Toast I selected instead proved to be a completely serviceable vehicle for me to consume the burger and its homemade fig spread, with goat cheese, arugula and hickory-smoked bacon.

I resisted the temptation to pour one out for the JJWATT-a-BURGER (sorry, Texans fans), but I took note of the several “Altburgers” which featured salmon, chicken, turkey or the vegan Impossible Burger patty.

If you’re looking for a shareable way to try Guru’s many burger options,

sliders are $5.

You can customize a bowl for $11.95, choosing two bases from the field of sushi rice, fried rice, vermicelli noodles, and a green kale medley, and two scoops of your favorite proteins from the following options: spicy tuna, spicy salmon, spicy mayo tuna, spicy mayo salmon, shrimp, kani mix, tofu, Korean barbecue beef, grilled chimichurri chicken, falafel and sweet plantains.

Guru Enlightened Burgers and Bowls

Address: 18921 University Blvd. #900, Sugar Land Dining Options: Curbside pick-up, delivery via Doordash, Grubhub, Postmates, Seamless, UberEats Hours: 11 a.m.-9 p.m.

Tuesday-Sunday Entrée prices: $9$11.95 Kid-friendly: Yes Senior discount: No Alcohol: No Healthy options: Yes Star of the show: Buddha Fries

Deadline is noon every Friday. Limit entries to 40 words and answer the “5 Ws” Who, What, When, Where, and Why. Email to jsazma@fortbendstar.com or mail to: Fort Bend Star, 3944 Bluebonnet Drive, Stafford, Texas 77477.

FOR NON-PROFIT EVENTS

In light of the COVID-19 outbreak and the cancellation of several community gatherings, please check with each organization for updated information about the status of their events.

MAY 4 - JUNE 1 COME TO THE GARDENS St. Catherine of Sienna Episcopal Church, 4747 Sienna Parkway, Missouri City will meet in the sanctuary on May 4, 11, 25 and June 1 at 8:30 a.m. Ð 9 a.m. Come and join this four week reflection on the 4 Biblical Gardens with time for prayer and meditation.

For additional information contact melinda@ siennachurch.org or call 281-778-2046.

MAY 8 2021 MODELMANIA PLASTIC MODEL SHOW AND CONTEST. Sponsor - Houston IPMS May 8th 2021 from 9am to 5pm Stafford Centre 10505 Cash Road, Stafford, Texas General Admission - Adults $5; Children 6-16 $2, Model Contest - Door Prizes - Vendors - Displays Family Fun! MAY 13 FT. BEND/HARRIS RETIRED EDUCATORS ZOOM MEETING Ft. Bend/Harris Retired Educators next zoom meeting is Thursday morning, May 13th, at 10:00-noon.

Program: Brian McCauley will share information about the historical

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LISA N SIMS, AGENT Monday - Friday 9 - 6 Saturday 10 - 2 After hours by appointment

11647 S Highway 6 Sugar Land, TX 77498 Toll Free: 281-201-2448 lisa@agentlisasims.com

site, San Felipe de Austin located in San Felipe, Austin County, TX, followed by Chair Yoga. Paid members will receive an emailed zoom invitation a week prior to the meeting.

Further information for any retired educator, email cmduvall@aol.com.

ONGOING SUGAR LAND AMERICAN LEGION American Legion Freeman Post 942 meets the fourth Thursday of every month at the Post facility, 311 Ulrich, Sugar Land, Texas, at 7:00 PM. All veterans are welcome. Post hall is available for rental for events. Call 713-553-5370 if interested.

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 EXPERIENCE COUNTS! 35+ YEARS SERVING FORT BEND COUNTY 281-243-2344 281.243.2300

14090 S.W. Freeway Suite #200 Sugar Land, TX

Sugar Land (502 Eldridge Rd.). For more information call 281-240-3195 EXCHANGE EXCHANGE, America’s Service Club, always welcomes guests and is in search of new members! Various Fort Bend clubs exist and can accommodate early morning (7 a.m.), noon and evening meeting time desires. For more info, contact Mike Reichek, Regional Vice President, 281-575-1145 or mike@ reichekfinancial.com We would love to have you join us and see what we are all about!

MISSOURI CITY AARP CHAPTER 3801 Meets the second Monday of every month at 11:30 a.m., at 2701 Cypress Point Dr., Missouri City Rec Center. Lunch, education, and entertainment. All seniors over 50 invited. For more information, call 713-8595920 or 281-499-3345.

BECOME A FOSTER GRANDPARENT Volunteers are needed to be a role model, mentor and friend to children with exceptional needs in the community. Training, mileage reimbursement, tax-free monthly stipend if eligible. Call today to help change the world, one child at a time in Rosenberg. For more information, call 281-344-3515.

DAV CHAPTER 233 MONTHLY MEETING The second Tuesday of every month at the United Way Fort Bend Center, 12300 Parc Crest Dr., Stafford, from 6:30-8:30 p.m. For more information, email maw0500@gmail. com.

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