2005 Archives

2004 Archives

2003 Archives

Tuesday               April 5, 2005

Juan Sebastian de Elcano Visits Galveston

The historic Spanish schooner Juan Sebastián de Elcano arrived at Bolivar Roads this morning and was greeted by Galveston Historical Foundation's 1877 tall ship Elissa.  Photos

Elcano will be officially greeted on Wednesday at approximately 8:30 a.m. by the Spanish Consul General and Naval Attaché and representatives of the U. S. Coast Guard.  At 9:30 a.m., a news conference will be held at Pier 21, beside the Texas Seaport Museum at Harborside Drive and 21st Street.  

This is the first time in the 76 years of Elcano's training voyages that she is calling at Galveston. 

"With this visit the Spanish Navy hopes to strengthen ties with a city whose history has deep Spanish roots," said a GHF news release.  "The official training ship for midshipmen of the Spanish Navy, the 370-foot-long, four-masted topsail schooner is gaff-rigged on each mast, with additional square yards on the fore, setting a total of 20 sails."

The ship, owned and operated by the Spanish Navy, is crewed by 257 Spanish naval officers and crew including 47 cadets. Galveston is the first of three U.S. ports visited by Elcano.

Elcano will be open to the public at pier 22 at Harborside Drive in Galveston from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and from 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. on Thursday April 7 through Saturday April 9. 

The ship will depart after Mass on Sunday.

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Jefferson County 

"My report contains 16 detailed recommendations that, if adopted, would improve services and operations in Jefferson County and save taxpayers more than $18 million over the next five years," Strayhorn said.

Strayhorn's key recommendations include:

• instituting a strong system of internal controls over expenditures and revenues;
• rebuilding a dangerously low fund balance, which has been steadily declining for at least the last five years;
• creating a budget and strategic planning office; and
• providing financial reports to the Jefferson County Commissioners Court in a timely manner so it can make informed decisions on all budgetary issues.

"There is no level of government closer to the people and more in tune with their daily needs and concerns than those who serve at the local level," Strayhorn said. "I am committed to helping local governments across Texas be more efficient, more effective and more accountable to the taxpayers. With these recommendations, Jefferson County can achieve all three of these goals."

Strayhorn commended Jefferson County for offering an on-site health clinic to all county employees, which she said leads to greater productivity and higher employee morale, and for consolidating tax collections for 26 entities within the county into one central office, "thereby increasing efficiency and minimizing costs to taxpayers".

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Galveston Independent School District

The Board of Trustees of Galveston Independent School District during a special meeting on Monday voted 5-1, with Sandra Simmons opposed, to authorize Superintendent Lynn Hale to explore options for a new stadium on school district property between 81^st and 85^th streets at Scholes International Airport at Galveston. 

The motion, which was drafted by School Board President Mike Hughes and posed by Trustee Terry Dick, includes the stipulation that Hale must raise 50 percent of the new stadium’s cost within one year.  

“The concern I have is that we really haven’t had public input,” said board president Mike Hughes. 

David O’Neal requested that Hale encourage the City of Galveston to preserve and increase green space where youth could practice the sports that they would eventually play in stadium games. 

“If we don’t provide a place for the children to develop their skills, we will be building a stadium with no one to fill it,"  O’Neal said.

GISD owns approximately 62 acres of property at the airport.

PBK Architects, who leads the district's Architectural Oversight Committee, estimates that a new stadium would cost approximately $18.5 million.  The estimate covers the construction of a 10,000 seat facility with a concrete base as well as the 1,600 parking spaces as required by law for that capacity. The facility would also feature masonry construction concession stands and bathrooms as well as a synthetic turf field.

Trustee John Ford was ill and was unable to attend the meeting.

Galveston Independent School District Police Chief Mark Smith attended his first school board meeting in Galveston.  He told Anita Donatto that he and his family have enjoyed the island for years.  Listen  Download

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Jamaica Beach City Council

Jamaica Beach City Council on Monday voted unanimously to approve a resolution supporting legislation that provides for more innovative and effective methods of stopping or retarding erosion of Texas beaches and wetlands.

The city council approved a resolution adopting a hazard mitigation plan for the 13-county region served by the Houston-Galveston Area Council.

The city council discussed renewal of the city's franchise agreement with Time Warner Cable Television.

The city council discussed a proposed a $42,362 draw to N&S Construction for the wastewater treatment plant project.

The city council will consider the discussion items, as well as a proclamation of April as Child Abuse Prevention Month at the next meeting on April 18.

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Friendswood City Council

Friendswood City Council on Monday voted unanimously to accept Mayor Kimball Brizendine's appointment of Sel Thint to the Construction Board of Adjustments and Appeals.

The council voted six to one, with Jerry Ericcson opposing, to approve Ordinance No. T2005-08, regarding the regulation of signs within the city, providing for a penalty and severability.

A public hearing was held regarding a request for a zone classification change for 45.8921 acres, Lots 1 -29, Block 1, Lots 1-24, Block 2, and Reserves A-G, property located at FM 518, Hunter's Creek Subdivision, from Single Family Residential to Planned Unit Development.

All other agenda items were approved unanimously.

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Hitchcock City Commission

Hitchcock City Commissioners at a special meeting on Monday voted unanimously to relocate 820 linear feet of a damaged sewer line on Pigeon Street, due to emergency conditions.  

Funding for the $50,360 job, which should be completed in a few weeks, is from the utility fund.  Mercer Construction is the contractor.

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Galveston Seawall Advisory Committee

A group of persons and public officials interested in enhancements to the Galveston Seawall met at Galveston City Hall on Monday to explore grant opportunities for the improvements. Listen  Download

Rick Beverlin, Carl Sharp and Barry Goodman of The Goodman Corporation discussed options for federal funds that were approved in the recently enacted Transportation Bill in Washington.

"We've already started analysis of existing conditions and the evaluation of transit service and access along the Seawall," Beverlin said.  

Sharp added that the need for transit improvements can be linked to projects for beautification of Seawall Boulevard.

"We are going to look at other things above and beyond general access, such as lighting, such as esthetics, beautification, where applicable," Beverlin agreed. 

"We are excited about the transit-pedestrian beautification of the Seawall corridor that has been a subject of a lot of discussion over the years," Goodman said.   

Goodman said that future options include extension of the track trolley from Stewart Beach to the Galveston Island Convention Center at the San Luis Resort, as well as improved pedestrian crossing facilities.

Major Vic Maceo of the Galveston Beach Patrol expressed concern about the placement of traffic signals in a recent project by the Texas Department of Transportation.

"You are not ADA accessible at all on the Seawall," Maceo said, citing the difficulty of navigating the Seawall with a wheelchair.  "I'm scared a wheelchair is going to roll off the edge."

"Maybe they shouldn't be up there," said Galveston City Manager Steve LeBlanc.  "There is a ledge there."

Sharp assured the group that the Seawall is in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

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United States Congress

United States Representative Ron Paul, in his weekly column, expresses concern that the federal budget for 2006 makes several cuts in veterans benefits and services. Column

"Under the proposed budget, the Veterans Administration will increase once again the co-pay cost of prescription drugs, while adding a new annual fee for medical benefits," Paul said.  "The budget also calls for the reduction of veterans home funding and limits the number of VA nursing home beds."

Paul said that some members of Congress have even suggested rewriting the definition of "veteran" in a way that could deny VA health benefits for millions of retired servicemen.

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Yaga's Children's Fund 

The Ninth Annual World Wild Game Championship and BBQ Cook- off benefiting the Yaga’s Children’s Fund will be held May 13 and 14 at Pier 21 on Galveston Island. 

The public is invited to participate.  The competition provides an opportunity for backyard chefs and sports and outdoor enthusiasts to show off their culinary skills and enjoy fun, fellowship and food.  Participating teams help to support many children’s charities.  Last year more than $75,000 was raised.

The Sponsor Party kicks off the two-day, family-oriented event on Friday evening at 8 p.m. with a fajita buffet, beer, a silent auction and a preview of the chefs at work. Entertainment includes fireworks and music from local bands. 

Judging will be from 1 to 8 pm. on Saturday in seven divisions:  seafood, chicken, pork ribs, brisket, a ladies-only category, an open category and wild game.  First through fifth place prizes will be awarded in each division.  A trophy will be awarded to the team with best showmanship.

Children's activities include moon walks, face painting, pony rides and more, beginning at noon. BBQ dinners will be for sale and local bands will provide live music.

Proceeds will benefit the following local children’s charities: Children’s Advocacy Center, Gulf Coast Big Brothers Big Sisters, Ronald McDonald House of Galveston, Resource and Crisis Center, The Children’s Center, Inc., Hope Foundation for Retarded Children, Sea Camp-A&M Galveston, Friends of La Marque Public Library, Galveston Ballet, L. A. Morgan Elementary, and The Gulf Coast Center.

For more information, to become a sponsor or to purchase tickets for the Friday night Sponsor Party call (409) 762-6676 or visit our website at www.yagaschildrensfund.org. 

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Houston Police Department

Houston Police Chief Harold Hurtt recommended on Monday that a committee be formed to review the particulars surrounding Taser usage by officers of the police department, in response to concerns that had been raised by community members.  

The chief made the announcement following a meeting with community leaders from the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, the League of United Latin American Citizens, the New Black Panther Party and the American Civil Liberties Union. 

No timeline has been established for the creation of the committee, which would be made up of both police and non-police personnel.  Hurtt said that he is awaiting feedback from "minority community leaders" regarding who should serve on the committee.

"The Houston Police Department has nothing to hide, and we will make every effort to demonstrate our willingness to be transparent insofar as the law will allow us," Hurtt said.  "We must all, at some point, turn away from focusing on the sullied past if we are to move forward in strengthening police-community relations."

The focus of the committee will be limited to the first 192 Taser discharge incidents only.  There are no plans to create a standing committee or to have committee members do anything more than review the cases that have already been reported to the media and community. 

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Galveston Island Relay for Life

The American Cancer Society's Galveston Relay for Life will be held from dusk until dawn on Friday, May 20 and Saturday, May 21 at Kermit Courville Stadium, 27th Street and Avenue M.

Relay for Life teams of eight to 15 people may register now for the event.  Each team member is asked to raise at least $100.

“Everybody knows somebody who has been affected by or has lost their life to cancer,” said Dr. Mark Evers, professor of surgery at UTMB.  “This event celebrates the lives of those who have survived their battle with this disease as well as those whom we have lost.  The funds we raise for the American Cancer Society will help us aggressively continue to find a way to defeat cancer.”

In collaboration with the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston Sealy Center for Cancer Cell Biology, the American Cancer Society’s Galveston Relay for Life will raise money to help prevent and treat cancer, the No. 1 cause of death in the U.S. 

Teams will gather and relay around the track throughout the night.  As the sky darkens, luminaria will be lit, each representing a loved-one who has battled the disease.

To register, join a team or for more information, contact Christi Buras at (409) 266-9433, Christy Taylor at (409) 266-9435, or the American Cancer Society at (409) 938-0672.  Information is also available at www.utmb.edu/scccb/Relay05/home.htm.

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Galveston/Niigata Sister City Committee

The Galveston/Niigata Sister City Committee is planning a visit to Japan in August, in celebration of the 40th anniversary of the affiliation between the cities.

"We are inviting Galveston citizens to join us as part of the delegation," said Raquel Gonzales, chair of the committee. "We will be leaving August 4 and returning August 12."

Every other year a delegation from Galveston visits Niigata, Japan, with delegates from that city visiting Galveston on alternate years.  Last year a delegation of 15 Niigata citizens visited Galveston during Mardi Gras.

Travel arrangements are being made through Travel Counselors, Incorporated.  A $1,500 deposit is due on April 10.  The total cost of the air and land travel and hotel accommodations ranges from $2,266 to $2,453, depending on single or double occupancy.

For information call Gonzales at (409) 744-1419 or Susan Antonelli at (409) 765-7759.

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Galveston County Health District

Dr. Mark Guidry, chief executive officer of the Galveston County Health District, presented an overview of the Health District accomplishments in 2004 during a Galveston County Commissioner's Court workshop on Monday.  Listen  Download

Guidry said that highlights of 2004 accomplishments include increased access to care in the 4C’s Clinics, improved disaster planning with other public agencies, on-going improvements to animals services and improved coordination of services benefiting senior citizens in the county.

He cited improvements in the 4C’s clinics, including operational changes that included a clinic redesign team, led by a consultant, that is charged with making additional increases in patient satisfaction, in access to care, and in decreasing patient wait time while in the clinics.

“I am very proud of these employees who are dedicating their time and energy in looking out of the historical box by testing new models of excellence in patient care,” Guidry said.

The redesign team members include:  Jennifer Chaisson (mid-level provider), Marissa Gonzales (cashier), Sheila Coleman (nursing), Carla Sanchez (laboratory), Titus Venyah (physician), Renee Mc Culloch (registration), Patsy Linscomb (nursing), Margaret Johnson (patient complaint resolution), Michelle Robinson (medical records) and Fannie Cotton (appointments & coding). 

The full 2004 progress report was approved by the United Board of Health and 4C’s Governing Board in February this year and is posted on the Health District’s website at www.gchd.org.   

This first annual progress report follows the adoption in early 2004 of a Galveston County Strategic Health Plan (2004-2010) which was developed after a six-month process of extensive public participation and feedback. 

In addition to an executive summary, the report includes a detailed list of animal services improvements, information on the conference, "Diseases and Disasters: Are We Ready?" and a number of special projects benefiting seniors such as cooking schools, fitness classes, and flu prevention campaigns in partnership with other agencies and senior citizen centers.

“If you have not visited Health District offices or 4C’s Clinics in awhile, come by and visit us again,” said Guidry.  “Sign up for our new volunteer program or help us with ideas on how to better serve senior citizens.”

Guidry said the Strategic Health Plan has been embraced by employees of the Health District and is used as a guide for all activities and services provided through the Health District.

“I commend the staff for dedicated and deliberate work towards the plan and exceptional progress in just one year," Guidry said.

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On The Webio

Several items of interest to the Texas Gulf Coast are posted on the Community Page of The Online News Station

Lakewood Yacht Club's Fleet Captain Brian Irvine presented trophies at an Awards Ceremony on March 20.  Photos

Planning and registration are underway for EcoCamp, Armand Bayou Nature Center’s "fun, educational day camp" for children from Pre K through 8th Grade.  Photos and Details

Local cities, such as Dickinson, League City and Webster recognized the month of March as Communities In School Month.  Photo and Release

Candidates for office in the May 7 municipal elections continue to post messages on the Forum Page.  Hubert M. Cook is running for Mayor of Webster.  Message

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Scheduled Meetings
Meetings will be held in the regular meeting place of the city council or other governmental body, unless otherwise specified.

Today, April 5 
6:30 Bayou Vista Board of Aldermen
6:30 Clear Lake Shores City Council; Roads and Drainage Workshop
7:00 Seabrook City Council 
7:00 Webster City Council
7:00 Bolivar Peninsula Chamber of Commerce General Membership Meeting, Joe Faggard Community Center
7:30 Pasadena City Council
 
Wednesday, April 6
8:00 North Galveston County Chamber of Commerce Breakfast, La Frontera Restaurant, Dickinson
9:00 Houston City Council
9:30 Juan Sebastián de Elcano News Conference, Pier 21
4:00 Galveston Zoning Board of Adjustment 
4:30 Texas City City Commission Workshop 
5:00 Texas City City Commission
7:00 League of Women Voters of the Galveston Area Board Meeting, McCullough Room, Rosenberg Library 

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Gulf Coast E-news, published by Guidry News Service, provides comprehensive coverage of posted public meetings in Galveston, Harris and Jefferson Counties as well as regional news impacting the Upper Texas Gulf Coast.

Jim and Lynda Guidry are publishers of Gulf Coast E-news and The Online News Station.

Jim Young is Houston City Correspondent.  Dana Patricia Burke is the Bay Area Houston Correspondent. Chuck Lawrence is Galveston City Correspondent.  Carl Guidry covers events in Jefferson County.  Anita Donatto covers the education beat in Galveston.  

Patty Mayeux and Dana Patricia Burke are editors of Gulf Coast E-news.

Robert John Mihovil is a special photographic correspondent for Guidry News Service  

We are seeking to hire reporters & marketing agents to expand our coverage in Jefferson & Harris Counties. 

Guidry News Service offices at 1818 Church Street, Suite 4, Galveston, TX. 77550 / P.O. Box 2130, Galveston, TX 77553
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Subscriptions to Gulf Coast E-news are $300 per year, or $75 per quarter, plus sales and use tax. 

This electronic  newsletter replaced, and expanded on, the mission of the Galveston Fax, established by Jim and Lynda Guidry on Galveston Island in  July 1996; and Clear Lake Area E-news, begun on January 2, 2002.