trymahjong

Term limits for City officials is a big subject http://houston.culturemap.com/news/city_life/01-02-14-mayor-annise-parker-reveals-her-third-term-agenda-and-what-shed-do-with-the-astrodome/ http://www.houstonchronicle.com/ This mornings front page had headline: "Term limits on Mayors agenda" It does seem that reelections would loom large on any elected official that had to face a two year term. Fundraising, speeches and all the other stuff that goes along with campaigning would of course be a big part of the time and effort of those seeking reelection. The newspaper article paints that circumstance as a negative. I'm wondering if a three year term would benefit this situation? So each would serve 3 three year terms?

A little light magazine reading in doctors office . . . . . I looked the article up online .http://content.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,2158652,00.html The author must have encountered similar opinions and perhaps a few horrible pass experiences.

Thanks for the info-- There is the tiniest bit of green lawn as part of Trinity property on corner of Francis and Main.I've only seen it used when the "blessings of the animals" takes place. I have heard that now there are different ideas being talked about as to what might be done to enhance that bit of green space.

The concrete building just north of the proposed Arts center- on the otherside of Francis street. . . . . is it vacant? What's the plan for that building?

HmmmI forgot that Vin Poscal was going in at 608 Westheimer . . . . But I love the idea of an old house venue for 1/2price books-- maybe that old house down the street next to 'jus Mac- by Bagby.

How about combining the two old houses at Stanford and Westheimer to one fab place for 1/2 price books? I have given up my dream that the old Diedrich coffee would return and take over one of them--since Southland Expresso Moved in.

This house is part of Avondale east historic district. So ALL renovation must be looked at through that lens. You'd think it would take 100k to do good job and meet historic requirements. The title was in long court battle (to get clear title-rumor was the house was won in card game 60+-years ago) I heard- so maybe lots of heirs made the price go to this point? there is still one back building falling down in back this building looks like it was built upon property line so probably will have to be surveyed. My bet it will have to be torn down. I think there is alley access?

Read this in this mornings paper-- It's great that Chronicle is supporting b-cycles and also a positive nod to "critical mass" I googled and came up with this: http://www.chron.com/opinion/editorials/article/Year-of-the-bike-5022707.php

From my experience of how far Lamar students will walk for fast food the radius would have to be quite large-- hmmmmmmmm Maybe this conundrum could be approached from a different perspective-- Why not try out an HISD Food Truck with healthy alternatives, IDK maybe tacos (?) perhaps made by HISD culinary students, painted in a funky way by HISD art department, and run by HISD /DECA students overseen by one of the myriad of staff at HISD District administration building?

Finally a replacement for that oriental rug outlet- http://houston.eater.com/archives/2013/08/05/vinoteca-poscol-is-moving-to-608-westheimer.php

http://www.cnn.com/2013/11/21/travel/fcc-cell-phones-flights/ This is on local and national news-- I'm thinking the noise level inside any airplane is loud-- having dozens and dozens or hundreds and hundreds trying to carry on conversations all at once would be crazy.

Read this today--http://www.chron.com/news/houston-texas/houston/article/Jury-finds-injured-woman-mostly-to-blame-for-4998984.php then this from Lisa Falkenberg http://www.houstonchronicle.com/news/columnists/falkenberg/article/Police-should-learn-from-horse-trampling-case-5000395.php?cmpid=btfpm I was there that night, standing just in front of Katz's. This was one of the most scary situations I have ever been close to.

found the pictures of the house.

On the front page of todays Chronicle. http://www.houstonchronicle.com/ The article talks about Houston Hispanics, which reminded me that Avondale has a small link to those events. The building ( a converted house on triangle of land bordered by Bagby, Baldwin and Anita) where the newly formed LULAC members brainstormed. The house is very very deteriorated. The fate of the house is unknown--even the ownership is murky. The house is outside the Avondale East Historic district protection which ends at Baldwin street. The plaque outside commemorates the organization rather than the building. I spoke with a new member who told me the remaining group that is interested in this building are divided---some would like to restore it the others to raze it and rebuild a new building that could be used by community.

I saw the news blurp on KHOU this morning. Guess the internet discussion started last night. http://news.yahoo.com/banning-fast-food-near-austin-schools-help-curb-194719806.html

Recycle Used Cooking Oil The holidays are upon us and that means cooking turkeys, hams and other foods that either require cooking oils to prepare or that generate a surplus of grease when cooked. Used cooking oils and greases, when disposed down the kitchen drain, cool, harden and clog the pipes. Diluting it in hot soapy water is NOT a solution. You can avoid possible clogged drains for the holidays by putting excess grease in a disposable container and put it in the trash or drop-off at a place that recycles and turns it into a usable product, such as biodiesel. In conjunction with the City of Houston Solid Waste Department, the following locations are designated drop-off points residents can take used cooking oils/greases for recycling: City of Houston Environmental Service Centers: North: Environmental Service Center 5614 Neches Street Houston 77026 Phone: 713.699.1114 Second Thursday of each month - 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. South: Environmental Service Center 11500 South Post Oak Road Houston 77035 Phone: 713. 551.7355 Tuesdays and Wednesdays - 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. Second Saturday of each month - 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. West: Westpark Consumer Recycling Center 5900 Westpark Drive Houston 77057 Phone: 713.837.0311 Monday through Saturday - 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Private Service Center in the Heights Area: Central: Houston Biodiesel 1138 West 20th Street Houston 77008 Phone: 713.222.0832 Monday through Friday - 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Saturday 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. http://www.houstonbiodiesel.com/ For information about Corral the Grease or ways to properly dispose of used cooking grease visit http://www.publicworks.houstontx.gov/utilities/corral_grease.html. To learn more about City of Houston recycling and sustainability efforts, visit http://www.greenhoustontx.gov/, http://www.codegreenhouston.org/ and http://www.houstonsolidwaste.org/.

64th Annual Thanksgiving Houston on Parade Presented by H-E-B Thursday, November 28, 2013, 9 a.m., Led by Broadway's Legendary Tommy Tune Houston's own Tommy Tune kicks off the holiday and leads the festivities as grand marshal of the 64th Annual Thanksgiving Day Parade Presented by H-E-B, and produced by the Mayor's Office of Special Events at 9 a.m., Thursday, November 28. This year's tribute celebrates Houston on Parade with a stellar showcase of the city's finest - from fashion, food and heroes to culture, sports and talent adding vibrant life to this treasured tradition - throughout 20 blocks of downtown Houston. Houston Mayor Annise Parker along with stars from the arts, entertainment, food and philanthropic community will be in attendance. New floats and towering inflatables will rule the streets with Santa Claus, the TUTS Elf, Houston Ballet, Ronald McDonald, marching bands and more! The parade begins at 9 a.m. To view the route, visit http://www.houstontx.gov/thanksgivingparade/route.html. Meter and street parking are free along the parade route. Theater District Parking is available for $7. Metro buses will be running on holiday schedule. For bus routes and schedule information, visit http://www.ridemetro.org/SchedulesMaps/Holiday.aspx or call 713.635.4000. For more information, visit http://www.houstonthanksgivingparade.org/ or http://www.houstonspecialevents.org/.

Maybe this has come full circle--When I down Westheimer in 1978 the narrow part was only 3 lanes. Three lanes would allow for a wider sidewalk also a bike lane wouldn't it?

Ms. Gafrick loomed large during the Historic Designation event. http://www.houstonchronicle.com/local/politics-policy/ saw this under heading "Outgoing planning chief witnessed plenty of city changes"

In the Chronicle today-- Perhaps COH will read-- http://www.houstonchronicle.com/news/houston-texas/houston/article/Move-to-ban-plastic-bags-gains-ground-4988509.php Interesting is the part about Whole food giving customers $.05 per plastic bag brought to store to recycle--I remember the post about Washington DC wanting to fine $.05 per plastic bag used to fund the cleanup of the Potomac River.

from Cohen's enewsletter Council approved a proposal to utilize automated passport control kiosks within the Houston Airport System. To reduce wait-time and streamline the arrival process of international passengers, the automated kiosks will collect routine data while passengers are waiting in line to be processed by a U.S. Customs & Border Patrol officer. In other major U.S. airports, such as Chicago-ORD, New York-JFK, and Dallas-DFW, this system has increased the number of passengers processed by up to 400% per officer. The program will initially be available to U.S. citizens returning from abroad to the George Bush Intercontinental Airport.

U.S. Paralympics Talent I.D. Day Sunday, November 10, 2013 The Houston Parks and Recreation Department (HPARD) and U.S. Paralympics, a division of the United States Olympic Committee, will host the U.S. Paralympics Talent Identification (I.D.) Day, Sunday, November 10, 9:15 a.m. - 3 p.m., at the Metropolitan Multi-Service Center, 1475 West Gray, Houston 77019. This event, the first of its kind in Houston, will introduce sports programming to youth and adults with physical and visual impairments. U.S. Paralympics staff will coach participants to identify, develop and improve their athletic skills, with the aim being to encourage active lifestyles and to propel athletes with top-level skills or potential to train for paralympic competition. The U.S. Paralympics Talent I.D. Day is free and open to all youth and adults with physical and visual impairments. Participants under the age of 18 must have a parent or guardian's signature during the athlete check-in at 9:15 a.m. on the day of the event. Free lunch will be provided. Register at check-in on November 10 or early at www.gatewaytogold.org. For more information on the U.S. Paralympics Talent I.D. Day, visit http://www.houstontx.gov/parks/adaptivesports.html, email askparks@houstontx.gov or call 832.395.7333.

With the growing interest for urban living in many American cities, including Houston, many people are searching for housing and jobs in walkable cities and neighborhoods. But what really makes one neighborhood more walkable than another neighborhood? Yes, density helps, but the key really is designing and building a neighborhood form that encourages walking, biking, and transit use more than it encourages driving. We invite you to join us to learn about how well-designed urban form can help to create and foster a more walkable Houston. Discussion with: Julie Campoli, author of "Made for Walking" & Peter Brown "Director of Better Houston" Wednesday Nov 13, 5:30 upstairs Rudyards Pub, 2010 Waugh street

from Cohen newsletter-- Complete Streets for Houston Mayor Parker plans to sign an Executive Order to direct City efforts toward achieving 'Complete Streets,' which emphasize the need for safe transit for pedestrians, bike riders, and public transportation users, as well as motorists. City departments including Public Works and Engineering and Planning and Development will strive to take in to account all road users when planning, building, and repairing streets throughout Houston.

got this in the COH newsletter Saving Houston's Trees Trees located in the City of Houston (COH) right-of-way (along neighborhood streets, typically the area from the curb to the sidewalk) are public property and developers do not have the right to remove these trees without express permission from the COH. Unfortunately, there have been a number of situations lately where developers have removed and destroyed large, irreplaceable trees without permission, thereby violating the law and harming both the environment and beauty of our surroundings. Such removal and destruction can subject developers to both criminal and civil sanctions, but once the damage has been done, neither sanction is really adequate. Rather, developers who would seek to violate the law must be deterred by realizing that their actions will result in serious sanctions, including shutting down their projects for some period of time. The COH has embarked upon an aggressive course of seeking sanctions against developers who remove and destroy public trees without permission. Any resident observing such potentially illegal removal or destruction of public trees is asked to immediately call 311, the COH helpline. Note: Permission to remove a tree may only be granted following a permitting process that requires justification and some type of mitigation, either by planting other trees or contributing to a tree fund. In many instances, justification does not exist to remove a particular tree and permission would be denied. I am posting this under "Montrose" as I think there were two instances in East Montrose Civic and Avondale Civic area that might have lead to this COH to spotlight this ordinance. This article tells about the EMCA situation: http://www.houstoniamag.com/news-and-profiles/articles/city-sues-developer-contractors-axing-protected-oaks-october-2013 Both of the Civic organizations try to defend the huge Oaks in their districts-the size that are so big it's hard to wrap your arms around-many times the developers cut them down with out notice and at odd hours when everyone is usually at work or very early in the morning.