โIโm tired of itโ: Gunshots fired outside Harris County Commissioner Adrian Garciaโs home
The Harris County Sheriffโs Office increased patrols around Harris County Commissioner Adrian Garciaโs home over the last few days after learning about a round of gunfire in close proximity to his residence.
Disaster recovery, hurricane preparedness at center of Harris County authoritiesโ presentation
Harris County Commissioners will gather to lead a presentation on the Texas General Land Officeโs long-term recovery efforts, hurricane preparedness and how Historically Underutilized Businesses (HUBs) can work with the State of Texas following major disasters.
Houston awarded $36.9 million federal grant to build railroad underpasses in East End
Mayor Turner is joining the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) Administrator Amit Bose to announce the cityโs Railroad Crossing Elimination Grant award of $36.9 million, the largest allocation in the state of Texas.
WATCH LIVE: GLO holds joint news conference with Houston, Harris County officials in effort to โturn new pageโ in disaster recovery funding
Texas General Land Office Commissioner Dawn Buckingham will visit Harris County on Tuesday as she and Harris County leaders hold a joint news conference to discuss disaster recovery funding.
Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo says wastewater from Ohio train derailment has been in county for a week, will be treated at Deer Park facility
Harris County Precinct 2 Commissioner Adrian Garcia said late Wednesday that a Deer Park company is being contracted to dispose of wastewater from the East Palestine, Ohio train derailment.
Commissioners to vote on new โequitable, affordableโ policy to save Harris County toll road drivers money
Harris County commissioners Rodney Ellis and Adrian Garcia, along with Harris County Toll Road Director Roberto Trevino, announced a new proposal Tuesday aimed at helping local drivers feel less burn due to the hike in inflation. Officials said the county will soon be cutting toll rates by 10 percent.
Report on Harris County November election meltdown comes back โinconclusiveโ
Almost two months after an election day meltdown in Harris County, in which hundreds or even thousands of voters may have been turned away without being able to vote, there is still no official word on what actually went wrong.
City, county officials reach agreement with TxDOT on I-45 expansion project. Hereโs what you need to know
Mayor Sylvester Turner announced Monday that an agreement has been reached on the North Houston Highway Improvement Project, which would widen and reconfigure I-45 from downtown Houston north the Beltway 8.
โRacist campaign tacticsโ: Adrian Garcia calls for investigation over anonymous mailers to Latino residents
Harris County Precinct 2 commissioner Adrian Garcia is calling for an investigation of what he says are racist campaign tactics after anonymous mailers were sent to people with Latino surnames.
Officials discuss ways to reduce homeless animal population during pet breeding season
Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo and Commissioner Adrian Garcia joined the Harris County Public Health in an announcement Wednesday about the start of the pet breeding season and ways residents can support the Harris County Pets Resources Center.
Proposal for increase in minimum down payment for bail of violent offenders fails to pass
Harris County Precinct 2 Commissioner Adrian Garcia will join the Harris County Bail Bond Board meeting Wednesday evening to discuss the agenda item requiring 10% minimum of assessed bail to be paid down for certain people accused of violent crimes.
Harris County Budget calling for increased funding to fight violent crime, improve jails, criminal justice system passes
Judge Lina Hidalgo and Commissioner Adrian Garcia are holding a news conference Monday to discuss the county administratorโs budget proposal for the short Fiscal Year 2022 and the upcoming full Fiscal Year 2023.
Harris County officials announce historic partnership with minority-owned Unity National Bank
Harris County Treasurer Dylan Osborne, along with Commissioners Adrian Garcia and Rodney Ellis, and Unity National Bank President and CEO Michael Pearson announced Thursday afternoon a historic partnership with the minority-owned bank.
Commissioners Garcia, Ellis, Harris Center for Mental Health unveil new community-initiated mental health care project
Commissioner Adrian Garcia, Precinct 1 Commissioner Rodney Ellis and Wayne Young of the Harris Center for Mental Health unveiled a community-based mental health care initiative coming to Harris County residents in targeted areas Tuesday.
Trust Index: Did new Texas law put guns in the hands of criminals?
After circulating on social media, KPRC 2 Investigates took a closer look at one section of a recently passed resolution by Harris County Commissioners. On Tuesday, Commissioners passed a resolution regarding whatโs behind rising crime rates.
Houston โBeat the heatโ program offering qualifying residents portable AC units
Yesterday, Mayor Sylvester Turner, Harris County Precinct 2 Commissioner Adrian Garcia, and Reliant kicked off their 16th annual Beat the Heat Program for 2021. Reliant has donated $70,000 to the Beat the Heat Program for the Houston Health Departmentโs Area Agency on Aging to continue offering portable air conditioners to qualifying individuals.
County-owned fuel tanks too old? County Commissioner calling for costly change, saying โitโs an environmental hazardโ
Harris County has several above and below-ground petroleum tanks that are too old, according to a recent county report that identified nearly 40 storage tanks over 30 years old.
Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee announces Federal American Rescue Act grant for expanded vaccinations
Congresswoman Sheila Jackson will visit Thomas Street Clinic Wednesday to announce the Federal American Rescue Act grant that was recently provided to the Harris Health System for expanded vaccinations, testing, and contact tracing.
Websites help residents find specific brand of COVID-19 vaccine
In some cases, itโs frustrating because people are looking for a specific type of vaccine, which adds another challenge to find one. Here are some ways you can find what youโre looking for. If youโre looking for a vaccine, youโll want to check with individual pharmacies in addition to city/county websites since they operate separately from one another. Harris County Precinct Commissioner Adrian Garciaโs office is offering buses to make sure anyone who wants a vaccine can get one. On Wednesday, theyโll be at the East Harris County Activity Center and on Thursday, at North Shore Community Fellowship of Faith Church and the Northeast Community Center.
Commissioners approve $3M for HCSO to fight violent crime
HOUSTON โ The Harris County Sheriffโs Office was granted $3 million by the Harris County Commissioners County in an effort to fight against violent crimes. There was a 5-0 vote in the Harris County Commissioners Court that approved the funds after the initiative was presented by Precinct 2 Commissioner Adrian Garcia. The funds will be used to protect victims and reduce violent crimes that officials say stemmed from the pandemic. Violent Crimes Units will prioritize investigations of repeat offenders and organized criminal activity. In addition, the Adult Special Crimes Unit will identify domestic abuse suspects who have not been captured as well as Adult Sex Crimes investigations.
Harris County $1.4 billion short on flood control projects that are part of bond voterโs approved after Harvey
More than two years after Harris County voters overwhelmingly approved a $2.5 billion flood control bond, the county announced Tuesday that it is $1.4 billion short. Many of the hundreds of original projects remain unfinished, including in some of the most economically disadvantaged communities. โHalls and Greens, the two poorest watersheds in the county -- theyโre basically left out of the process,โ said Harris County Commissioner Adrian Garcia in Commissionerโs Court. โIt doesnโt add up at all,โ said former Harris County Judge Ed Emmett. โThe commissionerโs court needs to fix it,โ said State Rep. Ron Reynolds (D-Dist.
5 things for Houstonians to know for Wednesday, Feb. 24
Here are things to know for Wednesday, Feb. 24:1. The visit comes a week after the deadly winter storm that crippled the Texas power grid and left many without water. 5 ERCOT board members to resign WednesdayFive board members of the Electric Reliability Council of Texas are resigning Wednesday. Call for Harris County to leave stateโs power grid. Commissioner Adrian Garcia said Harris County should explore what authority it has to leave the Energy Reliability Council of Texas and will propose Friday in commissionerโs court.
Call for Harris County to leave stateโs power grid. Is that possible?
HOUSTON โ Commissioner Adrian Garcia said Harris County should explore what authority it has to leave the Energy Reliability Council of Texas and will propose Friday in commissionerโs court. Itโs been that way for at least half of a century, said Ed Emmett, who formally served as Harris County Judge for more than a decade. โThatโs really not their job.โEmmettโs home in the Houston area, on the ERCOT grid, lost power during last weekโs winter storm. His cabin in Liberty County, on the MISO grid, did not lose power. โLast time I checked, legislators all represent those same residents of Harris County,โ Emmett said.
Funding needed to address huge increase in defendants under pre-trial supervision
So much so, the number of defendants now under supervision is overwhelming county resources. AdHarris County Justice Administration DepartmentA Pre-Trial budget presentation also showed officers carrying huge caseloads. โWeโve got to put more money in pre-trial services,โ said Precinct 1 Commissioner Rodney Ellis. Cagle agrees Pre-Trial Services needs the help. The study is expected to be completed within the coming months and will help guide commissioners to where funding is needed most.
Here is how you can participate in the free virtual job fair happening today
HOUSTON โ Harris County Precinct 2 Commissioner Adrian Garcia partnered with Workforce Solutions to host a free virtual job fair open to the public. According to a news release, 30 employers are expected to attend the event, where there will be more than 700 full time and 30 part time positions available. Industries represented at the event will include manufacturing, technology, energy, and marine, according to the release. The job fair will start at 10 a.m. and representatives will be available for live interactions with job seekers until 2 p.m. After that, booths will remain open and people can gather information on available positions until midnight. People who wish to participate can register and build their portfolios at wrksolutions2.easyvirtualfair.com.
ITC Deer Park fire update: Harris County officials discuss environmental monitoring, enforcement efforts since 2019 incident
Thursday afternoon, Harris County officials provided an update on the countyโs environmental monitoring and protection efforts since the 2019 ITC Deer Park fire. Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo, Precinct 2 Commissioner Adrian Garcia, as well as other county officials and representatives from a research nonprofit and private industry spoke at the briefing. AdIn the wake of the fire, Harris County officials undertook several steps to improve the countyโs environmental monitoring and enforcement efforts. $11 million was allocated towards improving the countyโs preparedness and response to chemical incidents, county officials stated in a release. AdAltogether, these steps represent the countyโs biggest investments in environmental protection in more than 30 years, officials stated in the release.
Man sought in shooting of deputy in north Harris County taken into custody
HOUSTON โ A man being sought in connection with the shooting of a deputy in north Harris County was taken into custody Tuesday night. Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez said the man believed to be the gunman, identified as 38-year-old Moises Martinez, was arrested after a massive manhunt that lasted for more than three hours. Moises Martinez is seen in the back of a deputy's cruiser after being taken into custody in north Harris County, Texas, on Jan. 26, 2021. AdAccording to the Harris County Sheriffโs Office, Barragan is awaiting surgery for his hand wound and is expected to be released in the next few days. Gonzalez said the injured deputy has been with the Sheriffโs Office for 18 months but worked for a different agency for eight years before becoming a Harris County deputy.
Houston-area renters facing eviction should check this website
HOUSTON โ Some renters in the Houston area are facing eviction amid the tough economic times brought on by the pandemic. Leaders spoke Monday to remind people facing eviction of the assistance programs that are available. โHarris County initiated over a dozen programs in response to the pandemic, whether its direct assistance, rental relief, digital access, small business aid, workforce development, the bottom line is we stand ready to support our community,โ said Harris County Precinct 2 Commissioner Adrian Garcia. Garcia said anyone facing eviction should visit stoptxeviction.org or call 800-733-8394.
Local leaders concerned I-45 widening plan will create bigger flooding issues in corridor
HOUSTON โ If you talk to Tomaro Bell about TxDOTโs planned renovation for the North Freeway, she wonโt nice words. I say absolutely not,โ Bell said, who sits on the Public Safety Committee of the Super Neighborhoods Alliance. โAlready got eight lanes, thatโs enough. Garcia said he doesnโt view TxDOTโs plans as truly looking out for neighborhood flooding. But we need to make sure that the corridor is actively incorporated into flood protections,โ he said.
Harris County housing advocates address evictions across area
HOUSTON โ Harris County Precinct 2 Commissioner Adrian Garcia and housing advocates addressed evictions in Houston and Harris County. Speakers highlighted their ongoing efforts to keep Houston and Harris County residents housed during a pandemic that has deepened Americaโs housing crisis and caused large spikes in eviction and homelessness. He said Harris County has created an eviction moratorium to help people make payments. Garcia also noted that Harris County is leading in giving assistance and that the county is working very hard for everyone in the community. Leaders within the Housing Department said it will continue to do more to keep people housed and protected until the deadline.
Portion of Beltway renamed in honor of Deputy Sandeep Dhaliwal
HOUSTON โ The Harris County Toll Road Authority agreed to rename a portion of Beltway 8 after Deputy Sandeep Singh Dhaliwal, who died in the line of duty on Sept. 27, 2019. According to a news release from the Harris County Precinct 2 Commissioner Adrian Garcia, Beltway 8 in northwest Harris County near Highway 249 will be named after the deputy who was killed in the line of duty last year. County and federal officials, including Garica and Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzales, were joined by Deputy Dhaliwalโs family and members of the Sikh community for the ceremony. Every day, he helped so many people.โDhaliwal was a beloved deputy and member of the community. He was also the first Sikh to be allowed to wear traditional attire while in uniform as a sheriffโs deputy.
If your child attends HISD, you can sign them up to receive free books through Dolly Partonโs foundation
HOUSTON โ Thousands of students at Houston Independent School District will receive books through country music star Dolly Partonโs foundation. Dolly Partonโs Imagination Library, a gift program that gives free books to children from birth to age 5, will provide books to up to 5,000 children in Houston. The program called โBook of the Monthโ will provide children in Houston access to books by mail. Children will receive a book every month until the child turns 5 years old. A drive-through sign up event will be held at Sherman Elementary School on Wednesday, where parents can sign up for the book program.
Ask 2: What sort of roadwork is going on on State Highway 3 south, beginning at El Dorado?
As part of our Ask 2 series, the newsroom will answer your questions about all things Houston. Question: What sort of roadwork is going on on State Highway 3 south, beginning at El Dorado? Answer: Mayor Pro Tem Dave Martin and Harris County Precinct 2 Commissioner Adrian Garcia announced that construction on the El Dorado Boulevard widening project began May of this year. โThis is a vital road infrastructure project that will address mobility issues in this fast-growing region,โ said Mayor Pro Tem Martin. โWith the help of Harris County Precinct 2, we are glad to officially break ground on this long-awaited project.
Study zones with free wifi help bridge digital divide for Harris County families
HOUSTON โ Remote Learning in the era of the COVID-19 pandemic has put the issue of digital inequality in the spotlight. For students learning remotely, being able to connect to the internet without having issues is so important. Harris County Precinct 2 Commissioner Adrian Garcia recognized the need and responded by creating study zones with free WiFi access to help bridge the gap that exists for so many families. North Shore Rotary Pavilion and Clear Lake Park, Landolt PavilionStudents and families interested in using either of the two locations must first register with Harris County Precinct 2. A mobile library, part of the Harris County Public Library System is on-site with free books, Tuesday from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. at North Shore and Thursday, 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Clear Lake
Potentially millions of taxpayer dollars wasted over Houston Ship Channel bridge
HOUSTON Potentially millions of taxpayer dollars have been wasted over a bridge thats been under construction for years. Several months later, while construction on the Houston bridge continued, the county hired an independent engineering firm to review the design. Almost a year later, in early 2020, the independent firm identified 21 significant design issues and some of the bridge construction was stopped. Garcia blames prior county leadership for, in his words, turning a blind eye. But problems with the Houston bridge design were discovered under his watch, as far back as one year ago.
Harris County commissioners to provide additional $10M in rental relief to struggling families
Harris County commissioners annnounced more help is on the way for people still behind on rent. Harris County resident Kevin Jackson found himself behind rent and in eviction court Wednesday morning. Harris County Commissioners voted to allocate $10 million to help families with rent. We knew we were going to impact roughly 20,000 families but yet over a half a million applied for assistance, said Harris County Pct. Garcia said the county cant help everyone, at least not without backing from Texas governor.
Memorial cruise ride and fundraiser honors Vanessa Guillen
HOUSTON โ Community leaders and members held events Saturday to honor the life of a beloved soldier, Vanessa Guillen, who was found murdered at the Fort Hood base. Fundraiser for Guillenโs FamilyThe Guillen familyโs barbecue fundraiser in southeast Houston marked the start of a full day of events to remember beloved Army specialist, Guillen. The motorcycles, trucks and cars cruised through Houstonโs historic east side and ended at the Taqueria Del Sol on Park Place Blvd. Many chanted Vanessa Guillenโs name. Hundreds in masks packed the back parking lot of Taqueria Del Sol on Park Place Blvd in Southeast Houston.
Harris County Commissioners vote 3-2 to extend disaster declaration, including mask order, until Aug. 26
HOUSTON โ Harris County Commissioners voted 3-2 to extend the countyโs disaster declaration till August 26 Tuesday afternoon. BREAKING: By a 3-2 vote, Harris County Commission extends COVID-19 Disaster Declaration until August 26. According to spokeperson for Judge Hidalgo, because the mask order falls under this declaration, that is also extended to August 26. But a group of Harris County business owners took the mask order to court, asking a judge to stop it. The mask mandate went into effect Monday, June 22, and was set to expire Tuesday if the Harris County Commissioners did not vote to extend it.
This is how Harris County will be distributing its $30 million COVID-19 relief fund
HOUSTON โ The public application period for Harris Countyโs $30 million COVID-19 relief fund started Tuesday and much like the Powerball and the NBA Draft, recipients will be chosen by lottery. โWeโre very lucky to be granted $1 million to be able to serve about 700 clients in the Harris County area,โ said Morgan Zeringue with JFS. โThe best we can do is to make sure that the funds are awarded fairly,โ said Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo. Challenges post-HarveyThe countyโs COVID-19 relief fund comes at a time when memories of the Harvey relief fund still linger. In March, the Texas General Land Office, unhappy with the recovery progress, came to an agreement with the county on the rebuilding of single-family homes.
Local leaders, Houston police union president criticize Chief Acevedo for lack of transparency
HOUSTON Houston police Chief Art Acevedo spoke to a national television audience Thursday night about transparency during an NBC News special. But just a few hours earlier, Houston Polie Officers Union President Joe Gamaldi had criticized Acevedo for his lack of transparency in a surprising statement. Ive said before and Ill say it again, I believe in transparency, Acevedo said last week. If the Chief is committed to transparency and he says it out loud then lets do it, Wu said. Pollard feels Acevedos "actions need to match his words.The Houston Police Officers Union sent all city council members and Mayor Sylvester Turner a statement calling for transparency from Acevedo.
Mayor Turner, Houston officials announce opening of new COVID-19 testing site for high-risk populations
HOUSTON โ Mayor Turner announced a new Houston COVID-19 testing site Monday that he said will be close to neighborhoods with vulnerable populations considered at high risk for severe illness from the virus. The United Memorial Medical Center testing site will be located at Barnett Sports Complex, which is at 6800 Fairway. Mayor Turner said the testing site is for people with and without symptoms. UMMC is working with the Houston Health Department to target resources where they are most needed. โTheyโre working every day, hard every day, but they may not be able to afford healthcare,โ Turner said.
Walgreens launches 2 new rapid testing sites in west Houston, Pasadena
HOUSTON โ New options for coronavirus testing rolled out in Harris County on Friday. Walgreens launched two new rapid testing sites in west Houston and in Pasadena. According to Harris County Precinct 2 County Commissioner Adrian Garcia, the location in Pasadena was needed to help give better access to people who have been waiting for answers. โLocalizing the testing and access to the testing is very critical,โ Garcia said. The testing sites are open Monday-Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Harris County to halt Ship Channel Bridge construction to fix design flaw
HOUSTON โ Following 20 months of construction of the new Ship Channel Bridge along the Beltway 8, the county has issued a pause. Harris County Commissioner Adrian Garcia said the decision was made following the discovery of a design flaw with part of the bridge. The discovery of the flaw was made by COWI, an independent consulting firm hired by the county in 2019, to oversee the construction project following the deadly collapse of a pedestrian bridge in 2018. Figg bridge engineers who designed the bridge in Miami, are the same designers of the Ship Channel Bridge. The findings caused TxDot to suspend a bridge project designed by Figg.
Houston Newsmakers for April 14: Garcia reaches 100 day mark, lessons learned from ITC fire
Garcia also discusses the efforts on bail reform, flood mitigation and the health challenges being faced by his constituents on the East side of Harris County. One of those restaurants is Mikkiโs Soul Food Cafรฉ whose co-owner said to expect a culinary experience when eating the food inspired by his mother. โWe sell soul food. When people think of soul food they think of heavy, gravy, smothered, but when I think of soul food and what my mother thought of soul food,โ he said. 2 Harris County Commissionerhttps://www.hcp2.com713-455-8104Twitter: @HarrisCoPct2Instragram: @harriscopct2