Houston/Harris County, TX Focus

News from Houston/Harris County:

Harris County judicial races getting thorough blog coverage

More FTA funds for North and Southeast lines

College of the Mainland gets slapped for violating 1st amendment rights of employee

Houston’s Ozone Compliance Threatened by White Stallion Coal Plant

Perry and Palin: Snap, Crackle and Flop

Harris County Tax Assessor-Collector Leo Vasquez Violating Legal Order

Houston Janitors Set-Up Facebook Page As Contract Expires In 2010

Texans Speak Up for Clean Air at Houston EPA Hearing

Harris County judge filings...these are elections that are often ignored but are extremely important


BIODIESEL IN HARRIS COUNTY:

Biodiesel is an American produced fuel that is cleaner than traditional diesel. Up to B20 (a 20% blend of biodiesel and traditional diesel) any diesel engine, car or truck, can run on it. Above B20, some older engines may have problems but newer diesel engines should be ok. Here are some gas stations selling biodiesel near Houston:

ORourke Petroleum: 223 McCarty Street, Houston, TX 77029, 713-672-4500. Offers B20 (good in any diesel engine). CFN CARDLOCK ONLY

hyperfuels.com: 12969 W Hardy Frontage Toll Rd, Houston, TX 77037, 877-447-7207. Offers B100 (good in newer diesel engines, older engines may have problems). Open 9 AM - 5 PM.

Peachleaf Bio: 1611 Peachleaf St, Houston, TX 77039, 281-449-9500. Offers B99 (good in newer diesel engines, older engines may have problems). COOP SIGNUP NEEDED. Call for details. Open M-F 8-5.

Houston Biodiesel: 723 N Drennan Street, Houston, TX 77003, 713-222-0832. Offers B100 (good in newer diesel engines, older engines may have problems). Open 9:30-6 M-F; WEEKENDS CALL

American Greenfuels: 6421 Eppes St, Houston, TX 77087, 713-634-0033. Offers B99 (good in newer diesel engines, older engines may have problems). CALL FOR AVAILABILITY


EVENTS:

This comes from the Harris County Democratic Party: (selected events, they have more on their website)

Tuesday February 16, 2010: Early voting begins for the 2010 primary election

Precinct 287 Democratic Early Vote Party
Date: Tuesday February 16, 2010
Time: 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Type: Appointment (Public)
Location: 4803 Spellman, Houston TX 77035
Candidates and voters in Pct 287 are invited to a meet the candidate party on Tuesday, Feb. 16, from 5 to 9 pm, at the home of Helen Voila, Pct 287 Chair, 4803 Spellman, Houston, 77035, from 5 to 9pm, on Tuesday, Feb. 16. Call 713-723-1281 for more information.

East End Democrats Monthly Meeting
Date: Tuesday February 16, 2010
Time: 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm
Repeat: This event repeats every month on the third Tuesday.
Type: Meeting (Public)
Location: 708 Telephone Rd., Houston,TX 77023
East End Democrats, a Democratic club focusing on the area east of downtown, North of the Gulf Fwy, west of the East Loop and south of Buffalo Bayou, meets the third Tuesday of each month at bohemeo\'s, an art/coffee bar. bohemeo\'s is located just 2 miles south of downtown 708 Telephone Rd. inside the Tlaquepaque Plaza.Coming south on I 45 from DT, take the Cullen exit, turn left on to Cullen, go to Leeland, take a right. After crossing Lockwood take a right onto Tlaquepaque Plaza....go through the arch way and you\'re here!!!!If your coming north on I 45 take the Elgin/Lockwood exit, take a right on Lockwood, before you cross Leeland/Telephone, take a right into The Plaza...you\'ll know when you see the big pink outdoor stage!For more information e-mail judy.craft@gmail.com.

Katy Area Democrats Monthly Meeting
Date: Tuesday February 16, 2010
Time: 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm
Repeat: This event repeats every month on the third Tuesday.
Type: Meeting (Public)
Location: Chesterfield Club House, 1707 Briarchester (off Mason at Chesterwick).
NEW MEETING LOCATION: Chesterfield Club House, 1707 Briarchester (off Mason at Chesterwick). 6:30 p.m. social.

For more information please visit www.katydemocrats.net or contact Linda Sawyer, President at 281-455-8516.

Oak Forest Area Democrats Meeting
Date: Wednesday February 17, 2010
Time: 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm
Repeat: This event repeats every month on the third Wednesday.
Type: Club Event (Public)
Location: Cazadores Mexican Restaurant 11031 Hwy 290 @W 34th
Phone: 713-670-4348 www.oakforestdems.org
Please note new location. Cazadores is in the Academy shopping center

Spring Democratic Club Meeting
Date: Thursday February 18, 2010
Time: 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm
Type: Meeting (Public)
Location: 4019 Rolling Terrace, Spring 77388
Meeting will be at the home of BERNARD and SANDY SMITH, 4019 Rolling Terrace Drive, Spring, TX 77388.

Social at 6:30 p.m., Meeting at 7:00 p.m.

Candidates - we will only be able to introduce you at the end of our business meeting at approximately 8:30 p.m.

For more information, call Sue Mallott, 281-353-1192.

TGIF Coffee Break at Harris County Democratic Party
Date: Friday February 19, 2010
Time: 9:30 am - 11:00 am
Repeat: This event repeats every week.
Type: Appointment (Public)
Location: HCDP HQ 1445 N Loop W, ste 110, Houston 77008
Stop by for coffee and conversation at the HCDP office on Friday from 9:30 to 11 am. Email martha@hcdp.org for more information.

West Houston Democratic Club Monthly Meeting
Date: Saturday February 20, 2010
Time: 10:00 am - 11:30 am
Repeat: This event repeats every month on the third Saturday.
Type: Meeting (Public)
Location: Tracy Gee Community Center - 3599 Westcenter
For more information please contact Jimmy Dunne, President of the West Houston Democratic Club, at jimmydunne@sbcglobal.net

Tejano Democrats & AFL-CIO welcome Linda Chavez-Thompson
Date: Saturday February 20, 2010
Time: 12:00 pm - 2:00 pm
Type: Party (Public)
Location: 502 Highland, Houston 77009
Harris County Tejano Democrats & AFL-CIO invite you to join us by welcoming to Houston Linda Chavez-Thompson, Candidate for Lt. Governor. For more information, contact Janie Reyes at 713-862-6121.

Pct 83 Super Neighborhood Council Meet the Candidates
Date: Saturday February 20, 2010
Time: 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm
Type: Appointment (Public)
Location: Good Hope Missionary Baptist Church, 3015 N. MacGregor Way, Houston, TX 77004
MacGregor Super Neighborhood Council #83 presents a political and community forum to meet some of the candidates in the up coming March 2nd primary.For more information e-mail betoma5@aol.com or call 713 825 8449. All candidates must RSVP before 2/17/2010.

Meyerland Area Democrats Candidates Dessert Social
Date: Sunday February 21, 2010
Time: 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Type: Appointment (Public)
Location: 5043 Dumfries Dr., Houston, Tx 77096
All Democratic candidates (legislative and judicial) have been invited to attend a Meet the Candidates Dessert Fundraiser. It will be held at the home of Herman and Marilyn Litt. RSVP to 713-723-1893.

Texas Democratic Women in Harris County
Date: Monday February 22, 2010
Time: 6:30 pm - 7:30 pm
Type: Appointment (Public)
Location: HCDP HQ, 1445 N Loop W, Suite 110, Houston 77008
Special speaker: Andrea White, wife of former Houston mayor and Democratic Gubernatorial candidate, Bill White.

The Texas Democratic Women of Harris County will meet at the HCDP headquarters at 6:30 pm. Contact Barbara Gardner for more information at bjgardner@tuckervaughan.com

Harris County Young Democrats General Meeting
Date: Tuesday February 23, 2010
Time: 6:30 pm - 7:30 pm
Repeat: This event repeats every month on the last Tuesday.
Type: Meeting (Public)
Location: 1135 Oxford Hall, Houston TX 77008
A group of young progressives (ages 14-40) from all walks of life who are unified in dedication to social justice. We meet monthly to discuss political issues and elections, as well as to volunteer for local campaigns and fundraise for local charities.

Harris County Democratic Party Evening Brown Bag: Nick Anderson, Chronicle Political Cartoonist
Date: Tuesday February 23, 2010
Time: 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm
Type: Appointment (Public)
Location: HCDP, 1445 North Loop West, Suite 110, Houston 77008
Please join fellow democrats at their monthly evening Brown Bag Speaker Series, from 6:30 to 8:30 pm, at the HCDP HQ.

This month Nick Anderson, political cartoonist from the Houston Chronicle, will be our guest speaker.

Call HCDP at 713-802-0085 or email martha@hcdp.org for more information.

H-PAC Membership Mixer featuring Mayor Annise Parker
Date: Wednesday February 24, 2010
Time: 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm
Type: Appointment (Public)
Location: Hearsay Lounge, 218 Travis St., Houston, 77002
Please join H-PAC on Wednesday, Feb 24th, at Hearsay Lounge, 218 Travis St., Houston, TX 77002, to welcome newly elected Mayor Annise Parker.

They will have complimentary appetizers and drinks. Valet parking available at Hotel Icon across the street, and street meters are free after 6pm.

HPAC is general purpose political action committee with a fast-growing membership of young professionals and Houston community leaders. Every dollar raised goes directly toward increasing Democratic voter turnout in Harris County. For more info, visit www.hpac2010.com or contact Collin Cox at 713-632-8069 or email hpac2010@gmail.com

Spring Branch Democrats Monthly Meeting
Date: Wednesday February 24, 2010
Time: 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm
Type: Appointment (Public)
Location: Unitarian Fellowship-Houston, 1504 Wirt Road, Houston 77055-4919, 1 block NORTH of NE corner of Wirt & Westview
Join Spring Branch Democrats for their monthly meeting. The meet & greet begins at 6:30, & the meeting begins at 7:00.

Spring Branch Dems meets the 4th Wednesday of each month.
NOTE: Meeting location may sometimes vary – please check website (www.springbranchdemocrats.com) for location.

Contact crow_2004vote@hotmail.com or www.springbranchdemocrats.com, or call Anne at 713-467-9020 or Ann at (713) 468-5121.

Club Officer Elections will be held in FEBRUARY.
Nominations will be reopened at the FEBRUARY meeting before voting. For questions, descriptions of the offices, or to offer a nomination by email, contact any of of the following:
--Nominations Chair--Gail Clarke: gailclarke@sbcglobal.net
--President--Christina Walsh: crow_2004vote@hotmail.com
--VP--Anne Weedman: weeds0927@yahoo.com
--Secretary--Agelia Durand: durandl@comcast.net
--Treas--Sylvia Sada: laredol@hal-pc.org
--Steering Comm Member--Ann Ewing: grannyaewing@aol.com

Texas Democratic Women of Fort Bend County Meeting
Date: Wednesday February 24, 2010
Time: 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Repeat: This event repeats every month on the last Wednesday.
Type: Meeting (Public)
Location: First Colony Branch Library, 2121 Austin Parkway, Sugarland, TX
We meet the last Wednesday of each month. For more information e-mail Monica Garcia: TDWFB@aol.com.

Precinct 304 House Party: Meet the candidates!
Date: Wednesday February 24, 2010
Time: 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm
Type: Party (Public)
Location: 5739 Cheltenham Houston 77096
Phone: 713 776-3548
Precinct 304 house party to introduce Democratic candidates to the voters of Precinct 304. All candidates and Democratic voters are welcome.
Sponsored by John Freeman

League of Women Voters Houston to honor Bill Hobby
Date: Thursday February 25, 2010
Time: 11:00 am - 1:00 pm
Type: Appointment (Public)
Location: Four Seasons Hotel, 1300 Lamar, Houston
Former Lt. Gov. Bill Hobby will be one of the honorees at the League of Women Voters Houston's annual luncheon on Thursday, Feb. 25, from 11 am to 1 pm, at the Four Seasons Hotel, 1300 Lamar, Houston. Call the LWV at 713-784-2923 for more information.

Higher Education Forum
Date: Thursday February 25, 2010
Time: 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Type: Appointment (Public)
Location: The Rice School, 7550 Seuss Drive
Please join Rep. Ellen Cohen ( D-Houston ) as she hosts a forum on higher education issues. Her special guest will be Rep. Dan Branch ( R-Dallas ). Rep. Branch is the chair of the Higher Education Committee on which Rep. Cohen also serves. During the forum, Rep. Branch will offer an overview of the 81st Legislative Session and the activities assigned to the Higher Education Committee. For more information call 713 627 0134 for e-mail info@ellencohen.org.

Oil Patch Democrats Monthly Meeting
Date: Thursday February 25, 2010
Time: 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm
Repeat: This event repeats every month on the last Thursday.
Type: Appointment (Public)
Location: 1445 North Loop West, Ste 110, Houston 77008
Contact Jim Rine at 281-414-1386 or John Preston at 713-659-6444 for more information.

Northwest Crossing Area Democrats Club Meeting
Date: Thursday February 25, 2010
Time: 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm
Repeat: This event repeats every month on the last Thursday.
Type: Club Event (Public)
Location: Don Jose Mexican Restaurant, 5305 Antoine @ Pinemont
Meet & Greet 6:30pm, Meeting 7-8pm.
For Information: contact Secretary Pat Schoellkopf @ (713) 466-8200 or (713) 466-0008 or President / Chairperson – Bob Schoellkopf, Phone: (713) 682-3853, bobschoellkopf@yahoo.com

Texas Democratic Women's Annual Convention
Date: Friday February 26, 2010
Time: All Day
Repeat: This event repeats every day until Saturday February 27, 2010.
Type: Meeting (Public)
Location: Wyndham Garden Hotel and Woodward Conference Center, off I-35 South in Austin, TX.
Tx Democratic Women's Convention is scheduled for Feb. 26-27. Register at www.actblue.com/page/2010Convention. Make reservations at the Wymdham Garden Hotel, 3401 S. IH 35 Austin, 1-800-907-0607 before February 6 to receive special rate. Contact Joanna Reagan, Convention Chair for more information at Ph.903-825-6611 or 903-539-0499, or Fax 903-825-6613.

Friday February 26, 2010: Last day of Early Voting for the 2010 Democratic Primary

TGIF Coffee Break at Harris County Democratic Party

Friday February 26, 2010
Time: 9:30 am - 11:00 am
Repeat: This event repeats every week.
Type: Appointment (Public)
Location: HCDP HQ 1445 N Loop W, ste 110, Houston 77008
Stop by for coffee and conversation at the HCDP office on Friday from 9:30 to 11 am. Email martha@hcdp.org for more information.

Harris County Young Democrats Happy Hour
Date: Friday February 26, 2010
Time: 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Repeat: This event repeats every month on the last Friday.
Type: Happy Hour (Public)
Location: Ernie's on Banks, 1010 Banks St. @ Montrose, Houston, TX
Come and meet fellow Young Democrats at our monthly Happy Hour Social. Be sure to bring a friend, or two, or three even! For more info, please contact Conrad at hcyd.webmaster@gmail.com.

Tax Preparation Workshop by Congressman Gene Green and State Rep. Carol Alvarado
Date: Saturday February 27, 2010
Time: 9:30 am - 12:00 pm
Type: Other (Public)
Location: HCC Southeast - Learning Hub, 6815 rustic Street, Houston, TX 77087
Street: 6815 Rustic Street
City/State/Zip: Houston, TX 77087
Phone: 713-649-6563 or 281-999-5879
Tax Preparation Workshop hosted by Congressman Gene Green, State Representative Carol Alvarado, and Neighborhoods Centers, Inc.

On-site free assistance for preparation of personal income tax forms.

For complete information please call 713-649-6563 or 281-999-5879. Additional information can be obtained by emailing District145.Alvarado@house.state.tx.us or visiting www.house.gov/green.


Sharpstown Democrats Club Monthly Meeting
Date: Saturday February 27, 2010
Time: 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Repeat: This event repeats every month on the last Saturday.
Type: Club Event (Public)
Location: Bayland Park Community Center, 6400 Bissonnet
Join the Sharpstown Democrats for their monthly meeting every 4th Saturday of the month at the Bayland Park Community Center located at 6400 Bissonnet, Houston, Texas. Contact Joyce Akins for info at 713-270-1318 or joyce_akins@hotmail.com.

Tuesday March 2, 2010: 2010 Democratic Primary
VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE
7:00 am - 7:00 pm
Polling locations in Harris County will be posted on the www.hcdp.org website as soon as they are confirmed.


Democracy for Houston Monthly Meeting
Date: Wednesday March 3, 2010
Time: 6:30 pm - 9:30 pm
Repeat: This event repeats every month on the first Wednesday.
Type: Meeting (Public)
Location: HCDP HQ, 1445 North Loop West, Ste. 110, Houston, TX
6:30 pm social; 7:00 pm meeting at 1445 N Loop West, Ste. 110, Houston, Texas 77008.

For more info contact Phillip McNutt at mgrnutt@yahoo.com.

Houston Gay and Lesbian Political Caucus
Date: Wednesday March 3, 2010
Time: 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm
Repeat: This event repeats every month on the first Wednesday.
Type: Club Event (Public)
Location: Havens Center, 1827 W. Alabama (near Woodhead)
Street: Houston Gay and Lesbian Political Caucus
City/State/Zip: POB 66664, Houston Tx 77266-6664
Phone: 713 521 1000
Monthly club meeting.

Please note the new location for the monthly meetings is Havens Center, located near Alabama & Woodhead, 713-528-6665
Visit our web site: www.thecaucus.org

Kingwood Area Democrats Monthly Meeting
Date: Wednesday March 3, 2010
Time: 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Repeat: This event repeats every month on the first Wednesday.
Type: Appointment (Public)
Location: Kings Crossing Apartments meeting room, 4545 Kingwood Dr, Houston 77345
Kingwood Area Democrats meet on the first Wednesday of every month at 7 p.m. in the meeting room of the Kings Crossing Apartments, 4545 Kingwood Dr. (across from Randalls). Go to http://www.kingwoodareademocrats.org/ for more information.