Houston/Harris County, TX Focus

News from Houston/Harris County:

Get those Census forms in!!!...I sent mine in already, have you?

Commissioners want YOU to pay MORE taxes to support tax breaks for Polluters

Apartments cheaper alternative for sheltering homeless

How Census could benefit Texas Dems

Indictments for State Rep Allen Fletchers Business Buddies

Houston police department slowly becoming more diverse

The Houston Area Needs More Buses

Sam Milsap: DNA testing works, but not if we fail to utilize it

On global warming, the science is solid


EVENTS:

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

Texas Democratic Women of Fort Bend County Meeting
Date: Wednesday March 31, 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.

Harris County Democratic Lawyers Association Monthly Meeting
Date: Thursday April 1, 2010
Time: 11:30 am - 1:00 pm
Repeat: This event repeats every month on the first Thursday.
Type: Meeting (Public)
Location: Birraporettis' Restaurant, 500 Louisiana@Prairie

Cy-Fair Area Democratic Club
Date: Thursday April 1, 2010
Time: 6:30 pm - 9:00 pm
Repeat: This event repeats every month on the first Thursday.
Type: Appointment (Public)
Location: Bear Creek Community Center, 3055 Bear Creek Dr., Houston, Tx
Street: 3055 Bear Creek Drive
City/State/Zip: Houston, TX 77084
Join Cy-Fair Area Democrats on the first Thursday of every month. 6:30 p.m.--Meet and Greet; the program begins at 7:00 p.m. Most meetings wrap before 8:30 p.m. The meetings are held at Bear Creek Community Center, 3055 Bear Creek Dr, Houston, TX 77084. For further information contact John Brewer at cyfairdems@gmail.com or john.brewer1023@att.net or call
281-794-5208.

TGIF Coffee Break at Harris County Democratic Party
Date: Friday April 2, 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.

Early Voting for Dem Primary Runoff Election
Date: Monday April 5, 2010
Time: 7:00 am - 7:00 pm

HCC Northwest - Spring Branch Young Democrats Meeting
Date: Wednesday April 7, 2010
Time: 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Type: Meeting (Public)
Location: HCC Northwest - Spring Branch Campus
Street: 1010 W. Sam Houston Pkwy North
City/State/Zip: Houston, TX 77043
Phone: (713) 718-5700

Democracy for Houston Monthly Meeting
Date: Wednesday April 7, 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 April 7, 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 April 7, 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.

Houston Black American Democrats Meeting
Date: Thursday April 8, 2010
Time: 6:30 pm - 7:30 pm
Repeat: This event repeats every month on the second Thursday.
Type: Meeting (Public)
Location: Location: Judge Zinetta Burney's, Pct. 7, Position 2 Courtroom, 5300 Griggs Road, Houston Texas 77021
Contact: Gabriel Hadnot 713-697-6732.
gmhadnot@aol.com

Battleground Democrats Monthly Meeting
Date: Thursday April 8, 2010
Time: 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Repeat: This event repeats every month on the second Thursday.
Type: Appointment (Public)
Location: Deer Park Community Center, 610 E. San Augustine, Deer Park, TX
The Battleground Democrats meet the 2nd Thursday evening of each month at the Deer Park Coummunity Center located 610 E. San Augustine at 7:00 p.m. For more information contact Gene Hayman, President at ehayman@aol.com or 281-479-4579.

Tejano Democrats Monthly Meeting
Date: Thursday April 8, 2010
Time: 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Repeat: This event repeats every month on the second Thursday.
Type: Meeting (Public)
Location: HCDP HQs, 1445 North Loop West, Ste 110
Harris County Tejano Democrats meet every month on 2nd Thursday at 7pm. Visit our website at www.hctejanos.org.
For more information, contact Sandra Puente(chair)email:HCTD01@aol.com 713-864-4700.

Alief Democrats Monthly Meeting
Date: Thursday April 8, 2010
Time: 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm
Repeat: This event repeats every month on the second Thursday.
Type: Meeting (Public)
Location: Benny's Mexican Restaurant, Westheimer and Eldridge, Houston
Monthly meeting of the Alief Democrats is changed to the second Thursday of each month. Come early ( 6:00 or 6:30 ) if you wish to eat early-great Mexican food. PLEASE NOTE! WE ARE NO LONGER MEETING ON SATURDAY MORNING. For more information e-mail lhatlen@aol.com or call 281 493 3107.

TGIF Coffee Break at Harris County Democratic Party
Date: Friday April 9, 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.

Greater Heights Democratic Club Monthly Meeting
Date: Saturday April 10, 2010
Time: 10:00 am - 11:00 am
Repeat: This event repeats every month on the second Saturday.
Type: Appointment (Public)
Location: Harris County Democratic Party Headquarters, 1445 North Loop West (East of IBEW Bldg.), Ste 110, Houston, TX 77008
Please join the GHDC at the HCDP headquarters for our monthly meeting. Call 713-305-5468 or email kjhman12002@yahoo.com for further information. Visit our website at www.ghdc.org

1960 Area Democrats Monthly Meeting
Date: Monday April 12, 2010
Time: 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Repeat: This event repeats every month on the second Monday.
Type: Meeting (Public)
Location: Doss Community Center, 2500 Frick Rd
Street: 2500 Frick Rd
City/State/Zip: Houston
Phone: 281-583-1174
Meets 2nd Monday¸ 7:00 PM at Doss Community Center¸ 2500 Frick Road. Frick is off Veterans Memorial HWY (Steubner Airline) about 5 miles S of FM 1960
For more information contact Jack Carney, 281-583-1174.

2010 Primary Run Off Election
Date: Tuesday April 13, 2010
Time: 7:00 am - 7:00 pm

Houston Area Stonewall Democrats Monthly Meeting
Date: Tuesday April 13, 2010
Time: 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm
Repeat: This event repeats every month on the second Tuesday.
Type: Appointment (Public)
Location: Harris County Democratic Party Headquarters, 1445 N. Loop W. , Suite 110 , Houston, TX 77008
Stonewall Dems and their allies meet each month.

For further info: email houstonareastonewalldemocrats@gmail.com or call 832-474-3926.
visit our website:
www.houstonareastonewalldemocrats.com

I-10 East Democrats Meeting
Date: Tuesday April 13, 2010
Time: 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm
Repeat: This event repeats every other month on the second Tuesday.
Type: Club Event (Public)
Location: El Toro Mexican Restaurant, 5810 Garth Rd, Baytown TX 77521
Meets 2nd Tuesday of even-numbered months, but date can vary based on speaker availability.

Contact Don Coffey, President, at 281-787-0002, don@coffeyforjudge.com.

Galleria Area Democrats Monthly Meeting
Date: Tuesday April 13, 2010
Time: 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Repeat: This event repeats every month on the second Tuesday.
Type: Meeting (Public)
Location: Los Tios Restaurant, 9527 Westheimer @ Tanglewilde
Join Galleria Area Democrats at their monthly meeting at Los Tios Restaurant, 9527 Westheimer @ Tanglewilde, from 7-9 pm. Food and drink will be served before and during the meeting. Contact Janice Weiss for more information at 713-532-4418 or janicerosew@yahoo.com

Bellaire Democrats Monthly Meeting
Date: Tuesday April 13, 2010
Time: 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Repeat: This event repeats every month on the second Tuesday.
Type: Appointment (Public)
Location: Check website for Meeting locations http://www.bellairedemocrats.org/
The Bellaire Democrats meet the second Tuesday of the month EXECPT In: June, July, August, and December. Locations vary, check website for meeting locations http://www.bellairedemocrats.org/. For more info contact Margo Kendrick, President. Phone: 713-665-4409 Email: agabee@aol.com
or Patrick Durio, Treasurer, Bellaire Democrats 832-423-4038.

Bay Area New Democrats Monthly Meeting
Date: Wednesday April 14, 2010
Time: 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm
Repeat: This event repeats every month on the second Wednesday.
Type: Appointment (Public)
Location: Harris County Courthouse Bay Area Annex, 16603 Buccaneer, Houston 77062
BAND meets at 7 pm every second Wed. of the month at the Harris County Courthouse Bay Area Annex at 16603 Buccaneer, Houston, 77062 in the second floor courtroom. The meeting begins at 7 pm with a guest speaker, the club business meeting follows. Contact Don Rhorer for more information at 281-488-5046 or email drhorer99@earthlink.net

Spring Democratic Club Meeting
Date: Thursday April 15, 2010
Time: 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm
Repeat: This event repeats every month on the third Thursday.
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.

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

TGIF Coffee Break at Harris County Democratic Party
Date: Friday April 16, 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 April 17, 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

Neighborhood Democrats of Galveston Co. Meeting
Date: Monday April 19, 2010
Time: 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Repeat: This event repeats every month on the third Monday.
Type: Appointment (Public)
Location: Peppers Steak and Seafood, I-45 @ FM 518, League City
Neighborhood Democrats of Galveston County will meet on the third Monday of each month (except Dec.), 7:00 PM, at Peppers Steak and Seafood on I 45 Northbound @ FM 518 in the Kroger shopping center. The street address is 220 Gulf Fwy. S., League City. If you wish to eat come early. No purchase necessary. The website is www.neighborhooddemocrats.org

Contact H. J. (Jim) Brown, 832-415-4490 for information.

Meyerland Area Democratic Club Meeting
Date: Monday April 19, 2010
Time: 7:00 pm - 8:45 pm
Repeat: This event repeats every month on the third Monday.
Type: Club Event (Public)
Location: Fadi's Mediterranean Grill 4738 Beechnut (across from Meyerland Plaza)
For more information, contact Alan Guttman, President, at info@meydems.org, or go to website www.meydems.org.

Fort Bend County Democratic Party
Date: Monday April 19, 2010
Time: 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm
Repeat: This event repeats every month on the third Monday.
Type: Meeting (Public)
Location: 500 Liberty, Richmond, Texas - Jane Long Building
website: www.fbcdp.org

Area 5 Democrats Meeting
Date: Monday April 19, 2010
Time: 7:30 pm
Repeat: This event repeats every month on the third Monday.
Type: Club Event (Public)
Location: USW Union Hall, 311 Pasadena Blvd., Pasadena, TX (formerly PACE Union Hall)
For more information please contact Area 5 Chair: Jimmy Serrano at jfser@earthlink.net or (713)649-8838

River Oaks Area Democratic (ROAD) Women Monthly Meeting
Date: Tuesday April 20, 2010
Time: 5:30 pm - 7:00 pm
Repeat: This event repeats every month on the third Tuesday.
Type: Club Event (Public)
Location: St. Stephens Church, West Alabama at Woodhead, Houston, Texas
Join the legendary River Oaks Area Democratic (R.O.A.D.) Women at their monthly meeting every third Tuesday at St. Stephens Church, located at West Alabama and Woodhead. Social interaction, including refreshments, begins at 5:30 p.m. Meeting begins at 6:00 p.m. Contact roadway@roadwomen.com for more information.

Southeast Precinct Judges Council Meeting
Date: Tuesday April 20, 2010
Time: 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm
Repeat: This event repeats every month on the third Tuesday.
Type: Meeting (Public)
Location: Sunnyside Multi-Service Center, 4605 Wilmington Street @ Cullen
Street: Wilmington @ Cullen
Southeast Precinct Judges Council meeting. For further information contact: Willie Belle Boone, 713/733-5825, wbboone@swbell.net

East End Democrats Monthly Meeting
Date: Tuesday April 20, 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.http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif

Katy Area Democrats Monthly Meeting
Date: Tuesday April 20, 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.

HCC Northwest - Spring Branch Young Democrats Meeting
Date: Wednesday April 21, 2010
Time: 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Type: Meeting (Public)
Location: HCC Northwest - Spring Branch Campus
Street: 1010 W. Sam Houston Pkwy North
City/State/Zip: Houston, TX 77043
Phone: (713) 718-5700
For more information contact Dr. Veronica Reyna: veronica.reyna1@hccs.edu

Oak Forest Area Democrats Meeting
Date: Wednesday April 21, 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.

Northwest Crossing Area Democrats Club Meeting
Date: Thursday April 22, 2010
Time: 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm
Repeat: This event repeats every month on the fourth 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

TGIF Coffee Break at Harris County Democratic Party
Date: Friday April 23, 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.

Sharpstown Democrats Club Monthly Meeting
Date: Saturday April 24, 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.

Texas Democratic Women in Harris County
Date: Monday April 26, 2010
Time: 6:30 pm - 7:30 pm
Repeat: This event repeats every month on the last Monday.
Type: Appointment (Public)
Location: HCDP HQ, 1445 N Loop W, Suite 110, Houston 77008
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 April 27, 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.

Spring Branch Democrats Monthly Meeting
Date: Wednesday April 28, 2010
Time: 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm
Repeat: This event repeats every month on the last Wednesday.
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.

Texas Democratic Women of Fort Bend County Meeting
Date: Wednesday April 28, 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.

Oil Patch Democrats
Date: Thursday April 29, 2010
Time: 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm
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.

Oil Patch Dems will co-host the April evening Brown Bag program.

Harris County Democratic Party Evening Brown Bag with Michael Tobis on Climate Change
Date: Thursday April 29, 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 the speaker will be UT Research Scientist Michael Tobis speaking on climate change. Oil Patch Dems are co-hosts of this event.

TGIF Coffee Break at Harris County Democratic Party
Date: Friday April 30, 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.


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