Pearland - Friendswood - Manvel Edition | May 2025

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Pearland Friendswood

Manvel Edition VOLUME 11, ISSUE 6 MAY 13JUNE 11, 2025

Cities gear up for hurricane season with new disaster response investments

BY RACHEL LELAND

With the most recent weather service reports in March and April predicting another “above-average hurricane season” expected for the Gulf Coast, communities across Brazoria and Galveston counties are sharpening their emergency response plans and drawing on lessons learned during Hurricane Beryl and previous storms. Friendswood, Manvel and Pearland altogether have invested more than $3.4 million in emergency response since 2021—funds which have been spent on better training, equipment and salaries.

INSIDE

To prepare for emergency response during natural disasters, Pearland rst responders staged a simulated high-water rescue mission on April 9. It is one of many trainings the city hosts throughout the year. (Courtesy city of Pearland)

Also in this issue

Education Page 10 Read how districts did in newest TEA accountability ratings Page 14 Learn about Falling Leaf Ranch project in Friendswood Development

Nonprot

Page 15

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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

About Community Impact

Owners John and Jennifer Garrett launched Community Impact in 2005, and the company is still locally owned today with editions across Texas. Our mission is to provide trusted news and local information that everyone gets. Our vision is to build communities of informed citizens and thriving businesses through the collaboration of a passionate team. Our purpose is to be a light for our readers, customers, partners and each other by living out our core values of Faith, Passion, Quality, Innovation and Integrity.

Market leaders & metro team

Reporters Jovanna Aguilar Asia Armour Angela Bonilla Melissa Enaje Valeria Escobar Wesley Gardner Rachel Leland Emily Lincke Nichaela Shaheen Jessica Shorten Julianna Washburn Graphic Designers Richard Galvan Ellen Jackson Matt Mills Haley Velasco Aubrey Vogel Kevin Vu

Papar Faircloth General Manager pfaircloth@ communityimpact.com

Martha Risinger Jesus Verastegui Taylor White Ronald Winters Account Executive Lindsay Radenz Senior Managing Editor Matt Stephens Senior Product Manager Kaitlin Schmidt Quality Desk Editor Sierra Rozen

James T. Norman Editor jnorman@ communityimpact.com

Jason Culpepper Houston Market President jculpepper@ communityimpact.com

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Impacts

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SMITH RANCH RD.

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Friendswood

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Manvel

MAP NOT TO SCALE

• 15818 State Hwy. 288, Ste. 160, Pearland • www.lenvienailsspa.com

• 11200 Broadway St., Ste. 1410, Pearland • velluc.janeapp.com

Now open

1 MyFitFoods The business specializes in meal prepping and offers customers various options for meals they can order along with meal plans. Many of the dishes are aimed at

3 Gabys Pastries & Coffee Shop Items on the menu include coffee, tea and various syrup options, as well as sandwiches, baked goods such as croissants, tres leches, carrot cake, banana bread and bagels. • Opened March 25 • 2625 Hwy. 35 S., Alvin • Facebook: Gabys Pastries & Coffee Shop 4 VelLuc Aesthetics The med spa offers Botox, lip flips and B12 injections, among other services. • Opened March 28

5 The UPS Store The nationwide business offers services such as packing, shipping, printing and faxing, shredding and notary. • Opened April 7 • 19804 Morris Ave., Ste. 150, Manvel • www.theupsstore.com 6 El Dulce Rey Refresqueria The business serves mangonadas, paletas, agua frescas, elote and mixed fruits, among other items. • Opened April 14 • 9700 Riverstone Ranch Drive, Ste. B, Houston • el-dulce-rey.square.site/about

high protein diets. • Opened March 2 • 1065 W. Bay Area Blvd., Ste. 120, Webster • www.myfitfoods.com

2 L’envie Nails & Spa The salon offers services such as pedicures, manicures,

waxing and facials. • Opened March 12

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BY COMMUNITY IMPACT STAFF

7 Alvin Community College West The new campus is part of Alvin Community College and features lab space for digital technology, biotechnology and allied health programs. • Opened April 22 • 11800 Magnolia Parkway, Manvel • www.alvincollege.edu 8 Angry Chickz The restaurant chain is known for its signature blend of customizable spice and heat levels for its Nashville hot 9 Sharkey’s Cuts for Kids The business offers haircuts and similar services for children, including washes, cuts and blow dries. It also offers gaming stations, lollipops, balloons and videos, among other services. • Opened April 26 10 Darling ENT The practice is family-owned-and-operated. It specializes in ears, nose and throat care, with services covering those areas. Patients can also get help with sleep and pediatric care related to those areas. • Opened April 25 • 1106 S. Friendswood Drive, Ste. C, Friendswood • www.darlingent.com chicken tenders. • Opened April 25 • 18207 Egret Bay Blvd., Houston • www.angrychickz.com • 11200 Broadway St., Ste. 150, Pearland • www.sharkeyscutsforkidspearland.com

12 Nom Donuts The business will offer donuts, kolaches, breakfast and lunch sandwiches, coffees and other beverages. • Opening in May or June • 1853 Pearland Parkway, Ste. 113, Pearland • Facebook: Nom Donuts 13 Executive Nails & Spa The business will offer a variety of nail services. • Opening in June • 2754 Smith Ranch Road, Ste. 102, Pearland • www.executivenailsspa.com 14 Suvai Indian Kitchen The restaurant will look to bring authentic food from India in the form of curry, biryani and other meals.

Now open

18 Via 313 Pizzeria The pizzeria offers rectangular, deep dish pizzas with thick crust and an assortment of toppings, including smoked pepperoni, mushrooms, calabrese and prosciutto, among other toppings. Specialty pizzas include The Detroiter, The Hawaiian and The Cadillac, which all offer different toppings. • Opened April 25 • 9250 Broadway St., Ste. 190, Pearland • www.via313.com

• Opening in late spring or early summer • 9515 W. Broadway St., Ste. 119, Pearland • www.suvaitx.com

15 Teaspoon This business will offer boba drinks, coffees of various flavors and lemonade. • Opening in August • 3149 Silverlake Village Drive, Ste. 112, Pearland • www.teaspoonlife.com 16 Volvo Cars Clear Lake The business is opening a new facility. Working out of a temporary place currently, it sells Volvo vehicles and provides services for oil changes, tire rotations, transmission exchanges and inspections. • Opening in late 2025 • 17970 Gulf Freeway, Friendswood • www.volvocarsclearlake.com

In the news

19 Lake Friendswood Park The boardwalk at the park reopened April 2. • 2533 Davis Prairie Lane, Friendswood • www.ci.friendswood.tx.us

Coming soon

11 Bakehouse The spot’s full menu is not available yet as of press time. Social media posts show the bakery will offer coffee and baked goods. • Opening May 20 • 622 S. Friendswood Drive, Friendswood • Facebook: Bakehouse

Relocations

Worth the trip

17 Pearland Periodontics & Dental Implants The practice offers services such as dental cleaning, implants, crowns, sinus augmentation, bone grafts and soft tissue grafts. • 2721 Sunrise Meadow Drive, Ste. 3, Pearland • www.pearlandperio.com

Lagoon Development Company A new lagoon north of FM 1488 in Magnolia is in the works. The business also offers a lagoon in Texas City. • www.lagoondevelopment.com

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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Government

BY RACHEL LELAND & JAMES T. NORMAN

Ocials raise concerns over board appointments Pearland City Council approved new appointees to the city’s parks and library advisory boards at an April 28 meeting. However, some council members raised concerns about what they felt was a lack of transparency and community referendum in the process. What you need to know Council members Rushi Patel and Chad Thumann voted against appointing the nominees. Patel said he felt that because the current process leaves the decision of which applicants to nomi- nate entirely up to the advisory council, it lacked transparency and consensus. Currently, applicants are reviewed and recom- mended by a mayor-appointed advisory committee. City Council then votes to approve the nominees. Several council members said they were open to discussing the process in the future.

Manvel looks at updating city code Protections of trees, a new rezoning process and expanding the hours allowed for medical facilities to operate are some of what Manvel city ocials are looking to change within the city’s code. Long story short City ocials are reviewing and consider- ing various changes to the city’s zoning and subdivision ordinances, according to city documents. The changes in part are meant to either create or update various standards within the city, according to agenda documents. A joint meeting between the city and the Planning Development and Zoning Commission was held April 28 to discuss the changes. The PD&Z Commission will look further at the possible changes in May.

New appointees

Library Board • Alice Dorsey to serve from May 2025-October 2026 Parks, Recreation and Beautication Board • Phillip Hurd to serve in position No. 5 from May 2025-October 2026 • Corina Morales to serve in position No. 7 from May 2025-October 2027

SOURCE: CITY OF PEARLANDCOMMUNITY IMPACT

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PEARLAND FRIENDSWOOD MANVEL EDITION

Education

BY COMMUNITY IMPACT STAFF

Alvin and Pearland ISDs both scored a “B” for the 2022-23 school year, while Friendswood ISD scored an “A” in the Texas Education Agency’s 2022-23 accountability ratings for school districts statewide. The ratings were released April 24 after a delay due to lawsuits, TEA officials said. The announcement follows an April 3 ruling by Texas’ 15th Court of Appeals, which overturned a lower court’s injunction that had blocked the ratings for over a year. In August 2023, over 100 Texas school districts sued TEA Commissioner Mike Morath, arguing the agency’s revamped accountability system was “unlawful” and would unfairly harm school districts. According to the TEA, 11% of all districts earned an “A” rating, while 40% earned a “B.” About 32% received a “C,” 14% earned a “D” and 3% earned an “F.” 2022-23 ratings released for local districts

In a nutshell

district administrators thoroughly disaggregated the 2023 STAAR data after it was released two years ago,” she said in an email April 24. “We had the student data even though the ratings were not released. TEA officials said the methods of calculating 2022-23 ratings were “updated to more accurately reflect performance.”

The state’s A-F accountability system was designed to measure whether students are ready for the next grade level and how well each district prepares them for success after high school, Community Impact previously reported. AISD Deputy Superintendent of Academics Jennifer Valdez called the data “old at this point.” “Our teachers, campus administrators and

The breakdown

District snapshot, 2022-23 Alvin ISD Friendswood ISD Pearland ISD

Ratings by campus, 2022-23 A: 8 B: 18

33 campuses within district 29,100 students enrolled 53.7% economically disadvantaged 13.4% special education 6 campuses within district 6,189 students enrolled 11.8% economically disadvantaged 14.1% special education 24 campuses within district 21,167 students enrolled 37.1% economically disadvantaged 11.3% special education

17.7% emergent bilingual 94.1% average attendance rate 17.8% missed 10% or more of the school year

C: 5 D: 1

3% emergent bilingual 94.2% average attendance rate 13.5% missed 10% or more of the school year

A: 3 B: 3

Area districts' accountability ratings

Not rated due to COVID-19 pandemic

Year

AISD FISD PISD

2018-19 B (89)

A (94)

B (89)

2019-20 2020-21 2021-22 B (88)

12.7% emergent bilingual 94.6% average attendance rate

A: 14 B: 8 C: 1

A (97)

A (94)

2022-23 B (82)

A (91)

B (89)

14.4% missed 10% or more of the school year

SOURCE: TEXAS EDUCATION AGENCY/COMMUNITY IMPACT

NOTE: ALTERNATIVE CAMPUSES IN ALVIN AND PEARLAND ISDS DID NOT RECEIVE GRADES.

SOURCE: TEXAS EDUCATION AGENCY/COMMUNITY IMPACT

What’s next

with the highest degree of transparency to deliver the best outcomes that we can for our kids,” Morath said April 22.

“A-F ratings are very public, and so that is a leadership challenge that our leaders bear, but this is the cross that we bear for being publicly funded and having the public’s children in our schools. It’s up to us to operate

The TEA remains blocked from issuing ratings for the 2023-24 school year due to a separate lawsuit, which is pending in the state appeals court. Morath also said the TEA intends to release ratings for 2024-25 on Aug. 15.

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Education

BY HALEY VELASCO

PISD projects $8.6M shortfall for FY 2025-26 As state funding remains unknown, Pearland ISD is projecting an $8.6 million shortfall for fiscal year 2025-26. Superintendent Larry Berger said this potential shortfall is based on current funding without fur- ther help from the state. It also does not include potential changes from Senate Bill 2, which was signed into law May 3 and creates a system for educational savings accounts across the state. The overview The district is projecting nearly $211 million in revenues and $2 million in savings on items throughout the budget, according to district documents. That is paired with $221.6 million in expenses, which results in a shortfall of over $8.6 million for FY 2025-26. The shortfall also includes a 2% general pay increase with adjustments.

FISD to sell former Cline school site

Pearland ISD revenue sources

Local

State Federal

2024-25

55%

36%

The Friendswood ISD board of trustees approved the superintendent to negotiate a sale for the former Cline Elementary School site with Friendswood-based Sterling Builders at its March 31 workshop. The gist The district will be selling the nearly 11.4-acre property, which is located at 505 Briarmeadow Ave., Friendswood, as surplus property by May, district documents note.

2025-26*

0.16%

40.54%

59.3%

*PROJECTED

SOURCE: PEARLAND ISD/COMMUNITY IMPACT

If the board chooses to not approve any pay increase or adjustments in the future, the district could be looking at a $4.1 million shortfall for FY 2025-26, according to district documents. Berger said the district is funded through local, state and federal revenue. He said while state revenue is projected to rise for FY 2025-26, federal revenue will fall by nearly 9%. This includes losing funding for school health and related services, and from the federal Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund.

Cline Elementary site 11.4 acres in size

$26.7K made in selling equipment

NOTE: THE SALE OF THE LAND IS ONGOING. THE PRICE IT COULD BE SOLD FOR IS NOT YET AVAILABLE.

$9.5M in property value

SOURCE: FRIENDSWOOD ISD/COMMUNITY IMPACT

AISD to demolish former Walt Disney Elementary site

1462

Alvin ISD’s board of trustees at its April 8 meeting approved a nearly $200,000 contract with Harris County-based contractor AAR Incorporated to demolish the former Walt Disney Elementary site. The decision comes a few months after the school, located at 5000 Mustang Road, Alvin,

The big picture District documents note the school “must be demolished” in order to prepare for the construc- tion of the new combination campus for Walt Disney Elementary School and Stevenson Primary. Prior to the storm damage, the replacement cam- pus was made part of the district's $380.1 million bond that was approved in November.

424

160

Walt Disney Elementary & future construction site

2403

was damaged by a tornado in December, Community Impact previously reported.

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Election

BY JAMES T. NORMAN & HALEY VELASCO

2 incumbents ousted in AISD, PISD board races Alvin and Pearland ISDs each had a pair of school board races on the ballot on May 3—and both saw incumbents lose a seat to a challenger. What you need to know In Pearland ISD, Daniel Stuckey and Jim Johnson won their elections for positions 5 and 6, respectively, according to unofficial results from Brazoria County. While Stuckey defeated Azania Salazar, Johnson defeated Jenny Francis, who is an incumbent and joined the board in 2024 during a special election. In a pair of races for Alvin ISD, Brian K. Rob- erson II defeated incumbent Regan Peterson, while Cheryl B. Harris won against T’Liza M. Kiel, unofficial results show. Results are unofficial as of press time and are not official until canvassed by each respective entity at a later date.

Ross wins City Council seat in Friendswood Michael P. Ross won the race for Friend- swood City Council Position 6 against Tom Hinckley, according to unofficial election results from Brazoria County. Brent Erenwert, who did not run, cur- rently occupies the seat. What else? Incumbent Robert Griffon ran an uncon- tested race for Position 4, filings show.

Results breakdown

Incumbent

Winner

Pearland ISD

Board of trustees, Position 5

34.8% Azania Salazar 65.2% Daniel Stuckey

Board of trustees, Position 6

37.66% Jenny Francis 62.34% Jim Johnson

Alvin ISD

Board of trustees, Position 4

Results breakdown

41.91% Regan Peterson 58.09% Brian K. Roberson II

Winner

Board of trustees, Position 5

Friendswood City Council, Position 6

52.98% Cheryl B. Harris 47.02% T'Liza M. Kiel

42.6% Tom Hinckley 57.4% Michael P. Ross

NOTE: ALL RESULTS ARE UNOFFICIAL UNTIL CANVASSED. SOURCE: BRAZORIA COUNTY/COMMUNITY IMPACT

SOURCE: GALVESTON AND HARRIS COUNTIES/COMMUNITY IMPACT

An Accredited School in the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston Manvel City Council Position 6 goes to runoff Across two races on the ballot for Manvel City Council, an incumbent lost and two other candi- dates are headed to a runoff. The gist

Results breakdown

Incumbent

Winner

An Accredited School in the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston candidates for Position 6, no candidate obtained the majority needed and therefore a runoff at a later time will take place, according to city code. In Position 6, Garrett Rossi Knox will face Robina L. Spruill in the runoff. Kat Ducommun rounds out the group. All results are unofficial as of press time and remain so until canvassed at a later date.

Manvel City Council, Place 4

54.28% Carmyn Robey-Robinson

45.72% Edward "Ed" Perry

Manvel City Council, Place 6

For more than 25 years, St. Helen Catholic School has proudly served our parish and our communitites by educating the mind, heart and spirit. Accredited by the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston, TCCB-ED and recently named a 2024 National Blue Ribbon School, we are mission driven to promote high academic standards within a Christ-centered, spiritual environment. • Full Day PK3 and PK4 • Google Platform with 1:1 Chromebooks, grades 4-8 • STREAM (STEM) LAB and classes, K-8 • NJHS Honors and CTE Courses • Numerous enrichment activities after school • Counselor on campus • Intervention Specialist to assist struggling learners Accredited by the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston, TCCB-ED and recently named a 2024 National Blue Ribbon School, we are mission driven to promote high academic standards within a Christ-centered, spiritual environment. Growing Children in “Wisdom, Age, and Grace” An Accredited School in the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston PK3-8th grade For more than 25 years, St. Helen Catholic School has proudly served our parish and our communitites by educating the mind, heart and spirit. Accredited by the Archdiocese of Growing Children in "Wisdom, Age, and Grace" Growing Children in "Wisdom, Age, and Grace" Carmyn Robey-Robinson won the race for Place 4 on Manvel City Council, defeating incumbent Ed Perry, according to unofficial results. In the other race, which featured three

38.69% Robina L. Spruill 40.8% Garrett Rossi Knox 20.51% Kat Ducommun

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SOURCE: BRAZORIA COUNTY/COMMUNITY IMPACT

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PEARLAND - FRIENDSWOOD - MANVEL EDITION

Development

BY RACHEL LELAND

Friendswood moves forward with plan for Falling Leaf Ranch

The Falling Leaf Ranch Public Improvement District will go into effect after Friendswood City Council approved it at its April 7 meeting. What happened Friendswood City Council voted 5-1 to create the Falling Leaf Ranch Public Improvement District, a 117.5-acre development that city officials hope will bring infrastructure improvements and residential growth to the surrounding area. The land is owned by JMK5 Falling Leaf LLC, which is looking to build residential homes on the land, according to city documents. Public improvement districts, or PIDs, have their own special assessments that are used to help fund additional improvements and maintenance in a community without relying on citywide taxes, according to city documents. The new PID, located near Stonewall Pass Lane, Baker Road, Janet Lane and Wilderness Trail, will fund $16 million in public infrastructure,

documents show. Officials did not provide a timeline for improvements, which could include: • Street, roadway and sidewalk construction • Drainage and stormwater detention systems • Water and wastewater facilities • Parks, trails and landscaped open spaces • Street lighting, signage and off-street parking Those opposed Friendswood resident Randy Hale raised concerns about financial oversight of how the PID funds would be managed and whether there would be adequate protection for bond holders. “I’m not sure actually how we’re getting protected,” Hale said. Looking ahead City staff in the coming weeks and months will be tasked to create plans and hold hearings on a possible assessment for the area, documents show.

New public improvement district

117.5 acres in size

44 single- family homes Located inside Friendswood’s Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone No. 2

$16M in estimated improvements from city

TIRZ PID

STONEWALL PASS RD.

129

SAWYER RD.

SOURCE: CITY OF FRIENDSWOOD/COMMUNITY IMPACT

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Nonpro t

BY ASIA ARMOUR

The nonprot nds rescues from 1520 shelters.

COURTESY THREE LITTLE PITTIES RESCUE

509 Rustic Lane, Friendswood www.threelittlepittiesrescue.org

Three Little Pitties rescues dogs and cats from shelters across the Greater Houston area and transports them nationwide.

COURTESY THREE LITTLE PITTIES RESCUE

Three Little Pitties Rescue saves thousands of pets each year Friendswood nonprot Three Little Pitties Rescue is saving thousands of dogs and cats from shelters across the Greater Houston area each year, said founder and Executive Director Alayna Matranga Goodson.

How it works Three Little Pitties was founded in 2018 by three friends who saw an overwhelming need for more rescues in the area, Matranga Goodson said. Sta work with dogs and cats at their 2-acre facility, which features large oak trees and play yards with baby pools. Matranga Goodson said her team provides medical care, and runs play groups and one-on-one training to keep them socialized. She said it’s crucial they keep pets social and happy while they’re waiting to meet a family. “They’re living beings,” she said. “You have to continue to get to know them and improve on any of their challenges.”

Diving in deeper Every other week, the nonprot transports over 100 rescued animals to regions across the U.S. They have their own bus service and hire sta to drive and care for animals along the way. Expanding marketing eorts across the country gives these animals a better chance of adoption and gets them to their new homes faster, Matranga Goodson said. “[There is an] overpopulation of animals, a lack of homes and the lack of care for them,” she said. “And shelters are doing their best, but even if you got the Astrodome they would still run out of room. They would still have to euthanize.”

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PEARLAND FRIENDSWOOD MANVEL EDITION

Transportation

BY RACHEL LELAND & JAMES T. NORMAN

Friendswood continues work along Blackhawk Boulevard Some of the recent work completed includes making various residential driveways in the area usable again, city staff said April 7. Phase II-B Phase II-C

Pearland OKs $5.8M in roadway improvements Hooper Road and Fruge Road in Pearland’s Lower Kirby District will undergo $5.8 million roadway improvements in the next few years. What you need to know Pearland City Council voted unanimously April 14 to enter into an interlocal agreement with the Lower Kirby Pearland Management District to fund roadway improvements for the two roads. This partnership enables the city to pre-finance the design and construction of those projects. Along with the design of a future road extension, the work will include either reconstructing and/or extending the following: • Fruge Road from Kirby Drive to Hooper Road • Hooper Road to approximately 1,350 feet north of Fruge Road • Work on curbs, gutter, sidewalks, water and

Cities oppose county toll revenue bills Pearland and Friendswood city councils approved resolutions opposing a pair of bills from the Texas Legislature over concerns that the bill could result in funding loss for future road projects. The gist The bills, Senate Bill 2722 and House Bill 5177, would distribute a portion of excess Harris County Toll Road Authority revenue to commissioner precincts based on the percentage of roads they maintain. However, officials from both Pearland and Friendswood worry the bills could limit the funds available to upgrade city roads, city documents show. The bills would mean nearly $60 million would be redirected to other parts of Harris County, city documents show.

Stop-gap work along Blackhawk Boulevard in Friendswood is nearing completion and will allow the city to move forward with wrapping up a key phase of the road’s reconstruction. The city in March approved a new contractor to complete the work. The next step is to work toward creating an agreement with the bond company of the original contractor, which defaulted due to cash flow issues, to complete the phase of work originally contracted, Friendswood Engineering Director Jil Arias said at City Council’s April 7 meeting as part of a larger update on the project. What happened The project, which includes reconstructing sections of Blackhawk Boulevard in Friendswood, costs $9.6 million and is broken up into Phase II-B and Phase II-C, city documents show. A new contractor was brought in for stop-gap construction for Phase II-B, which runs from Geneva Drive to around Pennystone Way.

FRUGE RD.

The project is being paid for through city funds and in part from Harris County Precinct 2, city

2351

GENEVA DR.

documents show. How we got here

PENNYSTONE WAY.

Friendswood awarded the contract originally to Triple B Services in May 2023, with the first of two parts, Phase II-B, originally scheduled for comple- tion some time in 2024. However, officials announced in late 2024 the contractor had experienced “significant” cash flow issues, causing the timeline to shift back and parts of the project to be moved to the following phase, Phase II-C, Community Impact previously reported. Looking ahead Permitting with the Texas Department of Trans- portation for Phase II-C is ongoing. Officials expect

THURSA LN.

sewer lines, and storm drainage The city will front the $5.8 million cost with the help of the Pearland Economic Development Corporation. The LKPMD will reimburse the city at a later time, city documents show. The PEDC will be reimbursed once LKPMD repays the city. Stay tuned The project’s design portion will begin in 2025 and the construction will start in two years, Matt Buchanan, president of the Pearland Economic Development Corporation, said at the meeting.

528

that work to start in 2025 and be completed in 2026. The remainder of the project, which includes work from Pennystone to FM 2351, and Thursa Lane to FM 528, will see officials start construction on the south end of the road, officials said.

SHADOW CREEK 11023 Shadow Creek Pkwy (281) 977-1027

PEARLAND 10555 Pearland Pkwy (713) 987-9205

ALMEDA 11130 Gulf Fwy (713) 910-3941

FRIENDSWOOD 3126 FM 528 (281) 648-5473

Events

BY ASIA ARMOUR

May

2025 Concerts in the Park This installment of the family-friendly concert series at Stevenson Park in Friendswood will feature a variety of bands. Attendees are encouraged to bring blankets, chairs, food, snacks and refreshments. • May 2, 9, 16, 23, 30, June 6, 13, 20, 27, 7-9 p.m. • Free (admission) • 1100 S. Friendswood Drive, Friendswood Marketplace & Business Expo Fresh Impact Church in Manvel will host this market and business expo for local vendors, creatives, service providers and food trucks to encourage entrepreneurs and have a day of shopping and community fun. • May 17, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. • Free (admission), $65 (vendor booths), $100 (food truck spot) • 11800 Magnolia Parkway, Manvel • www.freshimpactchurch.org • www.ci.friendswood.tx.us/378/ concerts-in-the-park-may-june Pickin' for Play Time This family-friendly charity concert will take place at the Knights of Columbus building and benefit the Yellow Out Campaign, which raises awareness for spina bifida. The event will feature live music and a rib shootout. • May 17, 3-11 p.m. • $25 (advanced ticket), $600 (table of eight), $50 (rib shootout entry) • 2320 Hatfield Road, Pearland • www.visitpearland.com/events/pickinforplaytime 15th Annual Crawfish Festival Nonprofit organization Pearland Neighborhood Center will host its annual crawfish festival at the Pearland Knights of Columbus building. The event features free children’s activities, an all-you-can-eat feast on crawfish and shrimp, a live band, a silent auction, raffles and a cornhole tournament with prizes. • May 18, noon-4 p.m. • $40 (general admission), $75 (VIP), free for children 10 years and under • 2320 Hatfield Road, Pearland • www.pnctexas.com

Pet Parent Appreciation Pearland Animal Hospital will invite pet owners to its facility for an event celebrating them. It will feature a raffle drawing, a guided tour of the hospital, a Q&A with hospital staff, light snacks

2025 Pearland Wine Fest The event at the Pearland Town Center will feature a selection of wines, artisanal treats, goods from local vendors and a gourmet pairing. Attendees will participate in wine tasting, a marketplace, live entertainment, wine-themed activities and photo opportunities.

and refreshments. • May 22, 6-8 p.m. • Free (admission) • 1601 N. Main St., Pearland • www.pearlandanimalhospital.com

• May 24, 3-9 p.m. • $60 (admission) • 11200 Broadway St., Pearland • Eventbrite: 2025 Pearland Wine Fest

Foreverwell Mandala Art Class Participants of this art workshop at the Vic Coppinger Family YMCA in Pearland will learn how to make mandala art, a geometric design or pattern often used in spiritual and religious practices to encourage self-reflection, promote meditation and represent the cosmos. Registration is required. • May 23, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. • $10 (per class) • 2700 YMCA Drive, Pearland • Facebook: Vic Coppinger Family YMCA

this family-friendly event. The event was originally scheduled for April but was postponed due to weather. • May 24, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. • Free (admission) • 1100 S. Friendswood Drive, Friendswood • www.friendswoodchamber.com Summer Kickoff Market The Craft Garden Artisans Market kicks off the summer season with a vendor fair at Saloon Door West featuring local artisans, craft beer, food and family fun. • May 31, noon-5 p.m. • Free (admission) • 1231 Broadway St., Pearland • Facebook: Craft Garden Artisans Market

20th Annual Friendswood Classic Car & Bike Show

Friendswood residents can bring or see some classic automobiles and motorcycles at Stevenson Park at

LIVE MUSIC GREAT FOOD FIREWORKS

FRIDAY, JULY 4TH | INDEPENDENCE PARK 6 P.M - 10 P.M. | 3449 PEARLAND PARKWAY

SCAN HERE FOR MORE DETAILS

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MORE STELLAR THAN USUAL!

A TOUR OF THE STATE, MADE ESPECIALLY FOR COMMUNITY IMPACT MAY 2025

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

DETOURS: Hoodoos in Big Bend Ranch State Park CRITTER: The Caprock Bison

OUT THERE: Meanwhile, in Texas MADE IN TEXAS: Music Makers FEATURE PREVIEW: Meet the Texperts

Above: Big Bend Ranch State Park.

PEARLAND - FRIENDSWOOD - MANVEL EDITION

DETOURS

Clods and Monsters

Location: In Big Bend Ranch State Park, 26 miles west of the Barton Warnock Visitor Center BY PAM LEBLANC WALKING AMONG the weird spires of rock that sprout like giant mushrooms in Big Bend Ranch State Park feels like wandering the set of the original Star Trek series. The sand-colored hoodoos—some as tall as a two-story building—look otherworldly, but they developed natu- rally. Eons of wind and rain have scrubbed away softer materials such as fine-grained mudstone and porous tu at the base of the columns, leaving caps of hardened rock at the top. Use your imagination and you might see a human-shaped figure, a lumpy rendition of a troll, or a colossal bird egg balanced on a pedestal. These “fairy towers” famously appeared in the closing scenes of Boy- hood, Richard Linklater’s 2014 coming-of-age drama. An easy stop if you’re driving through the park, the Hoodoos Trail is about a mile long. If you’re not up for the walk, a shaded picnic table oers views of the hoodoos, the Rio Grande, and Mexico beyond.

acres, “they’re usually just cud chewing and wallowing and walking around like they have all day to do nothing,” says Na- talie Smith, a park interpreter. Still, she warns visitors to stay at least fifty yards, or half the length of a football field, away from a bison—and even more during rutting season, which typically lasts from June to September, when they can be aggressive. “If you get two bulls that are equally dominant and are physically equals, they can fight, and they will,” says park superintendent Donald Beard. “We have had bulls killed by other bulls.”

The bison at Caprock Canyons State Park, in the Panhandle, default to photogenic docility, as befits a noble symbol of the American West. They are the descendants of five herds, in- cluding one created by Charles and Mary Ann Goodnight, who in 1878 rescued several calves during the great slaughter that made the once plenti- ful bovines a rarity. There are other herds on private land, but Caprock’s has been designat- ed the o cial herd of Texas, a celebrity status the bison seem unaware of. Mostly unrued by the campers and day hikers who visit the park’s 15,314

YIKES. HOW DO I AVOID IRRITATING A BISON? Leave appropriate space be- tween yourself and any animal capable of tap dancing on your organs, and look out for signs of agitation. “If their tail is in the air, like it’s flagging, you need to step back,” says Smith. Ditto if it’s swinging its head from side to side. WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I’M BEING CHARGED BY ONE? Beard says, “If you get into a situation where you’ve been charged, it’s too late.”

The Caprock Bison CRITTER OF THE MONTH

OH. —Lauren Larson

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MADE IN TEXAS

The Sound Machinists A Houston-area company creates modern synthesizers with vintage vibes for Joe Walsh, Duran Duran, and LCD Soundsystem. BY MICHAEL HALL

OUT THERE

Meanwhile, In Texas

In the right hands—customers include Chro- meo, Duran Duran, LCD Soundsystem, and nu- merousfilmandTVsounddesigners—theycan create audio that is human and otherworldly, animated and moody, hard and soft. “The idea that synths are just beeps and bloops is not accurate at all,” says Mike Gra- ham, an engineer and the vice president of business development. “They can sound creepy; they can sound angry; they can sound happy or sad. They can sound inquisitive.” The company’s roots go back to 1969, when Roger Arrick, then an eight-year-old living in suburbanFortWorth,firstheardSwitched-On Bach, an album of the composer’s songs played on the synthesizer created by Robert Moog. To read the rest of this story and stories about other independent makers in Texas, subscribe to Texas Monthly.

THE BUILDING’S WALLS sometimes shake with a sonic rumble. Other times, it’s like a spaceship is flying overhead or as if the elec- tronic duo Daft Punk has reunited in this pleasant industrial park in Stafford, thirty minutes from downtown Houston. But it’s just business as usual at the workshop head- quarters of Synthesizers.com. Thecompanyhasmadeanalogmodularsyn- thesizers for nearly thirty years. The instru- ments are based on the classic Moog (rhymes with “vogue”) synths of the sixties and sev- enties, but these modern-day machines are cheaper and easier to play. They are elegant, with black panels, silver knobs, and red lights.

Numerous attendees at a pickle- themed event in New Braunfels claimed that it was a fiasco, with one unhappy patron posting that she “didn’t even get 1 pickle” and that organizers “should have called it the dusty long line festival.” A pig named Peppa and a blind dog named Amy were reunited with their owner after the lost pair trotted along- side U.S. 290 and wandered into a general store in Austin’s Harris Branch neighborhood. Drivers of two vacuum trucks caused a large explosion and fire after they al- legedly attempted to steal petroleum from a pipeline maintenance station near Orla. The discovery of more than one hun- dred human teeth buried in the yard of a Hondo home prompted an investiga- tion by local police, who found out that the previous owners of the property were dentists who may have been fol- lowing a tradition of burying teeth for good luck . A state representative from Smithville introduced a bill called the Forbidden Unlawful Representation of Roleplay- ing in Education (FURRIES) Act, which would ban “non-human” behavior in schools, such as wearing a tail. A substation explosion at Texas Tech University caused widespread power outages and the eruption of green flames from manhole covers across campus. —Meher Yeda

Mike Graham operates a Studio-110 system at the Synthesizers.com oce in Staord.

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