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Bay Area Edition VOLUME 8, ISSUE 10 APRIL 16 MAY 14, 2026
Police business unit curbing theft
BY RACHEL LELAND
League City police o cer Pierre Nguyen meets with a loss-prevention employee at Bass Pro Shops along I-45, an area the department has agged for a high volume of shoplifting. (Rachel Leland/Community Impact)
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Also in this issue
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Check out the latest update on the Hobbs Road extension to FM 517 Transportation
Learn about Clear Creek ISD’s potential sta reductions for the 2026-27 school year Education
See when a new CAVA is opening in League City Impacts
GALVESTON COUNTY, TX • 2025 PROPERTY TAX DATA REPORT • PAID FOR BY OWNWELL
62% of Galveston County residential properties didn’t protest their 2025 property taxes.
38%
62%
Protested 1
Didn’t Protest 1
44,694
72,038
residential properties
residential properties
$28.1M total missed potential savings
$21.3M total realized savings in 2025
Protestors won 75% of the time in Galveston County¹
WHY CHOOSE OWNWELL² 80% 18% 7,822 of Galveston County residential protested properties chose Ownwell in 2025
IMPORTANT DATES
deadline for current & retroactive homestead exemption applications April 30, 2026 May 15, 2026
Galveston County 2025 win rate
Galveston County properties represented by Ownwell in 2025
property tax protest deadline
$744 average annual property tax savings for Ownwell clients in 2025
PROTEST YOUR 2026 PROPERTY TAXES
or visit Ownwell.com/impact to get started today. Enter an address and see how much you’re overpaying →
25%
of your tax bill savings only. No savings? No fee. Guaranteed.
¹ ownwell.com/results/texas-protest-vs-non-protest • ² ownwell.com/results/texas-property-tax-protest-results-agent-performance
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
About Community Impact
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BAY AREA EDITION
Impacts
gathering areas. • Grand opened March 27 • 540 Hobbs Road, League City • www.themagnolialiving.com
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4 Java w/ Jesus The shop operates on a donation-based model and features an outdoor patio with seating beneath the area’s oak trees. Customers can enjoy coffee, lattes and cappuccinos as they do at home with provided Keurig pods, creamers, as well as a Frappuccino machine. • Opened Feb. 20 • 1025 E. Main St., League City • Facebook: Java w/ Jesus 5 Party City The party store specializes in decorations for a variety of special occasions such as birthdays and graduations as well as holidays such as Halloween and Christmas. • Opened March 18 • 19335 Gulf Freeway, Webster • www.partycity.com 6 Skinny Rita’s Cantina and Grille Kemah The menu will feature organic, low-calorie Mexican food as well as gluten free options. The drink menu will offer fresh margaritas, including speciality margaritas with innovative ingredients like mint, muddled cucumber, pineapple and fresh jalapeño. • Soft opened April 13-14 • 609 Bradford Ave., Ste. 203, Kemah • skinnyritaskemah.com 7 Clear Creek Running Co. Clear Creek Run Co. sells shoes, clothes, sport nutrition, technology and recovery accessories, including brands like Altra, Puma, R.A.D. and Veloci. • Opened Feb. 28 • 2951 Marina Bay Drive, Ste. 120, League City • www.clearcreekrunco.com 8 Aztlan Boxing and Martial Arts The business offers training sessions for martial arts for
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2 Taztee Treatz Sweet Shop & Deli The shop offers multiple sweets, including cheesecake, banana pudding, ice cream and milkshakes, among other items. Other food items include soups and salads.
Now open
1 J.Jill The women’s clothing store offers sizes extra small through 4X with regular, petite and tall options. New collections arrive each month, all filled with versatile looks for every woman. • Opened Jan. 15 • 500 Baybrook Mall, Ste. C-103, Friendswood • www.jjill.com
• Grand opened March 14 • 8111 Hwy. 6, Hitchcock • www.tazteetreatz.com
3 The Magnolia Living The independent living facility offers housekeeping, laundry and pet support services. Amenities include a movie theater, game room, library and outdoor
adults and children. • Opened March 14
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
BY COMMUNITY IMPACT STAFF
13 Woody’s Hideaway The Houston-based sports bar, part of the parent company Woody’s Brands, will offer private golf bays, karaoke rooms, pool tables, yard games and a full kitchen including smash burgers, fresh-cut fries and Philly eggrolls. • Opening in December
• 240 W. Main St., League City • teamazt.com
Coming soon
9 Cuban Café The restaurant offers Cuban coffee, espresso and sweet Cuban-style coffee options, as well as Cuban sandwiches. • Opened March 26 • 903 FM Road 518 E., Ste. K, Kemah • Facebook: The Cuban Cafe Assisted Living Locators The Southeast Houston service offer personalized senior care assessments evaluating physical, cognitive and lifestyle needs. • Opened Jan. 26 • www.sehouston.assistedlivinglocators.com
• 20801 Gulf Freeway, Webster • www.woodyshideaway.com
What’s next PERMITS FILED WITH THE TEXAS
DEPARTMENT OF LICENSING AND REGULATION
14 Crunch Fitness The gym franchise offers high-intensity interval training workouts and has multiple locations across Texas. • Opening TBD • 3410 Gulf Freeway, Dickinson • www.crunch.com
18 P. Terry’s The restaurant offers a menu of 100% black angus beef burgers, fresh cut fries, hand-spun milkshakes and homemade baked goods. The burger stand will include a double drive thru, dining room and patio. • Opening in the fourth quarter of 2027 • 18611 Eastfield Drive, Webster • www.pterrys.com
Coming soon
Relocations
10 CAVA The eatery offers customizable bowls and pita wraps with various protein options including lamb, falafel, chicken and steak. • Opening spring 2026 • 2915 Gulf Freeway S., League City • www.cava.com 11 Schafer’s Coastal Kitchen The new restaurant will offer Gulf Coast seafood favorites, craft cocktails and a curated selection of wine. • Opening fall 2026 • 1600 E. NASA Parkway, Houston • www.schaferscoastalbarandgrille.com 12 iWok The Asian fast-casual restaurant uses a robotic chef system to serve fresh entrees, rice dishes and wok- seared bowls in minutes. • Opening in May • 1400 E. NASA Parkway, Ste. F, Houston • www.iwok.com
15 Aaron Family & Cosmetic Dental The growing practice prompted the move to a bigger space as its team grew by four team members and two doctors. The new location houses 16 operatories. • Relocated Jan. 8 • 2095 W. Main St., Ste. C, League City • www.aaronfamilydentistry.com 16 Sweet Mia’s Boutique The women’s fashion boutique sells clothing, jewelry and jeans from brands like Entro, Risen and Umgee. • Opened Feb. 21 • 5885 Gulf Freeway, Ste. 715, Texas City • www.sweetmiasboutique.com 17 Zane’s Original The gourmet burger restaurant, reopened inside of Damn Fine Coffee and Fried Pies, and sells half-pound burgers that are a blend of brisket, chuck and short rib that are smoked and then grilled. • Opened Feb. 24
Worth the trip
Bar Xolo Founded by Mexico City natives, Bar Xolo serves coffee and pastries throughout the day until 2 p.m., and cocktails and Mexican-inspired cuisine in the evening. • Opened March 2 • 223 Westheimer Road, Houston • Instagram: @bax_xolo
• 910 Hall Ave., Seabrook • www.zanes-original.com
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BAY AREA EDITION
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
Development
BY HALEY VELASCO
The League, a mixed-use space with nearly 47,000 square feet of retail, led by Hous- ton-based developer CJ Development, is slated to come to League City by the rst quarter of 2027. The overview Along with a mixed-use space, The League will include an apartment complex with over 300 multifamily units within a 6-story lifestyle center with exible ground oor retail opportunities. Potential use for these retail opportunities include food and beverage shops, tness, youth services, entertainment and ex use, among other options, according to leasing documents New retail, dining space coming to League City
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RENDERING COURTESY THE LEAGUE The mixed-use space will sit northeast to the heart of League City.
from CJ Development. The League will sit along FM 518 with adjacency to Clear Creek High School. What else? The outlot development of the space will have
multi-tenant retail spaces, which can be used for quick-service restaurants, co ee shops, medical clinics, boutique retail shops, salons, a tutoring center or a tness studio, among other options. The outlet will have an estimated delivery for the third quarter of 2026, leasing documents note.
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BAY AREA EDITION
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
Government
BY RACHEL LELAND AND HALEY VELASCO
League City moves forward with gas station After postponing a February vote on whether to approve a special use permit to build a gas station near a residential area, League City City Council approved the rst reading of the permit request, provided the developer makes adjustments to the site plan. What happened League City City Council voted 6-2 to approve the rst reading of a special use permit to build a gas station at the intersection of FM 270, or Egret Bay Boulevard, and Austin Street at its March 24 meeting. What’s changed Beyond several amendments o cials asked the developer to make at the February meeting, council asked the engineering rm to redraw and “ ip” the site plan to add conditions that would
City zaps commercial rezoning pitch League City City Council denied an ordinance at its March 24 meeting to rezone nearly 8 acres of land along the north side of West League City Parkway and west of Cones Lane to general commercial. What you need to know The motion, which was denied in a 0-8 vote, would have rezoned the land from a residential single-family zone to commer- cial, according to city documents.
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address residents’ concerns, including: • The fueling station must be moved to the north end of the property, moving it further from the closest residential areas. • Eliminating the Austin Street entrance, forcing tra c to access the gas station through South Egret Bay Boulevard. Stay tuned City Council will hear and vote on whether to nally approve the request at a later meeting date, which was not disclosed as of press time.
Potential land
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
Election
BY CATHERINE WHITE
Clear Creek ISD, Position 2
KEY: *Incumbent
Jamieson Mackay* Occupation & experience: credit union executive Facebook: Jamieson Mackay for CCISD Trustee
Ernest A. Hallman II Occupation & experience: special education teacher ernestfordistrict2.my.canva.site
What motivated you to run for the board of trustees?
What motivated you to run for the board of trustees?
I am motivated to give back to CCISD which has meant so much to my family. My wife is a long-tenured CCISD employee, my daughters bene ted from a CCISD education and after serving on multiple district committees over the past 30 years, I feel called to serve as a trustee.
I believe our education system is failing students and I am interested in trying to nd a way to better serve the children to continue providing quality education that promotes higher learning. Our teachers, students and parents deserve more and better. I am interested in promoting positive change.
If elected, what will be your top priorities for the district over the next three years?
If elected, what will be your top priorities for the district over the next three years?
My top priorities include addressing declining enrollment, improving academic achievement and ensuring CCISD provides a world-class education that prepares every student to be enrolled, employed or enlisted upon graduation.
My top priorities for the next three years will be improving enrollment, teacher recruitment and retention as well as higher salaries for district employees.
Clear Creek ISD, Position 3
Gabriel F. Gonzales II Occupation & experience: U.S. history teacher and education writer with direct classroom experience supporting diverse learners and preparing ... Facebook: Gabriel F. Gonzales II for CCISD School Board Trustee Postion 3
Arturo Sanchez* Occupation & experience: director of external relations o ce, NASA Johnson Space Center www.electarturosanchez.com
What motivated you to run for the board of trustees?
What motivated you to run for the board of trustees?
I’m running because CCISD is home. I’m an original Weber kid from the rst Weber Elementary campus before it was rebuilt, and I now teach U.S. history while nishing my master’s. I see daily what students and teachers need and want board decisions shaped by real classroom experience and community ...
I am running for re-election to the board of trustees because I believe in the power of a world class public education. I am prepared to leverage my nine years of board experience and provide thoughtful consideration, recommendations and decision making that best serves all students, employees and our community.
If elected, what will be your top priorities for the district over the next three years?
If elected, what will be your top priorities for the district over the next three years?
First, academic excellence with strong literacy, career pathways and interventions so no student falls behind. Second, teacher retention through respect, mentorship and reduced burnout. Third, community trust through transparency and outreach across CCISD neighborhoods. When we support teachers, communicate clearly and invest in students, our district grows stronger together.
My top priorities include advancing the district’s Vision 2030 by preparing all students to achieve at their highest level, fostering a work environment that attracts and retains the best teachers and sta ; continuing the board’s commitment to scal responsibility and transparency; and providing excellent programs and pathways that make CCISD …
Candidates were asked to keep responses under 50 words, answer the questions provided and avoid attacking opponents. Answers may have been edited or cut to adhere to those guidelines, or for style and clarity. For more election coverage, go to www.communityimpact.com/voter-guide.
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
Transportation
BY HALEY VELASCO
Check out 3 upcoming, ongoing road projects in League City
HOBBS RD.
HOBBS RD.
Upcoming projects
Upcoming projects
Ongoing projects
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1 Hobbs Road extension to FM 517 Project: About 1,880 feet of roadway will be constructed, building two southbound lanes now and the northbound lanes later.
2 Maple Leaf intersection improvements
3 Drainage improvements for FM 518 at Wesley Drive Project: This is a drainage improvements project, consisting of installation of large pipes, storm boxes and inlets along and across FM 518 and Wesley Drive to improve drainage at the intersection area. Update: Construction started at the end of March. • Timeline: estimated completion by end of 2026 or early 2027 • Cost: $2.845M • Funding sources: major portion coming from federal funds with remainder from city bonds
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Project: The project includes adding a traffic signal to the Maple Leaf intersection of League City Parkway. Update: The project is currently out for bids. • Timeline: construction award is planned for May with construction phase to begin in the summer and slated for completion at the end of 2026 • Cost: $790,000 • Funding source: capital projects funds from city
Update: The project is in Texas Department of Transportation permitting and right-of-way acquisition; two of five parcels acquired, others in progress and the permit is expected by late April. • Timeline: bid schedule planned for summer 2026 unless issues with ROW acquisition arise • Cost: $10.34M (capital project budget) plus $2M from Galveston County • Funding sources: city funds and Galveston County
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Events
BY ROO MOODY
Strawberry Festival The 93rd annual festival will feature live musical entertainment, a kid zone, a petting zoo, homemade strawberry shortcake and brisket sandwiches. • April 25, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. • Free (admission) Keels & Wheels The classic car and antique boat show will feature over 200 cars to recognize antique, vintage, collectable automobiles, boats and other vehicles. • April 25-26 • $16.50 (students), $33 (adults) • 2322 Lakewood Yacht Club Drive, Seabrook • keels-wheels.com • 4613 State Hwy. 3, Dickinson • www.ht-d.org/strawberryfest Planet E a rth Celebration Learn how to sustain, conserve and preserve Earth’s natural resources with exclusive Space Center Houston activities. • April 25-26, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. • $24.95-$39.95 (general admission) • 1601 E. NASA Parkway, Houston • spacecenter.org/featured_events/planet-earth- celebration-2026/
April
May
Galveston County Fair & Rodeo The county rodeo features mutton bustin’, broncs and bulls, a carnival, shopping, a seafood cookoff and live concerts at Jack Brooks Park.
Margaritas at the Marina Sip margaritas and listen to live music by the water at the community event hosted by MarineMax. • May 2, 3-6 p.m. • Free (entry) • 3001 E. NASA Parkway, Seabrook • www.marinemax.com Jazz Night The free concert features renowned saxophonist Kyle Turner, international Blues singer Keeshea Pratt and the Texas Southern University Jazz Ensemble. • May 9, 6-10 p.m. • Free • 198 Railroad Ave., League City • Facebook: Saturday Jazz Night in League City Pups & Pints - Saint Arnold Stroll Tickets support the League City Animal Care & Adoption Center and include four Saint Arnold beers, a pint glass
• April 17-25, times vary • $8 (child), $19 (adult)
• 10 Jack Brooks Road, Hitchcock • www.galvestoncountyfair.com
League City Community Fair Families can enjoy face painting, inflatables and other activities while exploring community resources at the local community fair at the Johnnie Arolfo Civic Center.
Weenie Derby Stop by Little Woodrow’s to see the annual spring weenie dog races, where all entry fees will be donated to a local animal charity. • April 18, 1-2 p.m. (registration), 3 p.m. (races start) • $10 (entry fee) • 20251 Gulf Freeway, Ste. H, Webster • www.littlewoodrows.com/locations/webster
• April 22, 4-7 p.m. • Free (admission) • 400 W. Walker St., League City • www.leaguecitytx.gov
Wine Fest Hosted by Kemah Boardwalk, the event features more than 72 types of Sonoma County wine. • April 25, 2-5 p.m. • $59.95-$69.95 (per ticket) • 215 Kipp Ave., Kemah • www.kemahboardwalk.com/spring-wine-fest
Native Pla n t Sale The plant sale features native plants, including hand-selected grasses and flowering plants that were grown at the Galveston Bay Foundation’s EcoCenter.
and a SWAG bag. • May 9, 4-10 p.m.
• April 25, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. • Free (entry) • 807 State Hwy. 3 N., League City • galvbay.org/event/2026-spring-bi-annual-plant-sale/
• $39.19 (21+), $28.52 (under 21) • 807 State Hwy. 3, League City • http://bit.ly/4meTuUF
BAY AREA 1033 Bay Area Blvd (281) 486-9558
KEMAH 243 FM 2094 (281) 538-9095 SEABROOK 3126 Nasa Pkwy (281) 326-5127
LEAGUE CITY 196 Gulf Fwy S (281) 316-2140
Police business unit curbing theft From the cover
The big picture
Where crime happens
Law enforcement has identi ed a higher concentration of property crime and theft along I-45, League City’s business district, data from 2025 to early 2026 shows.
Commercial property crime and theft
Gerardo Hernandez, an assistant store manager at the Home Depot near I-45 in League City, said the store was regularly targeted for theft, forcing sta to put a bar around the bins where the lawnmowers were kept. The cumbersome bar made it di cult for customers to shop freely. However, recently, sta were able to remove it after thefts dropped courtesy of a dedicated unit the League City Police Department launched in 2025 to tackle crime along that retail corridor. The department launched the business district unit in July to respond to the high volume of property crime reported from businesses along the highway. “They’re doing a phenomenal job,” Hernandez said. “Just their physical presence in the parking lot has been a deterrent.” The unit, made up of a sergeant, detective, and three o cers, regularly patrols the area to respond quickly to calls, deter shoplifters, and build relationships with local stores. Arthur Tatum, another Home Depot assistant manager, said the unit regularly does “pulse checks” with asset protection sta . “They’re not sitting around not doing anything,” Tatum said.
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CITYPROTECT COMMUNITY IMPACT
The local impact
was able to connect the individuals involved with a statewide crime ring. “We’re getting more pro cient at doing larger, in-depth investigations,” Kifer said.
the phone to call 911,” Kifer said. The unit has also expanded the department’s abil- ity to pursue larger crime rings. Kifer referenced a case that opened shortly after the unit was created, in which a theft occurred at Best Buy, and the unit
The unit created texting groups to communicate with the businesses without having to go through dispatch, League City Sgt. Jason Kifer said. “They start feeding us intel directly, and our guys are able to get out there before they’ve even lifted
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
BY RACHEL LELAND
The unit can now also proactively build relationships with managers, loss prevention teams and statewide retail theft investigators. Having a higher clearance rate also allows the department to recover stolen property. Between July 15, when the unit launched, to Dec. 31, the department recovered over $98,000 of stolen property, Kifer said. “That’s property that can go back into the retail, which helps our community with the sales tax that goes with it,” Kifer said.
The breakdown
What it means
League City business district o cer Pierre Nguyen said having a unit dedicated to prevent- ing and solving theft crimes has contributed to the department’s higher clearance rate. Oftentimes, theft involves the suspect quickly leaving the scene before o cers arrive, but having a regular presence in the business district allows the o cers to identify the getaway car or driver, Nguyen said.
Kifer said improved communication with loss prevention is driving a rise in shoplifting reports while contributing to a drop in other crimes. “I think deterrence is our biggest asset,” Kifer said. “I think the more we’re hitting and the more cases that we’re solving, the less attractive it is to come and commit crimes here in League City.” Since the unit launched, the department took 130 reports, resulting in 72 arrests. However Kifer said he was most satis ed by the unit’s clearance rate of 82%, which indicates the percentage of crimes the unit was able to solve. The national standard for clearance in property crime cases is around 15% to 17%, Kifer said. “I’m proud to say that my team has been able to [solve] four out of ve cases,” Kifer said.
By the numbers
Activity from 07/15/2025 - 12/31/2025
Calls for service: 381 Reports taken: 130 Arrests: 381
Cases closed by warrant: 54
Feb. 2024- Feb. 2025
Feb. 2025- Feb. 2026
O ense
Shoplifting
682
348
Business checks: 477 Clearance rate: 81.54%
Theft of motor vehicle
44
18
Theft from motor vehicle
118
51
Theft from building
63
26
Burglary
24
9
The department tracked the total shoplifting reports led each day of the week in 2024. When crime happens
Forgery
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LEAGUE CITY POLICE DEPARTMENT COMMUNITY IMPACT
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Looking ahead
“If we’re able to cover that much in six months, when we’re just getting started … as the years progress and we ne-tune how we operate, I see a lot of what
37
Wed.
The business unit is hoping to hire a fourth o cer, Kifer said. The new hire will expand the department’s ability to police hot spots in the business district area, which accounts for 18% of all calls for service in the city, according to previous reporting by Community Impact.
48
Thur.
this team is doing being able to circulate that back into the economy to help the city out.”
65
Fri.
48
Sat.
SGT. JASON KIFER, LEAGUE CITY POLICE DEPARTMENT
42
Sun.
LEAGUE CITY POLICE DEPARTMENT COMMUNITY IMPACT
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BAY AREA EDITION
Education
BY CATHERINE WHITE
Clear Creek ISD to consider staff reductions for 2026-27 school year
Next steps
The district held secondary campus staffing meetings and master schedule reviews after spring break, which took place from March 9-13. Final staffing decisions for departments, including visual and performing arts, career and technical education and athletics, are expected in March and April, according to district documents.
Across all departments, including elementary, the district plans to reduce over 80 positions for the 2026-27 school year, resulting in a total of $5.6 million in savings, according to district documents. The district reviewed staffing as part of a Special Education and Texas Association of School Boards study completed in December, aimed at identifying costs and operational efficiency across CCISD’s campuses and departments, district officials said. Staff affected by reductions will be placed on an excess list, allowing them to be considered for other available positions within the district before external hires are made, district officials said.
Clear Creek ISD’s board of trustees discussed planned reductions to elementary school staff during its March 2 workshop as part of its annual budget and staffing review. District officials cited declining enrollment and district priorities as key factors for the continued staff reductions. Over the past five years, the district has reduced over 140 elementary units, or full time staff positions, in response to a drop in enrollment of nearly 1,800 students, district officials said at the workshop. This includes nearly 40 units planned for the 2026-27 school year, which will save the district nearly $2.8 million, according to district documents.
Quote of note
“We value getting an external assessment and data that informs this kind of decision. It’s with precision and fidelity of information that allows us to get to the best possible place,” board member Arturo Sanchez said at the workshop. “This is just another example of how we’re responding to the variables that represent decreased enrollment, increased costs and the continued challenges placed on public education.”
CCISD elementary (K–5) enrollment
Since the 2019-20 school year, CCISD’s enrollment for kindergarten through fifth grade has declined by nearly 13%.
19,000 18,000 17,000 15,000 16,000
17,895
17,008
16,996
16,908
Elementary: 37 Instructional coaching: 28 Potential staff reductions for 2026-27 school year
16,613
16,132
15,623
Total 86
12.7% decline
Special education: 19 Emerging bilingual: 2
0
2019-20 2020-21
2021-22
2022-23
2023-24
2024-25
2025-26
School year
SOURCE: CLEAR CREEK ISD/COMMUNITY IMPACT
SOURCE: TEXAS EDUCATION AGENCY/COMMUNITY IMPACT
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
Education
BY CATHERINE WHITE
Clear Creek ISD launches Clear Tech virtual program
CCISD adopts new math materials
Elementary to ninth-grade students at Clear Creek ISD will have the opportunity to enroll in online courses through the Texas Tech K-12 program for the 2026-27 school year. The program is part of an initiative to target students living within CCISD boundaries but not attending CCISD schools due to their enrollment in other virtual programs. About the program Students enrolled in the program, called Clear Tech, will complete asynchronous, Texas Essential Knowledge of Skills-aligned, or TEKS, coursework through the Texas Tech K-12 program. The full-time and tuition-free virtual learning model is ideal for: • Students with demanding schedules due to competitive sports and club programs • Homeschool families seeking curriculum with exible in-person support
Students transferring out of districts
Clear Creek ISD Dickinson ISD Pearland ISD
Clear Creek ISD elementary and secondary students will have access to new mathemat- ics instructional materials following board approval at its March 23 meeting. Why now? With mathematics instructional materials expiring this year, the district compiled three separate committees with more than 65 members, around 80% of whom were classroom teachers, according to district documents. The committees’ recommendations include Bluebonnet Learning materials from Great Minds for kindergarten through fth grade, and Bluebonnet Learning materials from Carnegie Learning for courses span- ning sixth grade through Algebra II, accord- ing to district documents.
1,397
1,200 1,400 1,000
988 936
800 600 400 0
School year
SOURCE: TEXAS EDUCATION AGENCY COMMUNITY IMPACT
• Families looking for a non-traditional school day option Those interested in the program are encouraged to apply by May 15.
Clear Creek ISD approves alternative methods to earn credit, grade acceleration Clear Creek ISD approved new options for stu- dents to skip a grade or earn course credit without prior instruction at its March 23 meeting. What you need to know by scoring at least 80% on district-approved readiness tests or CBEs in English language arts, mathematics, science and social studies.
Steps to earn credit or accelerate: Con rm eligibility with school counselor Submit application for acceleration or CBE Take required assessment(s) Achieve qualifying score Student advances a grade or earns credit Step 1 Step 2 Step 3 Step 4 Step 5
Students can earn world language credit through CBEs, advanced placement exams or assessments including the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages, Assessment of Performance toward Pro ciency in Languages or the American Sign Language Pro ciency Interview.
First- through eighth-grade students can test to accelerate, and sixth- through 12th-grade students can earn course credit by exam, or CBE. Kindergartners may qualify for rst grade
SOURCE: CLEAR CREEK ISD COMMUNITY IMPACT
21
BAY AREA EDITION
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
Education
BY CATHERINE WHITE
San Jac receives $400K grant to expand college’s tuition-free program San Jacinto College received a $400,000 grant from the Greater Houston Community Founda- tion, or GHCF, to expand opportunities for eligible high school seniors through access to tuition-free college, according to a March 27 news release from the college. Diving in deeper The funding will support the college’s Promise Scholarship, covering tuition and books for eligible in-district graduates. School districts in the college’s district include, but are not limited to: • Deer Park ISD • Pasadena ISD • Portions of Pearland and Clear Creek ISDs
SJC launches welding program partnership San Jacinto College partnered with Turner Industries Group, an industrial contractor company, to support students enrolled in the college’s welding program through industry-level instruction. The details The collaboration provides students with exposure to job site conditions through industry-informed scenarios, supporting the development of both technical and work- place skills. The partnership with Turner includes their participation in advisory meetings and curriculum reviews, as well as support from safety, operations, workforce development and fabrication teams, helping ensure students are trained according to industry standards.
Youth disconnection rates by county Data is based on the 2024 American Community Survey 5-year estimates. Harris Montgomery Brazoria 9% 7.6% 6.7%
Galveston Fort Bend
6.4%
5.8%
SOURCE: U.S. CENSUS BUREAU/COMMUNITY IMPACT
Why now? The news release noted that the need for the program is “significant” as the Greater Houston metro has the highest youth disconnection rate among major U.S. metro areas, with 13.3% of young adults ages 16-24 neither enrolled in school nor employed—a group often referred to as “disconnected youth.” This translates to around 124,500 people, according to the 2025 youth disconnection report from Measure of America.
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BAY AREA EDITION
Experienced Local Senior Care for Your Peace of Mind
In-home care enables older adults to age in place in their own homes while professional caregivers help them with daily tasks they need to maintain the independence they desire. We can guide you through the decision-making process to ensure you receive the right care for your loved one, allowing them to remain where they are the most comfortable…in their own home. For more information call us at 832.632.2273 or visit VisitingAngels.com/Webster.
Not all services are available at all locations. Please check with your local agency. Each Visiting Angels agency is a franchise that is independently owned and operated. The Franchisor, Living Assistance Services Inc., does not control or manage the day-to-day business operations of any Visiting Angels franchised agency. ®2026 Visiting Angels is a registered trademark of Living Assistance Services, Inc. License #021493 | NPI: 1386360189.
New homes from Brookfield Residential are now available in Midline, a brand new urban oasis south of Houston and close to Baybrook Mall and IH-45. You’ll find 14 floor plans to choose from on 40-, 50- and 60-foot homesites. Brookfield Residential is now selling in Midline. NEW HOMES FROM THE HIGH $300s!
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24
COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
Dining
BY RACHEL LELAND
Las Anita’s Mexican Restaurant, which Carlos Zuniga opened with his two brothers in 2001, survived the challenges many restaurants su ered during the COVID-19 pandemic, but just six years later, it was forced to shut down due to a signi cant drop in customers. However, with strong community support, the restaurant reopened on Feb. 6, just six days after it closed its doors. The full story Zuniga said he wanted to continue serving the community, but the dip in revenue made it unpro table to keep the business open. The week before he closed the restaurant on Jan. 31, Zuniga had a candid conversation with his employees about the future of Las Anitas. “I talked to everyone here in my kitchen, all my employees, and I said … ‘It depends on how this week [goes] if we continue,’” Zuniga said. Zuniga said his restaurant had long supported local school programs and youth sports teams such as baseball, basketball, swimming and cheer. Zuniga announced the restaurant would close and on the last Saturday before closing, a crowd of people showed up to dine and asked him not to close the restaurant. “All the community came and said, ‘Please, we want you to stay,’” Zuniga said, estimating that the restaurant had 40 to 60 tables that day. Members of Zuniga’s church visited on the last day and, seeing the large number of customers, o ered to connect Zuniga with investors to keep the business open. Zuniga attributed the restaurant’s nancial challenges to competition with new restaurants in the area, slowdowns due to construction and loyal customers moving away. The details Las Anita’s Mexican Restaurant has two murals depicting pastoral scenes of Mexico, including one of a cathedral overlooking the small city of San Miguel de Allende. The mural on the oppo- site wall shows passengers boarding a bus in the mountains. The bus depicted is the one Zuniga’s father owned and drove for 20 years, transporting passengers along winding roads that connected Beloved Mexican restaurant in Seabrook reopens
Las Anita’s Mexican Restaurant serves Mexican dishes, such as ground beef enchiladas and pollo rumba.
PHOTOS BY RACHEL LELAND COMMUNITY IMPACT
Carlos Zuniga opened Las Anita’s Mexican Restaurant in 2001 with his two brothers.
Las Anita’s Mexican Restaurant features two murals depicting scenes from the Mexican state of Guanajuato.
small hillside towns. Zuniga’s father immigrated to the United States to work in California, while Zuniga and his two brothers moved to Texas to open the restaurant. Though his brothers have left to pursue other careers, the menu at Las Anitas includes several nods to family recipes, such as the charro beans and the mole sauce, which is made with a paste that the cooks elevate with special ingredients.
E . N A S A P K W
N
4624 E. NASA Parkway, Seabrook www.lasanitasrestaurant.com
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BAY AREA EDITION
State
BY HANNAH BROL
Water park guide
1
4
Webster
2
105
Montgomery
Conroe
New Caney
105
1
Spring
COURTESY BIG RIVERS WATERPARK & ADVENTURES
69
8
45
4
8
610
Katy
10
10
5
6 Great Wolf Lodge Webster This climate-controlled indoor water park in Webster also features dryland attractions, lodging and dining. • Open year-round • $34-$55 (half-day pass), $49-$79 (full-day pass), $65-$269 (season pass)
Baytown
9
99 TOLL
Houston
45
COURTESY MARGARITAVILLE LAKE RESORT
Webster
TRINITY BAY
69
8
6
9
GALVESTON BAY
99 TOLL
59
• 1000 Great Wolf Way, Webster • www.greatwolf.com/webster
3
45
Galveston
7
N
COURTESY TYPHOON TEXAS
3 Lagoonfest Texas Boasting over 24 million gallons of crystal blue water, this lagoon located in Texas City features water activities, cabana rentals, bumper boats and white sand beaches. • Opening in May for 2026 season (exact dates TBD) • Ticket pricing TBD, free (ages 2 and under) • 12600 Crystal View Blvd., Texas City • www.lagoonfesttexas.com 4 Margaritaville Lake Resort Situated alongside Lake Conroe, this resort features a 3-acre water park with a lazy river, splash zone, private beach, heated infinity and waterslide pools, water slides, hot tubs and swim-up bars. Day passes also grant access to mini-golf, arcade games and tennis and pickleball courts. • Open year-round; water slides opened March 6 for spring break season • $20-$119 (day pass), free (ages 5 and younger) • 600 Margaritaville Parkway, Montgomery • www.margaritavilleresorts.com/margaritaville-lake- resort-lake-conroe 5 Pirates Bay Waterpark This pirate-themed water park in Baytown offers a wave pool, a lazy river, water slides and a surfing simulator. • Open daily beginning May 23; weekends only Aug. 15-Sept. 20 • $35.99 (daily admission), $79 (season pass) • 5300 East Road, Baytown • www.baytownpiratesbay.com
7 Schlitterbahn Galveston Waterpark Rivers connect three distinct park sections at this water park in Galveston, which features water slides, raft rides, pools, water coasters and water playgrounds. • Open select days May 2-Sept. 7 • $42-$90 (daily admission), $89-$150 (season pass) • 2109 Gene Lucas Blvd., Galveston • www.sixflags.com/schlitterbahngalveston 8 Six Flags Hurricane Harbor Splashtown A surfing simulator, water slide racers and relaxing lagoons are just a few of the attractions at this water park in Spring. • Open select days May 2-Sept. 7 • $25-$60 (daily ticket), $65-$135 (season pass), free (ages 2 and under) • 21300 I-45 N., Spring • www.sixflags.com/splashtown 9 Typhoon Texas Waterpark Located in Katy, attractions at this water park include a lazy river, a wave pool, multiple water slides and activities for younger swimmers. • Open select days April 11-Sept. 20 • $39.99-$59.99 (any-day tickets), $64.99 (season
From water parks built for thrill-seekers to tranquil lagoons perfect for relaxing, there are several ways for Houston-area residents to cool off this summer. This list is not comprehensive. 1 Big Rivers Waterpark & Adventures Located in New Caney, this water park also features amusement park rides, an inflatable course, zip lines, ax-throwing, a maze, a gator exhibit and a petting zoo. • Open for Spring Adventure days in March; all water attractions open select days April 3-Sept. 30 • $19.99 (single-use day ticket March 7-29), $44.99 (single-use day ticket April 3-Sept. 30), $99.99 (season pass), free (ages 2 and under) 2 Conroe Aquatic Center Water Park Conroe Aquatic Center’s water park has a capacity that is frequently reached and may result in a waitlist, per the website. Admission to the water park is not included with facility memberships; however, those with valid memberships receive half-price admission. • Open select days May 23-Sept. 6 • $10 (season pass or daily guest pass for ages 3 and older), $5 (membership admission for ages 3 and • 23101 Hwy. 242, New Caney • www.bigriverswaterpark.com
passes), free (ages 2 and under) • 555 S. Katy Fort Bend Road, Katy • www.typhoontexas.com/houston
older), free (ages 2 and under) • 1207 Candy Cane Lane, Conroe • www.cityofconroe.org
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
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