Cy-Fair Edition | October 2024

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Cy-Fair Edition VOLUME 16, ISSUE 2 OCT. 10 NOV. 8, 2024

2024 Voter Guide

Taking care of Cy-Fair

“If you look at just the growth here in Cypress coming up the [Hwy.] 290 corridor into Waller County, it’s just extreme growth that we need to keep up with.” JERRY ASHWORTH, CEO, MEMORIAL HERMANN CYPRESS HOSPITAL

Memorial Hermann Cypress Hospital is expanding for the third time since opening in 2017. The project, which will add 58 new beds, is slated to wrap up by 2027.

RENDERING COURTESY MEMORIAL HERMANN CYPRESS HOSPITAL

Hospital systems investing over $1B to improve health care access with new facilities

right here,” said Justin Reed, assistant chief of EMS at the Cy-Fair Fire Department. Hospitals are recruiting sta amid an ongoing shortage of health care workers, as reported by the Texas Department of State Health Services.

locally, and hospital leaders are focused on bringing quality care closer to home. “Competition drives innovation, and I think ultimately, having the three major systems right on [Hwy.] 290 … [is] absolutely going to improve lives and livelihoods by having this sort of competition

BY DANICA LLOYD

Cy-Fair’s health care landscape is growing with a $685 million hospital under construction and two others expanding for a total of $377.5 million. Ocials said “extreme” population growth is driving demand for access to health care services

CONTINUED ON 18

Also in this issue

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Election: Research local candidates, ballot items ahead of Nov. 5 general election (Page 9)

Dining: Pichurro’s Mexican Grill serves up Tex-Mex favorites in Cypress (Page 22)

Fall in love with new model homes

Join us for Bridgeland’s Discovery Home Tour during the first three weekends in Oct. and enjoy touring up to 43 model homes from top builders. Tour 11 models in specific locations by Oct. 20 to be entered to win a $2,500 gift card! Plus, find your dream home by Oct. 31 and receive $5,000* toward closing costs, design upgrades or discount o the price of your new home. Plus, receive $5,000* toward your new home purchase

Mark your calendars and bring the whole family for activities in the model homes, including giveaways, treat trucks and more.

Saturday from 10 AM to 6 PM, Sunday from 12 PM to 6 PM October 5-6 October 19-20 October 12-13

Discover new homes from the low $300s

*Oer available only to buyers signing a new home sales contract in Bridgeland from 10/1/24 through 10/31/24. The $5,000 oer may be applied as discount on the home, design center upgrades, or closing costs on eligible purchases. No substitutions will be permitted. A registration form must be completed at the time the contract is signed. Sales contracts not signed between 10/1/24 and 10/31/24 will not qualify. Homes must close on or before 12/31/25. Homes within Bridgeland are constructed and sold by builders not aliated with Bridgeland Development, LP (BD) or Howard Hughes Holdings Inc. (HHH) or any of their aliated companies or partnerships. Neither BD, nor HHH, nor any of their aliated companies or partnerships, guarantees or warrants the obligations of, or construction by, such builders. Prices and specifications are subject to change.

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CYFAIR EDITION

Our closets have lots of room for smartie pants. When you choose a home from Brookfield Residential, you know you’re getting a well-built home that will last for years to come, and a beautifully designed floor plan that fits your family’s needs, in Elyson, a community rich with parks, pools, and more. But perhaps the best amenity is access to a quality education at schools in Katy ISD – the #1 rated school district in the Houston area! Two elementary schools are right in Elyson, not to mention a junior high and high school that just opened their doors. Plus a brand-new, STEM-focused K-12 public charter school also located in Elyson. STARTING FROM THE HIGH $300s:

• 14 unique floor plans • 1- and 2-story options • 1,779 – 2,955 square feet • 3 – 4 beds & 2 – 3.5 baths

Plan ahead & take the first step toward your future today!

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LONESTAR.EDU/START Spring 2025 registration opens October 14

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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 Wesley Gardner Cassandra Jenkins Rachel Leland Emily Lincke Nichaela Shaheen Jessica Shorten Haley Velasco Aubrey Vogel Carson Weaver Graphic Designers Richard Galvan Ellen Jackson Matt Mills Martha Risinger Jesus Verastegui Taylor White Ronald Winters

Danica Lloyd Senior Editor dlloyd@ communityimpact.com

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CYFAIR EDITION

Impacts

CHAMPION FOREST DR.

S C HIEL RD.

6 The Dessert Cafe The cafe serves sandwiches, soups, coee, croissants, cupcakes, cheesecakes, pies and cookies. • Opened Sept. 3 • 7520 Cherry Park Drive, Ste. B, Houston • www.thedessertcafehtx.com 7 Mak’s Pub & Grill Craft beer, wings, burgers, pasta, salads and sandwiches

L O U E T T

249

WILLOWBROOK MALL

10 21

17 20 23 24

N. BRIDGELAND LAKE PKWY.

99 TOLL

MIL

are on the menu. • Opened Aug. 12 • 9818 Fry Road, Ste. 130, Cypress • www.makspubandgrill.com

CYPRESS N. HOUSTON RD.

BRIDGELAND CREEK PKWY.

290

1960

CYPRESS PLAZA PKWY.

4 8

8 Wow Lash Studio The business oers eyelash extensions, lash lifts, eyebrow waxing, tinting and lamination. • Opened Aug. 19 • 20330 Tuckerton Road, Ste. 300, Cypress • www.wowlashstudiocypress.com 9 IVX Health The business oers biologic injections and infusions to those living with complex chronic conditions. • Opened in early August • 17333 Spring Cypress Road, Ste. E, Cypress • www.ivxhealth.com 10 Pastekos The Mexican fast-food restaurant sells sweet and savory pastes—pastry pockets stued with meats, cheeses, veggies, sauces, rice or fruits. • Opened in August • 2000 Willowbrook Mall, Houston • www.pastekousa.com

SUMMIT POINT CROSSING

A L

GREENHOUSE RD.

L O

FRY RD.

CHERRY PARK DR.

529

MAP NOT TO SCALE

and tacos, the new location features a drive-thru. • Opened Sept. 13 • 20703 Tuckerton Road, Cypress • www.chipotle.com 4 Baskin-Robbins The specialty ice cream chain oers ice cream cones, sundaes and ice cream cakes. • Opened Sept. 14 • 20330 Tuckerton Road, Ste. 900, Cypress • www.baskinrobbins.com 5 Raahi Indian Kitchen & Sweets The eatery oers Indian food, including vegan options. • Opened Sept. 30 • 17695 Hwy. 249, Houston • Facebook: Raahi Indian Kitchen & Sweets

Now open

1 Hanu Premium Korean BBQ The all-you-can-eat Korean BBQ eatery oers lunch and dinner options. • Opened Aug. 16 • 17395 Hwy. 249, Ste. 3J, Houston • Facebook: Hanu Premium Korean BBQ-Houston 2 Premier Meat Market The market oers a selection of meats as well as beer and wine. • Opened Aug. 25

Coming soon

11 Walmart The new location will have a full grocery oering, enhanced apparel selections, pickup and delivery services, a walk-in fuel station, a pharmacy with a health services room, vision center, a mother’s room, and an auto care center.

• 15315 FM 529, Ste. 140, Houston • www.premiermeatmarket.com

3 Chipotle Mexican Grill Known for its build-your-own burritos, bowls, salads

Halloween Safety

• When choosing a costume, stay away from long trailing fabric. If your child is wearing a mask, make sure the eye holes are large enough so he or she can see out. • Provide children with flashlights to carry for lighting or glow sticks as part of their costume. • Use a battery-operated candle or glow-stick in jack-o-lanterns. • Remember to keep exits clear of decorations, so nothing blocks escape routes. • Make sure all smoke alarms in the home are working. • Tell children to stay away from open flames including jack-o-lanterns with candles in them. Be sure they know how to stop, drop and roll if their clothing catches fire. • Have adults around at all times.

CONNECT WITH US!

@CYFAIRFD • #CYFAIRFD

WWW.CYFAIRFD.ORG

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

BY COMMUNITY IMPACT STAFF

• Opening in spring 2025 • 8927 Fry Road, Cypress • www.walmart.com

• Opening this fall • 2000 Willowbrook Mall, Houston • www.frescapalapa.net

Coming soon

12 Checkers The fast-food joint serves burgers, chicken, hot dogs, fries and shakes. • Opening in February • 10855 Jones Road, Houston • www.checkers.com 13 Jeremiah’s Italian Ice The menu includes soft-serve ice cream, Italian ice and “gelati,” which combines the two treats. • Opening TBD 14 88 Korean BBQ & Sushi The restaurant will oer Korean barbecue including beef and chicken options, as well as sushi rolls, sashimi, hand rolls, ramen noodles, rice dishes and hibachi. • Opening in January • 25414 Hwy. 290, Cypress 15 Pure Barre The ¡tness studio oers group workout classes focused on cardio and ¢exibility for people of all levels. • Opening by Oct. 31 • 12020 FM 1960, Ste. 950, Houston • www.purebarre.com • 12620 FM 1960, Houston • www.jeremiahsice.com 16 One Bridgeland Green O£cials announced Sept. 10 three tenants have been con¡rmed for the new mass timber o£ce building: Howard Hughes’ Bridgeland o£ce, CrossCover Insurance and Advanced Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine. • Opening next summer • 20203 Bridgeland Creek Parkway, Cypress • www.onebridgelandgreen.com 17 Fresca Palapa The kiosk will sell aguas frescas and sodas as well as snacks such as fresh fruit and nachos.

In the news

18 Antique Boutique The business has nine dealers of antique and vintage items. It will be hosting a sale Oct. 12-14 to celebrate the store’s ¡rst anniversary. • 11438 Cypress N. Houston Road, Cypress • 346-652-9290 19 Kanga’s Indoor Playcenter The business celebrated its new ownership and facility upgrades Sept. 8. Party packages are available, and the venue is open daily for children to play.

22 P. Terry’s The eatery oers Black Angus beef burgers, handmade chicken patties, fries made from Idaho Burbank potatoes, milkshakes and a breakfast menu. This location will feature an indoor dining room and a double drive-thru. • Breaking ground in 2025 • Bridgeland Creek Parkway and Summit Point Crossing, Cypress • www.pterrys.com

• 11037 FM 1960 W., Houston • www.kangasplaycenter.com

Jack and Jill - Cypress West Houston The organization’s 263rd chapter launched on Aug. 10 under the leadership of Andretta Williams and Khia Chukudebelu. The organization of mothers with children ages 2-19 have a mission to nurture future African American leaders. • www.jackandjillinc.org

Closings

23 Sock Emporium The sock shop has closed its Willowbrook Mall location and will be replaced by Perfumania this fall. • Closed in August • 2000 Willowbrook Mall, Ste. 1226, Houston • www.shopwillowbrookmall.com 24 Jamba Juice The national smoothie chain has closed its Willowbrook Mall location. • Closed July 31 • 2000 Willowbrook Mall, Houston • www.jamba.com

20 Wave The women’s clothing store closed its location at Willowbrook Mall and was replaced by Q Fashions. • Closed Aug. 30 • 2000 Willowbrook Mall, Ste. 1338, Houston • Instagram: wavefashionof§icial 21 Melano Shoes The Willowbrook Mall location closed and will be replaced by Sunglass Time this fall. • Closed in August • 2000 Willowbrook Mall, Ste. 1550, Houston • Instagram: melanoshoes

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Nonpartisan Ballot Information

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Election

BY DANICA LLOYD

Voter Guide

2024

Dates to know

Where to vote

Oct. 21: First day of early voting Oct. 25: Last day to apply for ballot by mail (received, not postmarked) Nov. 1: Last day of early voting Nov. 5: Election Day and the last day to receive ballot by mail (or Nov. 6 if carrier envelope is postmarked by 7 p.m. at location of election on Election Day)

Voters in Harris County can cast their ballot at any polling location during early voting and on Election Day. Visit www.harrisvotes.com for polling locations and more information about the voting process.

Only candidates in contested elections are included. Go to county election websites for information on uncontested races.

KEY: D Democrat G Green L Libertarian R Republican *Incumbent

D Bonnie Lee Goldstein L J. David Roberson Texas Court of Criminal Appeals, presiding judge R David J. Schenck D Holly Taylor Texas Court of Criminal Appeals, Place 7 R Gina Parker D Nancy Mulder Texas Court of Criminal Appeals, Place 8 R Lee Finley D Chika Anyiam

D Christian D. Menefee* Harris County sheri R Mike Knox D Ed Gonzalez* Harris County tax assessor-collector R Steve Radack D Annette Ramirez Harris County commissioner, Precinct 1 R Gerry Vander-Lyn D Rodney Ellis* Harris County commissioner, Precinct 3 R Tom Ramsey* D Saleem Malik Harris County constable, Precinct 4 R Mark Herman* D Sam “Hutch” Hutchison Harris County constable, Precinct 5

Sample ballot

Federal elections President

R Donald J. Trump D Kamala D. Harris L Chase Oliver G Jill Stein U.S. Senate R Ted Cruz* D Colin Allred L Ted Brown U.S. House of Representatives, District 8 R Morgan Luttrell* D Laura Jones U.S. House of Representatives, District 18 R Lana Centonze D Sylvester Turner U.S. House of Representatives, District 38 R Wesley P. Hunt* D Melissa McDonough

Texas Senate, District 7 R Paul Bettencourt* D Michelle Gwinn Texas Senate, District 15 R Joseph L. Trahan D Molly Cook* Texas House, District 130 R Tom Oliverson* D Brett Robinson Texas House, District 132 R Mike Schoeld* D Chase West Texas House, District 138 R Lacey Hull* D Stephanie Morales Texas House, District 148 R Kay Smith D Penny Morales Shaw* Local elections Harris County district attorney R Dan Simons D Sean Teare Harris County attorney R Jacqueline Lucci Smith

R Terry Allbritton D Jerome Moore

Harris County Flood Control District, Proposition A Raise property taxes to $0.04897 per $100 valuation City of Jersey Village, Proposition A Allowing the city to take on $10.1 million in debt for a new municipal pool complex Lone Star College System, Trustee District 1 Michael (Mike) Stoma* Shashanka P. Ashili Paul A. Santillan Lone Star College System, Trustee District 2 Daniel “Danny” Meza Ernestine Pierce* Harris County Emergency Services District No. 9, commissioner Bevin O’Connor Gordon*

State elections Texas railroad commissioner

R Christi Craddick* D Katherine Culbert L Hawk Dunlap G Eddie Espinoza Texas Supreme Court justice, Place 2 R Jimmy Blacklock* D DaSean Jones Texas Supreme Court justice, Place 4 R John Devine* D Christine Vinh Weems Texas Supreme Court justice, Place 6 R Jane Bland*

Jaime H. Martinez David Langenberg* David Farrington

SOURCE: HARRIS COUNTY CLERK’S OFFICE COMMUNITY IMPACT

CYFAIR EDITION

Election

BY MELISSA ENAJE & EMILY LINCKE

Flood control district seeks tax rate increase Harris County Flood Control District ocials said 40% of ood control infrastructure county- wide has less than 10 years left on its lifespan, and 35% needs serious repairs in the next 20 years. Voters will choose in the Nov. 5 election whether to approve a tax rate increase for the HCFCD—from $0.03105 to $0.04897 per $100 valuation—to help fund infrastructure and deferred maintenance work. If approved, the owner of a $379,030 home—the average value in the county—would see a $60 increase per year in property taxes after home- stead exemptions, according to the county Oce of Management and Budget. Zooming in At least $1 billion in project maintenance costs have already been deferred, HCFCD Executive Director Tina Petersen said. While local tax

Voters to decide on city pool revamp A $10.1 million bond to x Jersey Village’s city pool will go before voters Nov. 5. In a nutshell The city’s Clark Henry Pool was built in 1975 and has exceeded the average 30-40 year lifespan of an outdoor pool, according to July 17 meeting documents. According to meeting documents, the $10.1 million reno- vation would include replacing the current six-lane, 5,400-square-foot main pool and 200-square-foot children’s pool with: • A 3,229-square-foot lap pool with six to eight lanes • A 3,078-square-foot recreation pool with play and spray features; a shallow zero- depth area; and a waterslide tower

Harris County Flood Control District historical maintenance costs and capital expenses

Maintenance expenses

Percent increase, 2010-22 +207.49% +14.4%

Capital expenses

$500M

$400M

$300M

$200M

$100M

SOURCES: HARRIS COUNTY FLOOD CONTROL DISTRICT, HARRIS COUNTY OFFICE OF MANAGEMENT AND BUDGETCOMMUNITY IMPACT

incentives have supported various ood control projects, she said necessary maintenance funding has remained at over the past decade.

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BY DANICA LLOYD

KEY: *Incumbent

Harris County Emergency Services District No. 9 commissioner

Why are you running for this position, and what quali es you to be a commissioner? I am committed to transparent governance, the ethical and eective use of tax revenues, and ensuring exceptional emergency response for the Cy-Fair community. As an active community leader, registered nurse, U.S. Navy veteran and incumbent candidate, I have the experience to make informed decisions about eective emergency response.

What would be your top priorities if elected? My top priority is implementing the Cy-Fair Fire Department’s strategic plan, including constructing eight re stations over the next ve to eight years, recruiting and retaining qualied re and EMS sta, and ensuring the acquisition of necessary equipment for rapid response times that meet or exceed industry standards.

Bevin O’Connor Gordon* Occupation & experience: communications director, U.S. Navy veteran, trustee, HCA community board member and registered nurse bevingordonforesd9@gmail.com

My desire to contribute and give back to my community. I love CyFair and have been blessed to live here for past 23 years. I am a business man and have served as government employee in charge of budgets, investments and taxes. I am uniquely qualied to help the …

Support reghters and emergency personnel by making certain they have the resources and support necessary to keep themselves and our community safe.

Jaime H. Martinez Occupation & experience:

accountant; business owner; 30-plus years in nance, ve in government in charge of budgets 281-858-7821 www.jaimemartinez4esd9hc.com David Langenberg* Occupation & experience: re chief for the city of Humble and current commissioner with Cy-Fair Fire Department 281-970-3333 www.votefordavid.org David Farrington Occupation & experience: IT system engineer for 21 years, certied master auto technician for 22 years previous 281-569-4987 www.david4cyfairesd9.com

I am a lifelong Cypress resident, I have been in the re/EMS services for over 26 years, I have been an ESD 9 commissioner for eight years, and I truly care about the safety of this community and keeping our taxes as low as possible.

My top priorities when re-elected will be following the plan we started with the strategic plan and district audit. We will move forward with getting the department ready for the explosion of growth west of [the Grand Parkway] and ensuring we do so while keeping our property taxes the lowest in the county.

I have lived in the Houston/Cy-Fair area for 52 years and I want to help make our community better. I have worked 22 years as a certied master mechanic and the past 21 years as an IT professional and asset manager. My skills and experience will help me provide …

To ensure reghters and rst responders have the resources and backing necessary to do their jobs safely while keeping us protected.

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.

TWO OF THE BOARD'S FIVE POSITIONS ARE UP FOR ELECTION. VOTERS CAN SELECT UP TO TWO CANDIDATES WHEN CASTING THEIR BALLOTS, AND THE TWO CANDIDATES WITH THE MOST VOTES WILL SERVE FOUR¦YEAR TERMS.

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CYFAIR EDITION

Election

BY DANICA LLOYD

KEY: D Democrat R Republican *Incumbent

Harris County commissioner, Precinct 3

Why are you running for this position, and what quali es you for the role? As the current Precinct 3 commissioner, I want to make sure residents live in safe neighborhoods; are protected from ooding in their homes, businesses and schools; have good roads to drive on; and that we use our tax dollars responsibly and with transparency.

What are the top issues facing Precinct 3, and how would you address them if elected? I host public meetings; I hear from people every week: the answer is always the same. People want to be safe, they ask for better infrastructure and they want taxes to be spent wisely. My record is out there, and I will continue to prioritize my actions on these issues.

Tom Ramsey* Occupation & experience: retired civil engineer, small-business owner, current Precinct 3 commissioner www.commissionertomramsey.com

Being a resident of Harris County, Texas, for the past nine years, I believe the people of Harris County deserve more than just building roads and bridges. I am a public servant working as a police ocer for about seven years. I am already serving the residents of Harris County.

I believe security and safety is the top concern Harris County is facing at this point.

Saleem Malik Occupation & experience:

police ocer with Harris County Constable’s Oce Precinct 4; managerial position with retail chain; real estate agent www.saleemmalik.org

Learn More

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

BY KELLY SCHAFLER & NICHAELA SHAHEEN

KEY: D Democrat R Republican *Incumbent

What policies or initiatives do you propose to address the issues you’ve identi ed? I will continue to work with my colleagues in the Texas House and Texas Senate, on both sides of the aisle, to ensure we pass sensible and scally conservative legislation that will ensure Texas remains the best place to work, live and raise a family.

Texas House, District 130

What is your top priority, if elected?

My top priorities are securing the border, making sure parents can choose the best educational path for their children and continuing to lower property taxes for Texans.

Tom Oliverson* Occupation & experience:

anesthesiologist, served four terms in Texas House, chair of Insurance Committee, president of the National Council of Insurance Legislators www.tomoliverson.com Brett Robinson Occupation & experience: Masters in Public Administration, eld organizer, fellow for Adrian Garcia, UH Democrats VP, head coach www.brett4texas.com

In addition to restoring reproductive freedom, which includes establishing the right to [in vitro fertilization] and contraception, protecting public education from vouchers is another top priority. Texas ranks in the bottom 10 states for education funding, meanwhile 70% of Texas teachers are considering quitting. The situation is dire.

Restore Roe v. Wade, because it is the right we had for 50 years. It established abortion restrictions by trimester and served as a balanced compromise for both sides. As for public education, we need to increase the basic allotment, reduce class sizes and value our teachers with higher pay.

You always make time for others. Make time for you.

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CYFAIR EDITION

Election

BY NICHAELA SHAHEEN

What speci c policies or initiatives do you propose to address the issues you’ve identi ed? I have funded over $6.5 million in law enforcement projects to combat crime in Houston. I have never taken a single vote to increase decit spending, which has led to hyperin ation. And this year, my bill [House Resolution] 7377, which will lower energy prices, passed the House and Senate.

U.S. House, District 38

What is your top priority, if elected?

In the 42 years I have been alive, this is the worst in ation I have ever seen. My top priority is making life more aordable again for everyday Houstonians, Texans and Americans, which starts by unleashing American energy.

Wesley Hunt* Occupation & experience: U.S. Congressman www.wesleyfortexas.com

First things rst: elect a Speaker (on the rst try) and pass a budget (which the 118th has been unable to do). After that, we need to address health care for women, children, veterans and the elderly, reduce housing costs and x the border situation.

Codify Roe and protect physicians. Our health care quality is suering because of the state abortion ban. Extend veteran health care coverage to problems that arise beyond the ve-year separation of duty. Reduce housing costs by freeing up supply with tax incentives, such as tax breaks for widows and widowers. Fund the border.

Melissa McDonough Occupation & experience: real estate brokerage owner, presiding judge, ballot board, signature verication, central count www.melissaforcongress.com

Join us for a trick-or-treating trail through 8 enchanting model homes! We’re giving out healthier treats instead of conventional candy, keeping your kids’ well-being in mind.

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Education

BY HANNAH NORTON & CHLOE YOUNG CONTRIBUTIONS BY DANICA LLOYD

TEA once again blocked from issuing A F ratings for Texas public schools

The AF accountability system The Texas Education Agency’s accountability system was established by the 2017 Texas Legislature based on factors including:

The annual State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness

For the second year in a row, a Travis County judge blocked the Texas Education Agency from releasing its AF accountability ratings for Texas school districts and campuses Sept. 18. The case echoes a 2023 lawsuit from over 100 school districts, including Cy-Fair ISD, which alleged the TEA’s revamped accountability system was “unlawful” and would unfairly harm school districts. The agency was set to release ratings for the 2023-24 school year on Aug. 15. In a lawsuit led Aug. 12, ve public school districts said the TEA has not been transparent about changes to its accountability system and failed to x “mistakes” made last year. An additional 27 districts have since joined the lawsuit as of press time. A TEA spokesperson told Community Impact the agency plans to appeal; however, the injunction

will remain in eect unless an appeals court issues a new ruling, according to court documents. More details Texas’ AF system, designed in 2017, gives parents insight into the quality of their children’s schools. If a campus or district receives a failing grade for several years in a row, the state can intervene. CFISD has only received ocial ratings in two years since the system launched—a “B” in 2018-19 and an “A” in 2021-22. Most other years, the district was not rated due to interruptions from Hurricane Harvey in 2017 and from the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and 2021. The lawsuit alleges that the State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness—which the state redesigned to feature more open-ended questions and be administered fully online—has

Academic growth

High school graduation rates

Student preparedness for college, a career or the military

SOURCE: TEXAS EDUCATION AGENCYCOMMUNITY IMPACT

become a “awed assessment instrument” that the TEA failed to verify by a third party. Travis County Judge Daniella DeSeta Lyttle sided with the plaintis in blocking the ratings for the 2023-24 school year after hearing arguments Sept. 16-17. A full trial is set for Feb. 10.

Cy-Fair Educational Foundation

Hyatt Regency Houston West • October 19, 2024

HCA Houston Healthcare North Cypress Missing Man Underwriter Howard Hughes 1st Lt. Jeremy Ray Fallen Soldier Sponsor

SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE Veteran Tickets - $75 • Individual Tickets - $125

Guest Speaker Chad Robichaux – USMC Force Recon Veteran In 2021, Chad notably led the e ort to rescue Americans, our allies, and vulnerable individuals stranded during the US withdrawal from Afghanistan. What began as a personal quest to rescue a long-time friend and Afghan interpreter evolved into a full-edged humanitarian operation. Under Chad’s leadership, he and his team have successfully evacuated over 17,000 people from the hands of the Taliban. Since Afghanistan Chad has continued to organize and lead humanitarian e orts around the world.

GARAGE SALE FOR A CAUSE

Contact Marie Holmes at 281.370.0144 • eCFEF.org

CY FAIR EDITION

Transportation

Events

BY ATIRIKTA KUMAR & HANNAH NORTON

BY ATIRIKTA KUMAR & DANICA LLOYD

Local projects included in Unied Transportation Program

VFW 8905 Sip and Shop community market Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 8905 is hosting a community market sip and shop. The event is held indoors and has vendor spots starting at $40. • Oct. 19, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. • Free (admission) • 21902 Hwy. 290, Cypress • www.vfw8905.org

October

Good Shepherd Church pumpkin patch The front lawn of the church will transform into a pumpkin patch On Oct. 27, the church will hold a

The Texas Transportation Commission approved a $148 billion investment in the Texas Department of Transportation’s 2025 Unied Transportation Program on Aug. 22 to improve the 100 most congested roadways, including ones in Houston. What it means The Unied Transportation Program is the state department of transportation’s 10-year plan, which is updated annually following public feedback. “With the adoption of this record-breaking $148 billion transportation investment, Texas will con- tinue to meet the needs of Texans in rural, urban and suburban communities while also improving roadway congestion and safety,” Gov. Greg Abbott said in a news release. Ocials are expected to distribute around $14.5 billion for Houston-area projects. Despite having approval, there is no guarantee that all the projects in the 2025 UTP will be completed, according to TxDOT ocials.

The breakdown 1 Hwy. 6 intersection improvement at FM 529 • Estimated start date: 2025-29 • Cost: $8.7 million 2 Hwy. 249 widening from Beltway 8 to I45 • Estimated start date: 2025-29 • Cost: $306 million 3 FM 529 widening from FM 362 to the Grand Parkway • Estimated start date: 2025-29 • Cost: $188.6 million 4 I10 widening from Voss Road to Studemont Street • Estimated start date: 2025-35 • Cost: $1.17 billion

concert along with trunk or treat. • Through Oct. 31, 10 a.m.-dusk • Free (admission) • 20155 Cypresswood Drive, Cypress • www.goodchurch.us

1960

290

249

November

529

Pet costume contest Pet Evolution hosts a contest for best pet costume, children’s costume, and human/pet duo costume. • Oct. 12, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. • Free (admission) • 26349 Hwy. 290, Cypress • www.facebook.com/petevolutioncypress Judy Dierker Holiday Market This annual holiday market is a fundraiser to help support The Foundry Church’s mission partners. Guests can expect shopping, a silent auction and a bake shop. • Oct. 18-19, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. • Free (admission) • 8350 Jones Road, Houston • www.foundrychurch.org/holidaymarket

Church garage sale Lakewood Methodist Church will hold its annual garage sale in November. All purchases are cash only. • Nov. 2, 8 a.m.-3 p.m. • Free (admission)

Friday Night Bites Lakeland Village Center hosts an event on the second Friday of the month to showcase its retailers and restaurants. Shoppers and diners can enjoy dishes from Houston food trucks such as Katy Sliders, Skye Cafe, Swaggin Wings and The Lick.

99 TOLL

362

• 11330 Louetta Road, Houston • www.lakewoodmethodist.org

529

CFISD Health Expo Attendees can take advantage of health screenings, ¢u shots, children’s activities and vendor booths at the Berry Center. • Nov. 16, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. • Free (admission) • 8877 Barker Cypress Road, Cypress • www.cyfairchamber.com

• Oct. 11, 6-10 p.m. • Free (admission) • 10519 Fry Road, Cypress • www.bridgeland.com

610

SOURCE: TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION’S 2025 UNIFIED TRANSPORTATION PROGRAM COMMUNITY IMPACT

HUFFMEISTER 8945 Hwy 6 N (281) 859-5879 SPRING CYPRESS 22508 Hwy 249 (281) 379-7383

BARKER CYPRESS 17996 FM 529 (281) 656-4200 JONES ROAD 17414 NW Fwy (713) 983-8827

Taking care of Cy-Fair From the cover

Long story short

Local hospital projects

Nearly three years after breaking ground, the 569,100-square-foot Houston Methodist Cypress Hospital is set to open in March. Associate Chief Nursing Ocer Nick Escobedo said he is already seeing the value its services will bring. “For things like breast imaging and medical oncology services, which were kind of lacking in the Cypress community, now we’re bringing access,” he said. In July, ocials with Memorial Hermann Cypress Hospital announced plans to build a new six-story tower. New operating rooms, an additional cardiac catheterization lab and additional emergency beds are included in these plans. “We just announced our third expansion in three years. That speaks to the growth that’s happening in this community,” said Jerry Ashworth, Memorial Hermann Cypress Hospital CEO. Ocials with HCA Houston Healthcare North Cypress announced plans in August to expand with a new three-story tower, including an acute rehabilitation unit and a medical surgical unit. All three hospital campuses have additional capacity for growth beyond these projects, ocials said.

99 TOLL

249

290

Memorial Hermann Cypress Hospital • $277.5M expansion • Opening: 2027 • New beds: 58 • Total beds: 201

HCA Houston Healthcare North Cypress • $100M expansion • Opening: spring 2026 • New beds: 53 • Total beds: 216

TUCKERTON RD.

Houston Methodist Cypress Hospital • $685M new construction • Opening: March • Initial beds: 100 • Total beds at build-out: 400

HUFFMEISTER RD.

SOURCES: MEMORIAL HERMANN CYPRESS HOSPITAL, HOUSTON METHODIST CYPRESS HOSPITAL, HCA HOUSTON HEALTHCARE NORTH CYPRESSCOMMUNITY IMPACT

Diving in deeper

What the experts say

Gulf Coast registered nurses

Supply

Demand

Unmet demand

While the state health department reports a growing demand for health care workers, supply is expected to trail behind for years to come. Debby Hughes, director of human resources for Houston Methodist Cypress Hospital, said this shortage isn’t new. She said recruitment for all positions is in full swing. Local hospital CEOs said they believe it’s crucial to partner with higher education institutions and to help inspire younger students to pursue careers in the medical eld. “How do we help them on their path to becom- ing a health care professional? It’s nding and starting and investing in that pipeline much, much earlier than we ever have before,” Ashworth said. Ashworth said nursing schools need more state support as thousands of qualied applicants are turned away annually due to limited resources. Warren Bair, instructional dean of allied health and public services at Lone Star College-CyFair, said his team is “very much aware” of health care workforce shortages, and their health care programs at the college operate near full capacity.

100,000

“We see access as directly related to quality. If you’re sick [and] you can’t get in, you can’t get diagnosed, … it’s going to be harder to get you well as soon as you need to be to get back to your family.” TRENT FULIN, CEO, HOUSTON METHODIST CYPRESS HOSPITAL

75,000

10.6%

50,000

10.4%

25,000

Gulf Coast primary care physicians

Unmet demand

Supply

Demand

“I think, for many, that drive into the Texas Medical Center is intimidating. When you’re hospitalized close to where you live, it aords a better opportunity for your family, for your friends,

10,000

7,500

5,000

38.1%

33.8%

2,500

to participate in your care.” JIM BROWN, CEO, HCA HOUSTON HEALTHCARE NORTH CYPRESS

SOURCE: TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF STATE HEALTH SERVICES COMMUNITY IMPACT

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

BY DANICA LLOYD CONTRIBUTIONS BY CARSON WEAVER

Put in perspective

Looking ahead

Patient oload time in Cy-Fair

Reed said it takes about 33 minutes for a Cy-Fair Fire Department ambulance to ooad a patient at a local hospital before those rst responders are available to respond to the next emergency. During a natural disaster, the process can take four hours, he said. Before Memorial Hermann Cypress Hospital opened in 2017, most ambulance trac went to what is now known as HCA Houston Healthcare North Cypress, Reed said. He believes adding hospital capacity along Cy-Fair’s main thorough- fare will “instantly” help relieve overloaded health care systems. “We operate at 100% capacity many months of the year, and as a result, … patients may wait for beds longer than we would like,” said Jim Brown, HCA Houston Healthcare North Cypress CEO. “By adding this additional capacity, it aords us the opportunity to expedite services to those patients that are waiting for beds.”

Houston Methodist Cypress Hospital CEO Trent Fulin said this hospital will leverage articial intelligence, natural language processing and ambient technology as patients are seeking convenience in their health care. James Langabeer, professor of emergency medicine and public health at UTHealth Houston, said enrollment in biomedical informatics, which studies how data can help solve problems in health care delivery, has increased 50% in the last ve years. Health care demand will also rise as the population ages; Langabeer said 75% of the average person’s health expenses occur in their last ve years. “We’ve been working hard to do our part to ... get more students interested and through our programs into that eld,” Bair said.

18 minutes

Freestanding emergency room

33 minutes

In-district hospital

40 minutes

Out-of-district hospital

37 minutes

Specialty hospital

The national standard for patient o£oad time is less than 20 minutes .

SOURCE: CY¢FAIR FIRE DEPARTMENT COMMUNITY IMPACT

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CYFAIR EDITION

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Business

BY JOVANNA AGUILAR

Pothos are one of the most common house plants recommended for beginners.

Sow Cute oers a variety of hoya plants and has a membership program where participants can get a free plant each month.

PHOTOS BY JOVANNA AGUILARCOMMUNITY IMPACT

Sow Cute specializes in small plants, cuttings in Cypress In January 2022, Isadora Cristobal opened Sow Cute, a plant shop with rare small plants and cuttings propagated in her home garden.

said she sources her plants from private sellers and travels to collect and propagate cuttings. What else? Plants at Sow Cute are sold in terracotta pots, which help ensure plants are not overwatered by allowing the ow of air and water. Cristobal said she oers plant enthusiasts care tips and extends her knowledge on Instagram. She said she recommends new plant owners place indoor plants where they can receive sunlight from the east and suggests starting with plants that are easy to maintain, such as pothos and cacti. Cristobal also oers a rewards program where customers can earn “leaves” or points with each purchase and get free plants at the shop.

Sow Cute oers accessories sold by local vendors.

“I don’t wholesale or import. [I carry] plants that I propagate from my own collection,” Cristobal said. What they oer Popular plants at the shop include philoden- drons, snake plants and succulents. The business is also known for its collection of hoyas, an Asian plant with over 900 species. Rare hoyas oered at the plant shop are displayed and oered to Sow Cute members only. Member- ships are $10 a month and allow members to pick out any hoya plant on the wall for free each month. With fresh cuts ranging from $5-$100, Cristobal

N. BRIDGELAND LAKE PKWY.

16718 House & Hahl Road, Ste. J, Cypress Instagram: sowcute_

There’s a new storyteller in the driver’s seat. Hop In & Travel With Us for Season 53 of Texas Country Reporter with new host J.B. Sauceda.

CYFAIR EDITION

Dining

BY JOVANNA AGUILAR

Ceviche ($16.99) is cooked in lime juice, fresh tomato, onion, cilantro and avocado.

El bueno ($22.99) includes bacon-wrapped shrimp, chicken, beef, sausage, rice, beans, guacamole and pico de gallo.

PHOTOS BY JOVANNA AGUILARCOMMUNITY IMPACT

Pichurro’s Mexican Grill oers Tex-Mex in Cypress Pichurro’s Mexican Grill expanded from Tomball to Cypress in November 2023.

experience comes from generations of family- owned restaurants. On the menu The restaurant specializes in Tex-Mex with recipes from previous family generations. Menu items include sizzling fajitas and enchiladas. “What makes our restaurant special is the quality of food and service we oer,” Ivan said. Pichurro’s Mexican Grill oers specials includ- ing kids eat free Thursdays with the purchase of an adult meal; happy hour all day Monday and Tuesday; and $3 small margaritas on Saturdays. “We hope that new customers will come and give us a chance and try our version of Tex-Mex,” Rodriguez said.

Pichurro’s Mexican Grill oers a full bar and holds happy hours throughout the week.

“We worked at El Charro Mexican Restaurant in Cypress for over 10 years and decided to open our own restaurant with our experience and family recipes,” owner Ivan Aguado said. A family affair Pichurro’s Mexican Grill is owned by brothers Ivan Aguado, Ignasio Aguado, Romelio Aguado and their uncle Johny Rodriguez. Ivan Aguado said he’s lived in the Cypress area since he was in middle school; however his family-owned restaurant opened in Tomball in June 2022. Ivan Aguado said the family’s restaurant

CYPRESSWOOD DR.

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