Cy-Fair Edition | February 2023

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CYFAIR EDITION

VOLUME 14, ISSUE 6 FEB. 8MARCH 2, 2023

DRAWING THE LINES

In addition to populating new campuses, Cy-Fair ISD attendance boundary changes will help relieve overcrowded campuses by rezoning students to underused campuses. Although CFISD is not expected to open a new high school until the 2030s, many campuses will be impacted by rezoning starting in 2023-24.

*PROJECTED 10YEAR GROWTH

2012 107,660 enrolled

*2032 120,397 projected

2022 118,565 enrolled

1 Bridgeland 2 Cypress Park 3 Cypress Woods 4 Cypress Ranch 5 Cypress Springs 6 Cypress Lakes 7 Langham Creek 8 Cypress Falls 9 Cy-Fair 10 Cypress Creek 11 Jersey Village 12 Cypress Ridge HIGH SCHOOLS 10-YEAR ENROLLMENT GROWTH

2002 67,441 enrolled

+59.6%

+10.1%

+1.5%

Cypress Falls and Langham Creek will gain students.

Cy-Fair and Cypress Creek tweaks better align feeder patterns.

Dunham Pointe will be zoned to Cypress Woods.

Hopdoddy Burger Bar coming soon to Towne Lake

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Cy-Fair to host wrestling state championship

2023 24 BOUNDARIES

2022 23 BOUNDARIES

SOURCES: CYFAIR ISD, POPULATION AND SURVEY ANALYSTS, TEXAS EDUCATION AGENCYCOMMUNITY IMPACT

New Cy-Fair ISD attendance zones to balance enrollment In a split 4-3 vote, the Cy-Fair ISD board approved new attendance boundaries at a Jan. 12 meeting to populate three new campuses opening in the next two years. BY DANICA LLOYD and one dierent ways that you could possibly accom- plish this,” Chief of Sta Teresa Hull said Dec. 8. “It’s unfortunate that I do think that this is a situation we’re going to nd ourselves in over the next few years as the district completes its build-out, but we still have to address growth in dierent areas, and we have to balance some of those enrollments.”

First responders to receive raises

Dozens of other attendance boundaries were also altered to relieve overcrowded schools, better utilize campuses operating under capacity and better align feeder patterns, district ocials said. More than 6,000 students are expected to be impacted. “I know that it’s not easy. There are certainly a million

Public safety Public safety

A committee of 18 district ocials representing curric- ulum, athletics, transportation and other departments

CONTINUED ON 18

County jail population, deaths swell in 2022

In 2022, the Harris County Jail recorded the highest number of in-custody deaths since 2006, and the population surged to numbers not seen since 2011. Harris County’s overburdened jail

Local meat market oers Latin American products

BY RACHEL CARLTON

The Harris County Jail was pushed to its limits in 2022: the average daily population in the third quarter of the year rose above 10,000 people for the rst time since 2011, according to the county’s jail population dashboard. The Texas Commission on Jail Standards also found the jail out of compliance twice in the lat- ter half of 2022: once Sept. 7 for

Pull the newest teaser from CC Libraries

in-custody deaths in Harris County Jail in 2022 27

of inmates on Aug. 1 were incarcerated pretrial, up from 58.8% in August 2012 84.9%

approved by Commissioners Court to outsource inmates to other jails in 2022 $34.89M

average jail population in third quarter 2022, the most since 2011 10,033

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SOURCES: HARRIS COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE, OFFICE OF COUNTY ADMINISTRATION, TEXAS COMMISSION ON JAIL STANDARDSCOMMUNITY IMPACT

CONTINUED ON 20

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THIS ISSUE

ABOUT US Owners John and Jennifer Garrett launched

MARKET TEAM GENERAL MANAGER Kathie Snyder EDITOR Danica Lloyd GRAPHIC DESIGNER Taylor White ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Rebecca Robertson METRO LEADERSHIP PUBLISHER Jason Culpepper MANAGING EDITOR Matt Stephens COPY EDITORS Adrian Gandara & Kasey Salisbury ART PRODUCTION MANAGER Ethan Pham CONTACT US 16300 Northwest Freeway Jersey Village, TX 77040 • 2814696181 CI CAREERS communityimpact.com/careers PRESS RELEASES cyfnews@communityimpact.com ADVERTISING cyfads@communityimpact.com Learn more at communityimpact.com/advertising EMAIL NEWSLETTERS communityimpact.com/newsletter SUPPORT US Join your neighbors by giving to the CI Patron program. Funds support our journalistic mission to provide trusted, local news in your community. Learn more at communityimpact.com/cipatron Community Impact in 2005, and the company is still locally owned today. We have expanded to include hundreds of team members and have created our own software platform and printing facility. CI delivers 35+ localized editions across Texas to more than 2.5 million residential mailboxes.

HIGHLIGHTS FROM THIS MONTH

FROM KATHIE: The new year is underway, and I am lled with the sense that great opportunities are coming our way in Cypress and Cy-Fair. As you know, we covered the projected population growth last month, and this month, we explain how that growth has led to the rezoning of local schools in Cy-Fair ISD (see Page 24). Kathie Snyder, GENERAL MANAGER

FROM DANICA: Our Harris County Reporter Rachel Carlton brings us updates on the Harris County jail system this month, including a surging population and the highest death toll since 2006, among other challenges in the county criminal justice system (see Page 26). Plus, increased trac on the Grand Parkway has urged transportation planning experts to move up a planned widening project by three years. See Page 11 for more details. Danica Lloyd, EDITOR

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CYFAIR EDITION • FEBRUARY 2023

IMPACTS

Businesses that have recently opened or are coming soon, relocating or expanding

G R A N T R

BOTKINS RD.

SCHIELRD.

L O U E T T A

VINTAGE PARK BLVD.

249

Hopdoddy Burger Bar

COURTESY HOPDODDY BURGER BAR

6 Flip N Dip Burger opened in November at 13203 Fry Road, Cypress, oering a vari- ety of burgers, chicken wings, tender bites, loaded fries, chicken sandwiches and sides. 281-758-5307. www.ipndip.net 7 Ichiru Ramen and Sushi opened at 26084 Hwy. 290, Ste. 150, Cypress, in November. The eatery serves Japanese sushi and ramen dishes as well as soups, salads, bao, lunch specials and bento boxes. 281-369-7588. www.ichiru.kwickmenu.com 8 Orange Lee’s PoBoys & Wings opened in late 2022 at 11308 Humeister Road, Houston, serving New Orleans-inspired cuisine, including po’boys, wings, fried rice, salads, chicken and waes, nachos, sea- food gumbo, Alfredo shrimp pasta, fried catsh and desserts. 832-960-7365. www.facebook.com/ orangeleespoboyswings 9 Bobahouse opened Jan. 2 at 8302 N. Eldridge Parkway, Ste. 210, Houston, serving various avors of iced teas and milk teas with topping options; coee; smoothies and hot teas; and tea party sets that come with baked goods. www.facebook.com/bobahouse.us 10 Sri Satyanarayana Temple of Greater Houston , 24801 Botkins Road, Hockley, hosted a grand opening event Feb. 3-5. The temple aims to “provide a place for the growing Indian community to meet and get to know each other,” but all races and religions are welcome, according to the website. 281-560-3065. www.sstgh.org 11 Shiba Liquor opened in January at 12634 Grant Road, Ste. A, Cypress, of- fering beer, wine, liquor, mixers, snacks, party supplies, bar accessories and gifts. 346-808-7571. www.shibaliquor.com

WILLOWBROOK MALL

MILL

99 TOLL

N. BRIDGELAND LAKE PKWY.

HOUSE & HAHL RD.

N . H O U S T

290

R E S S

1960

99 TOLL

L O

529

MAP NOT TO SCALE

NOW OPEN 1 Jon Smith Subs opened at 8350 Fry Road, Ste. 600, Cypress, on Jan. 16. The eatery oers six-inch and footlong submarine sandwiches, including classics, such as turkey breast and tuna sandwich- es, as well as localized options, including Cajun and teriyaki subs. 281-213-4871. www.jonsmithsubs.com 2 Kelsey-Seybold Clinic - Faireld opened Jan. 9 at 27020 Hwy. 290, Cypress. The new 22,500-square-foot facility oers family medicine and

4 Bluen Hibachi & Sushi opened Jan. 1 at 17395 Hwy. 249, Houston, according to owner Lorence Eang. The restaurant’s head chef, Chef Lee, has over 20 years of experience. The restaurant of- fers hibachi meals and sushi options, such as mango and shrimp rolls. 281-653-9683 5 Cosa Nostra Cucina Italiana celebrated its soft opening in late December in the Willowbrook Plaza shopping center, 17485 Hwy. 249, Houston. Owned by Adriana and Sergio Bosco and Antonio and Daniele Avolio, the restaurant serves handmade pasta and Italian cuisine, such as beef carpaccio. 832-604-7460

internal medicine primary care for adults as well as on-site X-ray and laboratory services. Pediatric, dermatology, OB/GYN and orthopedic specialists are expected to join the clinic this year. 713-442-8400. www.kelsey-seybold.com 3 Teriyaki Madness opened Jan. 24 at 14123 Grant Road, Cypress. The fast- casual eatery is known for its made-to- order Japanese-style teriyaki bowls. This location will primarily focus on takeout business but will have limited dine-in seating, ocials said. 346-248-6015. www.teriyakimadness.com

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

COMPILED BY COMMUNITY IMPACT STAFF

COMING SOON 16 A new location of Hopdoddy Burger Bar is slated to open in early March at the Boardwalk at Towne Lake, 9945 Barker Cypress Road, Ste. 129, Cypress. The eatery’s menu features several burgers, sandwiches, burger bowls, fried chicken, fries and shakes, and Hopdoddy’s bar serves wine, beer and cocktails. This location will feature a patio space with garage doors opening to the bar. 281-251-2337. www.hopdoddy.com 17 Code Wiz coding and robotics learn- ing center is planning a grand opening for March 11 at 16718 House & Hahl Road, Ste. I, Cypress. The business oers classes for children ages 7-17 and aims to teach kids to think outside the box and develop problem-solving skills, owner Ton Bui said. 832-653-9079. www.thecodewiz.com/cypress-tx 18 Koozies Sports Bar and Grill is slated to open in February at 8190 Barker Cypress Road, Ste. 300, Cypress. The full-service sports bar will serve classic American cuisine. 281-815-3121. www.kooziesbar.com NEW OWNERSHIP 19 Kristin King, who joined the Amy Wine Counseling Center sta as clinical director in 2021, purchased and rebranded the business as Sequoia Counseling Cen- ter on Dec. 1. Located at 17920 Humeis- ter Road, Ste. 150, Cypress, the counseling center continues to provide the same services, including counseling for children, teens, adults, families and couples. 832-421-8714. www.sequoiacounselingcenter.com NAME CHANGE Cypress Families for Public Schools , formerly known as Cy-Fair Civic Alliance, launched the nonprot’s rebrand Jan. 16. The nonpartisan organization’s mission is “to engage, inform and unite Cy-Fair ISD sta, parents, students and taxpayers.” Since launching in November 2021, the group has delivered appreciation gifts to CFISD librarians, held school supply drives and awarded a scholarship to a CFISD graduate. www.cypressfps.org

Code Wiz

COURTESY CODE WIZ

12 Local nonprot Cy-Hope opened a second location of The Hope Chest resale market in late January at 6545 Stockdick School Road, Katy. Proceeds will support programming that helps meet the needs of underserved local youth. The shop accepts donated items, such as clothing, furniture, antiques, books and household items. 281-758-1003. www.cy-hope.org 13 A new location of Jersey Mike’s Subs opened Jan. 11 at 8940 Barker Cypress Road, Cypress. Jersey Mike’s oers fresh sliced subs with a variety of meats, cheeses and vegetables. Daniel Runzheimer and Benjamin Tupaj own this franchise location. 346-445-8222. www.jerseymikes.com 14 Live Hydration Spa celebrated a Dec. 2 grand opening for its new location in Vintage Park. Located at 130 Vintage Park Blvd., Ste. D, Houston, the business oers IV treatments designed to help shorten recovery time after an injury or a competition, and to help support increased athletic ability. 832-476-7837. www.livehydrationspa.com 15 HealthySmiles Pet Dental opened Nov. 30 at 17445 Spring Cypress Road, Ste. F, Cypress, oering anesthesia-free dental cleanings for dogs and cats as well pet chiropractic services, wellness exams and raindrop therapy. 832-281-5281. www.healthysmiles.pet Fresh Coat Painters of Northwest Hous- ton opened in the fall of 2022 oering residential and commercial painting and related services, such as wallpaper installation and removal, drywall repair, texture matching, pressure washing, and deck and fence staining. 346-541-4043. www.freshcoatpainters.com

Xiomara Zabala owns Dolce Art Custom Cakes and plans to open her storefront soon.

COURTESY DOLCE ART CUSTOM CAKES

FEATURED IMPACT COMING SOON After years of running her custom cake business, Xiomara Zabala plans to open her rst storefront this February at 14908 Hwy. 290, Houston, near Jersey Village. Dolce Art Custom Cakes will oer custom cakes for any occasion, and Zabala said she will also oer a variety of cakes and baked treats for purchase in-store. The shop will initially be open Tue.-Fri. from 11 a.m.-7 p.m. and Sat. from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Zabala said she hopes to grow her team and oer baking classes in the future, which may include kids camps and even small party packages for groups of 20 or less. “The vision for this cake studio is not only to make beautiful cakes but provide unique experiences,” she said. Her whole family pitches in to help make this vision a reality, according to her son Miguel.

“The opening of our new storefront this year is a monumental milestone in the advancement of our American dream story,” he said. “Our family immigrated from Venezuela to Cypress in 2004. Many changes came along with this move, including 180-degree career changes for my mother and father. [My mother] leveraged skills she learned from only a few-day baking workshop in her country to make edible art to simply provide for her family in times of need.” 281-882-9259. www.mydolceart.com

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CYFAIR EDITION • FEBRUARY 2023

TODO LIST

February events

COMPILED BY JOVANNA AGUILAR

FEBRUARY 10 LEARN ABOUT SOCIAL MEDIA MARKETING Amanda Trickey, a local digital marketing expert and the owner of Modern Marketing & Media, will teach a free Intro to Social Media for Business class. 3-5 p.m. Free. Lone Star College-Tomball Community Library, 30555 Hwy. 249, Tomball. 832-559-4200. www.marketingtomball.com 11 THROUGH 26 SEE A HORSE RACE Sam Houston Race Park live thoroughbred racing continues. Events include premier racing events, a variety of promotions and drink specials from 3-5 p.m. on Fridays. 1 p.m. (select dates). Free (children ages 5 and younger), $5 (general admission). Sam Houston Race Park, 7575 N. Sam Houston Parkway W., Houston. 281-807-8700. www.shrp.com 17 THROUGH 25 SEE AN AMERICAN CLASSIC LIVE Playhouse 1960 presents “The Women” by Clare Boothe Luce, an American classic about the hardships of womanhood in an articial society. 8 p.m. (Fri.-Sat.). $24.50-$27.50. Playhouse 1960, 6814 Gant Road, Ste. 116, Houston. 281-587-8243. www.playhouse1960.com

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ALL THE BOOKS HOUSTON DOUBLETREE BY HILTON

21 ATTEND A JERSEY VILLAGE TOWN HALL Jersey Village Mayor Bobby Warren will host a town hall meeting. Residents are encouraged to attend to ask any questions they may have. 7-9 p.m. Free. Jersey Village Civic Center, 16327 Lakeview Drive, Jersey Village. 713-466-2100. www.jerseyvillagetx.com A cake decorating class is followed by a Valentine’s Day-themed craft session. 11 a.m.-2 p.m. $65-$154. 16718 House & Hahl Road, Unit C1, Cypress. www.arworkshop.com (Courtesy The Flour Petal Bakery)

25 SWING BY A CAR SHOW Heritage at Towne Lake will be hosting its 11th annual car show. A portion of prots will be donated to local charitable organizations. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Free (admission), $25 (car registration). Heritage at Towne Lake Lodge, 19201 N. Canyon Lake Springs Drive, Cypress. 281-373-0970. The University Interscholastic League wrestling state tournament will be held in Cy-Fair. 8 a.m.-9 p.m. $15-$25. 8877 Barker Cypress Road, Cypress. 512-471-5883. www.uiltexas.org/ wrestling (Courtesy Cy-Fair ISD)

This All the Books Houston book signing event features various authors. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. $5-$35. 15747 John F. Kennedy Blvd., Houston. www.allthebookseventhouston.com (Courtesy All the Books Houston)

27 THROUGH 28 HEAR A MADRIGAL FESTIVAL PERFORMANCE

The Langham Creek High School Choir invites the community to listen as singers preview the music they are taking to San Antonio for the Madrigal Festival. 7-9 p.m. Free. The Foundry Church, 8350 Jones

Road, Houston. 281-463-5426. www.langhamcreekchoir.org

Find more or submit Cy-Fair events at communityimpact.com/event-calendar. Event organizers can submit local events online to be considered for the print edition. Submitting details for consideration does not guarantee publication.

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TRANSPORTATION UPDATES Grand Parkway widening rescheduled due to high priority

COMPILED BY DANICA LLOYD

ONGOING PROJECTS

F A L L B R O O K D R .

DEMANDDRIVEN PROJECTS Four segments of Grand Parkway widenings are expected to be added to the 2023-26 Transportation Improvement Program.

Transportation planning experts have proposed widening segments of the Grand Parkway sooner than previously scheduled to improve mobility and meet growing demands. Projects include the widening of the two lanes heading in both directions to three lanes from I-45 to Hwy. 249 and from Hwy. 290 to I-10, which were initially planned for scal year 2029. As of press time, the Houston- Galveston Area Council’s Transpor- tation Policy Council was expected to vote Jan. 27 to move these projects into the 2023-26 Transportation Improvement Program. Major projects in the TIP can receive federal funding, and HGAC transportation committees regularly revise plans as needed. Jim Dickinson, senior transportation planner for the HGAC, said the project would be funded by state toll revenue. “These widenings would mitigate congestion and improve the opera- tional eciency of the system,” he said at the Dec. 16 TPC meeting. Emily Black, public information

KUYKENDAHL RD.

Hwy. 249 to Kuykendahl Road: $65.34 million in scal year 2024

HOLZWARTH RD.

ALL INFORMATION ON THIS PAGE WAS UPDATED AS OF JAN. 25. NEWS OR QUESTIONS ABOUT THESE OR OTHER LOCAL TRANSPORTATION PROJECTS? EMAIL US AT CYFNEWSCOMMUNITYIMPACT.COM. four-lane roadway was put on hold last May when the previous contractor left the project. Project scope also includes new trac lights at Fallbrook Drive and Windfern Road, as well as modications at West Road. The project was in Harris County Precinct 4 before redistricting, and construction initially began in sum- mer 2021. Precinct 1 is responsible for about $6 million of the total cost. Timeline: January-late 2023 Cost: $14 million Funding sources: Harris County Precinct 1, Harris County Precinct 4 Gessner Road extension An eort to extend Gessner Road from West Road to Fallbrook Drive resumed in January. Ocials with Harris County Precinct 1 said construction on the

99 TOLL

Kuykendahl Road to Holzwarth Road: $45.94 million in FY 2023

Hwy. 290 to West Road: $72.8 million in FY 2026

249

290

WESTRD.

529

West Road to I-10: $100.8 million in FY 2026

610

SOURCE: HOUSTONGALVESTON AREA COUNCILCOMMUNITY IMPACT

ocer with the Texas Department of Transportation in Houston, said as tollway use has grown, the level of service standards agreed upon by TxDOT and the seven aected counties are no longer being met. Construction for each segment

could take between 18-30 months, and further widenings could be needed in the future depending on trac counts. Black said the Grand Parkway was built with large medi- ans, so widenings can be made from the inside to minimize disruption.

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CYFAIR EDITION • FEBRUARY 2023

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PUBLIC SAFETY Harris County ESD No. 9 approves pay raises for first responders

TOP OPERATING EXPENSES Fire suppression and emergency medical services make up 50% of Harris County ESD No. 9’s 2023 budget. See the top five expenses below.

Suppression

$21.5M

BY DANICA LLOYD

historically been successful. “You bring a wealth of [expertise] that could bring value and synergize, but don’t dismiss what we’ve done before because it’s worked; it just wasn’t your language. … Let’s come together instead of driving division, and let’s [combine] your expertise, our expertise and

EMS

Commissioners with the Harris County Emergency Services District No. 9 voted 4-1 on Dec. 22 to modify the budget previously approved in September, solidifying 4% salary increases for personnel. This taxing district supports operations for the Cy-Fair Fire Department. The ESD approved a to 10%. At the time, officials were waiting for the U.S. Social Security Administration to release the annual cost-of-living adjustment. Fire Chief Amy Ramon said staff raises are typically tied to that number. On Oct. 13, the federal government reported an 8.7% COLA increase for 2023—the highest since 1981, Commu- nity Impact previously reported. At the Dec. 22 meeting, Commis- sioner Kevin Stertzel, a certified public accountant and “fiscal budget Sept. 15, which included raises of up conservative” who was elected in May, expressed disapproval of the way the CFFD has developed budgets in the past. He said the department did not have a financial professional until the hiring of Finance Director Mike Abend on Nov. 10. Commissioner Bevin Gordon said “meaningful” budgets have been passed for years before this position existed, and CFFD officials said they believe their budget process has

$15.7M

11 new full-time firefighters and a 4.06% salary increase for staff were included in the 2023 budget approved Dec. 22.

Human resources & accounting

$14.3M

Administration

$3.4M

Fleet maintenance

$3.1M

SOURCE: HARRIS COUNTY EMERGENCY SERVICES DISTRICT NO. 9/COMMUNITY IMPACT

“WE NEED TO MAKE SURE THAT WE’RE COMPENSATING OUR EMPLOYEES THE BEST.” BEVIN GORDON, ESD 9 COMMISSIONER

make the com- munity better,” Assistant Chief of EMS Justin Reed told Stertzel. Stertzel

REVENUE SOURCES Most of the ESD’s revenue comes from sales tax with about one-third coming from local property taxes.

proposed 3% salary increases with $2,000 stipends. But members of the Cy-Fair Professional Fire Fighters Association Local 5248 preferred a flat-percentage increase over a one-time stipend that would not be accounted for in future salary increases and would negatively impact long-term benefits. Meeting demand Chris Fillmore, who has served as the president of the labor union since May, said offering attractive benefits is a must as fire departments across the nation face staffing shortages. “The only way we’re going to be able to recruit and hire new people is by having a benefits package that gets them to leave whatever department they’re currently with to come be a part of our department,” he said. Commissioners and CFFD adminis- tration ended up coming to a general agreement of a raise based on the

Property tax: $26.75M Sales tax: $51.75M

Other sources: $468K EMS collections: $6M

TOTAL REVENUE $84.96 million

With a property tax rate of $0.049984 per $100 valuation , the owner of a $300,000 home would pay $149.95 to ESD No. 9 .

SOURCE: HARRIS COUNTY EMERGENCY SERVICES DISTRICT NO. 9/COMMUNITY IMPACT

five-year average of the COLA rather than on one given year. This comes out to 4.06% for 2018-23. In addition, department staff will continue to conduct market analyses every two to three years to ensure wages are competitive enough to recruit and retain top talent. “We can be passionate; we can love our jobs. That’s all great, and I hope for that from everyone who works here. But compensation is why people work, and we need to make sure that we’re compensating our

employees the best,” Gordon said. Ultimately, Stertzel was the sole commissioner to vote against the now-$74.3 million budget Dec. 22. He left the Sept. 15 meeting before the remaining quorum voted to approve the initial $80 million budget. The 2023 budget also allocates funding for the hiring of 11 additional full-time firefighters, which the command staff deemed a “neces- sity” as the department deals with staffing shortages in a fast-growing jurisdiction.

WE ARE YOUR CY-FAIR FIRE DEPARTMENT

Congratulations to Tim Swift for completing the final part of his credentialing process with Dr. Lesley Osborn for in-charge Paramedic with the Cy-Fair Fire Department.

Congratulations to Abilene Castro for completing the final part of her credentialing process with Dr. Lesley Osborn for in-charge Paramedic with the Cy-Fair Fire Department.

@CYFAIRFD • #CYFAIRFD

CONNECT WITH US!

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CY-FAIR EDITION • FEBRUARY 2023

We’re bringing high-tech, high-touch care to patients. Our doctors and staff partner with you to understand your needs and work with you—not just on treatment, but also education and preventive care. Village Medical Primary Care Clinics are now open in Cypress- Fairbanks Village Medical Primary Care Clinics are now open in Cypress- Fairbanks Village Medical Primary Care Clinics are now open in Cypress- Fairbanks Walk-ins welcome We’re bringing high-tech, high-touch care to patients. Our doctors and staff partner with you to understand your needs and work with you—not just on treatment, but also education and preventive care. Same-day appointments available Carson Doty, PA Primary Care Provider Spotlight Aaron Wesp, MD Primary Care

Provider Spotlight We’re bringing high-tech, high-touch care to patients. Our doctors and staff partner with you to understand your needs and work with you—not just on treatment, but also education and preventive care.

Located at: Village Medical Texas Family Medicine 17347 Village Green Drive, Suite 106 Jersey Village, TX 77040 Tel: 713-466-0197 Mon - Thurs 7am - 5pm Fri 8am - 12pm

Extended hours offered at some locations Located at: 4120 Southwest Fwy. Houston, TX 77027 Mon - Fri 7am - 6pm

Virtual visits

Cindy Hong, NP Primary Care

To schedule an appointment or learn more VillageMedical.com

Walk-ins welcome Several area locations to serve you:

Virtual visits Medicare accepted at all Village Medical locations

Same-day appointments available Same-day appointments available

Extended hours offered at some locations Village Medical at CyFalls 9511 Huffmeister, Ste 100 Extended hours offered at some locations

Village Medical at Vintage 10220 Louetta Rd., Ste 100 Virtual visits

Village Medical at Walgreens 12314 Jones Rd. Houston, TX 77070 Mon - Fri: 7am – 7pm Sat & Sun: 9am – 5pm

Village Medical at Walgreens 14317 Cypress Rosehill Rd. Cypress, TX 77429 Mon - Fri: 7am – 7pm Sat & Sun: 9am – 5pm

Village Medical at Copperfield

15881 FM 529 Ste. A Houston, TX 77095 Mon – Fri: 8am – 5pm Walk-ins welcome

Houston, TX 77095 Mon – Fri: 8am –5pm

Houston, TX 77070 Mon – Fri: 8am –5pm

To schedule an appointment or learn more VillageMedical.com To schedule an appointment or learn more VillageMedical.com To schedule an appointment or learn more VillageMedical.com To schedule an appointment or learn more VillageMedical.com Village Medical at AIM 713-797-1087 4543 Post Oak Place, Suite 105 Houston, TX, 77027 Mon - Fri 8am - 4:30pm Village Medical at Greenway 713-461-2915 4120 Southwest Fwy., Ste. 200 Houston, TX 77027 Mon - Fri 7am - 6pm

Village Medical at Heights South 713-461-2915 600 N. Shepherd Bldg 5, Suite 530

Houston , TX 77007 Mon - Fri 8am - 5pm

Several area locations to serve you: Several area locations to serve you: Several area locations to serve you:

Village Medical at CyFalls 9511 Huffmeister, Ste 100 Houston, TX 77095 Mon – Fri: 8am –5pm Village Medical at Riata Ranch 713-461-2915 10720 Barker Cypress Rd. Cypress, TX 77433 Mon – Fri: 8am – 5pm © 2021 Village Medical Village Medical at Riata Ranch

Village Medical at Vintage 10220 Louetta Rd., Ste 100 Village Medical at CyFalls 713-461-2915 9511 Huffmeister, Ste 100 Houston, TX 77095 Mon – Fri: 8am – 5pm Houston, TX 77070 Mon – Fri: 8am –5pm

Village Medical at Walgreens 12314 Jones Rd. Houston, TX 77070 Mon - Fri: 7am – 7pm Sat & Sun: 9am – 5pm Village Medical at Walgreens 832-678-8252 12314 Jones Rd. Houston, TX 77070 Mon - Fri: 7am – 7pm Sat & Sun: 9am – 5pm

Village Medical at Walgreens 14317 Cypress Rosehill Rd. Cypress, TX 77429 Mon - Fri: 7am – 7pm Sat & Sun: 9am – 5pm Village Medical at Walgreens 713-461-2915 14317 Cypress Rosehill Rd. Cypress, TX 77429 Mon - Fri: 7am – 7pm Sat & Sun: 9am – 5pm

Village Medical at Copperfield Village Medical at Copperfield 713-461-2915 15881 FM 529 Ste. A Houston, TX 77095 Mon – Fri: 8am – 5pm 15881 FM 529 Ste. A Houston, TX 77095 Mon – Fri: 8am – 5pm

Village Medical at CyFalls 9511 Huffmeister, Ste 100 Houston, TX 77095 Mon – Fri: 8am – 5pm

Village Medical at Vintage 10220 Louetta Rd., Ste 100 Houston, TX 77070 Mon – Fri: 8am – 5pm

Village Medical at Walgreens 12314 Jones Rd. Houston, TX 77070 Mon - Fri: 7am – 7pm Sat & Sun: 9am – 5pm

Village Medical at Walgreens 14317 Cypress Rosehill Rd. Cypress, TX 77429 Mon - Fri: 7am – 7pm Sat & Sun: 9am – 5pm

Village Medical at Copperfield

10720 Barker Cypress Rd ,Cypress, TX 77433 Mon – Fri: 8am – 4 pm

15881 FM 529 Ste. A Houston, TX 77095 Mon – Fri: 8am – 5pm

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

BUSINESS FEATURE

BY LIZZY SPANGLER

DIVING INTO DON TOMATE 2 locations

Since opening its rst location in Cypress in 2020, Don Tomate Meat Market has continued to grow.

20+ vendors

The stores sell over 1,000 products from countries like Mexico, Argentina, Spain and Brazil.

175250 daily customers

1,000+ products

Countries represented by Don Tomate’s products include: Argentina Spain Brazil Venezuela

Peru

Mexico

Colombia

SOURCE: DON TOMATE MEAT MARKETCOMMUNITY IMPACT

The Tomball location of Don Tomate features a bakery.

Owner Celia Hernandez opened Don Tomate Meat Market o Grant Road in Cypress in 2020.

PHOTOS BY LIZZY SPANGLERCOMMUNITY IMPACT

Don Tomate Meat Market Local grocery store provides Latin American avors, products C elia Hernandez opened her grocery store Don Tomate Meat Market in February 2020 and has since expanded to a second location in Tomball last April. to homemade items—with a focus on products that hail from countries like Mexico, Argentina, Spain and Brazil. The Tomball location also features a bakery. “It’s not just a Mexican meat

Don Tomate Meat Market 17835 Grant Road, Cypress 281-783-6800

www.dontomatemarket.com Hours: Mon.-Sat. 6 a.m.-9 p.m., Sun. 7 a.m.-9 p.m.

nd in the store. “Then we contact our vendors, and so we go really out of our way,” Hernandez said. “Sometimes there is only one item, and the vendors don’t want to come and bring [it] ... so we personally go and pick up those items for the clients.” In terms of Don Tomate’s prod- ucts, some of the most popular items include its fajita meat and its homemade items such as tamales and tortillas, Hernandez said. “You have to place an order for [the tamales] because they do run out every day,” Hernandez said. While concrete plans are still in the works, Hernandez said she does hope to open another location. “I haven’t thought about where yet, but we’re excited,” she said.

“I lived in Cypress for a while—for about 14 years—and I saw the need for a meat market,” Hernandez said. Hernandez said she spent around two years on construction before Don Tomate’s Cypress location opened. After the Cypress location was in business for a while, Hernandez said she began to look at expanding. Now with two Don Tomate loca- tions, Hernandez said each location sees around 175-250 customers a day, with that number increasing slightly on the weekends. The grocery store sells products of all kinds—from meat and produce

market,” Hernandez said. “We have items from all over Central America and South America as well.” Hernandez said her goal is to be able to serve her customers. “It’s rewarding just seeing the cli- ents and seeing their smiles on their faces when they nd those items: ‘Oh you have this,’” Hernandez said. “It [is] a little piece of their country or their background.” Hernandez said providing these products to her customers is so important that the cashiers keep a list of products customers could not

24026 Kuykendahl Road, Ste. 150, Tomball 281-205-1304

www.dontomatemarket.com Hours: Mon.-Sat. 6 a.m.-9 p.m., Sun. 7 a.m.-9 p.m.

R D

CYFAIR EDITION • FEBRUARY 2023

EXCEPTIONAL, CONNECTED CARE. CLOSER THAN EVER.

Kelsey-Seybold Clinic – Fairfield NOW OPEN!

Scan to schedule your appointment or call 713-442-8578

KELSEY-SEYBOLD.COM/FAIRFIELD4YOU

1038230807

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

DINING FEATURE

BY EMILY LINCKE

3 ITEMS TO TRY

Sicilian braised beef short ribs ($45): These ribs are covered in a balsamic chipotle glaze and laid over a bed of sweet pea risotto. (Courtesy Mia Bella Trattoria)

Seafood lasagna ($26): Layers of lasagna noodles, cheese and seafood are topped with lobster cream sauce, clams and jumbo shrimp. (Courtesy Mia Bella Trattoria)

Roasted chicken ($25): Drizzled in arugula pesto and a rosemary-lemon wine reduction, this chicken is served atop grilled vegetables. (Courtesy Mia Bella Trattoria)

Mia Bella Trattoria Vintage Park eatery oers modern twist on classic Italian cuisine A t Mia Bella Trattoria in Vintage Park, patrons can sip a glass of wine while served on a bed of angel hair pasta. In addition to its Italian entrees, soups and salads, the restaurant serves brunch items, such as Italian

because my dad is Italian, and I have it in my veins. … But I walked in, and I fell in love.” From host, Gozzo worked her way up to server and then to employee trainer, event coordinator, assistant manager, general manager and nally owner. In late 2018, Gozzo purchased the restaurant from its previous owner. She said her sta, customers and the leaders at the Mia Bella Restaurant Group motivated her to work her way toward owning the restaurant. “Even though I was far away from my family, most of the time, I never felt alone,” Gozzo said. “The customers who come here, they treated me as family. It made me so happy to see them.”

Gianna Gozzo owns the Vintage Park location of Mia Bella Trattoria. (Emily Lincke/Community Impact)

enjoying modern adaptations of classic Italian cuisine, franchisee Gianna Gozzo said. “I like to call it ‘Italian with a twist’ because none of the dishes that we have are traditional,” Gozzo said. A spin on the classic dish, Mia Bella’s seafood lasagna—which includes layers of lasagna noodles, cheese and seafood topped with lobster cream sauce, clams and jumbo shrimp—is one of the restau- rant’s bestsellers, Gozzo said. Another popular item is the chicken Parmigiana, which is chicken Parmesan but stued with cheese and veggies, topped with tomato basil pesto cream sauce and

ricotta pancakes. Mia Bella also oers a full bar with a wide selec- tion of wine and signature cocktails, including a limoncello martini and a watermelon margarita. Mia Bella opened in 2008 as a franchise of the Mia Bella Restaurants Group. Gozzo was rst introduced to the business when she became an employee in 2014. Originally from Venezuela, Gozzo has a degree in accounting but said she had to start out working entry- level jobs in restaurants because her rst language is Spanish. “I don’t know, something [called to] me,” Gozzo said. “Maybe …

Mia Bella Trattoria 110 Vintage Park Blvd., Ste. A, Houston 281-251-8930 www.miabellarestaurants.com Hours: Mon.-Thu. 11 a.m.-9:30 p.m., Fri. 11 a.m.-10:30 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m.- 10:30 p.m., Sun. 10 a.m.-9:30 p.m.

L O U E T T A R D

249

VINTAGE PARK BLVD.

Benefitting

April 1, 2023 Register NoW 10th annual superintendent’s fun run Entry Fees: 5K: Adult $25, Student $20 (includes shirt & chip) 1 MILE: Adult $25, Student $20 (includes shirt) SLEEP IN: Adult $10, Student $5

CONDENSED WIDE - WHITE

Opportunity for All.

Info at CFISD.net/funrun

Underwritten by

Berry Center

Registration opens Friday, January 20 and closes March 10.

CYFAIR EDITION • FEBRUARY 2023

CITY & COUNTY

News from Harris County

QUOTE OF NOTE

Harris County officials target 40% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030

Report calls for elections systems upgrades, resources

Alexandra del Moral Mealer, other Republicans file midterm election contests

Harris County Commissioners Court will meet at 10 a.m. Feb. 9 at 1001 Preston St., Ste. 934, Houston. 713-274-1111. www.harriscountytx.gov Harris County ESD No. 9 will meet at 6 p.m. Feb. 23 at 10710 Telge Road, Houston. 281-550-6663. www.cyfairfd.org MEETINGS WE COVER “THE COUNTY WILL NOW HAVE TO SPEND SUBSTANTIAL RESOURCES HANDLING THESE CONTESTS— TIME THAT COULD INSTEAD BE SPENT SERVING THE PEOPLE OF HARRIS COUNTY.” HARRIS COUNTY ATTORNEY CHRISTIAN MENEFEE ON REPUBLICAN ELECTION CONTESTS

TAKING ACTION The climate action plan has three focus areas, each of which has two subgoals and corresponding quantifiable targets for 2030, including the following:

BY RACHEL CARLTON

within 45 days of the canvass of an election, according to Sec. 232.008. “It is inexcusable that after two months, the public is no further along in knowing if, and to what extent, votes were suppressed,” del Moral Mealer said. In a Jan. 6 statement, Harris County Attorney Christian Menefee called the election contests “frivo- lous attempts” by the Republican candidates to overturn the votes of over a million residents.

BY RACHEL CARLTON

HARRIS COUNTY Alexandra del Moral Mealer, the Republican candidate for Harris County judge, filed a lawsuit Jan. 6 to contest the results of the election that saw incumbent Judge Lina Hidalgo win a second term in office. Del Moral Mealer was among a slew of Republican candidates to file on the last possible day allowed by the Texas Election Code: Losing candidates must file petitions

as a leader in this regard, and I’m very excited about the progress we’ve made.” Precinct 3 Commissioner Tom Ramsey voted against the plan, saying it did not adequately address the financial costs and the timeline associ- ated with objectives. “We need to be sure we get the most bang for our buck when we’re trying to solve a problem and not just have a plan that looks good on paper, sits up on the shelf and it’s impossible to implement,” Ramsey said at the Jan. 10 meeting. The plan is divided into three focus areas: build- ings and energy, clean fleet and commuting, and sustainable procurement and waste management. Those three areas have two subgoals each, along with corresponding quantifiable targets for 2030. Lisa Lin, director of the office of sustainability, told Community Impact her office went for short- er-term 2030 targets to make goals more actionable and easier to implement. The county will establish a sustainability coordi- nating council to guide the plan’s implementation and provide feedback to adjust the plan’s goals, targets and timelines as needed.

BY RACHEL CARLTON

HARRIS COUNTY In a split 3-1 vote, Harris County commissioners approved a new climate action plan for the county’s internal operations during their Jan. 10 meeting, in turn setting a goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 40% by 2030. Framing the impetus for the plan around recent climate hazards such as Hurricane Harvey, Winter Storm Uri, and extreme heat and drought during the summer of 2022, the 24-page report outlines a cost-benefit analysis of a lower-emissions future. According to the report, the total emissions from the county’s operations in 2021 were 179,445 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent with 67% of emis- sions associated with its facilities and infrastructure. Through the climate action plan, the county will aim to reduce that chunk of the county’s emissions by 50% without the use of offsets by 2030 as well as reducing electricity usage by at least 5% per year. “This plan does set some ambitious, albeit flexible goals, but we’ve got to set those goals to shoot at and shoot for, otherwise we won’t move,” Precinct 2 Commissioner Adrian Garcia said. “But without a doubt, this is positioning Harris County

BUILDINGS AND ENERGY 2030 TARGET: Reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 50% across building and facilities without the use of offsets

HARRIS COUNTY The Harris County Office of the Elections Admin- istrator said its elections systems are in “immediate need of upgrades or replacements” in its postelection report released Dec. 27. The report echoed Elections Administrator Clifford Tatum’s Nov. 15 request for a “revamped” communications system among the election judges, his office’s call center and technicians performing main- tenance on voting machines. It also stated the office needed additional full-time personnel. Election Day issues from the report included delayed openings of polling locations, paper ballot jams and inaccurate wait time updates at polling locations. Discussions of next steps include a voting system software upgrade.

CLEAN FLEET AND COMMUTING

2030 TARGET: Electrify 50%-75% of light-duty fleet and increase the percentage of hybrid and fuel- efficient vehicles SUSTAINABLE PROCUREMENT AND WASTE MANAGEMENT 2030 TARGET: Reduce 50% of landfilled waste from county operations and increase the proportion spent on green procurement

ELECTION CONTESTS FILED Several Republicans have filed lawsuits contesting their elections following the November general election, including County Judge Lina Hidalgo’s opponent. 21 Republican candidates filed lawsuits contesting elections. 17 of those lawsuits were filed on the last possible day, Jan. 6. Margins of defeat range from 0.04% - 3.26% SOURCES: HARRIS COUNTY OFFICE OF THE ELECTIONS ADMINISTRATOR, HARRIS COUNTY DISTRICT CLERK/ COMMUNITY IMPACT

Jersey Village City Council will meet at 7 p.m. Feb. 27 at 16327 Lakeview Drive, Jersey Village. 713-466-2100. www.jerseyvillagetx.com

SOURCE: HARRIS COUNTY CLIMATE ACTION PLAN/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

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