GENE GREEN FOCUSES ON BORDER SECURITY!

MAJOR LEGISLATION FOR HOMELAND SECURITY!

Rep. Gene Green (D-Texas) voted to approve sweeping legislation to protect America and invest in homeland security today. The Homeland Security Appropriations bill was approved by a vote of 268-150.

One of the top priorities in the bill is border control. It provides 3,000 additional Border Patrol agents, provides first responders with additional training and equipment, and improves aviation and port security.

"My goal was to secure the Port of Houston and to beef up border security," Green said. "I'm proud to pass legislation that makes the border a top priority and gives the men and women who respond to emergencies the tools and resources they need."

The earmark-free bill was delayed for three days by Republicans who wanted earmarks to appear in this and other appropriations bills instead of being inserted during a House-Senate conference. Democrats said the more than 30,000 earmark requests would not be thoroughly reviewed in time to be attached to the appropriations bills, but agreed to include them in bills brought to the floor after the Energy-Water appropriations bill next week.

The 2008 Homeland Security Appropriations bill:

• Includes funding for 3,000 additional Border Patrol agents, bringing the number of Border Patrol agents to 17,819.
• Rejects the President's proposed $1 billion cut for training and equipment for first responders and instead expands support for local law enforcement personnel, firefighters and other first responders.
• Invests in port security by significantly increasing funding to protect critical port facilities and infrastructure.
• Improves aviation security by providing funding for new explosive detection systems at airports and funding to double the amount of cargo screened on passenger aircraft.

The legislation approved by the House today also includes strong oversight provisions to ensure Congressional oversight of money spent by the Department of Homeland Security and eliminates no-bid contracts.

"The American people expect their dollars to be spent on important efforts to secure our nation, not wasted on no-bid contracts," said Green. "The Democratic Congress has insisted on tough new accountability measures to ensure we protect our communities and spend taxpayers' dollars the right way."

HOUSTON ASSOCIATION OF BLACK JOURNALISTS MIXER!

JUST REPORTERS GETTING TOGETHER ON A FRIDAY NIGHT!










HABJ held a mixer for its members and guests Friday night at a local jazz club. The association consists of local television, newspaper, web and radio media professionals. Their goal is to provide support for local journalists here in the Houston area. The group also hosts various fundraisers to provide scholarships to deserving and qualifying students. Friday night was a chance for members to form contacts and socialize with other journalists in the area. Attending the event the Insite dropped in on were: Bernadette Brown, James Campbell (w/bowtie - The Insite's new hero), David Ellison, Melanie Lawson, Phyllis Bailey, Sharon Melton, Terrence Jackson, Rochelle Rucker and the list goes on!

HPD LOOKING FOR PEDRO ESPINOZ-ESCAMA!

HE SHOULDN'T HAVE BEEN RELEASED FROM JAIL!

Houston police are asking for the public's assistance in locating a wanted suspect arrested and charged in a compelling prostitution case involving two juveniles.

On Sunday, June 10, 2007, Pedro Noe Espinoza-Escama (H/M, DOB: 2-22-86) and his girlfriend, Nelsi Y. Latuda (H/F, DOB: 2-2-72), were arrested on unrelated Class C charges and questioned in connection with a prostitution investigation.

The investigation into the details and circumstances surrounding the prostitution case continued throughout this week with charges filed against both suspects on June 12, 2007. From the available evidence,investigators found sufficient probable cause to support allegations
that Espinoza-Escama and Latuda forced two juvenile family members to engage in acts of prostitution. Both suspects were charged with two counts of compelling prostitution in the 230th State District Court.

On June 15, 2007, Juvenile Division investigators found that Pedro Noe Espinoza-Escama (H/M, DOB: 2-22-86) had been inadvertently released on the original Class C charges. His girlfriend, Nelsi Y. Latuda (H/F, DOB: 2-2-72) remained in custody.

Upon making the discovery, Juvenile investigators secured a warrant for Espinoza-Escama's arrest and pursued a numbers of leads as to his whereabouts. New information continues to develop and investigators will follow all leads until Espinoza-Escama is returned to police
custody.

Anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of Espinoza-Escama is urged to call the HPD Juvenile Sex Crimes Division at 713-731-5335 or
Crime Stoppers at 713-222-TIPS. Crime Stoppers offers a reward for all
felony suspects, up to $5,000.

An internal investigation into the facts and circumstances that
resulted in the premature release of Espinoza-Escama is underway.

TEXAS MINISTER GOES AFTER DL HUGHLEY!

THE WAR OF WORDS: MINISTER VERSUS COMEDIAN - WHAT DO YOU THINK?


In what he is calling “inhumane, belittling and degrading” of the recent remarks made by popular Black comedian D. L. Hughley on national television and radio appearances regarding black women and other African-American’s, Fort Worth Black Minister Rev. Kyev Tatum has joined many other Fort Worth ministers in calling for a national boycott of Hughley and has issued a warning to national networks and other entertainment companies to cancel any and all Hughley appearances out of respect for African-American’s in general and of Black Women in particular.

“Words hurt”, states Tatum, “especially when they’re coming from someone of their own race, and they’re directed maliciously and viciously towards members of their own race, or towards anyone for that matter. This national culture of disrespect and incorrectness is a national disgrace and must stop.”

This is especially a sensitive matter, as many statewide celebrations commence in Texas in observation of Juneteenth, a revered and historic date (June 19) commemorating the date that blacks in Texas learned of the Emancipation Proclamation.

As such, many local minority leaders plan to boycott an appearance by Hughley to express their disapproval of comments he made recently about African-Americans. Comedian D.L. Hughley created an Internet buzz when he appeared on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno and discussed comments by Don Imus, a radio shock jock who was fired for comments he made about the Rutgers women's basketball team.

Hughley is scheduled to perform Saturday at Bass Hall as Juneteenth celebrations across North Texas go into full swing. The holiday is Tuesday. Hughley is unapologetic and said through his publicist that freedom of speech is "a zero sum proposition."

In his statement, Hughley said, "too many times I have watched clowns like these pretend to speak for the masses," he said. "Isn't there a child you can help teach to read, a war to help stop, an unjustly accused man you can help out of jail? I will not apologize for telling a joke about the world as I see it." Local leaders say the message is bad for the community.

THE $70,000 FATHER CAUGHT!

MAY WALKER AND GREG ABBOTT TEAM UP TO CATCH AN ALLEGED DEAD BEAT DAD!

A deputy constable with the office of Harris County Precinct 7 Constable May Walker arrested John David Adams for failing to pay court-ordered child support. The Houston father of two was apprehended after investigators from the Attorney General's Child Support Division located Adams and contacted Constable Walker to make the arrest. Adams, 40, owes more than $74,000 in unpaid child support.

"Texans will not tolerate parents who neglect their children," Attorney General Abbott said. "Parents who refuse to pay their court-ordered child support must be held accountable for violating the law. Thanks to Constable Walker and her deputies, a negligent parent was brought to justice for failure to support his kids."

In December 1993, a Montgomery County court ordered Adams to pay $300 a month in child support. After Adams repeatedly violated the courts order, an investigator with the Attorney General's Child Support Division presented the case to Montgomery County District Attorney Michael McDougal for criminal prosecution. In May, a Montgomery County grand jury returned a criminal indictment and an arrest warrant was issued.

SENATOR CLINTON IS HEADED BACK TO HOUSTON!

CAN YOU AFFORD TO GO?

The Insite received word that Presidential candidate Hillary Clinton is headed back to Houston this weekend. Apparently, it's a private reception held at a local home. The prices of the tickets are nothing to blink at. Here's the information The Insite received by email. However, I have deleted the address because it's a private event that may not be completely open to the public. Even I wasn't invited to the event but then again I can't afford one of the tickets either:

XXXXXXXX And Hosts
Cordially invite you to join Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton For an afternoon lunch in support of her 2008 Presidential efforts

Saturday, June 16, 2007 1:30 – 2:30 pm ~ Private pre-reception for Host Committee and Sponsors 2:30 – 4:00 pm ~ General reception

$2,300 ~ Sponsors $1,000 ~ Friends

Please make checks payable to “Hillary Clinton for President Exploratory Committee”

IS IT BIG BROTHER WATCHING OR PROTECTING OUR CITY?

MORE CAMERAS IN HOUSTON?

The city is considering more surveillance cameras for downtown Houston. Some feel like this would be big brother watching while others say it's to secure our city. Do you think it's a good idea? Here's the latest from Houston's Public Safety Committee:

Public Safety and Homeland Security

The Committee discussed the Police Department’s proposal to install surveillance cameras on Main Street. If successful, the police chief would expand the program around the city. The Police Department also reported to the Committee that it has made several changes in its crime data reporting. The department says that records management has greatly improved and that most data now is no older than 24 hours.

WAS IT THE INSITE OR JUST TIME?

REVISITING HIS LITTLE GIRL SOPHIE POST!

I was pretty excited to see a new commercial for The Hand Center. It's the medical commercial showing Dr. Michael Brown and his little daughter Sophie. You may remember a couple of months ago when I asked the question: Just how old is his little girl Sophie now? It was earlier this week when I noticed Dr. Brown has a new commercial on the air with several children and a woman who I believe is his wife. I wondered if The Insite prompted the new commercial or it was just time...I want to hear from you. Have you seen the new commercial and do you think the Insite played a role in getting a new updated spot on the air? Or have I just lost my mind thinking Dr. Brown has even seen The Insite?

A SOBERING REMINDER!

THE SAFE BABY SITE DROP OFF POINT!














I was covering an issue in the Sunnyside area Thursday when I saw a very sobering sign. The posting reads - Safe Baby Site. It was posted on fire station #55 on Cullen. I'm sure many of you remember the state law that allows parents to leave children up to 60 days old and unharmed at area hospitals and fire stations where the sign is displayed. These are babies the parents don't want or can't take care. The signs are a reminder there is no need to throw a child into a dumpster or to abandon a baby in the park. I wanted to ask the captain on duty how many if any children have been dropped off at the station. Unfortunately, I got so busy I failed to ask. Do you think these drop off sites for babies are a good idea or an easy way out for some parents who refuse to keep their children? The Insite would love to hear your opinion?

THE PROFESSION THE PUBLIC HATES THE MOST!

THE WORLD WOULD BE BETTER IF THERE WERE FEWER...


I was driving home and listening to a radio talk show when caller after caller blamed the news media for a societal problem. A problem the news media didn't create but covered. Then the talk show host went into a tirade about the drive-by, liberal, elitist , self absorbed, judgmental, biased, news media. He used several other adjectives to describe my profession that I can't seem to recall. It left me wondering if the profession I had chosen for myself back when I was 8 years old was slowly becoming one of the most hated in this country. But then I thought about all the flack attorneys have to endure while being described as sharks and ambulance chasers. There are also the politicians accused of self serving agendas, pocketing contributions and back room deals. It made me wonder how some people can turn on an entire group of professionals simply because someone or some talk show host says so. All of this reflecting lead me to the question of the day: Which profession or professional do you despise the most and why?

HARRIS COUNTY YOUTH READY FOR SUMMER GAMES AND MORE

EL FRANCO LEE KNOWS HOW TO JUMP ROPE!



For more than 20 summers, Harris County youths have taken traditional street games to serious competitive levels in the Harris County Street Olympics, which kicked off this month with a traditional torch lighting and Summer Games practice activities at Mickey Leland Park.
Harris County Precinct One Commissioner El Franco Lee, founder of the not-for-profit Street
Olympics, Board Chairman Yvette Chargois, other board and advisory board members, Street
Olympics coordinator Brian Rego, Miss Texas International Monika Stewart (a 2002 and 2003
Street Olympics Outreach Specialist), 80 children and invited guests declared the opening of
the 21st Harris County Street Olympics.
Harris County boys and girls will continue the festivities participating in activities traditionally
played on the street and now integrated into the Summer Games, including: kickball, shuttle
race and basketball dribble. The Discovery Camp, another program of the Street Olympics, will
have biology and ecology-based activities for the children.
In the pictures above you'll see Lee enjoying the event with the children!

LINK: WWW.STREETOLYMPICS.ORG

SOURCES SAY HOUSTONIAN AND GREY'S ANATOMY STAR ISAIAH WASHINGTON HAD A "PATTERN OF BEHAVIOR"!

HE JUST GOT CAUGHT UP DESPITE HIS APOLOGY!

Looks like it was more than just an anti-gay slur that led to Isaiah Washington's getting the boot from "Grey's Anatomy." Some of the people close to the process that led to Washington's firing from the hit A-B-C show are starting to wag their tongues a little -- off the record, of course. And some are saying there were other factors that led to the ouster. One source close to the production says Washington had a "pattern of behavior" that was taken into consideration -- and that the alleged pattern was too risky for the Walt Disney-owned companies involved in the network and its decision making. In addition, recent issues of abusive speech from people like Don Imus and Michael Richards had upped the ante when it came to how comments were tolerated by the public. What's more, the head of a gay rights
group says Washington got caught up in the changing attitudes toward anti-gay speech. As part of the effort to save his job, Washington recorded a public service announcement for the Gay &
Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation.

GOVERNOR RICK PERRY'S NEW RIGHT HAND MAN!

HE HAS A BACKGROUND IN ECONOMICS!

Governor Rick Perry today named top aide Phil Wilson to succeed Roger Williams as Texas secretary of state.
A statement issued by Perry's office says his 39-year-old deputy chief of staff will take office July First. As Perry's deputy chief of staff, Wilson worked on economic development for the governor's office.
As secretary of state, he'll be the state's top elections
officer and oversee business and public filings. He'll also serve
as the governor's chief liaison for border affairs and oversees
international protocol for the state.
The Austin American-Statesman first reported the pending
appointment. State Senator Kirk Watson, an Austin Democrat, told the newspaper that he had no objection to the appointment. Watson reviewed the choice at Perry's request because Wilson lives in Watson's Travis County district.
Watson said Wilson assured him yesterday that, as the state's top election official, he wouldn't take a position on the
G-O-P-favored idea of asking voters for photo I-D or other proof of identity before voting.

MYSPACE ARRESTS IN HOUSTON BY THE ATTORNEY GENERAL'S OFFICE!

THE RESULTS OF A TWO WEEK OPERATION!

Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott today revealed the results of the nation's first large-scale crackdown on registered sex offenders using the popular social networking site, MySpace.com. In a two-week operation, officers with the Attorney General's Cyber Crimes and Fugitive Units investigated and arrested seven previously convicted sex offenders with online profiles after MySpace.com released offenders' subscriber information at the demand of attorneys general across the country.

"Texans will not tolerate criminals who prey on our children," Attorney General Abbott said. "These convicted sex predators established online identities on a Web site that is popular with teenagers and children. The Cyber Crimes Unit will continue its aggressive crackdown on sex predators who threaten our kids."

Attorney General Abbott added: "By providing law enforcement with this critical user profile information, MySpace.com has taken an important first step towards a safer Internet. We urge all social networking sites to do whatever is necessary to protect children from Internet predators."

The Office of the Attorney General arrested six previously convicted sex offenders who activated MySpace.com accounts in violation of parole or probation requirements that specifically prohibit them from using the Internet:

• Patrick Joseph Blevins, 49, arrested in Houston; convicted in Harris County in 1996 of indecency with a child by sexual contact. His victim was a 14-year-old girl.

• Reginald Lee Collins, 27, arrested in Houston; convicted in Harris County in 1998 of aggravated sexual assault of a child. His victim was a 7-year-old girl.

• Ronald Daven Metoyer, 41, arrested in Houston; convicted in Harris County in 2001 of aggravated sexual assault of a child. His victim was a 14-year-old girl.

• Robert Shepard Walter, 23, arrested in Houston; convicted in Harris County in 2004 of indecency with a child by exposure. His victim was a 14-year-old girl.

In May, the Texas Attorney General issued a subpoena to MySpace.com that forced the network to release subscriber information of all registered sex offenders who established online member profiles. MySpace.com provided Attorney General Abbott with data from Sentinel Safe, a database of information on registered sex offenders that the network compiled to verify the identities of their users.

Attorney General Abbott has repeatedly pressed MySpace.com and other social networking sites to implement definitive safety measures to protect their young users from sexually explicit images and unwanted sexual advances. Since the push from Attorney General Abbott and other attorneys general, MySpace.com has taken steps to improve safety on its site, including screening profiles for inappropriate content and making certain profiles private.

HERE'S WHAT POLICE CHIEF HAROLD HURTT SAYS IS BEING DONE ABOUT THE CRIME LAB!

ALL THE DETAILS FROM THE HOUSTON POLICE DEPARTMENT!

Houston Police Chief Harold Hurtt said he appreciated the efforts of the Independent Investigator into the operations of the Crime Laboratory and Property Room and noted most of the recommendations from the investigator are being addressed or have been addressed by the police department.

The independent investigator looked at the following disciplines, which comprise the entire Crime Lab:

· Firearms
· Controlled Substances
· Question Documents
· Toxicology
· Trace Evidence
· Biology (which includes DNA section)

It's important to note the actions and steps already taken by the department in overcoming some of the deficiencies. Those include:

· Increasing the Crime Laboratory budget from about $3.2 million to $7.6 million in fiscal year 2006
· Upgraded equipment
· A comparison microscope
· Two instruments for narcotics analysis
· An instrument for DNA testing
· Several cameras with better technology
· Doubled the training sessions of our scientists from 2002 to date
· Received $3.4 million in grants used for DNA testing, instruments, training and consultants

The HPD reevaluated the pay and benefits to draw competent staff. There has been a complete turnover of the upper management and DNA staff from 2002 to the present and a 50 percent turnover of overall staff. Crime Lab managers established quality control mechanisms, revised standard operating procedures, and initiated and hosted training conferences as a recognized leader in the field. In addition, Crime Lab managers pursued and received accreditation - no small feat, considering the requirements to meet that standard.

We are particularly pleased with the recognition in the final report of all this progress as noted in the executive summary where the investigator states, "Under its current leadership, the Crime Lab has steadily moved in the right direction over the past three and a half years." The independent investigator also found that the Crime Lab program for reporting and documenting incidents affecting the quality of work performed is vastly superior to past practices.

As we move forward, the Houston Police Department is:

· Providing documents, locating evidence, and shipping evidence to outsource labs on DNA cases where an issue has been raised
· Offering the D.A.'s office our full assistance on referenced cases
· Continuing to work in cooperation with the Project Innocence Group
· Continuing our quarterly meetings with the current stakeholder committee who has agreed to assist us. To that end, we will not be calling upon a special master, but will use the stakeholders to serve in that capacity
· Providing semi annual reports to the Public Safety/Homeland Security Committee

This has been a long process. The problems unearthed were symptoms of a past administration and we're pleased to reach finality with this independent inquiry. The HPD is committed to putting mechanisms in place to guard the integrity of this process into the future and striving to gain the public's trust each and every day.

ARE THE ROADS SAFER IN TEXAS NOW?

Roadcheck 2007 results announced

During Roadcheck 2007, which ran from June 5 through June 7, DPS troopers inspected 6,051 commercial vehicles, placing 27 percent of them out of service for equipment violations.

During the three-day campaign, 6,051 commercial vehicles were inspected, and 1,659 of the vehicles and 259 of the drivers were found to have serious enough safety violations to be removed from service. Last year, 1,461 vehicles and 218 drivers were placed out of service.

Inspectors placed 186 drivers out of service for hours-of-service violations. Other violations ranged from false log violations to suspended, expired and cancelled licenses and having the improper endorsement. Thirteen drivers were placed out of service for drug or alcohol violations. Troopers issued 42 tickets for seatbelt violations.

Vehicle out-of-service violations included 1,123 trucks that needed a brake adjustment, 922 that had brake system problems, 188 that had tire or wheel problems and 273 that had light malfunctions.

DPS Commercial Vehicle Enforcement troopers, along with Highway Patrol troopers and other inspectors who have received specialized training in commercial vehicle inspection, stopped commercial vehicles to inspect safety equipment and check driver licenses, endorsements and log books. Troopers also looked for possible drug or alcohol use.

The annual Roadcheck program, which stretches from Mexico to Canada, is designed to reduce commercial vehicle highway fatalities through increased vehicle safety. The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance, which sponsors Roadcheck, reports a significant decrease in the commercial vehicle crash rate in North America since the program’s start in 1988.

FOX CHICAGO DIDN'T WASTE ANYTIME!

ALREADY APART OF THEIR WEBSITE!

Former FOX 26 morning anchor Jan Jeffcoat's biography is already appearing on the FOX Chicago website even though she doesn't hit the air there until June 25th. In fact, Jan's bio went up way back in May according to the posting information. Here's what The Insite found on MYFOXCHICAGO.COM:

Jan Jeffcoat Bio

Morning News Anchor

Last Edited: Friday, 25 May 2007, 4:19 PM CDT

Created: Thursday, 24 May 2007, 6:04 PM CDT

Jan Jeffcoat is the newest member of the FOX Chicago morning news team. Jeffcoat will join co-anchor Mike Barz on “FOX News in the Morning.” Her first on-air appearance will be June 25th.

Jan Jeffcoat comes to Chicago from Houston where she has been the morning anchor for FOX 26 Morning News 5-9 am since 2004.

READY SURVIVES WAYNE DOLCEFINO!

AND WHERE IS THE NEW GUY WHO'S SUPPOSED TO HEAD HPD'S PUBLIC AFFAIRS DIVISION?

Several members of the media were shocked to see Captain Dwayne Ready at Wednesday's press conference for the crime lab. Why? Because you'll remember it was just last month when he was the target of a Wayne Dolcefino report on ABC 13. It was in that expose that Ready was the target and subject of Dolcefino's investigative report 'Blurring the Badge'. It examined some high ranking HPD officials who 'allegedly' worked on their side businesses while on city's time. Dolcefino said the issue was now the subject of an internal investigation at HPD. Well it appears it hasn't hurt Ready (accused by Dolcefino of emailing on city's time) because he was front and center giving media instructions at the crime lab press conference. His appearance also raises another question. What happened to the new guy (Williams is his name I think) Chief Harold Hurtt assigned to take over the public affairs division well before the Dolcefino report? He was no where to be found on one of the biggest press availability days for HPD. Just a question the Insite wants answered!

JAMES SMOKIE PHILLIPS REMEMBERS IDA BELL BROCK!

SHE FOUGHT THE GOOD FIGHT FOR AFRICAN AMERICAN FUNERAL ESCORTS!

This is a submission from Insite regular Smokie Phillips!

The fight continues as we struggle with the death of Ms. Ida. Bell Brock. Ms. Brock was a pioneer and the founder and CEO of Brock’s Motorcycle Escort Services. Ms. Brock had opened many doors for African-American police motorcycle riders in Houston and Harris County.

Years ago many African-American riders were not allowed to ride funeral escorts in the city of Houston without harassment from white riders. Many white riders would cut African-American funeral possessions off, ride next to African-American riders and shout profanity remarks and even threaten riders with jail and physical violence.

Ms. Brock fought for those African-American riders to keep riding funeral escorts in difficult times. She knew that in the early days many White funeral homes did not want African-American police riders escorting Whites to the graveyards and cemeteries, so she formed Brock’s Escort to open up opportunities for African-American police officers and Harris County deputies to provide escort services to Black funeral homes throughout Houston and Harris County.

She had a heart that cared and a heart that brought so much pleasure. She was the mother of the “Black police officer’s motorcycle rider” escort movement in Harris County and through her early fights; these riders still exist today and continue to ride escorts services for Black, Brown and White funeral homes.

DANGEROUS DEATH SURFING AT CITY HALL!

DO YOU THINK THIS IS A DANGEROUS SPORT?


As usual I was shocked at the danger several young people put themselves in near Houston's city hall Wednesday afternoon. I was getting out of the news unit when I spotted several skateboarders having what they call fun. They were sitting at the top of a small hill with a metal surface just off the street. After the cars passed each of them went for it. They actually skateboarded (if that's a word) through the cars and each red light cycle. They did it time and time again on Walker at Bagby Streets. I thought to myself this is quite dangerous. They could kill themselves. But apparently the skateboarders weren't feeling the same way. Do you think this is a dangerous sport?

NOTE: THE FOLLOWING PRESS RELEASE HAS ARRIVED JUST IN TIME FOR THIS POST-

Announcing a World-Class Skatepark for Houston

A Public In-Ground Skatepark for All to Enjoy

WHAT: A new place for the young and young-at-heart to ride the bowl, grind the rail or skate the half-pipe will soon open right here in Houston. Early next summer, Houstonians will have a public, state-of-the-art, 30,000 square-foot in-ground skatepark.

MEDIA OPP: On Thursday, June 14, 2007, city leaders and avid skaters will announce the name of the park, provide an opportunity to visit the future site of the park and will be available to discuss the importance of the new park facility to Houstonians.

Interviews and photo opportunities available with:

Mayor Bill White

Joe Jamail, Donor

Roksan Okan-Vick, Executive Director, Houston Parks Board

Joe Turner, Director, Houston Parks and Recreation Department

Barry Blumenthal, Jason Espeseth, Public Use Skateparks for Houston

Local Skaters

B-roll containing footage of skaters in similar facilities and interviews with Houston skaters will be available.

WHEN: Thursday, June 14, 2007

11:00 a.m. – Park site opens

11:30 a.m. – Remarks and Interview Opportunity

WHERE: North end of Sabine Street Bridge – at the Houston Parks and Recreation Department access path. A shuttle cart will bring you to the site West of Sabine St. Bridge.

WHY: Skateboarding is the third most popular sport in the country for people ages 6-18. The goal of this project is to build one of the finest skateparks in the United States and to provide thousands of Houstonians with a great place for skateboarding and inline skating. The park will be located at the end of Sabine Street along Houston’s beautiful Memorial Parkway. The Houston Parks Board, the City of Houston and the Houston Parks and Recreation Department are committed to working together to provide a fun and safe facility for skateboarders.

TAINTED PRESS CLUB AWARDS CONTROVERY CONTINUES TO GROW!

NO WORD WHEN JOURNALIST WILL BE ABLE TO PARTICIPATE IN THE KATIE AWARDS AGAIN!

The president of the Press Club of Dallas, who previously determined that its prestigious journalism competition was rigged in 2006 and 2005, said Wednesday he believes no judges
ever viewed entries for the 2004 contest either. "I have no evidence that 2004 was judged," press club President Tom Stewart said. "At this point, I put it in the same category as `05 and `06."
The club has filed a lawsuit against former President Elizabeth Albanese, accusing her of rigging the competitions. Albanese won 10 awards in the last four years, including four in 2006, the most of any journalist.
The suit accuses her of "dishonest and fraudulent activity"during her involvement with the organization. She engaged in fraud, breached her fiduciary duty to the press club and violated the Texas Theft Liability Act, according to the lawsuit.
Albanese's response to the suit is due next week. She did not immediately return a phone call Wednesday seeking comment.
Albanese became involved with the judging of the Katie Awards around 2003, the year she began winning the coveted prizes. She was president from August 2005 until March 2007, when she quit amid questions from board members about the Katie Awards and club finances.
There is a list of judges for the 2003 competition, Stewart said.
The integrity of the competition has been in doubt since press club members learned that Albanese couldn't name any of the judges involved in the 2006 or 2005 competitions. Top editors at several of the region's largest media outlets have said they are returning
their discredited awards.
A formal decision has not been made on whether the club will organize a competition in 2007, Stewart said.
"My opinion is that would be highly unlikely," Stewart said. Board members also allege financial mismanagement by Albanese. She charged -- and has since repaid -- more than $10,000 in personal expenses to a press club credit card, Stewart said. During most of her tenure as press club president, Albanese was the Dallas bureau chief for The Bond Buyer, a New York-based financial publication aimed at people in the municipal bond industry.
She was fired in April from her job as vice president of communications for First Southwest Co., an investment banking firm in Dallas, after questions about the contest surfaced.
Albanese has a criminal history of fraud and theft and a personal history of erratic behavior, including false claims that she was a graduate of the University of Texas and Harvard Law
School and a former New York Times reporter.
The Katie Awards have been distributed for 48 years by The Press Club of Dallas to reward the top work by journalists and communications professionals in Texas, Arkansas, Colorado,
Louisiana, New Mexico and Oklahoma.

MORE PREFERENTIAL TREATMENT FOR PARIS BEHIND BARS!

HER FAMILY JUST WALKS RIGHT INTO THE JAIL - NO WAITING!

She's still in jail. But there are still complaints that Paris Hilton is getting preferential treatment
during her stay behind bars. Her family has been allowed to visit her. But some are complaining that Hilton's sister and other visitors get to enter right away for their visits -- while
relatives of other inmates are forced to wait as long as five hours for time with their jailed relations. Hilton was returned to jail last week, after the Los Angeles County sheriff moved to release her to home confinement after she spent just a few days in jail. This past Friday, the judge handling the case overruled the sheriff -- and ordered Hilton back to jail to complete her sentence.

JOINT EFFORT TO PREPARE FOR TERRORISTS ON HARRIS COUNTY SOIL!

HCSO and US Coast Guard to Conduct Joint Exercise

Sheriff Tommy Thomas announced today that on Thursday, June 14, 2007, the Harris County Sheriff’s Office and the United States Coast Guard will conduct a joint marine exercise along the Houston Ship Channel. This exercise is designed to practice “boots on the ground” team protocols for both agencies in response to potential terrorist acts along the ship channel. Sheriff Thomas cited the cooperation of Precinct Two Commissioner Silvia Garcia, Coast Guard Captain Marcus Woodring, and local industry for their assistance in accomplishing this substantial undertaking. Using over twenty specially trained personnel from the Sheriff’s Office and Coast Guard, along with multiple boats and with specialized equipment, this unique force will test their ability in deterring, as well as responding to, various acts of terrorism.

HOUSTON POLICE DEPARTMENT RESPONDS TO CRIME LAB REPORT!

CAN THE CREDIBILITY BE RESTORED?

Houston Police Chief Harold Hurtt and managers in the Houston Police Crime Lab welcome the Final Report of the Independent Investigator. The report provides a critical review of the HPD Crime Lab, both past and present. "We recognize the tremendous effort that took place over the past two and a half years by all members of the Investigative Team and sincerely appreciate their hard work," said Chief Hurtt, who commissioned the independent review.

The report details the historical problems associated with the lab and highlights the Crime Lab of today by stating, "the Crime Lab underwent significant advances and made significant progress in shedding its troubled past." We are pleased with the recognition that the Crime Lab of today is professional, dedicated to excellence, procedurally and scientifically sound, and recognized as a nationally accredited lab. As the report clearly shows, the department pursued these substantial and meaningful changes simultaneously with the investigation.

We are acting on the Independent Investigator's recommendations and working with the District Attorney's Office in reviewing cases where serological testing was performed between 1980-1992 and connected with a defendant currently in prison. "It is our intention to review all of the recommendations and to act on the areas of concern raised in the report," said Chief Hurtt.

HPD is doing the following:
· Providing a list of information to the District Attorney's Office regarding cases wherein serological testing may have been an issue for years between 1980 and 1992.
· Assisting the District Attorney's Office so that prisoners may be notified that the independent investigation has identified a potential issue with the forensic serology work performed by former staff members of the Crime Lab.
· Reviewing and/or implementing the other recommendations not already addressed in current operations.

We value outside review and agree with the report's conclusion that, under its current leadership, the Crime Lab has steadily moved in the right direction over the past three and half years. The Houston Police Department is committed to having a first rate Crime Lab that performs competently and is of the highest integrity.

WORKING THEIR WAY TO AMERICAN CITIZENSHIP!

CONGRESSMAN GENE GREEN WITH NEW AMERICANS!

Rep. Gene Green (D-Texas) and dozens of community volunteers helped more than 300 prospective Americans fill out and send their citizenship applications on June 9. "It was a moving experience to see these men and women take a huge step toward accomplishing their goal. Some of them have been waiting many years to have the opportunity to even apply," Green said. The 13th annual Citizenship Day event took place at the Houston Community College Northeast campus in the Northline Mall in Houston, where people began lining up well before the official 8:00 a.m. start time. "Thanks to the number of people who volunteered, we helped 330 people today, more than we have at previous Citizenship Days," Green said. "Hopefully next year we can get to an even greater number, especially if we have more volunteers," he added. If you would like to help with next year's Citizenship Day, you can contact Green's Houston office at (281) 999-5879.

DEFENSE ATTORNEY ABOUT HOUSTON MUNICIPAL COURT: IT'S A LEGALIZED MOB...LEGALIZED EXTORTION!

MICHAEL VILLASANA HAD A LOT TO SAY AT CITY HALL!

A local attorney spent his afternoon blasting the city of Houston's Municipal court and a prosecutor. Michael Villasana says the city of Houston should terminate assistant city attorney James Gallay. You may remember it was two weeks ago when Gallay was arrested and charged while driving drunk. Villasana made several other strong allegations against Gallay during his 3 minutes before council. The defense attorney also claims high ranking court officials knew about the allegations but turned a blind eye to the problems. Villasana also claims the municipal court system is set up to take advantage of citizens. He called it "a legalized mob...legalized extortion." Council members promised to look into the issue. Mayor Pro Tem Michael Berry also said this wasn't the first time he's heard the allegations. So far no comment from Gallay or court officials on this issue!

THE WAIT IS OVER BUT HOUSTON WASN'T THE ONLY CITY LATE!

THE COMPREHENSIVE ANNUAL FINANCIAL REPORT IS AVAILABLE!


You'll remember last week when the Harris County Republican party complained the Mayor and Controller's office were late in releasing the comprehensive annual financial report. Well, today the Controllers office held by Annise Parker issued the report to all parties involved. The Republican party said the report was late by more than 100 days and the group threatened to file a lawsuit. But the Controllers office fired back saying Houston is not the only city that was late preparing and releasing the report. A spreadsheet issued by the city shows nearly every major city in Texas including the state - all late preparing their CAFR. I have included a list provided by the city for your viewing pleasure below! Note: Click to enlarge!

CHRISTIAN FAITH SERVICES OWNERS SENTENCED IN MEDICAID FRAUD SCHEME!

HUSBAND AND WIFE TEAM IN HOUSTON HEADS TO PRISON!

A former billing clerk pleaded guilty and was sentenced to six years in prison Wednesday for stealing from the state's Medicaid system. Shanta Denise Allen, 32, a former employee of E.A. Christian Faith Services in Houston, pleaded guilty to one count of Medicaid fraud for illegally billing Medicaid for counseling services that were never provided to Medicaid patients. In addition to the prison term, Allen was ordered to pay restitution of $32,262.

Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott's Medicaid Fraud Control Unit (MFCU) investigated the case, which was prosecuted by the Harris County District Attorney's Office.

"Texans will not tolerate criminals who defraud the taxpayers," Attorney General Abbott said. "The Medicaid program is designed to provide assistance to Texans who cannot afford health care. When criminals make fraudulent Medicaid claims, they are stealing from taxpayers and breaking the law. Thanks to an outstanding joint effort by our Medicaid Fraud Control Unit and Harris County District Attorney Charles Rosenthal, Jr., a scam that harmed Medicaid recipients and defrauded the taxpayers has been shut down."

According to evidence gathered by MFCU investigators, Allen used E.A. Christian Faith Services to bill Medicaid from 2002 to 2003 for more counseling hours than were actually conducted. Investigators also found that even after several licensed counselors stopped working for E.A. Christian Faith Services, the defendant continued to bill Medicaid for the counselors' services.

Eric Deshon Allen, Sr., 35, the defendant's husband and former owner of the company, pleaded guilty in May to one count of Medicaid fraud for his part in the scheme. He was sentenced to five years probation and 240 hours of community service. He also paid $32,262 in restitution.

In 2005 alone, the costs of the Medicaid program in Texas totaled more than $17 billion. As the state's chief law enforcement official, Attorney General Abbott has dramatically expanded the MFCU to save taxpayer dollars and increase protection for Texas seniors. The Unit has established field offices in Corpus Christi, Dallas, El Paso, Houston, Lubbock, McAllen, San Antonio and Tyler through authorization and funding from the 78th Legislature. Attorney General Abbott's MFCU works with federal, state and local agencies to identify and prosecute those who defraud Medicaid.

SPREADING THE WORD ABOUT WHO'S WHO IN BLACK HOUSTON!

HAVE YOU MADE THE PAGES OF THE BOOK YET?

Executives from the locally published book 'Who's Who In Black Houston' made a stop at city hall Tuesday. Phyllis Bailey and Pamella Thorne delivered more than a dozen copies of the book to council members and the Mayor. Bailey said she wanted to stress the importance of the book and how it can be used as a tool for city leaders. Bailey said the books can be used to attract African American conventions to the city while also providing a new list of role models to students in the community. Council member Jarvis Johnson praised the book while Mayor Pro Tem Michael Berry joked Johnson just wanted to ensure he got into next year's edition. Johnson fired back that Berry's attempt to get into the pages of Who's Who in Black Houston has already been rejected. By the way, The Insite made the inaugural edition of the book!

DID THE INSITE MISS SOMETHING: WHEN DID DREXLER'S BARBECUE SHUT DOWN?

ANYONE KNOWS WHAT HAPPENED TO THE RESTAURANT?


I was driving along 45 south when I noticed something curious from the interstate. The signs at Drexler's BBQ were gone. There was also a new sign reading 'coming soon.' I had no idea the restaurant shut down. I also did a quick restaurant guide check on line and it also indicated the restaurant was closed. It was owned by former Houston Rockets player Clyde Drexler...Any ideas out there on what happened to Drexler's?

THREE NATIONAL GUARDSMEN ACCUSED OF TRANSPORTING ILLEGALS IN TEXAS!

IN UNIFORM AT THE TIME OF ARREST WITH ILLEGALS IN THE BACK!

A criminal complaint has been filed in federal court charging three Texas National Guardsmen with conspiring to transport illegal aliens, United States Attorney Don DeGabrielle announced today.

Jose Rodrigo Torres, 26, and Julio Cesar Pacheco, 25, both of Laredo, TX, and Clarence Hodge, Jr. 36, of Fort Worth, TX are each charged in the criminal complaint. All three defendants appeared before a United States Magistrate Judge this morning and have been ordered released on a $75,000 cash or surety bond. A preliminary examination hearing has been set for June 19, 2007 at 11:00 a.m. for all three defendants.

According to the allegations in the criminal complaint, during the late evening hours of Thursday, June 7, 2007, Torres was arrested by Border Patrol agents after 24 illegal aliens were discovered in the van he was driving along Interstate 35 near Cotulla, TX. Torres was in uniform at the time of his arrest. Hodge and Pacheco were arrested on Friday, June 8, 2007. Hodge is alleged to have assisted Torres to pass through the I-35 Border Patrol checkpoint station without inspection the previous day by approaching Torres’ vehicle to make it appear that the two were conducting National Guard business. Pacheco is accused of recruiting the guardsmen to transport undocumented aliens and paying $1,000 to $3,500 for each smuggling trip. The complaint alleges several similar smuggling trips had been conducted previously.

“The alleged actions of these three men is disturbing and will be addressed, but should not and does not diminish the outstanding contribution of the thousands of Texas National Guardsmen who daily do their duty alongside federal law enforcement officials to secure the borders of our nation,” said United States Attorney Don DeGabrielle.

If indicted by a federal grand jury of the conspiracy charge and subsequently convicted, each defendant faces a maximum of 10 years in federal prison, without parole, and a $250,000 fine.

TEXANS WILL ENDORSE EDWARDS FOR PRESIDENT TUESDAY!

WE NOW KNOW WHO COLEMAN WILL VOTE FOR!

Three Democratic leaders in the Texas House—Reps. Jim Dunnam of Waco, Garnet Coleman of Houston and Trey Martinez Fischer of San Antonio—are among folks expected to endorse former North Carolina Sen. John Edwards for president at an Austin event Tuesday.

The $15 a person gathering is happening at noon at Scholz Garten, 1607 San Jacinto, in Austin.

DID YOU CAR MAKE THE STOLEN VEHICLE'S LIST?

THE LATEST LIST FROM THE HOUSTON POLICE DEPARTMENT!

The following is a rundown of the "Top 10" makes of vehicles that were stolen during the month of May 2007. The models stolen most often are listed in parenthesis:

1. Ford Trucks 248
2. Chevrolet Trucks 163
3. Honda Cars 136
(Civic, 60.29%)
(Accord, 32.35%)
4. Dodge Trucks 131
5. Dodge Cars 75
(Intrepid, 48.00%)
(Neon, 13.33%)
6. Ford Cars 74
(Taurus, 56.76%)
(Mustang 16.22%)
7. Chevrolet Cars 52
(Impala, 30.77%)
(Caprice, 13.46%)
8. GMC 47
9. Toyota Cars 41
(Camry, 60.98%)
(Corolla, 21.95%)
10. Nissan Cars 40
(Sentra, 40.00%)
(Altima, 30.00%)

CONGRATULATIONS TO JAMIE AND KENDRICK!

WEDDING TIME IS APPROACHING!

The Insite's niece - Jamie Cummings - is getting married to fellow Baton Rougean Kendrick Jones. The couple met more than a year ago and will likely jump the broom in November. So expect the Insite to head to Louisiana that month even though it will be in the middle of sweeps month. Congratulations to the happy couple!

JAMES PRINCE GOING AFTER BOOTLEGGERS!

HOW DO YOU FEEL ABOUT BOOTLEGGERS: COMMUNITY SERVICE OR COMMON CRIMINALS?


The Insite hears Houston rap label owner James Prince hasn't given up his fight against bootleggers. Prince and his Rap-a-Lot attorneys have filed cease and desist orders against at least three companies for allegedly bootlegging the Houston based rap artist Zro. The Insite was told at least one federal search warrant was served on one Houston man and US Marshals found more than 5,000 bootleg c-d's. You'll remember only a few years ago the Insite gave you an inside look at how Prince's then bootleg squad worked to fight illegal copying of music. There is no word if they're still going out searching for bootleggers or using the courts as they have recently done.

Insite Question: What do you think about bootleggers: A community service or common criminals?

CAN YOU BELIEVE THERE IS STILL HUMAN SLAVERY HITTING TEXAS IN 2007?

WOMEN FORCED INTO INVOLUNTARY SERVITUDE RIGHT HERE IN HOUSTON!

United States Attorney for the Southern District of Texas Don DeGabrielle and Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights Wan Kim announced that Olga Mondragon pleaded guilty today to federal civil rights charges for her role in conspiring to smuggle Central American women and girls into the United States and to placing them in a condition of involuntary servitude.

At a hearing this morning in Houston, TX, Olga Mondragon pleaded guilty to a total of thirteen counts including eight counts of holding young Central American women in a condition of forced labor at her bar in the Houston area, and a forced labor conspiracy, conspiracy to and smuggling Central American women into the United States for financial gain, and harboring illegal aliens. She is the seventh of eight defendants charged in this human trafficking case to plead guilty. Co-defendant Maria Fuentes awaits trial.

Olga Mondragon is a 47-year-old El Salvadoran national. She and her co-defendants conspired with others to smuggle female illegal aliens from Central America to Houston, Texas. Once in Houston, Olga Mondragon, working with other co-defendants held the women and girls in a condition of servitude in bars owned by the conspirators until the women had paid their smuggling debts to the defendants. The defendants used threats of harm to the women and their families to keep the women in a condition of servitude. Specifically, Olga Mondragon and her co-defendants threatened that the women’s families or children would pay the consequences if any of the young women attempted to leave before paying their smuggling debts, including threats of kidnaping and threats to report the young women to dangerous co-conspirators who could have people killed or burn people’s houses down.

“This insidious crime is nothing more than thinly-cloaked modern day slavery. Seven defendants have been held accountable for these crimes and should serve as a warning to any who are engaged in this form of human trafficking and oppression,” said United States Attorney Don DeGabrielle.

THE COUNCILMAN TACKLES SUMMER SAFETY ISSUE!

PROACTIVE STEPS TO KEEP HOUSTON KIDS FROM DROWNING!

In light of several recent drownings, Council Member Jarvis Johnson and
several community leaders are taking proactive steps to prevent children
from being in unsafe situations when utilizing public swimming pools this
summer. Council Member Jarvis Johnson will meet with community leaders and
members of the press to announce the Child Summer/Water Safety Town Hall
Meeting, which will be held Wednesday, June 13, 2007, 7 p.m. at Lincoln
Community Center, 979 Grenshaw, Houston, Texas 77088.


Who: Council Member Jarvis Johnson & Community Leaders

What: Press Conference to announce Child Summer/Water Safety Town Hall
Meeting

When: Tuesday, June 12th at 11am

Where: On the back steps of City Hall, 901 Bagby

IT'S GEORGE BUSH'S (SR.) BIRTHDAY THIS TUESDAY!

THERE'S A NEW WEBSITE FOR YOU TO VISIT!

To help observe the 83rd birthday of the 41st President of the United States tomorrow, June 12th, the coordinating committee of the George Bush Monument in downtown Houston today launched a new educational website designed – together with the monument – to highlight George Bush’s lifetime of service with honor.

The website, which is located at www.bushmonument.com, offers information about the monument components, a biography of President Bush, an interactive timeline with key highlights from the president’s public and private life, a section acknowledging the project’s supporters, and a contact form on the lower left side of the home page where citizens can send a greeting to the former president.

“We presented the George Bush Monument as a gift to the city of Houston, because George Bush is arguably the city’s most famous resident who has contributed so much to our city, our nation, and indeed the world,” said Charles Foster, who together with David Jones co-chairs the monument’s coordinating committee. “Now, through this website, we are inviting a broader audience to learn more about the singular life of this truly great American -- and to send President Bush a birthday greeting.”

The Bush Monument was built in Sesquicentennial Park on the northeast banks of Houston’s Buffalo Bayou (near the corner of Bagby and Franklin Streets), and features an eight-foot bronze sculpture of the former president by North Carolina artist Chas Fagan and a semicircular wall of four bas-reliefs by Houston artist Wei-li "Willy" Wang. Houston Mayor Bill White accepted the monument on behalf of the people of Houston at a December 2004 dedication ceremony attended by President and Mrs. Bush.

A bipartisan group of Houstonians who served at the cabinet level were honorary chairs of the project: James A. Baker III, secretary of state; Lloyd Bentsen, treasury secretary; former Houston Mayor Lee P. Brown, director of the Office of National Drug Control Policy; Charles Duncan, energy secretary; Robert A. Mosbacher Sr., commerce secretary; and Hushang Ansary, minister in the Iranian government.

The George Bush Monument project cost $1.7 million, and all funds were raised through private donations.

UPDATE: HPD DOESN'T DELIVER DEATH NOTICES!

ANSWERS FOR THE BERDEGUEZ FAMILY!

It was last week when a local family complained about not being notified by HPD that a loved one was killed. Here's an excerpt:

Berdeguez's father-in-law James Duplantis (dark burgundy shirt) was a bit upset. He wanted to know why no one from the investigating agency (Houston Police Dept.) called his daughter Darlene Berdeguez to tell her Carlos was dead. So how did she find out? Duplantis says while Darlene was at work she received a phone call. It was her company's human resources department telling Mrs. Berdeguez her husband was dead.


















A spokesperson from HPD tells The Insite it is the Medical Examiners job to tell families their loved ones are deceased. That spokesperson also says there are some occasions where HPD will assist the ME with delivering the news but in Houston it's their job. I hope this answers the families concerns!

IT GAVE ME A HEADACHE SO THE HD TELEVISION IS OUT OF HERE!

OUT WITH THE NEW AND BACK IN WITH THE OLD!

After giving the LG HD/TV such rave reviews here on the Insite I had to return it. After owning the set for less than 24 hours I realized it was hurting my eyes. It actually gave me a headache every time I turned it on. And I don't mean over a prolonged period of time but after watching it for ten minutes on Sunday it left my head thumping. So I loaded the 37 inch up in my car and dropped it back off at Circuit City. I put my 1 year old RCA TruFlat back on the Insite nightstand. Sometimes things just don't work out!

DO YOU RECOGNIZE THE ALLEGED BAD GUY?

HCSO and HPD Seek Public’s Help in Identifying Fraud Suspect

The Harris County Sheriff’s Office and the Houston Police Department are asking for the public’s help in identifying a fraud suspect who has been preying upon Hispanics. In at least three of the cases, the suspect offered to help the victims post bond for relatives, but after taking the victim’s money, he disappeared without posting the bond. In other cases, he took the victims’ money after claiming he could get them cheaper bus tickets or could help them take care of traffic tickets. In all of the cases, the suspect targets Hispanic victims who do not speak English well, if at all, and in most of the cases, he takes the victim’s identification. Previously, the suspect has been seen in the area of the Sheriff’s Office’s Bonding Office at 49 San Jacinto, and information has been posted in that office to alert the public.

The suspect is described as a Hispanic male in his 30’s, 5’6” – 5’7”, 160 – 180 pounds, with black hair. He usually wears a light colored dress shirt, dark dress pants, and carries a briefcase or satchel. Anyone with information regarding this suspect is asked to call Sgt. Brasher, HPD Major Offenders, at 713-308-3140, or the Harris County Sheriff’s Office at 713-221-6000.

THE INSITE HEADQUARTERS GOES HIGH DEFINITION!

EVERYTHING THEY SAY ABOUT HD IS TRUE!

I admit I am very late to the party but I just bought a LG Plasma/HD television and everything they say is true. The picture quality is incredible. I would suggest you go out and get one. They're unbelievable!