Rice Military News June 2009

R ICE M ILITARY N EWSLETTER JUNE

2009

Your source for neighborhood news

Smart Meter Technology by Phyllis Thomason, President

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The smart meter technology we’ve been promised is now a reality in Rice Military! This is CenterPoint’s first step in moving the electric grid into the digital age. Smart meters encourage greater energy conservation by giving us the ability to better monitor and manage our electric use and its cost. This enables us to make more informed energy choices. Using less energy saves us money and means less power may need to be produced—which is good for consumers and great for the environment! Even though the installation of smart meters in Rice Military is complete, it will take a while for all of the new meter functionality and communication systems to begin to work. Beginning in August of this year, the benefits will include: Improved Outage Response – Smart meters will automatically notify CenterPoint Energy about power outages, which allows for faster power restoration. Remote Meter Reading – Smart meters provide the capability for remote meter reading, virtually eliminating the need for CenterPoint to go house-tohouse to read meters.

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Smoother Transactions – Remote connection and disconnection of electric service should reduce the time it takes to process service orders for most homes. In the future, Smart Meters will enable: Energy efficiency and savings – Allows consumers the ability to monitor

“ G R E E N H O U S T O N ” electricity usage and better manage energy costs by making small changes B Y B R I A N C R I M M I N S such as adjusting our thermostats. FROM CITY OF HOUSTON S O L I D W A S T E M A N A G E M E N T New products and savings – Retail Electric Providers (REPs), who sell elec-

tricity to us, could offer new, innovative products and services.

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Home area networks (HAN) – Smart meters will function interactively with compatible HAN devices such as thermostats or other electric appliances for remote operation. With the knowledge gained from this powerful new tool, we may begin turning off unneeded appliances, changing to more efficient lighting, and adjusting our thermostats to save energy. Another important tool would be the ability of the REPs to offer lower rates for off-peak use and higher rates during peak periods, such as hot summer afternoons. By reducing our electrical demand, less power is produced; decreased power generation translates into reduced emissions and better air quality. For more information on your smart meter visit www.CenterPointEnergy.com.

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Shhh! You’re in a Quiet Zone by Phyllis Thomason All of the noise about The Washington Quiet Zone has finally paid off! Details proposed by the Traffic and Transportation Division of the City of Houston’s Public Works and Engineering Department were presented during the public hearing on Wednesday, May 27, at the United Way Building on Waugh Drive. The Washington Quiet Zone was one of six requested quiet zones selected to be funded in the 2009 CIP Budget. After a month long traffic usage study, the recommendations to close the crossings at Roy, Thompson, Bonner, and Parker were made to the residents. A type of barricade will be placed at these crossings to warn drivers. Along with these closures, the recommendation for the use of medians and channelization along T. C. Jester and Heights Boulevard were made. Crossing gates and channelization were recommended at Patterson and Harvard, and more substantial gates would be installed to protect us at the crossing at Durham and Shepherd. Channelization is created by the placement of

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vertical panels between lanes to prevent drivers from u-turning. Examples of this type of treatment can be seen at the at-grade crossings on Westheimer at Highland Village. The City of Houston has also proposed that portions of Allen Street and Sherwin become one-way. Residents were given an opportunity to make comments and ask questions at the conclusion of this meeting, and they will be able to continue providing comments for another two weeks in writing. All comments will be considered, and if there are changes to be made, another public meeting will be held within 60 days. If the recommended plan is accepted, work will begin immediately. Once all improvements have been made by the City of Houston, a “Notice of Intent” will be submitted to TxDOT and Union Pacific Railroad. These two entities evaluate the installation of the safety improvements; they have 60 days to answer with a “Notice of Establishment” of the Quiet Zone. If all goes according to plan, the Washington Quiet Zone should be effective early 2010! Thanks to all who wrote emails and letters of request to Mayor White and our city council representatives. This dream is about to become

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Your Input Needed on Residential Parking Permits by Phyllis Thomason

even though they have met the City of Houston requirements.

With the opening of several bars and the near-completion of many others along Washington Avenue and Durham/Shepherd, Rice Military residents are already beginning to see a chronic com-

Many of you have informed me of the number of cars parked on your street that block your driveways and basically block any through traffic on your street. Along with the increased vehicular traffic come the incivilities of the inebriated drivers who have been over served! The city council may designate residential areas within the city with chronic commuter parking problems as residential parking permit areas. We must request the designation, submit the proper paperwork, work with the parking official assigned to observe our problems, and once the parking official consults with and obtains concurrence of the traffic engineer, a residential parking area can be established. All of this takes time and effort. I am willing to spend that time and effort if the majority of you want to move in this direction.

muter parking problem. Folks who drive to this entertainment area need a place to park and most establishments do not provide enough parking spaces

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What say you? [email protected].

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Send me a note at

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Editorial: Our Rice Military Drainage by Joel Reichek, Past RMCC President Every morning I walk in the neighborhood on my way to Memorial Park. I have noticed that many of our drainage ditches are filled with leaves, brush, tree limbs, and trash. A few days ago we experienced almost 11 inches of rain in a 24-hour period. Many of our drainage ditches filled with rainwater, and a few of our streets and homes experienced some short-term flooding. These drainage ditches are designed to fill up during a heavy rain and hold that rainwater for a short period of time until the storm water drainage system and the bayous can accept that rainwater. In most cases the ditches drain rather quickly and cause no undue problems or flooding in the streets. I have noticed in my walks in the neighborhood that many of our ditches are not draining as well as they used to. That’s because of all of the debris in the ditches that clog the inlets and the culverts. Many residents in the neighborhood believe that it is the responsibility of the City to keep these ditches and culverts cleaned out. While the City bears some responsibility, you as a resident or homeowner also bear responsibility for the ditches and culverts in front of your house. It is your responsibility to cut the grass and weeds in your drainage ditches and to keep the culverts clean so that storm water can flow freely thru the storm wa-

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ter system. Don't plant flowers in your drainage ditches and in front of your culverts. If everyone takes responsibility for the drainage ditches and culverts in front of their houses, everyone will benefit by having a much better drainage system. While many feel the open drainage ditches are unsightly, the open drainage system works very well when properly maintained. Seventy percent of the City has open drainage ditch systems. Before we get any closer to the Hurricane Season, take a few minutes to step outside your house and check your ditches in front of your house. If they are overgrown or clogged with debris, remove that debris and cut the grass and weeds in your ditch. If the culverts are clogged, clean them out. You and your neighborhood will benefit greatly.

An example of well-groomed ditches.

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Rice Military Civic Club Membership Form _____ $20 Household Membership for one year _____ $30 Business Membership for one year _____ $5

Already a member? Give this to a neighbor!

Senior Membership for one year

_____ I want to donate $_____ extra for community outreach! Name _____________________________________________________________ Address ____________________________________________________________ Telephone ___________________ Email __________________________________ _____ I would like to be contacted about upcoming civic club events _____ I would like to be contacted about local volunteer opportunities Please mail this form to: PO Box 130311, Houston TX 77219 or go online to pay dues at www.RiceMilitary.org

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Restaurant Review: Pagoda Vietnamese Bistro and Bar by Eileen Sims Tucked away just off Shepherd near I-10, you will find Pagoda Vietnamese Bistro. Once inside this unassuming yellow house, the atmosphere is surprisingly modern with Asian accents. Sisters Ester and Sandy Tran, who opened the restaurant five months ago, said they were inspired by the idea of elevating the Vietnamese dinning experience in Houston. They have succeeded. This is not your typical mom and pop Vietnamese fast food place. A large sleek bar and lounge area occupies the front of the restaurant, boasting a drink list of “Pagodatinis”—our favorite was the Cherry Blossom Martini: not too sweet, not too strong, just perfectly refreshing.

should not be missed!) as well as several vegetarian choices. The Shaking Beef ($15), marinated filet mignon with tomato rice, was hands down the most impressive dish we sampled. The staff was friendly and wore genuine smiles, although the service seemed a little off the night we were there, especially since the restaurant was far from full, but to be fair, our waiter said he was new. Overall I was impressed with Pagoda and feel it is a welcome addition to our neighborhood. I look forward to returning to its contemporary atmosphere, fresh food, interesting menu, and tasty martinis!

For dining, Pagoda’s menu is full of traditional Vietnamese favorites but also includes entrees with a modern, upscale twist. Think marinated lamb with lemongrass mint sauce and garlic mashed potatoes, for example. Appetizers range from Calamari Crunch ($7), which we found to be slightly over cooked, to the Crab Stack, a mix of fresh crab, mangos, avocado and cucumber, which we felt lacked flavor. I highly recommend any of the rolls. The Spring Rolls were fresh and perfectly packaged, so they did not fall apart with the first bite, and the rich peanut sauce for dipping was a crowd pleaser. My favorite was the Pagoda Roll—pork, shrimp, bean sprouts, and yellow crepe rolled in rice paper served with a delicious fish sauce. There is a nice selection of noodle and soup dishes (if you are a fan of Pho, it

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Pagoda Vietnamese Bistro and Bar 4705 Inker Street 832-673-0400 www.pagodabistro.com

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Enjoy Summer and Have a Picnic! by Lisa Walter Warm weather is a great time for picnics. Haven’t you heard? From the beach to the backyard and from blue skies to starry nights, everything tastes better outside! You can go to the park, the lake, go hiking, on a date, for a family reunion, after church, on the road during vacation, or for a unique brunch. Here are some ideas and tips for a great picnic: Take care of the food! This does not mean the food should take a lot of care. Keep the cold foods cold and keep the non-perishables in containers that will keep the bugs out. Simple foods can be the best, and it is really the spirit of the event and not the food which makes it memorable, don’t you find? My favorite no-cook all-purpose picnic menu is a loaf of French bread, herbed goat cheese, ripe pears, chocolatecovered almonds, strawberries, and a bottle of champagne. Sandwiches are a picnic standard. Wrap sandwiches in parchment paper instead of plastic to keep them from getting soggy. Personalize your picnic! Bring out your favorite blanket and some pillows for comfort. Try incense sticks instead of bug spray, and don’t forget a Frisbee and a deck of cards for after the meal. If you have kids who would like to set off fireworks on the 4th of July, why not take a drive out of town with a picnic and firecrackers? Or you could have a birthday picnic complete with a piñata. Nellie Keyes Park, located at Rose and Lester, is a

good place to take kids, or go on your own for a sweet solo lunch. Hummus BLTs 1 clove garlic 1 15 oz can garbanzo beans, rinsed and drained 1 tsp salt 1/2 tsp ground cumin 3 tbsp sesame tahini Juice from 1 lemon 1/4 to 1/2 cup water, as needed 8 slices whole wheat bread 8 slices cooked bacon 8 slices beefsteak tomato 12 thin slices cucumber 2 cups lettuce or arugula To make the hummus: Place the garlic in a food processor. Pulse to mince. Add the garbanzos, salt, cumin, tahini, and lemon juice. Process on medium speed. With the motor running, drizzle in the water through the feed chute until you have a creamy paste. For the sandwiches: Spread the hummus on the 8 slices of bread. (Store remaining hummus covered in the fridge. Drizzle with olive oil and serve with crudités.) Arrange 2 strips of bacon on 4 slices. Place 2 slices of tomato on the bacon. Sprinkle the tomato with salt and pepper. Put the cucumber slices on the tomatoes. Top each with 1/2 cup of lettuce and the remaining 4 slices of bread. Wrap each sandwich in parchment paper and keep cool until you are ready to eat.

Advertise in the next newsletter! Email [email protected]

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Queen of Green Says: “Save $ While Saving the Environment” by Laury Adams Think of the pile of plastic bottles that will be created with all the empty water bottles you and your family toss away in one year! For me, reducing that pile started some time ago when my friend Susan Battelstein and I talked about the outrageous price of bottled water one is forced to pay in airports. We all know that liquids cannot be carried through security. Susan suggested travelers could start with an empty bottle and fill it with water on the other side of the security gate. This simple solution has saved me many bucks.

Rice Military Calendar Rice Military Civic Club hosts many events open to both members and non-members, including a wine club, book club, socials, as well as many other activities. To find the specific times and places for these events, visit our website at www.RiceMilitary.org. Get email notices and updates by signing up for them at the bottom of our website. If you are on Facebook, join our group by searching for “Rice Military neighborhood.” Find an event that interests you and get to know your neighbors. See you there!

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Saturday Monday Monday Tuesday Thursday Monday

You can probably think of creative ways to reduce the amount of disposable plastic in your life. Not only do we save money, but we save the environment.

August

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recycle heavy trash: junk recycle

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Independence Day recycle heavy trash: tree waste RMCC Meeting Wine Club recycle

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recycle heavy trash: junk recycle recycle

July

The travel idea can be adopted in our everyday lives. Now, I carry a handy plastic container that fits in my purse and fill it with filtered water from the refrigerator. And the bottled water I use to have on the table for clients has been substituted with a pretty glass pitcher filled with ice water and a slice of lemon.

Big goals are achieved by everyone doing a little. Your “little” can make a difference—it’s called the “Power of One.”

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Rice Military Civic Club Officers

ELECTRONIC NEWSLETTER

Elected Offices President

Phyllis Thomason [email protected]

Vice-President

Jack Hardin [email protected]

Secretary

Will D. Wilkinson [email protected]

Treasurer

Kathleen Zimmerman [email protected]

NOW AVAILABLE Get a greener Rice Military Newsletter!

Non-Elected Offices

If you’d like to receive this newsletter by email on PDF in lieu of a hard copy,

Social Coordinator

Peggy Moore [email protected]

then email

Newsletter Editor

Wendy Wilkinson [email protected]

[email protected] with “PDF Newsletter” in the subject line

All officers are volunteers. Please contact them with any questions, issues, or compliments! We would like to thank officers and all other volunteers for their work to make Rice Military one of the best neighborhoods in Houston!

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along with your name and home address

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in the email.

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Editorial: Spec’s and the Alcohol Free Zone by Gerald Franklin of the Gerald Franklin Agency, 146 Wescott Most of you have probably heard by now that the two Spec’s stores on the north side of the Washington Avenue traffic circle are too close to Memorial Elementary under the 1000 ft. “alcohol free zone” adopted in 1996 by Houston City Council at the request of H.I.S.D. Some of the information being circulated by the City of Houston about the license applications is not accurate. I know, because my agency made the applications on behalf of Spec’s in December 2007. We applied for a Package Store Permit, a Beer Retail Dealer’s Off-Premise License, a Local Cartage Permit, and a Package Store Tasting Permit for the location at 6010 Washington Avenue, Suite A, to be issued to Spec’s Liquor #57. We also applied for a Wine Only Package Store permit and a Beer Retail Dealer’s Off-Premise License for the location at 6010 Washington Avenue, Suite C, to be issued to Spec’s Wines, Beers & Finer Foods #58, by giving the city license division notice by fax on December 7, 2007. The TABC (Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission), which actually issues the licenses, relies upon the individual cities to determine whether the proposed location of any license is appropriate according to their regulations. In the case of these two Spec’s stores, we made an error on the initial faxed application, indicating that the stores were not within 1000 feet of a school. We subsequently corrected this information and had a number of discussions with the City employee charged with measuring the distance, which is approximately 665 feet. We were told that the City was interpreting the alcohol free zone as not being applicable to these stores. The actual application forms that were delivered to the City for signature correctly identified the stores as being

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within 1000 feet of a school. And they did not contain any representation that the sales would be less than 50% alcohol. In fact, there is no place on the application forms in use at the time to make such an assertion. The City Secretary signed the corrected forms on January 8, 2008, and the TABC issued the licenses on February 20, 2008. Spec’s signed a ten-year lease and construction commenced under building permits issued by the City. The stores opened with City Occupancy Permits in late July 2008. On August 1, the Houston City Secretary sent a letter to the TABC stating that the location certification had been made in error. The stores have been operating under threat of closure since then. On March 20, 2009, the Harris County Attorneys Office, at the request of the TABC, filed a law suit to close the stores because of the 1000 ft. alcohol free zone. There is a provision in the Texas law that allows the City to grant a variance from the alcohol free zone. Spec’s has applied for that variance. Mayor White and a number of Council Members have said that they will consider the variance if there is an indication that the neighborhood would like the stores to remain. I am told that some people in the neighborhood fear that granting a variance to allow Spec’s to remain would in some way influence the ability of the bars and restaurants on Washington Avenue to secure variances from the parking requirements. These are two entirely separate issues. The Spec’s variance will be considered by City Council. Parking variances, if sought, will be considered by the Planning Commission, which has only granted a few parking variances and only when there was ample evidence that sufficient parking existed.

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Letter from the Editor by Wendy Wilkinson We spend a lot of money on our bicycles. And we store them in our garage to keep them safe. This only works if we keep our garage door shut. I was told this story by someone who lives in our neighborhood. She was outside working in her front yard one morning. She hardly noticed the two men walking down the street, and they didn’t notice her at all. Then the men ducked into a garage left open by her neighbor. Within seconds they both grabbed a bicycle from that open garage. When she happened to walk outside her gate, she surprised one of the men who promptly abandoned one of bikes as he ran away behind the other man who was already down the street on the bike he had stolen. It took her a second to realize that she had just inadvertently prevented a theft of one of her neighbor’s two

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bikes. She called the police and later talked with her neighbor. Turns out the neighbor had accidentally left the garage door open, leaving the bicycles in the open. I urge everyone to take a minute every time they leave the house to make sure their garage door is down. Create a habit of sitting in your driveway and watching the garage door close. Also think about times you might leave your garage door open while you are in the house. How many times while working in our yard or garage do we leave the garage door open while we go inside to get a drink or answer the phone? Conduct this experiment yourself: time how long it would take someone to walk into your open garage, take a bike, and ride around the corner. Then time yourself getting a drink of water. Think about how vulnerable your belonging can be in an open garage. While we cannot prevent all crime, a little time and common sense can go a long way toward protecting your property.

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Rice Military Civic Club PO Box 130311 Houston TX 77219-0311

Support Your Civic Club And Become a Member! Pay Dues at www.RiceMilitary.org SHARE YOUR NEWS We welcome your news, photos, and comments on items published but reserve the right to edit for clarity, style, and length. For the September newsletter, articles are due August 15, 2009. Send items to [email protected]. Articles and ads do not necessarily reflect the views of the Rice Military Civic Club, nor does the Civic Club take responsibility for errors of fact that may be expressed by the writers and advertisers. Thank you, Wendy Wilkinson, editor