Governor and Jimmy

Gov. Bill Richardson left us way too soon. He is an icon in the Latino community. Congressman, U.N. Ambassador, Energy Secretary, Governor, presidential candidate, and negotiator. Throw in articulate and charismatic.

I ran into him a few times over the years at gatherings throughout the country. The featured photo is from a private dinner here in H-Town that I organized 24 years ago with then Sec. Richardson and local Latino leaders. 

He really was a great guy.  He certainly deserves to be featured on a postal stamp.

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We also lost Jimmy Buffett way too soon this past weekend. He had a tremendous impact on the music scene for the past few decades. I saw him in concert at The Yard in 2007. It was a great show.

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Here is the lead front page headline from the hard copy of today’s Chron:

Some students, parents praise reforms

Here is from the story on more about the HISD takeover:

The Houston Chronicle spoke with about two dozen students and parents on the outskirts of several NES campuses throughout the first week of classes, and nearly all were unanimous in their praise of the majority of Miles’ reforms, which aim to improve outcomes at a group of campuses that largely serve Black, Hispanic and low-income students.

“I like that they’re challenging the kids more,” said Esmeralda Espinoza, a parent of two students at NES schools. “If they’re doing this so they can see where the kids are at or whether they need extra work or extra help, and then they can be given the help, I think it will be great.”

Melody-Ford Williams, whose daughter attends second grade at Kashmere Gardens Elementary, said she welcomed the reforms, particularly the additional structure for children and higher expectations for teachers. 

Williams said she thought the staffing changes, conversion of libraries to Team Centers and other reforms were “perfect.” Her child hasn’t complained about any of the changes so far, she said.

Here is the entire read: HISD parents, students welcome superintendent’s reforms to NES schools (houstonchronicle.com).

I am hoping these schools succeed. Let’s hope this works. It is about students learning.

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One of my best friends and clients, State Sen. Carol Alvarado, was honored on the field at The Yard before Friday’s game. The Astros presented her with a personally engraved baseball bat for successfully carrying legislation that allows fans to purchase Share2Care raffle tickets at The Yard using their iphone gizmos. Cool.

We were looking pretty good after sweeping the Red Sox at Fenway last week. After getting swept by the Yankees at The Yard this weekend, we don’t look so hot.  We are in Arlington for three starting this afternoon.

24 games remain. 12 roadies and 12 at The Yard.