Sylvia Garcia RSS Feed

Harris County Redistricting Hits the Supreme Court

Sylvia Garcia - noemail@sylviagarciacampaign.com — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 15:00:00 GMT

With only a few sentences into his argument, the State’s lawyer was interrupted by Justice Sotomayor (one Wise Latina) with a pointed question “does that not turn Section 5 of the Voting Rights Act (Act) on its head?” And, from there it was about an hour and half of lively and engaging oral arguments before the Supreme Court of the United States.

It was a “bucket list” item for me as a lawyer and former Judge but for all of us in Texas, it was a monumental hearing which will set the political stage for the next decade in Texas and could well have repercussions for decades to come.

I won’t dwell on how we got here except to remind us that there are many things at play. There is the Justice Department who enforces the Act and there was a lawyer there making arguments in behalf of the government. Then there is the San Antonio federal court that ordered the interim maps which are subject of this appeal by the State of Texas. The “State’s” lawyer was there and by State’s lawyer I don’t mean our Attorney General. He was there too, but not to argue though he did sit at the counsel’s table. Our State’s lawyer was a hired gun. Then there is the D.C. District Court who has jurisdiction of the redistricting case itself and has in fact scheduled a trial to begin in a couple of weeks. Now, if that is not confusing, let me make a few points about the Voting Rights Act (Act) itself.

The Act was designed to provide the opportunity for minorities to elect a candidate of their choice and to ensure the constitutional principle of “one person/one vote”. Early on it was about African American voting rights and recently, it’s about the growing Latino population. In Texas, it is about both. There are two sections of the Act which come into play: Section 2 which protects minority voters from changes that would deprive them of an effective vote for a candidate of their choice. That means no dilution of minority voting. Section 5 which prohibits changes that worsen the position of minority voters with a discriminatory purpose. That means that there can be no changes with a discriminatory purpose. I won’t pretend to try to unravel it all. I simply want to give a backdrop to what is at stake and provide a few personal impressions.

First, I was impressed that all the Justices except Justice Thomas who traditionally never asks questions, asked many questions. I didn’t expect it to be so lively, so engaging and almost to the point where Chief Justice Roberts couldn’t get a question in and at times had to sort through who was asking what as some Justices were gently interrupted. It was like watching big leagues point counterpoint.

Secondly, I was impressed that the Justices quoted transcript page numbers, talked specifically about maps, and genuinely appeared to know the case. Justice Sotomayor described the El Paso District as “antler-type district, a head and two unconnected antlers on top, nothing tying them together“. Justice Breyer quoted from transcripts to make several points. Justice Kagen quoted from the record below. I was impressed. If interested, the full transcript of the hearing is on line on the Supreme Court web page at www.supremecourt.gov. My impressions however are taken from my notes during the arguments. A side note, we had to check in all our electronics which meant no photos, no text, no tweets and no recordings. Nada.

Third, and what you probably are most interested in. What may or may not happen? I was relieved when Chief Justice Roberts noted “the Voting Rights Act is not at issue here”. Frankly, many of us feared the Court would use this case to hold the Act itself unconstitutional, another “Gore-ing”. Hearing the Chief Justice say that was good news. However, the same cannot be said with regard to Section 5 of the Act. Many of the Justices, clearly more than five and that’s all they need, had questions that would lead one to infer that they are prepared to end it, change it or set new legal standards for its application. Not good news.

Also, the Chief Justice was overly concerned about “coalition districts” and questioned whether the Act should even apply to them as the Act’s intent was to protect minority rights. As he put it, “It's one thing under the Voting Rights Act to say that this group votes as a bloc and has been discriminated against in its ability to elect representatives of its choice. It's another thing to say that two different minority groups are put together because they share some particular view so that one candidate is going to be each of theirs candidates of choice. That goes quite a step further from what we have upheld under the Voting Rights Act”. Clearly, coalition districts will get a hard look and may not receive any deference and may be eliminated when new maps are drawn. That could also be bad news.

Questions also seemed to suggest that the Justices are not overly concerned by Texas’ primary timeline. Justice Sotomayor pointedly asked, “… what's the real drop-dead date? It's not November 6th, because that's the date of the general election. What's the latest election -- primary election that any State has? June 26th? What is our drop dead deadline?’ With that and rather quickly other Justices pointed out Utah’s late primary, other states’ primaries and it was obvious that their only concern was the big deadline- November 6. 2012. Garza (challenging maps) pointed out that “The -- the critical date is 45 days from the election in order to ensure -- sending out a ballot to overseas voters, including the military. So if -- if you go back 45 days and then you give the jurisdiction sufficient time to develop a ballot, because you need a ballot to send to the -- to the soldiers, then that's about -- what they -- what the testimony was is that takes about -- 90 days, I believe is what they testified. So 45 days plus 90 days, and that's the drop-dead deadline. That would put us at about June 26.
It definitely appeared to me that the Court was more focused on what the D.C. Court will do in a few weeks than worrying about the primary time line in Texas.

Of note is that Garza (challenging maps) pointed out that “there are section 5 claims with regard to Harris County”. If the Court listened or if the San Antonio gets a remand for further review, Harris County lines may be looked at again. That could be good news.

The options then appeared to be (1) remand and ask the San Antonio Court to give deference to the Legislatively approved map and put burden on State to show it is not discriminating or (2) delay till the D.C. Court has its trial due to begin in a few weeks or worse (3) do nothing.

That is not good news. It could cause even more delays to the Primary schedule or ultimately could cause us to have two primaries- one as set in April for all but offices directly impacted by the maps-congress, Legislature and then a second probably in June for those races. Then everything gets on ballot on November 6. While the Court was reminded by all sides that the San Antonio Court’s order on the primary schedule was based on agreement by all parties, the Justices did not seem fazed by it. Justice Ginsburg said more than once it was a “complicated case” before the D.C. Court and no one can assume what they would or would not do. And, she cautioned that they may not act as swiftly as the lawyers think to keep the April primary schedule.

We will all now wait and see.

Finally, we should celebrate the whole notion of our three branches of government. The check and balance system was hard at play yesterday in that court room. As I sat with one branch of the government- members of Congress- I thought of how happy I was to be a lawyer, to be an American and to be able to say that no matter what happens “we had our opportunity to be heard”. But, as is always in politics “it is not over till it’s over" and we shall see. As a side note, I still don’t understand why the Court does not allow everyone to see what I saw on TV. Surely, CSPAN would not have interfered.

For those interested, I was not the only Texan there and while I’m sure I missed seeing someone- I was sitting in the front row with Members of Congress thanks to a reserved seat secured for me as NALEO President by Senator Leahy (D-Vermont). Others I spotted were Congresswomen Eddie Bernice Johnson and Sheila Jackson-Lee; Congressmen Al & Gene Green, John Culberson, Lamar Smith, Lloyd Doggett, Ruben Hinojosa. State Senators Wendy Davis, Rodney Ellis and Tommie Williams. State Representatives Jessica Farrar, Trey Fisher Martinez, Marc Veasey and Gary Elkins. Also, a number of lawyers from all the cases and their plaintiffs including Chad Dunn, lawyer on our Harris County redistricting case and lots of LULAC folks who also braved the cold and snow at a rally in front of the Supreme Court building.

11-Jan-12 9:00 AM

Immigration Summit: The Cost Savings of Implementing Immigration Reform

Lillie Schechter - noemail@sylviagarciacampaign.com — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 21:45:00 GMT

Connect with Sylvia Garcia

AJC's Bridging America Task Force

Presents an Immigration Summit on:

The Cost Savings of Implementing Immigration Reform

Business: Larry Kellner - Greater HoustonPartnership
Social Services: Deacon Joe Rubio - Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston
Medical: David Lopez - Harris County Hospital District
Education: Juliet Stipeche - HISD Board of Trustees
Law Enforcement: Harris County Sheriff's Department

Moderated by Dr. Stephen Klineberg from Rice University

January 10, 2012

8:00 - 10:00 AM
Rice Memorial Center Ballroom on the Rice University Campus
**No charge to attend (includes continental breakfast)

RSVP: See below

Greetings,

The United States is currently involved in a complicated and conflictive moment regarding immigration. While the Federal Government maintains definitive authority related to issues of citizenship and naturalization, Texas is poised to assume a leadership position pertaining to the responsible management of what is estimated to be 1.7 million undocumented residents currently living in the state.

A diverse bipartisan group of Texans have arrived at this moment determined to assess the long-term economic consequences of our country's failure to implement comprehensive immigration reform. Our goal is to develop an effective, rationally driven, state model for the many undocumented workers who currently live and work in our communities throughout Texas and without whom our state economy would collapse.

A diverse group of Texans is determined to assess the long-term economic consequences of our state's failure to implement effective policies for our undocumented workers. The State of Texas can develop the creativity, the public understanding, and the political courage to establish an effective identification and taxation plan.

You are invited to attend "AJC's Bridging America Summit on the Cost Savings of Implementing Immigration Reform", January 10, 2012 from 8 am to 10 am at the Rice Memorial Center Ballroom on the Rice University Campus. You will hear from some of our state's experts in the field of business, health care, law enforcement, education and social services. By learning the facts and separating the fears and fiction associated with the immigration issue, we can respond effectively to both the challenges and the opportunities of today's immigrant experience.

This summit is coordinated by the American Jewish Committee - Houston Region and is co-sponsored by the Rice University's Kinder Institute for Urban Research.

The topics and discussions will encompass:

The long term losses and risks associated with an uneducated, disenfranchised population of immigrants and the benefits associated with providing the types of educational incentives welcomed and embraced by past generations of immigrants to our country.
The Health care realities and the costly inefficiencies in our current health care policies towards undocumented workers.
The fallacies and misplaced security concerns regarding undocumented workers that are hindering our police and making it more difficult to secure our cities and neighborhoods.
The importance of creating and maintaining an exemplary education system for all Texas children, knowing that they truly are the future leaders or the future disenfranchised citizens of our State.
The reality of an undocumented labor force in our community of over 300,000 and its impact on unemployment and loss of tax revenues.

This invitation is predicated on the belief that you have significant insight and energy to offer. There are a finite number of spaces and we are expecting a huge response. However, if you know of someone who you feel should be included and wish to extend an invitation to them, please contact us.

A continental breakfast will be provided at no charge thanks to generous donations from Marcia and Mike Nichols and Stan Marek. Your RSVP will allow for us to effectively structure our groups and will facilitate our goal to use your time wisely and well.

Sincerely,

AJC's Bridging America Task Force

Marcia and Mike Nichols - Immigration Summit Chairs

Steve Amstutz Dawn Lin

Alan Bernstein Jorge Mancilla

Deise Blankfeld Stan Marek

Bob Borochoff Rabbi Steve Morgen

Beto Cardenas Dr. Steve Murdock

Reverend Mike Cole Laura Perez-Boston

Most Reverend Joseph Fiorenza Bishop Mike Rinehart

The Honorable Charles Foster Dinesh Shah

Commissioner Sylvia Garcia Richard Shaw

Dr. Fena Garza Martin Siegel

Benito Juarez Daniel Stoecker

Dr. Stephen Klineberg John Wilburn

Nat Levy

RSVP by sending in this form by Wednesday January 4th, 2012:
1. Email - kahnm@ajc.org
2. Fax - 713-439-1240

Name:_______________________________________

Phone Number:______________________________________

Email:______________

Sylvia Garcia Campaign
P.O. Box 8530, Houston, TX 77249-8530
http://www.sylviagarciacampaign.com

Paid for by Sylvia Garcia Campaign; Roland Garcia, Treasurer

6-Jan-12 3:45 PM

Happy Holidays!

Thu, 22 Dec 2011 22:00:00 GMT

Connect with Sylvia Garcia

Sylvia Garcia Campaign
P.O. Box 8530, Houston, TX 77249-8530
http://www.sylviagarciacampaign.com

Paid for by Sylvia Garcia Campaign; Roland Garcia, Treasurer

22-Dec-11 4:00 PM

Garcia on the Go - Fall Edition

Lillie Schechter - noemail@sylviagarciacampaign.com — Mon, 10 Oct 2011 16:38:06 GMT

Connect with Sylvia Garcia

WELCOME TO OUR 3rd QUARTER NEWSLETTER

While the unexpected drought has hit us all hard, I am hopeful that you and your loved ones have survived it all. We have and we did not let it stop us from doing work that drives our passions, our message for service and our love for this City and Region.

My work as NALEO President and for the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation has taken me to Washington, New Mexico, Kansas, Boston, Orlando and several cities in Texas, but as Dorothy famously said, “there is no place like home, there is no place like home.”

Here are a few hightlights:

CANDIDATE SERIES ON RADIO SHOW

We launched our first ever "Candidate Forum" on our radio show, "This Week with Sylvia Garcia". We are focused on contested and open races in the City of Houston, Houston Independent School District & Houston Community College elections. The first show aired September 27th, focusing on District B & C, the second show aired October 4th, focusing on District J & K.

We invite you to tune in to learn about the candidates, the issues and the future of the Houston/Harris County Region. The series will be broadcasted live from the studios of UCTC Radio every Tuesday morning at 10:30am thru Tuesday, October 25.

October 11
10:30am          Position 2        Fraga, Pool, Robinson, Thibaut
10:45am          Position 5        Christie, Jones, Robinson
October 18
10:30am          HISD 3            Fonseca, Rodriguez
10:45am          HISD 4            Daniels, Harris
October 25
10:30am          HCC                Boney, Robinson

COMMISSIONER'S COURT REDISTRICTING
Harris County recently released their new maps for redistricting. You will recall that the new census figures showed Latinos are now 40% of Harris County's population. Further, the Latino population drove 53% of Harris County's growth in the last decade. Despite this growth, Latinos will lose representation at Commissioner's Court due to their gerrymandering.

The map the County submitted to the Department of Justice is still under review. LATINOS SOS and several plaintiff's have filed suit against the County alleging that the new lines dilute Latino voting strength and is retrogressive as it effectively eliminates the opportunity for Latinos to elect a candidate of their choice which constitutes unlawful violations of the Voting Rights Act.

For more information visit the facebook page.

AROUND THE TOWN


Immigration Forum at Baker Ripley	Good Jobs = Great Houston with Texas Organizing Project

League of Women Voters	Congressional Hispanic Caucus

GARCIA HONORED IN AUSTIN
The Texas Democratic Party recently honored Commissioner at its annual Jefferson-Jackson Dinner in Austin.

Together with Senator Royce West of Dallas, she was recognized for her steadfast leadership, vigilant dedication and continual support of the Texas Democratic Party.

Commissioner was presented with the Rosa Walker Leadership Award which honors Rosa Walker of Austin, a prominent labor figure in Texas. Like Ms. Walker, Commissioner was cited for her tireless efforts in making a difference in our community and upholding the ideals of justice and equality for all.

To view the video presentation at the dinner, click here.

FIRST EVER GARCIA FAMILY REUNION

Garcia Family Home in Palito Blanco

The highlight of this quarter was our first ever Garcia family reunion.

Over 250 GARCIAS descended upon Alice & Palito Blanco, Texas and gathered Labor Day weekend. GARCIAS from as far away as California and Nevada, many of us meeting 2nd & 3rd cousins for the first time, gathered for bbq, music, dancing and a heck of a lot of fun. The oldest Garcia there was 75 years old and the youngest not even a year old. We created a "Family Altar" adorned with candles, photos and mementos of our loved ones, reminding us of those who have gone before. On Sunday in Palito Blanco, it was a Memorial Mass, visit to cemetery and breakfast afterwards.

And as is the Garcia tradition, no handshakes were exchanged, only big hugs and kisses.

Stay up to date with our RSS feeds.

Sylvia Garcia Campaign
P.O. Box 8530, Houston, TX 77249-8530
http://www.sylviagarciacampaign.com

Paid for by Sylvia Garcia Campaign; Roland Garcia, Treasurer

10-Oct-11 11:38 AM

Tune into This Week for New Candidate Series!

Lillie Schechter - noemail@sylviagarciacampaign.com — Thu, 22 Sep 2011 17:00:00 GMT

Connect with Sylvia Garcia


	LISTEN HERE!

For immediate release: September 22, 2011
Contact: Lillie Schechter, 713.385.3015, lschechter@gmail.com

UCTC Radio & Sylvia Garcia to Host Candidate Series
Tune into “This Week” to Hear More About the City, HISD & HCC Candidates

UCTC Radio’s “This Week with Sylvia Garcia” announced today that it will host their first ever “Candidate Forum” in contested and open races in the City of Houston, Houston Independent School District & Houston Community College elections. The first show will air Tuesday, September 27. The public is invited to tune in to learn about the candidates, the issues and the future of our Houston/Harris County Region.

The selected open or contested city of Houston races on the November 2011 General Election ballot to be featured are:

September 27, 2011

10:30am District B Blueford-Daniels, Bryant, Byrd, Davis, Smart
10:45am District C Cohen, Cweren, Derr, Verde

October 4 , 2011
10:30am District J Canedo, Laster, Romero

10:45am District K Frazier, Gonik, Green

October 11, 2011

10:30am Position 2 Fraga, Pool, Robinson, Thibaut
10:45am Position 5 Christie, Jones, Robinson

The selected open or contested Houston Independent School District races on the November 2011 General Election ballot to be featured are:

October 18
10:30am          HISD 3           Fonseca, Rodriguez
10:45am          HISD 4            Daniels, Harris

The selected open or contested Houston Community College races on the November 2011 General Election ballot featured are:

October 25
10:30am HCC Boney, Robinson

The UCTC Radio Candidate Series will be broadcast live from the studios of UCTC RADIO every Tuesday morning at 10:30am starting Tuesday, September 27 thru Tuesday, October 25. The public can log on to www.UCTCRadio.com to listen. There is no studio audience for the series and there will be no call in for questions. However, members of the media are cordially invited to listen in from a remote listening area within the UCTC Radio offices located at 1730 Jefferson, Houston, TX 77003.

Hon. Sylvia Garcia, host of “This Week with Sylvia Garcia” together with Stace Meddelin of Somos Tejanos, will moderate the series.

ABOUT UCTCRADIO
UCTCRadio is an innovative, progressive and informative talk radio about today’s events, issues and ideas. Combined with special guests, music, and educational insight into our community and world today, listen to industry leaders, community leaders, labor leaders, politicians and people like you. We are committed to providing the Houston/Harris County community with voter information and education which will encourage an informed choice on Election Day and we believe that this Candidate Series is an important element of this outreach.

###

Stay up to date with our RSS feeds.

Sylvia Garcia Campaign
P.O. Box 8530, Houston, TX 77249-8530
http://www.sylviagarciacampaign.com

Paid for by Sylvia Garcia Campaign; Roland Garcia, Treasurer

22-Sep-11 12:00 PM

Join Us for the Women for Barbara Breakfast This Friday!

Lillie Schechter - noemail@sylviagarciacampaign.com — Tue, 13 Sep 2011 20:02:34 GMT

RSVP

Women for Barbara Breakfast Celebration

Commemorative Stamp Unveiling

Friday, September 16, 2011

8:00 AM – 10:00 AM

Hilton Americas – Houston

1600 Lamar Street, Houston, TX 77010

. This event will be followed by the official unveiling of the USPS Commemorative Stamp in her honor.

We would love for you to attend this historic event.

Speakers

Lisa P. Jackson – EPA Administrator

Luci Baines Johnson – daughter of Lyndon B. Johnson

Please RSVP and purchase tickets online at www.tsu.edu/bjmlspa or

mail checks to TSU Foundation (BJMLSPA), 3100 Cleburne, Houston, TX 77004.

All proceeds go to support the establishment of the Barbara C. Jordan Endowed Scholarship at Texas Southern University

Barbara Jordan – Mickey Leland School of Public Affairs.

Sylvia Garcia
P.O. Box 8530, Houston, TX 77249-8530
http://www.sylviagarciacampaign.com

13-Sep-11 3:02 PM

NALEO COMMEMORATES 10 YEAR ANNIVERSARY OF SEPTEMBER 11th

Erica Bernal martinez - noemail@sylviagarciacampaign.com — Fri, 09 Sep 2011 19:00:00 GMT

NALEO COMMEMORATES 10 YEAR ANNIVERSARY OF SEPTEMBER 11th
“The Boards of Directors and staff of NALEO and the NALEO Educational Fund commemorate the ten year anniversary of the events of September 11, 2001. We continue to remember the victims and the brave public servants who lost their lives in the tragedy that shook our nation a decade ago. We continue to pray for all the wives, husbands, children and loved ones of each of these extraordinary people whose life was cut short. Today, we also recognize the brave men and women who serve in the U.S. military whose personal passion and commitment to our democratic ideals have continued to ensure our nation’s safety and liberty for all Americans. They and their families have also paid a significant price that must not be forgotten. Today, we join all Americans in remembering the lives of the fallen victims and heroes of September 11, 2001 and commit to celebrating their legacy by continuing our work to ensure that our democracy remains strong and vibrant through the full participation of our communities.”
###
ABOUT NALEO The National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials is the leadership organization of the nation's more than 6,000 Latino elected and appointed officials.

9-Sep-11 2:00 PM

You are Invited to a Fundraiser for Sheriff Garcia!

Lillie Schechter - noemail@sylviagarciacampaign.com — Mon, 29 Aug 2011 19:32:53 GMT

RSVP

Thursday, September 8, 2011

6pm - 8pm

The Rainbow Lodge

2011 Ella Blvd.

$250 - Dove Hunters - 1 Ticket
$500 - Quail Hunters - 2 Tickets
$1000 - Boar Hunters - 4 Tickets
$2500 - Buck Hunters - 6 Tickets

To RSVP, please contact Lillie by email at: rsvp@lillieschechter.com
by phone: 713.385.3015 or by fax: (832) 327-7493
or register and pay online at www.adriangarcia.com

First Name: ___________________________ Last Name: ___________________________
Company: _____________________________ Occupation: ___________________________
Address: ____________________________________________________________________
City, State, Zip: ______________________________________________________________
Phone: _______________________________ Fax: _________________________________
Email: ______________________________________________________________________

Make your personal or PAC checks payable to:
Adrian Garcia Campaign, P.O. Box 8530, Houston, Texas 77249-8530

Corporate contributions cannot be accepted, political contributions are not tax deductible.

Paid for by the Adrian Garcia Campaign

Sylvia Garcia
P.O. Box 8530, Houston, TX 77249-8530
http://www.sylviagarciacampaign.com

29-Aug-11 2:32 PM

[firstname], Tune in Today for "Red Light Cameras: They’re On, They’re Off, They're Back On!"

Lillie Schechter - noemail@sylviagarciacampaign.com — Tue, 23 Aug 2011 14:00:00 GMT

Connect with Sylvia Garcia

Hello [firstname],

Today at 10am I hope you will tune in to listen to my radio show "This Week."

The topic of the week is “Red Light Cameras: They’re On, They’re “Off, They're Back On!

Texas Representatives Ana Hernandez Luna & Armando Walle will join us for the Capitol point of view - What happened on the Red Light Camera bill in Austin? What are the politics of Red Light Cameras in the State? What other Cities in State are facing same challenge as Houston & will we see more bills next session?

US Rep Gene Green will share with us, What can we expect for Congress to do after the Labor Day break?

Houston City Council Members Melissa Noriega, the Chair of the Public Safety Committee and Council Member Ed Gonzalez, Mayor Pro Tem will explain how we got here and where we are going with the cameras.

We will close the show with a special focus: President’s Action on Immigration: Case by Case Review of Deportation Cases—impact on Houston with guest Silvia Mintz, Immigration lawyer & activist.

What: This Week with Sylvia Garcia
When: Tuesday, May 10, 10am
Where: UTC Radio, http://www.uctcradio.com/

Stay up to date with our RSS feeds.

Sylvia Garcia Campaign
P.O. Box 8530, Houston, TX 77249-8530
http://www.sylviagarciacampaign.com

Paid for by Sylvia Garcia Campaign; Roland Garcia, Treasurer

23-Aug-11 9:00 AM

You are Invited to a Fundraiser for Sheriff Garcia!

Lillie Schechter - noemail@sylviagarciacampaign.com — Mon, 15 Aug 2011 14:37:56 GMT

RSVP

Paid for by the Adrian Garcia Campaign

Sylvia Garcia Campaign
P.O. Box 8530, Houston, TX 77249-8530
http://www.sylviagarciacampaign.com

15-Aug-11 9:37 AM

13th Annual Trip to Fight for Nasa Funding

Mon, 18 Jul 2011 23:49:38 GMT

This last month, Commissioner Garcia joined the Citizen’s for Space Exploration for the 13th time in their annual trip to Congress to lobby for NASA funding and for human space exploration.

Mayor Parker Taps Garcia for Service

Mon, 18 Jul 2011 23:40:38 GMT

Houston City Council unanimously approved Mayor Parker’s nomination of Commissioner Garcia to serve as Chair of the newly created ‘Independent Police Oversight Board’ (Board). The Board will review internal police investigations of possible misconduct by employees of the Houston Police Department. These may include allegations of excessive force, discharge of firearms, serious bodily injury or death and all other internal investigations as well as investigations involving mistreatment of residents.

Thank You, San Antonio!

Mon, 18 Jul 2011 22:58:43 GMT

On behalf of the NALEO and NALEO Educational Fund Boards of Directors and NALEO Educational Fund staff, please accept our sincerest gratitude for your support of the NALEO 28th Annual Conference. With your assistance, San Antonio successfully hosted more than 1,000 policymakers and other leaders from throughout the country for three days of professional development seminars, public policy discussions, and exploration of the key concerns that most affect the Latino community and the nation.

Garcia's departure leaves Commissioners Court all male, again

Wed, 29 Dec 2010 17:28:38 GMT

Sylvia Garcia made history eight years ago by becoming the first woman in her own right to be elected Harris County Commissioner. When Garcia leaves on Friday, it's back to men only on Commissioners Court. Garcia is the fourth female commissioner since the court was established in 1876.

Message from Commissioner Garcia

Wed, 08 Dec 2010 01:22:15 GMT

Thank you for eight great years. We have been blessed with the honor of serving as County Commissioner for Precinct 2. I want to say thank you to all of our volunteers; supporters; donors; staff - both Campaign and County; friends and most of all to my family, who is always there to support me.

Garcia Elected to Third Term as NALEO President

Mon, 19 Jul 2010 18:50:08 GMT

The National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials (NALEO) re-elected Harris County Commissioner Sylvia R. García for a second one-year term as NALEO President. NALEO represents 6000 plus Latino Leaders from every level of government across the United States.

Listen!

Tue, 06 Dec 2011 23:02:19 GMT

Every Tuesday at 10am Sylvia Garcia is hosting a new internet radio show, This Week. The first half of the show reviews the Week in Austin with regular guests Representative Ana Hernadez Luna & Representative Armando Walle. The second half of the show covers current events in Houston with current Chisme from Yolanda Navarro Black! Click here to listen! Listen to previous shows! April 8 April 15 April 22 May 10 May 17 May 24th June 7th June 21 June 28 July 5 July 12 July 12 cont July 19 July 26 Aug 2 Aug 9 Aug 16 Aug 23 Aug 30 Sept 6 Sept 13...

Tue, 29 Nov 2011 17:25:38 GMT

Khou 11 News Breakfast Buzz with Sylvia Garcia

2011 Jefferson - Jackson Dinner

Thu, 13 Oct 2011 16:27:55 GMT

Annual Conference

Tue, 19 Jul 2011 00:00:04 GMT

Thank You, San Antonio! On behalf of the NALEO and NALEO Educational Fund Boards of Directors and NALEO Educational Fund staff, please accept our sincerest gratitude for your support of the NALEO 28th Annual Conference. With your assistance, San Antonio successfully hosted more than 1,000 policymakers and other leaders from throughout the country for three days of professional development seminars, public policy discussions, and exploration of the key concerns that most affect the Latino community and the nation. Here are the NALEO Conference Reports & Presentations: BROADBAND Expanding Broadband Access and Adoption [PDF] by Anna M. Gomez, Dep. Assistant Secretary for Communications and Information United States Department of Commerce The National Broadband Plan and NALEO: Beneﬁts, and Challenges for Getting Us Connected [PDF] by Jonathan...

Thanks for your interest in contributing

Mon, 04 Apr 2011 16:12:37 GMT

We are currently not accepting donations, but please check back soon!

La Comisionada Garcia en las Noticias

Wed, 13 Oct 2010 18:33:25 GMT

Resoluciones de la Comisionada para el 2010; 16 diciembre 2009.
¡Queremos Mundial!
Se Reúnen los Líderes Hispanos
Semana News: Obsesión por el trabajo

Who Is Commissioner Garcia?

Thu, 27 May 2010 20:12:26 GMT

Commissioner Sylvia R. Garcia was elected to Harris County Commissioner's Court in November 2002. The first Hispanic and first woman to be elected in her own right to the office, Garcia replaced Commissioner Jim Fonteno who served nearly 30 years on the Court. Prior to her election, Commissioner Garcia served as Controller for the City of Houston where she earned a reputation as the taxpayers' watchdog who fought to protect people's pocketbooks. Garcia also served as Director and Presiding Judge of the Houston Municipal System for an unprecedented five terms under two mayors. Commissioner Garcia is a native of the South Texas farming community of Palito Blanco. She attended Texas Woman’s University on a scholarship, graduating with a degree in social work, and received her Doctor of Jurisprudence degree from Thurgood Marshall School of Law at Texas Southern University. The eighth of 10 children, she learned at an early age the value of education and hard...

Sylvia Garcia for Harris County Precinct Two Commissioner - A Strong Foundation for the Future

Thu, 27 May 2010 20:12:14 GMT

Thank you for the strong support you have shown me over the years. With your help, we have made tremendous progress toward laying a strong foundation for the future of Precinct Two. In 2010, I am running for reelection as Harris County Commissioner. Serving the people of Precinct Two is the greatest job in the world and I'm proud of the work we've done together. The last four years have been busy ones. Since taking office, we have: Developed a Transportation Master Plan, while fast-tracking much-needed projects, such as improvements to Fairmont Parkway in Pasadena and completion of the Space Center Boulevard extension Expanded programs for Precinct Two youth and seniors — and grew our bus fleet to 37 vehicles Added to Precinct Two's inventory of park space, including new hike-and-bike trails and new amenities such as a skate ramp park and the County's first water park Hired Precinct Two's first full-time director to work on homeland...

Commissioner Garcia on the Issues: 2010 Census

Thu, 08 Apr 2010 14:16:40 GMT

Commissioner Garcia has taken a proactive role in ensuring that all Precinct 2 residents are counted. She understands that federal dollars are at stake and we must get our fair share. Federal dollars are awarded based on census data and many county programs are federally funded. Government dollars for roads and bridges, senior, youth and veterans programs libraries and health care facilities are often determined by population counts. Commissioner Garcia has launched her Precinct2counts campaign to make sure everyone is counted. Read her latest article on the census! Do your part! Participate in the 2010 Census! Now that the 2010 U.S. Census forms have arrived in our mail boxes, we ask why it is so important that each and every one of us filling them out. Beyond statistics, how does the acquired information help out our region? Guests: Annise Parker, City of Houston Mayor; Ed Emmet, Harris County Judge; Gabe Sanchez, U.S. Census...

Points of Interest

Sun, 14 Mar 2010 20:46:38 GMT

The Romance of Old Sylvan Beach by Erna B. Foxworth Printed1986 INTRODUCTION During the 1800s, the Old Sylvan Beach Park on the inner edge of Galveston Bay can begin to bask in its one-hundred glorious years of giving pleasure to millions of fun-seekers from everywhere.It reached its heyday of popularity during the 1920s and the 1930s when the romantic sounds of the big bands wafted through the huge dance pavilion and 22-acre park. Located in one of the most historic areas of the state, it cane to be known as the playground of South Texas, and especially of Houston, 25 miles away. Newcomers to the Texas coastal area are always enthralled at hearing the colorful stories of the once famous place, and old-timers go into reveries recalling the great times they had there. That’s when the summer seasons brought music makes like Paul Whitman, Guy Lombardo, Wayne King, Jan Garber, Phil Harris, Jack Teagarden, Herbie Kay, the Dorsey Brothers, Ted Lewis waving...

Lorem ipsum survey

noemail@sylviagarciacampaign.com — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 17:30:33 GMT

Objectives:

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetuer adipiscing elit, sed diem nonummynibh euismod tincidunt ut lacreet dolore magna aliguam erat volutpat. Ut wisis enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exerci tution ullamcorper suscipit lobortis nisl ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis te feugifacilisi.

Duis autem dolor in hendrerit in vulputate velit esse molestie consequat, vel illum dolore eu feugiat nulla facilisis at vero eros et accumsan et iusto odio dignissim qui blandit praesent luptatum zzril delenit au gue duis dolore te feugat nulla facilisi.

Ut wisi enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exerci taion ullamcorper suscipit lobortis nisl ut aliquip ex en commodo consequat. Duis te feugifacilisi per suscipit lobortis nisl ut aliquip ex en commodo consequat.Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetuer adipiscing elit, sed diem nonummy nibh euismod tincidunt ut lacreet dolore magna aliguam erat volutpat.

Ut wisis enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exerci

Release Date: 22-Jul-09 12:30 PM
Expiration Date: 22-Oct-09 12:30 PM

Ut wisis enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exerci

press11

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 06:57:22 GMT

press10

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 06:57:22 GMT

press9

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 06:57:22 GMT

press8

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 06:57:22 GMT

press7

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 06:57:22 GMT

press6

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 06:57:22 GMT

ROYBAL VIP RCP (131)

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 06:57:22 GMT

ROYBAL VIP RCP (101)

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 06:57:23 GMT

ROYBAL VIP RCP (96)

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 06:57:23 GMT

ROYBAL GALA (124)

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 06:57:23 GMT

Lorem ipsum

2009-07-22T17:30:33Z

Instructor: Instructor

Lorem ipsum