Claims about future culture center raising eyebrows

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- A new center stressing Texas heritage and culture is now in the works downtown. Organizers claim it's going to bring a couple thousand jobs and provide a significant economic impact. But some aren't so sure.

The new center is set to be built on Capitol near Minute Maid Park.

The principles of the project have already toured other visitor centers around the country and plan to build one in Houston that could set the bar.

Along with promoting tourism, it will also feature educational components. The economic impact is also ambitious.

Its renderings depict a state-of-the-art visitors center nestled on a downtown street between Minute Maid Park and the George R. Brown Convention Center. The Center for Texas Cultural Heritage will feature 45,000 square feet of exhibits. Two historic homes will be renovated and serve as food and exhibit locations.

It's all designed to pull in what are called heritage and cultural tourists. Some say they'll will spend an extra day in the Houston area when already in town for a convention.

"They are spending will either be $90 a day more, up to close to $300 a day more," said John Nau III with the Center for Texas Cultural Heritage.

In its first 12 months opening, companies overseeing the project say there is potential to create up to $31.4 million in additional tourism revenue and support an additional 2,400 service jobs.

"Hotels, restaurants, gift shops -- those are the jobs, that these heritage tourists will begin to develop," Nau said.

"The reason people do economic impact analysis is that they are trying to justify their project," University of Houston Professor of Economics Steven Craig said.

Craig says it's ambitious to claim a visitors center can generate substantial dollars and jobs.

"Clearly, the $31 million and 2,400 jobs, those are pretty aggressive numbers for the kind of project that this is," Craig said.

One thing it will serve up is stories of the Houston region to kids and adults.

"So that they can experience the events and the people and the places that created Houston and Texas in the region," Nau said.

Of the $40 million project, Nau has already donated $8 million and they hope to raise at least 50 percent of the funds before breaking ground in 2013.

(Copyright ©2012 KTRK-TV/DT. All Rights Reserved.) Get more Local »

local, erik barajas

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Ft. Bend Co. residents worried about possible closure of two small town post offices

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- Some folks in Fort Bend County are worried about how they'll stay connected via mail as two small town post offices are slated for closure.

If the offices close, they'll have to travel farther to mail items, even use post office boxes. But it's not a done deal yet.

The U.S. Postal Service is considering closing the Thompsons and Orchard post offices. The postal service has already closed more than 500 post offices nationwide. It says it wants to preserve small, rural post offices like this one in Thompsons. So it's asking residents to weigh in.

They are not the horses used for the Pony Express, but they graze near a modern-day post office that soon could be extinct just the same.

In the town of Thompsons, everyone gets mail at a P.O. Box.

"We have a lot of history out here. Most people don't even know we are here," said Rita Miller.

Miller has had hers since she was married in the 70s. The post office has been around a lot longer, since well before the turn of the century. It's part, however small, of what put Thompsons on the map. An address. A place 236 people call home.

"I would hate to see us lose our identity," Miller said.

But in an effort to cope with a nearly $12 billion budgetary shortfall, the U.S. Postal Service has identified hundreds of small rural post offices which could be closed.

The USPS is sending surveys to the communities, asking them what solutions they would support. A USPS spokesperson tells Eyewitness News they will only close post offices if 60 percent or more of those surveyed agreed to. Thompsons' mayor says no thanks.

"To go to the nearest post office would be approximately 11 miles," said Mayor Freddie Newsome Jr.

Other options include creating rural routes for roadside mailbox delivery. But that would also mean closing the post office and changing every address nearby to the next closest post office's city.

"You wouldn't have any way of knowing that we were here because we would have a Richmond address," said Miller.

She says it would be a blow to their identity. They plan to fight to keep the post office alive.

One other option that seems the most viable is that the USPS has suggested hours at rural post offices be cut in half to just four hours a day.

There are several public meetings coming up on this if your post office is affected.

Orchard Town Hall Meeting
October 23 at 5:30pm
Orchard Community Center
9714 Kindler St.

Thompsons Town Hall Meeting
November 7 at 5:30 pm
Thompsons City Hall
520 Thompsons Oil Field Rd.

You can also visit USPS.com here to get more information.

(Copyright ©2012 KTRK-TV/DT. All Rights Reserved.) Get more Local »

local, kevin quinn

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Injured Texans fans talk about falling panel

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- For the first time we are hearing from two men who were injured, hit on the head by a large piece of metal that fell from an electronic sign during Sunday's Texans game.

Scott Woodard showed us the gash on this head that is still healing and remembers the moment a large piece of metal hit him in the head.

"Texans were coming down for a drive, and next thing you know, bam, something hit me. I thought it was a beer bottle or something hard. Checked my head and there was blood," he said.

Woodard wasn't the only person hit.

"I was sitting here, all of a sudden, something just whacked me and I was out of it and I didn't know what happened. I was trying to get my senses back," said Brian Black.

Black, who was sitting two seats away from Woodard, was hit by the flat side of the metal and he ended up with a knot on his head. It was Woodard who began bleeding from his gash, eventually needing seven staples in his scalp. But what was most frustrating was the long wait for an ambulance.

"I think it was somewhere around an hour plus while we were waiting, and I was a little shocked I couldn't get this done," said Woodard.

Despite our repeated attempts, Reliant officials have not spoken on camera, just releasing a statement on Monday.

Reliant says fan mischief may be to blame for the falling metal, but our legal analyst says even if it was mischief, the facility is still responsible.

"I don't care if it's mischief or not, nobody should run the risk if they go to a game of being hit with some paneling that's loose," said KTRK legal analyst Joel Androphy.

Both Black and Woodard have hired attorney Brent Coon, who said the two men had not gotten much rest since Sunday and were hoping to bring some closure with today's news conference.

Coon said they're "just fans supporting the team. I think they're fans still wanting to support the team."

As an engineer for NASA, Woodard is concerned over the design and construction issues associated with the equipment which fell on his head.

Woodard said they both want to make sure that an incident like this doesn't happen again to their fellow Texans fans.

"What if that thing hit a baby?" Black asked.

Coon added the panels cover the LED screens that encircle the entire stadium and that whatever caused this panel to fall off Sunday could potentially cause a similar incident in the future.

Both men said they still plan to attend Texans games at Reliant Stadium.

"I'm a Texans fan, ready to get back," Woodard said.

"I'll bring a hard hat next time," said Black.

Stay with Eyewitness News and abc13.com for the latest on this story.

(Copyright ©2012 KTRK-TV/DT. All Rights Reserved.) Get more Local »

houston texans, reliant stadium, nfl, local, miya shay

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Teen mom speaks out about deadly crash

DEER PARK, TX (KTRK) -- A teenage mom accused of manslaughter in a car crash that killed her friend speaks out about the charges against her. She's being prosecuted now, more than a year after the crash, after what the Deer Park Police Department called an incomplete investigation.

For the first time the suspect in the deadly Deer Park wreck is speaking publicly about that night, her own injuries and about the charges against her.

"Honestly, that night... I don't remember anything from that night," Taylar Braden said. "Literally almost nothing."

This is the Taylar Braden you likely don't know.

"I'm a single mother of a two and a half year old son," she said.

The candid 19-year-old is still recovering from her own injuries in the wreck 12 months ago that killed her 18-year-old friend Andreaka Bell and has her charged with manslaughter.

"Andreaka is gone. I can't even put it into words or even begin to describe how I feel," Taylar said. "Regardless of how the family feels toward me, I still pray that they'll come to peace with this, because it is hard. I can't even begin to explain how they feel, because I don't know."

Taylar says she sustained brain injuries that have left her with a poor memory. Prosecutors say she was drunk and behind the wheel after leaving a party with two friends. Now she's worried about going to jail for something she doesn't remember.

"I don't even know if what they're saying is even true," she said.

The case against her is somewhat unusual in that Deer Park police admittedly failed to investigate the wreck properly when it happened in August 2011. The community cried foul, saying that police didn't value Andreaka Bell's life.

Officer Thomas Goodwin resigned from the force after his superiors determined he never completed the initial investigation. Her family, who did not want to respond to our interview with Taylar, called for justice and wants Taylar behind bars.

"Taylar is being prosecuted and to some extent she is being persecuted by the community," said defense attorney Paul Houston LaValle. "People are hating on her. They're sending her death threats. This is a very remorseful, very scared, very spiritual person."

Taylar said, "I pray about it, that maybe it'll just get better, people will see my side and they'll understand more."

Taylar Braden tells us she has apologized to Andreaka Bell's family. The family tells us they're not interested in anything other than Taylar being punished. If convicted, she faces up to 20 years behind bars. But her attorney believes prosecutors will have a difficult time convincing a jury that Taylar is guilty of any wrongdoing.

(Copyright ©2012 KTRK-TV/DT. All Rights Reserved.) Get more Local »

deer park, local, tom abrahams

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Fifth Ward residents upset about illegal dumping

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- Some neighbors in the Fifth Ward are complaining about illegal dumping and it's not just all the trash they're concerned about. It's also the fact that they say the city of Houston was doing nothing about it.

Neighbors say they're tired of it. We found out the city has been monitoring this site for some time. But the big problem is that as soon as crews clean up the mess, the illegal dumpers are back in action.

In the 3000 block of Amboy, neighbors like Earline Goffney say the mess is the eyesore they've been stuck dealing with for weeks.

"Now they just dumped this stuff out here. I don't know where this come from," Goffney said. "Next thing you know, it's a pile out there."

It's a huge pile of illegally dumped old furniture, dead tree limbs and other smelly garbage that's spilling into the street in front of an old abandoned and neglected house.

"You see over there, over there, over there. I don't know," said neighbor Manuel Trevino.

Frustrated neighbors say they don't know who's behind all of this dumping.

"The city can come out here and clean up the lot, by the time they are through with the lot, it'd be a truck come by from out of nowhere and be dumping it," Goffney said.

One neighbor claims he's called the city several times to report this nasty nuisance problem. When Eyewitness News checked, we found out the most recent complaint to 311 came in last Thursday.

After our calls Monday, a neighborhood protection inspector was sent out to look at the mess. A few minutes later, a solid waste inspector also showed up.

We've learned the city's inspections and public service division is scheduled to handle the weeds on this lot. And we're told the contractors will also handle the illegal dumping at that time.

Now homeowners like Goffney say they're just glad this garbage will soon be gone.

The inspectors took photos of the mess here and told us the site is under legal review. Solid waste workers showed up Monday afternoon and started removing the trash pile.

We heard from neighbors about a similar situation on Houston's south side back in February.

They told us they were fed up with people using their neighborhood as a dumping ground. They told us the trash had been piling up for months, and their calls to 3-1-1 had been ignored. We started asking questions and by the end of the day, the city was out cleaning up the trash.

(Copyright ©2012 KTRK-TV/DT. All Rights Reserved.) Get more Local »

local, demond fernandez

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Fort Bend County residents warned about jury duty scams

  HOUSTON (KTRK) -- Fort Bend County residents are being warned about jury duty scams.

The Ft. Bend Co. District Clerk urges residents to be wary of anyone calling about jury duty and asking for personal information such as Social Security numbers. The clerk's office says it does not call citizens to request personal information.

The clerk's office urges people who receive calls from an alleged jury duty coordinator to contact the Ft. Bend Co. Sheriff's Office.

(Copyright ©2012 KTRK-TV/DT. All Rights Reserved.)
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ABC13 Exclusive: Southwest CEO speaks out about proposed Hobby Aiport expansion

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- United Airlines CEO Jeff Smisek exclusively told Eyewitness News reporter Ted Oberg the politicians celebrating Wednesday will be to blame for hundreds of lost jobs in the future. And now a one-on-one with the man at the head of Southwest, as his airline tentatively claims victory in the battle over international travel.

Southwest Airlines says it will take 15-20 years to make back its $100 million investment at Hobby Airport. We started our conversation asking why it's worth waiting so long and why it's so valuable to do international business here in Houston.

Gary Kelly: You know what the best opportunity is? Right here in Houston. And you know why? Because the fares are so high. Why is that? Because there is no competition. It is a high fare market, that is monopolized by United out of Intercontinental Airport. Those are the kind of opportunities we look for around the country.

Ted Oberg: How long do you expect fares to stay low? Can I come back to you in two years, compare apples to apples and you're confident your flight will still be cheaper?

Gary Kelly: Absolutely, absolutely.

It is a promise that won't come true for years. If Southwest really does drive international fares down, they won't start until 2015. In the meantime, United Airlines says it will mean hundreds of job losses.

Ted Oberg: Do you think United is scared of you?

Gary Kelly: You know I can't really say what motivates any of our competitors. Clearly this is an attempt to keep us from growing.

Ted Oberg: Will it hurt United?

Gary Kelly: That's for them to assess, but clearly it should not be the policy of a city or government to protect one company.

The $100 million deal is not done -- not yet -- and while Kelly and his co-workers were celebrating Wednesday morning, he knows he's not even close to selling his first international ticket out of town.

Ted Oberg: It appears you have the votes, next week, week after, whenever council passes it on. You have a worthy adversary in United Airlines is probably a nice way of saying it. How tough do you expect this fight to be in Washington?

Gary Kelly: Well, I can't speculate about what might happen in the future. We're used to this. We've had opposition from legacy carriers from the very beginning, before we even started flying. So it wouldn't shock me if we continue to see resistance going forward. But we're on the side of right here and the administration is I know for a fact is concerned with creating jobs. This is a great way to create jobs.

Ted Oberg: Do you believe 10,000 jobs can be created as a result of this deal in Houston?

Gary Kelly: I believe it's more than 10,000 jobs. No one can guarantee what the jobs are, but opportunities to grow are hard to come by and this is a wonderful opportunity to grow, not just at Hobby but also at Bush.

That 10,000 job figure comes from a city report. It's been widely criticized as outlandish, but Southwest embraces it despite the fact they don't anticipate hiring any more than 50 to 100 additional Southwest employees at Hobby.

Our entire conversations with the CEOs of United and Southwest are in the video player at the top of this page.

Stay with Eyewitness News and abc13.com for the latest on this story.

(Copyright ©2012 KTRK-TV/DT. All Rights Reserved.) Get more Local »

hobby airport, southwest airlines, united airlines, bush intercontinental airport, local, ted oberg

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Things I Have Learned About Hiring a Houston Limo in 2011

DA's office still deciding about seeking death penalty against woman accused of killing new mom, kidnapping her baby

Verna DeAnn McClain allegedly kidnapped Keegan Schuchardt because she wanted to present him as her own baby following a miscarriage

  HOUSTON (KTRK) -- The Montgomery County District Attorney's office says it's still deciding if it will seek the death penalty against a woman accused of killing a new mother and kidnapping her newborn.

Verna McClain is accused of gunning down Kala Golden Schuchardt outside a pediatrician's office, then abducting her 3-day-old son back in April. Investigators believe McClain wanted to pass the baby off as her own.

The DA's office says it's going through all the evidence that's been gathered in this case and is almost ready to take it to the grand jury.

"At this point, we're convinced that she acted alone, that no other participants helped her out," said Assistant District Attorney Warren Diepraam.

The DA's office plans to decide on the death penalty issue in the next couple of weeks. They have 90 days to get the case to grand jury for consideration of an indictment.

(Copyright ©2012 KTRK-TV/DT. All Rights Reserved.)
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Former drug-using doctor opens up about recovery

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- Five years ago, a Montgomery County doctor left his medical practice in disgrace, and now we're hearing from him for the first time. Back then, when his drug use made headlines, he was in denial, but today, Steve Farber comes clean.

It is a small office inside a two-bedroom apartment. But for Farber, this is success.

"I could easily be dead," he said.

It's a realization five years in the making after a very public fall from grace.

"How far did you fall?" we asked Farber.

"I hit rock bottom," he said.

That was in February 2007. Farber's medical license had just been suspended indefinitely.

"Very suddenly in the blink of an eye, my career was over," he said.

His world was unraveling.

"I was a closet addict," Farber said.

He had been exposed.

"I had led a double life, a secret double life, and I got very good at it," Farber said.

Dr. Farber was on top of the world. He had served twice as the head of cardiology at Conroe Regional Medical Center, had his own practice and had founded a non-profit -- all the while he was using drugs.

"Cocaine and I was using Xanax at the time," he said. "I did start using crack."

It was a downward spiral that could have affected many patients.

"And operate on patients?" we asked him.

"Yes, yes," he said.

And it did affect, he says, one in particular.

"I lost a friend," Farber said.

In April 2006, he prescribed a strong cough medicine to 33-year-old Gara Gerber. She was staying with him. He came home from work and she was dead.

"Whether she intentionally took her life, I don't know; whether it was an accidental overdose, I don't know -- I'll never know. But the reality is I should not have given her the prescription," Farber said.

Conroe police ruled Gerber's death an accident and Farber was never charged. It did cost him is medical license indefinitely. The Texas Medical Board in 2007 called him a continuing threat to public welfare, but it also it forced him to get help.

"They saved my life," Farber said.

Farber spent two months in intense rehab and says he's been clean ever since. He also wrote a candid book

"We are as sick as our secrets," he said.

He hopes will not only help other addicts but also raise awareness of prescription drug abuse. Whitney Houston and Michael Jackson are famous faces, he says, of a big-time problem.

"As a society, we cannot live in denial," Farber said. "I don't feel like a pariah anymore."

Today, Farber says his life is back on track. He is now deciding whether to appeal to the medical board to be able to see patients again.

"It's something that is not my identity anymore," he said.

From a luxurious house in The Woodlands to a small apartment in Spring, just being here is success Farber says far more satisfying.

"I feel that my life has turned around and I'm given a second chance to live to be the person I want to be and I want to take advantage of that," he said.

Farber settled a civil lawsuit out of court with Gerber's family. He told us he hopes one day her family will forgive him and to that her sister, Gena Gerber-Hopp, told us:

"Seeking forgiveness is not stating you wish it but rather it is actually taking the steps to actively pursue it. As a Christian I am taught to forgive, but that does not mean by any means my family and I will ever forget Steve Farber's role in my sister Gara's untimely death.

"We believe that the Texas Medical Board has failed the people of Texas in allowing Steve Farber the chance to practice medicine in any form ever again. But I do pray for his sake and his families that he does stay clean this time. My family and I miss my sister Gara so very much and we pray that no family should ever have to go through losing there loved one like this."

Farber's medical license has been reinstated but restricted to an administrative capacity. His book is now available on amazon.com.

(Copyright ©2012 KTRK-TV/DT. All Rights Reserved.) Get more Local »

local, jessica willey

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Acquitted officer speaks out about verdict

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- "Not guilty," those two words unleashed an immense amount of raw emotion Wednesday. The trial of Andrew Blomberg may be over, but the reaction is still boiling over.

The case centers around video first shown on Eyewitness News. Blomberg's is the first of trials related to the beating of Chad Holley, and now we have a one-on-one interview with the former HPD officer.

It was a verdict that split many people. On one side, there was relief, on the other, harsh criticism.

Blomberg and his attorney, Dick Degeurin, sat together at the 100 Club's Annual Heroes Awards Banquet, which honors area law enforcement officers and firefighters.

Hours earlier, the two stood in a Harris County courtroom awaiting his fate on an official oppression charge.

"I was happy. I don't know what else to say about it, happy," Blomberg told us.

The former HPD officer says, for two years, he has thought about the actions he took in a few seconds.

"This had nothing to do with race. It was a fleeing burglary suspect -- that's all he was," Blomberg said.

But the attorney for Holley, Benjamin Hall, doesn't agree, saying "The verdict exposes a shortcoming in our judicial system when an out-of-control police officer is permitted to escape criminal consequences for his actions."

And says he believes what happened in the courtroom on Wednesday does not rectify a wrong, adding "Justice is clearly not blind in Houston, Texas. She appears to wear a badge and blue uniform while peeping behind her blindfold."

The case began March 23, 2010 after then 15-year-old Holley burglarized a home and ran from police. When officers caught up with him video shows them beating Holley as he surrenders. About a year later, Eyewitness News was the first to make the video from a nearby surveillance camera public. Several officers were then reprimanded and four were criminally charged.

"The verdict rendered today in Harris County Court 174 declares to all African Americans and others that your life is no more valuable than that of an insect," said Bishop James Dixon with the Community of Faith Church.

Community leaders stood outside the NAACP on Wednesday afternoon calling for the justice department to get involved.

"Justice is not black and justice is not white. Justice has no color," Dixon said.

"The jury's verdict is not the last word on Blomberg's conduct toward Chad Holley!" Hall said.

Blomberg still faces a civil trial and says he still hopes to work in law enforcement someday, even though it will not be for HPD.

"That's all I've ever wanted to do is be a police officer. Unfortunately, I can't do it in the city of Houston anymore," he said.

Blomberg isn't done going to court. Holley has filed a civil lawsuit against him and three other officers. That case is expected to be heard later this year.

(Copyright ©2012 KTRK-TV/DT. All Rights Reserved.) Get more Local »

local, christine dobbyn

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Family speaks out about fatal shooting of 11-year-old boy

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- A family is dealing with the heartbreak of losing a little boy after a tragedy over the weekend.

An 11-year-old was accidentally shot and killed Sunday when he and a group of children got hold of a gun.

Alex Whitfield had a smile that could light up a room. At 11 years old, relatives say he was full of life -- and boy, could he dance.

Twelve days ago, Alex's loved ones were celebrating his birthday. Now, they are mourning his death.

"I didn't believe it. I didn't believe that he was dead. I still can't," said the boy's grandfather, Mark Wenzel.

The shooting happened at LaVerne and Hammerly while Alex was visiting his father for the weekend.

"The last time I saw him," Christina Wenzel said. "Oh, dear God."

So far, police are calling the shooting accidental. Investigators say Alex was playing with four kids under age 16 when they found a loaded gun in a closet in someone's apartment.

One of the boys started playing with it and it went off, officials said. The bullet ricocheted off a door and hit Alex.

A neighbor performed CPR, but couldn't save him.

"This not something I ever want anyone to go through. Wouldn't wish this on my worst enemy," Christina Wenzel said.

Alex's mother tells us her son is gone because of someone's negligence. She wants the adult who owns the gun to be held accountable for what happened.

"Yes, I'm mad. People say you can't blame anybody. Yes I can. Yes I can, and I plan to," she said. "It's just not fair."

(Copyright ©2012 KTRK-TV/DT. All Rights Reserved.)
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Sugar Land residents concerned about new development where Imperial Sugar refinery once stood

SUGAR LAND, TX (KTRK) -- It's been more than a year since the Imperial Sugar factory in Sugar Land came tumbling down and now the land left behind is at the center of a controversy pitting homeowners against developers.

Developers want to bring luxury apartments, restaurants and shops to the area, but residents worry about the impact that could have on their own communities.

The city of Sugar Land says there is some bad information out there about this project and they want to set the record straight. Homeowners, though, wonder if the city is telling the entire story.

Janie Gonzales grew up in a house in the shadow of the Imperial Sugar refinery.

"This house, it means everything to me," Gonzales said.

Developers want to take 800 acres of land around the Imperial site and turn it into shops, restaurants, new homes and apartments. It's the latter that worries Gonzales.

"I've asked how they're gonna control the noise, traffic, everything -- I get no answers," said Gonzales.

The Sugar Land Planning and Zoning Commission recently approved unanimously a plan to move forward.

"The work that the planning and zoning commission did and compromise that the developer did has resulted in many of those concerns having been resolved," said Sugar Land City Manager Allen Bogard.

He says plans are in place to alleviate traffic congestion on the roads, even to create buffers between existing homes and apartments.

The current recommendation to City Council includes 625 apartments, the first 300 to be built near the new baseball stadium. If occupancy exceeds 75 percent, the developer can then construct another 325 closer to the old refinery.

The city says that's better than the prior plan, which limited construction to 459 apartments near the refinery site and contained no cap on the number of units built elsewhere.

"It's still more than the 459," said realtor Diana Miller.

Miller has gathered more than 2,000 signatures against it. She says the project is already hurting homeowners who live closest to the old refinery, who've tried to get their property appraised for a reverse mortgage or refinance.

"It could be valued at $30,000; it could be valued at $200,000. There's just too much uncertainty here," Miller said.

Some have even heard rumors of the city one day using eminent domain to take homes here. The city of Sugar Land insists it has no plans to do so.

The recommendation still must be discussed in a public hearing on April 3 and then voted on by City Council.

(Copyright ©2012 KTRK-TV/DT. All Rights Reserved.) Get more Local »

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Some Interesting Facts About the City of Houston

Five Ws About Houston Attorneys

Some Pasadena residents warned about rise in home burglaries

PASADENA, TX (KTRK) -- Pasadena police are telling neighbors in the Crenshaw Park area to be on alert. Close to a dozen homes have been broken into recently.

Neighbors are taking the warnings seriously. For one homeowner we talked to, the news hit a little too close to home.

After a string of home burglaries, residents in the Pasadena neighborhood say this Christmas, it's not the Grinch they're worried about.

"We think they went in the through the back patio glass because she said when she got home it was opened and the blinds were blowing," one resident said.

This woman, who did not want to be identified, told us thieves broke into her neighbor's house just the other day. Pasadena police say there have been 10 reported break-ins in the last two weeks in the area near Crenshaw Park.

"It's just not right that they think they can just come in your house and take stuff that we work so hard for," said resident Rita Sills.

In most cases, the suspects have entered from the back of the homes, breaking out windows or, in two cases, by crawling in through the doggie door. They've taken cash, jewelry and electronics.

Police have stepped up patrols and are they're asking residents to stay vigilant, especially during the day.

"Now we're going to start keeping everything real tight and keeping extra lights on and stuff," said resident Amy McCartney. "Maybe that will deter them. Maybe they'll think more people are home than what actually is."

Police say it's also important to pay attentionto anyone soliciting in your neighborhood, or people claiming to be utility workers. If you see anything suspicious, call police immediately. No arrests have been made in any of these cases.

(Copyright ©2011 KTRK-TV/DT. All Rights Reserved.)
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Mother accused of lying about daughter's kidnapping

  HOUSTON (KTRK) -- A mother who allegedly reported her 14-year-old was abducted while she was walking home from school is facing charges for lying and harming her daughter.

The Harris County Sheriff's Office says they've charged Andrea Sauls with filing a false report to police and injury to a child.

Detectives allege Sauls reported that her 14-year-old daughter was abducted while walking home from school along Spears at Walters in north Houston on her way home on Friday, the last day of the school year.

However, detectives say the teen had wanted to go with her father but Sauls wouldn't let her leave. That led to a fight, during which the girl suffered some injuries.

The girl ended up leaving with her father anyway, and that's when Sauls allegedly called the Harris County Sheriff's Office and reported that her daughter had been kidnapped. No other details were immediately available. (Copyright ©2011 KTRK-TV/DT. All Rights Reserved.) Get more Local »

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Astronauts talk about Endeavour mission

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- Crowds gathered at Ellington Field Thursday afternoon to welcome back the crew of space shuttle Endeavour. The shuttle returned to Florida Wednesday, making it the next to last mission in the program.

Endeavour's crew spoke individually and each called it both historic and successful. They and a large crowd at Ellington Field admit it was really an emotional time watching the orbiter land, especially since there's only one more mission to go. After landing space shuttle Endeavour for the final time, Commander Mark Kelly says he's glad to be home. "Endeavour performed as if it was brand new," he said. He calls the 16-day, 6.5 million-mile mission a success. It was the shuttle's 25th and final flight. It will now be given a new mission. Endeavour is to sit in California for all to see. "To continue to inspire young people to pursue careers in science and engineering and math, and it's going to do that for a very long time," Kelly said. Kelly's wife, wounded Arizona Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, did not attend on Wednesday but his daughters did. Kelly says he couldn't have completed this mission without their support or that of his crew. Several hundred attended the welcome-home celebration. "Very bittersweet," NASA employee Don Walker said. Bittersweet, Walker says, because he witnessed the maiden voyage of Endeavour and knows how much life is left in the orbiter. "I'm also looking forward to what's next," Walker said. Also among the crowd was Gene Horton, who worked for NASA years ago. Seeing the shuttle program come to an end, he says, could be an exciting time. "We're really just at the beginning of understanding the universe and understanding the consequences of exploring," he said. End of shuttle program affecting fans, employees The crew of the space shuttle Endeavour is back in Houston, just one day after their spectacular nighttime landing in Florida. There's just one more flight left, and for the hundreds that work in the shuttle program, that means things will soon be changing. It's a huge 'welcome home' for the crew of Endeavour. It's also bittersweet, as this means there is but one more shuttle mission ever. In its 25 trips into orbit, space shuttle Endeavour logged nearly 123 million miles. It came to a stop at Kennedy Space Center Wednesday one last time. "I teared up. I just teared up," said Pat Reho, a fan of the shuttle program. Reho watched the landing at 1:30am. She says because she knows it is the second to last return of an orbiter -- ever. "It's, you know, the beginning of the end. It saddens me," Reho said. On Thursday, we found Reho among many snapping up souvenirs. Those who run one souvenir store say business is up at least 20 percent. "People are realizing this is it!" said Toni Heath with Space City Souvenirs. For many the return of Endeavour makes the reality that there is only one more shuttle mission left that much more real. Also increasing is the push for jobs. Two-thousand people associated with the shuttle program who live near JSC have already lost their jobs. Two-thousand more are expected once the final mission is completed. Many have turned to the aerospace transition center for help in finding jobs. Looking, this woman says, has been a challenge. "The Corporations are able to be more selective because there really are so many of us available," job seeker Yvonne Vogue-Rodi said. There will actually be an aerospace job fair on June 15 Clear Falls High School. (Copyright ©2011 KTRK-TV/DT. All Rights Reserved.)
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New information about serial arsonist

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- We have new information about the serial arsonist who's targeting southwest Houston. He -- or she -- works in the middle of the night, and that's how investigators may finally catch them.

A number of people have been questioned and considered suspects but have since been ruled out. Right now, one of the most difficult challenges for arson investigators is figuring out a motive.

Houston Fire Department Chief Terry Garrison said, "Those are getting more dangerous that we can see."

A troubling warning from Houston's fire chief about the string of arson fires that started more than a year ago, and the person or people setting them.

"This arsonist, whoever this person is or persons are, they do not care about the life of your family," Chief Garrison warned. "You need to take precautions yourself."

There have been nearly 30 fires over the past 17 months. Arson investigators believe they're all connected based on where they were started, the time of day and the fact that accelerants were used in all 30 incidents. The fear is that the motive may be about more than destroying property.

Chief Richard Galvan with the Houston Fire Marshal's Office said, "He's getting bolder, he's going indoors more. He's being more aggressive, so we're very concerned."

Two fires set over the weekend at different apartment complexes had the signature of other fires intentionally set at the entrances or exits of residential buildings. Arson investigators are piecing them all together in hopes of developing a better profile of the crimes.

They're also conducting surveillance under night cover in the west and southwest side neighborhoods where most of the fires have occurred. One shadowy figure was caught by a surveillance camera at one fire scene last May.

"They are going to get sloppy," Chief Galvan said. "Eventually he is going to speak to someone and we encourage that person or persons to come forward."

(Copyright ©2011 KTRK-TV/DT. All Rights Reserved.) Get more Local »

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5 Things You Should Know About Your Houston Moving Service

Houston is the largest city in Texas, and the fourth largest city in the United States. The city gives home to 2.2 million people within its area of 600 square miles, as found by US Census Bureau. The economic decisions made in the city impacts the lives of people throughout the world, as Houston has the second largest concentration of Fortune 500 companies, second only to New York City. Living here is fun; that's why so many people move to Houston. If you have decided to move to the city then you will need a reliable Houston moving service provider to relocate you, which as easy as it may sound is not at all easy. Like many other markets the city is full of Houston movers waiting to prey on you.

Which, I will not let happen. That's why I am going to share with you 5 mantras that will help you find a right Houston moving service. But before I do that, let's talk about life in the city.

Why you should move to Houston!

Because Houston is a multicultural city where lives a large community of people born outside of the United States. It is estimated that around 1.1 million people from outside the United States live here who, in total, speak more than 90 languages. Houston is your home, no matters where you are from. One in every five foreign-born people is an Asian here.

The diversity of origins of Houston's resident has added color to the cultural life of the city. The festivals and celebration in the city is as colorful as the population mix of the city. The most notable celebration among all is annual Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo that goes on for over 20 days from late February to early March.

The Houston International Festival, the Houston Auto Show, Art Car Parade, Houston Greek Festival, the Westheimer Block Party, night-time Houston Pride Parade, and the Bayou City Art Festival-one among top 5 art festivals in the US-are other major annual events celebrated in the city.

Because of the location of Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center of NASA Houston is also known as "Space City."

5 things to care about when hiring Houston Movers

Their rates: Yes, this is one, and perhaps the most important one. No matter how great the services of a particular Houston mover are, if it's not in your budget it is not for you. Do a research to find out the rates offered by the moving companies, and also enquire how they charge: is it on per mile (or kilometer) basis, or is it hourly, or a combination of the two? Will there be any overtime or any other extra charges?
Their fleet: What make are the trucks that possibly will haul your belongings to Houston? Are the trucks in good condition? How often are they checked for problems? Well, they may provide you insurance, but I am sure you will not like to lose your valuable possessions to a bad-quality moving company.
Insurance: What if you lose some stuff in transit? And what about breakage? Check the insurance coverage details of the Houston moving companies. Read the fine prints.
Operator license: How good is the insurance you are promised, if the person or document promising it is fake? In such cases, nothing matters. Neither quality of fleet, nor their rates.
Track record: Words come cheap, and even cheaper for many, so do not get sold to empty promises of quality, insurance, and fleet, etc., unless it is backed by solid review. Find reviews on Houston movers and see who have stood on the promise in the past, and who failed on the delivery.

You must follow the above written guidelines when hiring a Houston moving service provider. It will save you the horror of post-transfer headache.

Andrew Welkinson reviews and writes about Houston Moving [http://www.starvingstudentmovers.net ] companies, relocation and Houston area services. When hiring Houston Movers [http://www.starvingstudentmovers.net ], do your homework before you buy.