News Release

Alicia Whitehead
Houston Fire Department
Public Affairs Division
832-394-6639
www.houstonfire.org

Restaurant Destroyed by Early Morning Fire

More than 100 firefighters responded to an early morning restaurant fire in the 300 block of Taum this morning, February 8, 2012. The Houston Fire Department was dispatched to the fire at Late Night Pie Restaurant just after 4 a.m. and arrived on scene within three minutes. Upon arrival, firefighters found smoke coming from the roof and there after grew in intensity. The fire was eventually brought under control and all employees and others who might have been in the building were accounted for with no reported injuries. The structure was a total loss. The cause of the fire is currently under investigation.

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News Release

BARC
Carlene Lormand
carlene.lormand@houstontx.gov
3200 Carr
Houston, TX 77026
Office: 713-229-7301
Cell: 281-660-0544
Website: www.houstonbarc.com

BARC Shines a Spotlight on Spay/Neuter and Adoptions

BARC advocates for proven way to save the lives of companion animals and homeless animals living on the street - Houstonians Help Needed.

BARC is partnering with two groups to change the future for Houston’s homeless pets.  BARC is asking Houstonians to donate $10 to launch a new program with SNAP to interrupt the growth in the homeless pet population in high-need areas.  BARC is also joining with the Houston Humane Society (HHS), Citizens for Animal Protection (CAP), HCPHES Veterinary Public Health, and the Houston Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (HSPCA) to offer half-price pet adoptions from February 10^th through February 12^th.

For most people, Valentine’s Day doesn’t bring to mind images of cats and dogs, but maybe it should.   It’s no coincidence that most dogs and cats go into their first heat of the breeding cycle in February, which often leads to unwanted litters of kittens and puppies.  And that translates into homeless animals on the streets and full animal shelters by May.  With an average gestation period of only 65 days, an unsterilized dog or cat is capable of having an average of 18 offspring per year.  Now multiply that by an average 6 years of procreation, and that’s over 100 offspring from one unaltered animal. 

February is National Spay/Neuter Month, and the City of Houston’s BARC Animal Shelter & Adoptions has teamed up with Spay Neuter Assistance Program (SNAP) to  sponsor free spay/neuter surgeries for low-income families in Houston zip codes from which BARC either impounds the most stray animals or receives a high number of Over the Counter animal turn-ins.  The first zip code for this new Pilot Program will be zip code 77009, on Monday, February 13, 2012 starting at 6:30 am at BARC’s facility on 3200 Carr Street. 

This new program will expand the number of Houston animals that are sterilized, and reduce the number of animals that BARC picks up off Houston streets and that citizens turn in to the shelter.  But, BARC needs Houston’s help to make this happen.   BARC is asking for $10 donations to fund this ongoing initiative.  Forty dollars allows BARC to sterilize one animal through the SNAP program.  Houston’s official 2010 Census population estimate is 2.139 Million.  If 1% of Houstonians donate $10, we can provide 535 sterilization procedures.  To put this initiative in perspective, if 1% of 1% of Houstonians donate $10, BARC will be able to sterilize 53 animals.  

BARC’s goal for this first event is to sterilize 40 animals in the 77009 zip code.  You can make donations by clicking here, or in person at any Natural Pawz location or at the BARC facility at 3200 Carr, Houston TX 77026.

“Our goal at BARC is to find every healthy and adoptable animal that comes through our doors a new home.  We know that Houstonians want to help us do that, but they may not be ready to adopt or foster one of our future pets.  Sterilizing more pets reduces the number of animals that are surrendered to us, either from homes or the streets, and that means more resources for adoptions and fostering.  If you want to support BARC’s mission, but haven’t been ready to adopt, this new program is a great alternative,” said Carlene Lormand, BARC Marketing & Outreach Manager.  

Spaying or neutering is one of the most important health care measures for your pet.   Most pets live a longer, healthier life, as spaying and neutering prevents many cancers.  Male dogs are less likely to roam away from home, and usually exhibit better behavior overall.  The most important benefit of sterilization is the prevention of unwanted litters, and packs a powerful punch in reducing the number of homeless animals living on the streets.

Free spaying and neutering  for qualifying residents in the 77009 zip code is available on Monday, February 13^th from the SNAP mobile spay-neuter clinic at BARC’s facility on 3200 Carr Street. CLIENTS WILL BE SELECTED FROM A LOTTERY WHICH WILL BEGIN AS EARLY AS 6:30 AM. THE LOTTERY STARTS WHEN THE SNAP ADVANCE PERSON ARRIVES ON SITE.  REMEMBER No food for your dog/cat after 10pm. Exemptions to this rule are dogs/cats 4-6 months old. All animals MUST be brought on a leash or in a carrier. All dogs and cats should be a minimum of 4 months old and maximum of 8 years old.

And to promote the adoption of shelter pets, five Houston area animal welfare organizations are teaming up to help thousands of homeless and deserving animals find permanent, loving, forever homes.  BARC Animal Shelter & Adoptions (BARC), the Houston Humane Society (HHS), Citizens for Animal Protection (CAP), HCPHES Veterinary Public Health, and the Houston Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (HSPCA), encourage Houstonians to open their heart and their home to a homeless animal this February.

From Feb. 10 – 12, each shelter will offer half off adoption fees for select pets to help homeless animals all over the Houston area find their true love. Adoption policies, costs, promotions, date of promotions, and shelter hours may vary. Make sure to contact each participating shelter for more information.

All five organizations have adorable, healthy pets of all breeds, colors, sizes and ages eagerly awaiting their new homes. We know people looking for a furry best friend are sure to find true, unconditional and lasting love when they open their hearts and give a homeless animal a second chance at life.  A special Press Conference will be held at Marmion Park located at 1801 Heights Blvd., Houston, Texas 77008 on Wednesday, February 8, 2012 where representatives from each organization will be on hand with adorable adoptable animals and plenty of information for the media. 

You can help BARC in many ways, even if today is not the right time to adopt another member into your pack.  To donate to BARC online via the Houston BARC Foundation, click here.  Interested individuals may view adoptable animals on BARC's website or on BARC's Facebook page. 

We encourage everyone to visit us online at www.houstonbarc.com.

Join us on Facebook and Twitter

BARC is a Division of the
Administration & Regulatory Affairs Dept.

Houston Police Department

NEWS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT: Public Affairs

713/308-3280

Composite Sketch of Suspect in Theft at 9801 Palmfield

Investigators in the Houston Police Department Major Offenders Division are asking for the public's assistance in identifying a suspect believed responsible for a home burglary at 9801 Palmfield about 5 p.m. on January 7.  

The suspect is described only as a Hispanic or white male in his late 40s to early 50s, about 5 feet 8 inches tall.  He has stained teeth, as he is believed to be a smoker, and a very unkempt appearance.  A composite sketch of the suspect is attached to this news release. 

The suspect approached the victim, a 75-year-old woman, in her front yard, told her he was with Centerpoint Energy and that he needed to speak with her about re-routing power lines in her backyard.  The elderly woman followed the suspect into the backyard and, at some point during the conversation, the suspect abruptly walked off toward Old Galveston Road.  The victim then walked back inside her house and saw her purse and its contents dumped on the floor.  She later discovered cash and jewelry missing from the residence. 

Anyone with information in this case is urged to contact the HPD Major Offenders Division Swindle Unit at 713-308-3100 or Crime Stoppers at 713-222-TIPS. 

VHS/JFC  2-8-12

Inc. #002927412

News Release

Alicia Whitehead
Houston Fire Department
Public Affairs Division
832-394-6639
www.houstonfire.org

Electrical Short Sparks Southwest Houston House Fire

An electrical short around a wall outlet in which a lamp was plugged caused a fire to a southwest Houston home yesterday, February 7, 2012. The Houston Fire Department was dispatched to the home in the 12400 block of Wellington Park Drive just after 3 p.m. and arrived on scene within three minutes. Upon arrival, firefighters found smoke and fire coming from the front windows and top of the front entry door. Firefighters forced entry into the home and tapped out the fire just before 3:30 p.m. The occupant was not home at the time of the fire and there were no reported injuries.  Approximately 40 firefighters responded to the fire which caused about $32 thousand in damage.

News Release

Alicia Whitehead
Houston Fire Department
Public Affairs Division
832-394-6639
www.houstonfire.org

Cause Determined in Northwest Houston House Fire

Houston Fire Department Arson investigators have determined that a child playing with a lighter on a couch caused a fire to a northwest Houston home this morning.

The Houston Fire Department was dispatched to the house fire in the 400 block of East 43rd Street in northwest Houston just after 9 a.m. this morning. Firefighters arrived on scene within three minutes and found light smoke coming from the home. A resident informed firefighters that his son was still in the home and he was not able to find him. Firefighters conducted a primary search and found the child. The child was alert and transported to the hospital. Approximately 35 firefighters responded to the incident which was quickly tapped out.

The child has been referred to the HFD FireStoppers Program. The FireStoppers' goal is to provide the proper education and any other needed intervention for each child that has played with or has set fires to stop the firesetting before it leads to further injury, death, homeless families or problems with the law. Firestoppers tries to turn the event of firesetting into a positive opportunity for education and assistance.

Concerned parents, teachers, members of social services and the Houston Fire Department all refer youths to try to cease their firesetting behavior. This free program is for children 2 to 17 years of age. Parents concerned that they may be judged as poor parents or seen as over-reacting, do not need to worry because the purpose of the program is to provide education for the child and family's safety. For more information, citizens may call 713-247-8826.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 7, 2012

Contact:  Maureen Coyle
NBA Basketball Communications
212-407-8414
mcoyle@nba.com

Nelson Luis
Houston Rockets PR
713-758-7337
nelsonl@rocketball.com

Janice Evans-Davis
janice.evans@houstontx.gov
832-393-0800 (o)
713-376-0525 (c)

Jessica Michan
jessica.michan@houstontx.gov
832-393-0804 (o)
713-834-7127 (c)

NBA, Houston Rockets and City of Houston to Make Major Announcement

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 7, 2012

Contact:  Maureen Coyle
NBA Basketball Communications
212-407-8414
mcoyle@nba.com

Nelson Luis
Houston Rockets PR
713-758-7337
nelsonl@rocketball.com

Janice Evans-Davis
janice.evans@houstontx.gov
832-393-0800 (o)
713-376-0525 (c)

Jessica Michan
jessica.michan@houstontx.gov
832-393-0804 (o)
713-834-7127 (c)

NBA, Houston Rockets and City of Houston to Make Major Announcement

Media Alert

BARC
Carlene Lormand
carlene.lormand@houstontx.gov
3200 Carr
Houston, TX 77026
Office: 713-229-7301
Cell: 281-660-0544
Website: www.houstonbarc.com

Houston's Five Animal Shelters to Announce Joint Valentine's Day Adoption Specials; 

Houstonians' Response Needed to Make Room for Warm-weather High Intake Season

The simplest, but most powerful thing you can do to help the BARC Houston shelter, and pets throughout our community, is to talk to your friends, neighbors, and family about caring for pets responsibly, and spaying and neutering all animals.  To donate to BARC online via the Houston BARC Foundation, click here.

We encourage everyone to visit us online at www.houstonbarc.com.

Join us on Facebook and Twitter

BARC is a Division of the
Administration & Regulatory Affairs Dept.

News Release

Alicia Whitehead
Houston Fire Department
Public Affairs Division
832-394-6639
www.houstonfire.org

Firefighters Quickly Tapout House Fire, Find Child

The Houston Fire Department was dispatched to a house fire in the 400 block of East 43rd Street in northwest Houston just after 9 a.m. this morning. Firefighters arrived on scene within three minutes and found light smoke coming from the home. Firefighters conducted a primary search and found a reported trapped child. The child was alert and transported to the hospital. Approximately 35 firefighters responded to the incident which was quickly tapped out. The cause of the fire is currently undetermined.

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Houston Police Department

NEWS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT: Public Affairs

713/308-3280

Fatal Traffic Accident at 8800 Bellaire Boulevard

Houston police are investigating a fatal traffic accident in the 8800 block of Bellaire Boulevard about 3:15 p.m. on Monday (Feb. 6). 

The female victim, 73, a pedestrian, was transported to Memorial Hermann Southwest Hospital where she was pronounced dead.  Her identity is pending verification by the Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences. 

HPD Vehicular Crimes Division Sergeant N. Perry and Officer J. Ortiz reported: 

The driver of a silver Chevrolet Silverado wrecker truck was exiting a parking lot to turn west in the 8800 block of Bellaire.  The victim was walking east on the sidewalk on Bellaire and entering the driveway area of the parking lot when she tripped and was then struck by the truck.  The driver of the wrecker remained at the scene and was questioned and released by investigators. 

There are no indications alcohol was a factor in this accident and no charges have been filed at this time. 

The investigation is continuing. 

VHS/JFC  2-7-12

Inc. #015863412-U