Think and Act Locally - Deer Park, La Porte, Pasadena
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Controversial Politics and Growth: Local Elections, DEKA Mile, and New Album Release! 🌟

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Think and Act Locally - Deer Park, La Porte, Pasadena

Think and Act Locally - Deer Park, La Porte, Pasadena

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Controversial Politics and Growth: Local Elections, DEKA Mile, and New Album Release! 🌟

Controversial Politics and Growth: Local Elections, DEKA Mile, and New Album Release! 🌟
Discover the latest in local growth, learning, and service in Deer Park, La Porte, and Pasadena! From new food scene updates to volunteer opportunities and exciting events like Mardis Gras on Main 2026, there's something for everyone to get involved in. Don't miss out on the chance to make a difference in your community - read on for all the details! 🌟🏛️🗳️🎶

David Campbell

Feb 15, 2026

Think and Act Locally

Empowering Deer Park, La Porte & Pasadena

Liberty • Prosperity • Service • Growth

Your Vote Starts Tuesday. Here's Your Game Plan. February 15, 2026 | Deer Park - La Porte - Pasadena

Last week we walked you through every race that matters to our communities. This week, it's time to do something about it.

 

Early voting for the March 3 primary starts Tuesday, February 17. Polls open at 7 AM. You can vote at any Harris County early voting location -- you don't have to go to your home precinct.

 

If you read last week's issue and thought "I should look into that," Tuesday is the day. If you didn't, go to harrisvotes.com, pull up your sample ballot, and spend ten minutes with it before you go. That's all it takes to walk in informed instead of guessing.

 

This is also one of the biggest weeks on our community calendar all year. Pasadena's State of the City is Thursday. La Porte's Mardi Gras on Main is Saturday. And in between, there's enough happening to keep you busy every night if you want to be.

 

Let's get into it.

Trivia Question❓

Q: La Porte's Mardi Gras on Main is in its 11th year. How many new businesses have opened on La Porte's Main Street in the last three years?

Answer at the bottom of the newsletter

Quote Of The Day

"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has."
-- Margaret Mead

Secret Little Hack

Vote anywhere in Harris County -- here's how to find the closest location in 30 seconds.

 

Go to harrisvotes.com --> click "Polling Locations" --> enter your address. It'll show you every early voting site near you, with hours and wait times.

 

Early voting runs Tuesday, Feb 17 through Friday, Feb 27. Polls are open 7 AM to 7 PM. You do NOT have to vote at your home precinct during early voting -- any Harris County location works.

 

Bring a valid photo ID. Texas driver's license, passport, military ID, or handgun license all work. Full list at votetexas.gov.

GROWTH & LEARNING

Tuttle Twins

Speaking of taking ownership of your children's education...

If you've ever wanted to introduce your kids to concepts like free markets, personal responsibility, and individual liberty—but weren't sure how to start—the Tuttle Twins book series makes it easy.

Written for kids ages 5-11, these illustrated books teach economic and civic concepts through engaging stories. My kids have learned more about how the world actually works from these books than from most of what they get in school.

 

The curriculum includes activity workbooks that turn passive reading into active learning. Perfect complement to our "Know Your Schools" philosophy: take ownership of what your children learn.

[Check out the Tuttle Twins here(affiliate (affiliate link)

Prosperity Spotlight

Supporting Local Business & Entrepreneurship

 

Local Business Feature:

Dimensions Comics, Music & More - La Porte, TX

 

"We are Houston's FIRST Genre Comic Store. Comics, books, movies, music, collectables & so much more!"

 

That's the kind of local business worth knowing about.

 

📍 323 W Main St, La Porte, TX 77571

 

GROWTH & LEARNING: 

Stealing Yourself Wealthy

I've spent a lot of ink in this newsletter talking about holding government accountable for financial sustainability. But here's an uncomfortable question: How sustainable are your own finances?

 

Back in August, I started applying a simple options trading framework called Low Stress Options. The pitch sounded almost too boring to be true: target 1% per week, spend just 1-2 hours managing it, avoid the drama of day trading.

 

Four months later, I've collected nearly $25,000 in premium income.

No, that's not a typo. And no, I'm not glued to a screen all day. I run multiple businesses, write this newsletter, and chase kids around. This fits because it was designed to fit.

 

The framework is built on the same philosophy we preach here: systems over speculation, consistency over chaos, and taking control of what you can actually control.

 

The founder learned this mindset during 1980s Brazilian hyperinflation - his host father "stole" small amounts from the family businesses, converted them to dollars, and saved three franchises when everyone else went under. Same principle: small, consistent actions compound into something significant.

 

If you're looking to make up for lost time on retirement, smooth out the peaks and valleys of entrepreneurial income, or just put your money to work harder than a savings account's pathetic 0.45% annual return - this is worth your time.

 

Check out Low Stress Options →

Full disclosure: This is an affiliate link. But you know the rule - sponsors support the mission, never influence the message. I don't recommend anything I don't personally use.

FOOD SCENE UPDATE

What's for dinner tonight?

The Health Nut

2606 B Center St, Deer Park, TX 77536

 

"We are a local mom and pop Health food store/restaurant. We have been serving Deer Park Texas for over 45 years. We are open 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM and serve lunch from 11 AM until 2 PM. We have qualified staff here to help you with all your supplement needs also."

Monument Inn

4406 Independence Pkwy, La Porte, TX 77571

 

Restaurant & banquet facility overlooking the Houston Ship Channel serving no-fuss seafood platters.

Taquitos Don Agaves

2302 Strawberry Rd, Pasadena, TX 77502

 

"Best Authentic Tacos from Jalisco Mex. Bistec, Suadero, Pastor, Pollo, Cabeza, Lengua y Tripa. Also Taquitos Dorados Birria."

REAL ESTATE PULSE

Featured Property - For Lease

4422 Meadow Way Dr, Deer Park, TX 77536

Beautiful one-story home with a split floor plan featuring high ceilings in the living area. Upgraded flooring throughout. The primary bath includes a garden tub, separate shower, and large walk-in closet. Great outdoor kitchen with space to entertain. Washer, dryer, and refrigerator included with $2500 lease. No damage during the 2021 freeze or flooding during Harvey. Owner is willing to lease the house with the furniture currently in the home. Tenant must pay and use the current lawn maintenance company.[Link to full listing]

ADOPT A FRIEND

Pet of the Week

 

Looking for a furry Valentine? Meet Rex, our lovable two-year-old Akita Shepherd mix who's ready to steal your heart!

 

Adopt Rex and give him the forever love he deserves this Valentine's Day!

 

Deer Park Animal Shelter
 
4221 Luella Ave, Deer Park, TX, United States, 77536
 

SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES

Ways to Make a Difference

Volunteer Spotlight

 

Be An Election Worker

Harris County needs election workers for early voting (Feb 17-27) and Election Day (March 3). You get paid, you serve your community, and you see democracy up close.

 

Apply at harrisvotes.com/work-election.

 

This is civic service at its most direct — and most needed. Low turnout primaries are where your single vote carries the most weight. Help make sure every vote counts.

Volunteer Spotlight: Your School District Needs You

With our "Know Your Schools" series (see last week's issue), here are ways to get involved beyond just attending board meetings:

 

  • Campus Volunteer Programs - All three districts welcome parent and community volunteers
  • Mentoring Programs - La Porte ISD's HELPS Mentoring Program matches adults with students who need support
  • Education Foundation Support - All three districts have education foundations accepting donations and volunteer help
  • Career Day Speakers - Share your profession with students in CTE programs

 

Contact your district's volunteer coordinator to learn more.

SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES

Ways to Give Back This Week

Loving La Porte: Feeding Students at the Library

Michael and Kristy Hanks discovered Joseph Daughtery feeding 80-150 kids at the La Porte Library after school—out of his own pocket, three to four times a week.

 

They didn't just admire it. They joined him.

Now "Loving La Porte" is growing into something bigger: a vision for a community center where families can access a food pantry, receive clothing, learn life skills, do laundry, get tutoring, and more—all under one roof.

 

84% of students at La Porte Elementary live below the federal poverty level. This isn't abstract. This is your neighbor's kid.

How to Help:

  • Volunteer: Setup begins at 2:15 PM weekdays at the Harris County Library in La Porte
  • Donate: Contact Michael Hanks at 832-867-3499 or mhanks11@hotmail.com
  • Learn more: LovingLaPorte.org or Facebook: Loving La Porte

[Full story in Around La Porte, Pages 1 & 4]


 

Blue Santa Milestone

The La Porte Police Department's Blue Santa Program served nearly 1,000 children this holiday season—up from 600-700 in previous years. The program has grown from helping 10 families in 2009 to this record-breaking year.

 

Partners who made it happen: La Porte Citizens Police Academy Alumni Association, La Porte Police Officers' Association, Underwood Baptist Church, and dozens of local businesses.

If you missed the chance to help this year, mark your calendar for October 2026 when registration opens again.

[ALP, Page 2]

GROWTH & LEARNING

Education & Personal Development

Library Preserving Local History

The La Porte Public Library received a $20,000 grant from the Ladd and Katherine Hancher Library Foundation to digitize decades of historic newspapers, including The Bayshore Sun.

 

Why This Matters: These archives contain La Porte's stories, milestones, and cultural history. Once digitized, they'll be searchable online for residents, students, researchers, and former community members worldwide.

 

This is how communities preserve their identity. Support your local library.

[ALP, Page 2]

SERVICE SPOTLIGHT:

What If Healthcare Worked Like a Community?

 

Here's a question I've been wrestling with: We talk a lot in this newsletter about broken systems in government. But what about the healthcare system?

 

My family of four has never had traditional health insurance. For years we used Medishare, a health sharing ministry. Earlier this year, we switched to CrowdHealth - and I want to tell you why.

 

The model is simple: You pay a $55/month subscription per person for access to their platform and advocacy team. Then each month, you contribute to help crowdfund another member's medical bills - never more than your set maximum. When you have a health event, you pay a $500 commitment, and the community funds the rest.

 

Right now, we're testing this in real time. My family had a $6,000 ER visit. CrowdHealth is negotiating that bill down, I'll pay $500, and the crowd will cover the remainder. No claims department. No denial letters. No fighting with bureaucrats.

 

Our monthly cost for a family of four: roughly $400-660/month, depending on community needs that month. Compare that to $1,500-2,500 for traditional family coverage in Texas.

But here's what really sold me: Unlike insurance companies, CrowdHealth doesn't profit from sickness. There's no incentive to deny your claim. The whole model is built on members helping members - mutual aid, not corporate gatekeeping.

 

It's healthcare that works like a community should work. And that's exactly what Think and Act Locally is about.

 

Learn how CrowdHealth works →

Full disclosure: This is a referral link. But you know the rule - sponsors support the mission, never influence the message. I've been a paying member since January.

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

This Week's Must-Attend Events

Featured Events

Send us your events (david@thinkandactlocally.com)

Mardis Gras on Main 2026

Come for the beads, stay for the eats. 🎭🦐
While the beads are the classic souvenir, the real reason to wander down Main Street next Saturday is the menu. We’ve pulled together a lineup that covers everything from traditional bayou staples to some pretty unique twists you won't want to miss.
🔥 The Savory: Voodoo Egg Rolls, Crawfish Étouffée, and Lobster Rolls.
🥐 The Sweet: Fresh Beignets and King Cake on a stick.
🍔 The Hearty: Cajun Burgers, Boudin Balls, and Sausage on a stick.
🥤 The Refresh: Fresh Squeezed Lemonade, specialty lattes, and cold beer at the craft beer garden.
Everything kicks off at 4:00 PM. Whether you're here for the music, the people-watching, or just the snacks, there's plenty of room at the table.
📅 Saturday, Feb 21 | 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Main Street & Five Points Plaza
🎟 Admission: FREE

City of La Porte Planning & Zoning Commission Meeting

📌Meeting Notice: Planning & Zoning Commission Meeting Thursday, February 19, at 6:15 PM.
🖥Live Streaming is available! Stream live on YouTube https://ow.ly/eXaM50Yf8oJ or on the City of La Porte website at https://ow.ly/EEv550Yf8oK.
Archive video recordings of meetings will not be available for viewing until 24 hours after the meeting ends.

DEKA Mile and DEKA Strong Hosted by CrossFit Deer Park TX

Attention Deer Park! Spartan DEKA & CrossFit Deer Park are excited to introduce our new challenge designed to test, gamify and celebrate your fitness. Spartan DEKA MILE consists of (10) functional training zones each preceded by a 160 meter run (1 mile of total running distance). 

 

Compete and Earn your DEKA MILE Mark and start training for DEKA FIT 2026! Sign up NOW! Limited Spots Available.

La Porte Texas Downtown Regional Roundtable

La Porte's Main Street Is Booming

 

Fourteen new businesses in three years. That's the story on Main Street in La Porte, and this Friday, the city hosts the first Texas Downtown Regional Roundtable of 2026 to show off what they've built.

 

While other downtowns struggle with vacancies, La Porte's historic core is filling up with entrepreneurs who bet on a small-town Main Street.

 

 That's local prosperity in action -- not a tax incentive package, not a corporate relocation deal, just people investing in a place they believe in.

 

If you haven't walked Main Street lately, Mardi Gras on Main this Saturday (4-8 PM, FREE) is the perfect excuse. See what 14 new businesses look like in person.

 

Friday, February 20, 2026

 

9AM - 3PM

This Month

Upcoming Events

 

Art in the Park - Monthly at Dow Park, Deer Park

Movies in the Park - Monthly at various Deer Park locations

 


Coming Up

 


Save the Date

 

Thursday, February 19 — Pasadena State of the City Luncheon, Pasadena Chamber of Commerce


Greater Houston Train Show — Saturday, Feb 21, 10 AM–4 PM, Pasadena Convention Center, 7902 Fairmont Pkwy. Adults $5. Great for kids who love trains.

Just Released!  Local Theory New Album - Flesh and Blood

WEATHER FORECAST

Warming up with a chance of storms late in the week.

COMMUNITY VOICES

Letter of the Week

[Featured reader submission]

Q&A Corner

Q: If you could change anything in Deer Park, La Porte, and/or Pasadena, what would it be and why?

 

A: check back next week for responses

💡 Answer to Trivia Question:

14 new businesses have opened on La Porte's Main Street in the last three years.

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NEIGHBORS IN NEWS

A tip of the hat to Around La Porte

Our friends at Around La Porte dropped their January 2026 issue this week—16 pages of community coverage from the team led by Maggie Anderson Eddy (now in their 15th year of publication!).

 

This month's issue covers the consolidation election story, the incredible work of Loving La Porte volunteers, Blue Santa's record year, Fairmont Parkway improvements, and much more.

 

We don't compete with Around La Porte—we complement them. They report what's happening. We ask what citizens can DO about it.

 

Subscribe: $40/year delivered to your home Website: aroundlaporte.com

Facebook: facebook.com/aroundlaporte

Facebook Buzz

Alex Ortega in Southeast HTX Neighborhood News FB Group:

 

Increase in People Stealing Tires

Liberty Watch

EARLY VOTING IS HERE

 

Tuesday, Feb 17 - Friday, Feb 27 | 7 AM - 7 PM Vote at ANY Harris County location. Find yours at harrisvotes.com

 

The March 3 primary decides who represents you at every level -- U.S. Senate, Governor, State Rep, State Senator, and more. In our area, the SD 11 state senate seat is open after Mayes Middleton left to run for Attorney General.

 

State Rep Dennis Paul (HD 129) is among those running for it. These are the people who write the laws that affect your property taxes, your schools, and your streets.

 

Primaries are where your vote carries the most weight. Turnout is usually under 15% of registered voters. That means a small number of people make the decision for everyone else.

 

Don't be everyone else.

 

Deer Park City Council | Tuesday, Feb 17, 7:30 PM Council Chambers, 710 E San Augustine St The 3rd Tuesday falls the day after Presidents' Day. Check deerparktx.gov to confirm the meeting is on schedule.

 

Pasadena City Council | Tuesday, Feb 17, 6 PM 1149 Ellsworth Dr, 6th Floor Pasadena also meets on the 3rd Tuesday. Check pasadenatx.gov to confirm.

 

La Porte City Council | Next meeting: Monday, Feb 23, 6 PM 604 W Fairmont Pkwy (La Porte meets 2nd and 4th Mondays)

 

Pasadena State of the City | Thursday, Feb 19, 10 AM - 1 PM Pasadena Convention Center, 7902 Fairmont Pkwy Mayor Thomas Schoenbein delivers his annual address. This is where you hear the official version of how your city is doing financially. Pay attention to what gets emphasized -- and what gets skipped.

 

Deer Park Elections Note: The May 2, 2026 city election is coming -- Council positions 4, 5 and 6 are on the ballot. Filing deadline has passed. If you care about who represents you locally, start paying attention now.

🏛️ State Senate — SD-11 (OPEN SEAT)

Why it's open: Sen. Mayes Middleton is leaving to run for Attorney General (because AG Ken Paxton is running for U.S. Senate). The domino chain means our state senator's seat is wide open.

 

SD-11 covers parts of Harris, Galveston, and Brazoria counties — including our coverage area.

 

Dennis Paul (R) — State Rep from HD-129 (Clear Lake area) since 2015. Engineer. Endorsed by Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick — the most powerful person in the Texas Senate.

 

Democrats running: Shannon Dicely, Cameron Rollwitz.

📋 Your action: Your state senator votes on property tax policy, school funding, water regulation, and infrastructure spending — everything that hits your household budget directly. This race deserves your attention.

 

State House — HD-128 (OPEN SEAT)

Why it's open: Briscoe Cain is leaving to run for Congress. This seat has represented Deer Park and portions of La Porte, Baytown, and Crosby since Cain won it in 2016.

 

Multiple candidates filed for the Republican primary before the December 8 deadline. This is the person who votes on your property taxes at the state level, school funding formulas, water policy, and environmental regulation of the Ship Channel corridor.

 

📋 Your action: Check your sample ballot at harrisvotes.com to see who's running in YOUR district.

 

Harris County Judge (OPEN)

County Judge Lina Hidalgo won't seek a third term. This is the top elected position in Harris County — overseeing a $5+ billion budget that funds flood control, roads, public health, and emergency management.

 

Democrats: Former Houston Mayor Annise Parker, Houston City Council member Letitia Plummer, Matt Salazar.

 

Republicans: Six candidates including Marty Lancton (fire fighters union president), Orlando Sanchez (former county treasurer), and four others.

 

📋 Your action: Harris County decisions directly affect Deer Park, La Porte, and Pasadena — especially flood control and infrastructure. This race matters to your neighborhood.

 

🗳️ May 2 Local Elections — THE MOST IMPORTANT VOTES YOU'LL CAST

These are the races with the lowest turnout and the highest impact per vote. Your city council members decide your water rates, your street maintenance, your building permits, your local tax rates.

 

Filing deadline: February 13 (this Friday!)

DEER PARK City Council Positions 4, 5, and 6 — All at-large, two-year terms, no term limits Info: deerparktx.gov/267/Elections

 

LA PORTE City Council At-Large Position B, District 1, District 6 Shoreacres Consolidation Election — both cities must approve Street Tax Reauthorization Info: laportetx.gov/154/ElectionsElecciones

 

LA PORTE ISD School Board Positions 1, 2, and 3 Info: lpisd.org/elections

 

DEER PARK ISD School Board positions — check dpisd.org for details

 

📋 Your action: Go to your city's website THIS WEEK and find out who filed. If you've ever thought about running — the deadline is Thursday.

La Porte Election Watch

Filing is OPEN through February 13 for three City Council seats — At-Large Position B and Districts 1 and 6. Election day is May 2, 2026. If you've thought about running, the window is closing.
Info at laportetx.gov.

La Porte

  •  

    Cycle the City with Mayor Helton

    Join Mayor Helton for a monthly bike ride to connect with the community and explore the City of La Porte together! These rides will occur on the Third Tuesday of every month, starting at 6:30 pm, summer hours are at 7 pm.  The starting point will change each month so check back for the latest details to plan your attendance.  

     

    February 17 | 6:30 PM

    The February ride will begin at the La Porte Historic Depot Museum, 604 Park Street, La Porte, TX 77571.

     

    March 17 | 6:30 PM - TBD

 

Deer Park

  • City Council: February 17th - 7:30pm
  • Location: City Hall, 710 E San Augustine St
  • Agenda: [Link to agenda]
  • Live Stream: not available
  • Key Items: Agenda not currently available for next meeting
  • Meetings - 2025.12.16 (audio only) 

    • 7:30 p.m.
    • First and third Tuesdays of each month
    • Council Chambers at City Hall
      710 E San Augustine St.
      Deer Park, TX 77536

    Special meetings and workshops are held as needed. Those wishing to speak before council may do so by registering by 7:25 p.m. on the day of the meeting. For further information, call the city secretary's office at 281-479-2394.

     

    Agendas & Minutes

    Agendas and minutes are available online and posted on the city's bulletin board prior to the scheduled meeting .

     

    Public Comments

    Council passed Resolution 24-14 on the policy and rules of decorum on Public Comments during meetings.  

     

    Members

    The City Council consists of seven members, a mayor and six council members. The current members are:

     

    Mission Statement

    The Mission of the City of Deer Park is to deliver exemplary municipal services that provide a high quality of life consistent with our history, culture, and unique sense of community.

     

    City of Deer Park Vision Statement

    Deer Park is a vibrant, sustainable community; a safe place to work, play, and live, offering growth and opportunity to all residents and businesses.

     

    About the City Council

    The City of Deer Park has a council-manager form of government. Under this form of government, the elected City Council sets the policies for the operation of the city's government. The administrative responsibility rests with the city manager who is appointed by the City Council.

     

    Correspondence to the mayor and members of the City Council can be sent by email or mailed to:
    City of Deer Park
    P.O. Box 700
    Deer Park, TX 77536-0700

Pasadena

 

Meetings of the Council

Regular meetings of the Council are held on the first and third Tuesday of each month unless said Tuesday is a holiday; in which case the meeting shall be rescheduled within the next three business days. Council may hold as many additional meetings during the month as may be necessary. Special meetings may be called at any time by the Mayor as necessary. Procedures for meetings shall be governed by the laws of the State of Texas for open meetings, and as provided by the Charter and City ordinances not in conflict therewith. All meetings of the Council, regular or special, shall be open to the public and shall be held at the City Hall of the City.

 

Agendas & Minutes

Agendas are available prior to the meetings. Minutes are available following approval.
View Most Recent Agendas and Minutes

Mapping Our Community
The Port's Hidden Balance Sheet

The Port of Houston Authority handles more cargo than any port in the nation by waterborne tonnage. In 2025, public facilities moved over 54.5 million tons -- a new record. This Thursday, February 19, the Port Commission meets to discuss a 2026 infrastructure plan worth $365 million across roughly 45 projects.

 

That's our backyard. The Houston Ship Channel runs through our communities. The trucks roll down our roads. The industrial corridor sits next to our neighborhoods.

 

But here's what most residents don't know: you're already paying for it.

The Port of Houston Authority is a political subdivision of the State of Texas -- a special district with taxing authority. Port Commissioners aren't elected by you. They're appointed -- two by the City of Houston, two by Harris County Commissioners Court, and others through a joint process. Yet they make decisions about debt, infrastructure spending, and industrial development that directly affect property values, road conditions, air quality, and water usage in Deer Park, La Porte, and Pasadena.

 

The port's debt obligations, its industrial tenant agreements, and the balance between what the Ship Channel corridor generates in economic activity versus what it costs surrounding communities in infrastructure wear and environmental impact -- that's a balance sheet worth examining.

 

Over the next few weeks, we'll dig into the numbers. How does port activity affect your tax bill? What do industrial users pay compared to what they cost? And who's watching the watchers?

 

This Week's Action: The Port Commission meets Thursday, February 19 at 9 AM at the Port Administration Building, 2960 Riverby Road, Houston.

 

These meetings are open to the public. You can also register to speak by emailing eeriksson@porthouston.com or egodfrey@porthouston.com at least one hour before the meeting.

 

If you can't attend, visit porthouston.com and look up the meeting agenda. Start paying attention to the decisions being made on your behalf.

 

Then email us what you find: david@thinkandactlocally.com

Building in Public

Topsoil delivered. Bubble sauce getting closer -- as good as store-bought now, but not good enough yet.

 

A new playground going up near the house. And the honest truth about why Saturday Field Games didn't happen this week.

 

This is what building a life by design actually looks like, week by week. No highlight reel. Just the real updates.

 

Read this week's Substack: Playgrounds and Progress

SUBMIT YOUR CONTENT

Share Your Story:

Community events

Business features

Volunteer opportunities

Letters/Q&A

Email me - david@thinkandactlocally.com

Deadline: Thursday 5 PM for Sunday publication

Value4Value

A Different Way to Build Community

 

How Think and Act Locally Works

This newsletter operates on the Value for Value model - a simple concept that reflects our core philosophy: We provide value freely, and you contribute back based on the value you receive.

No paywalls. No subscriptions required. Just real local content that matters.

 

We do feature paid sponsorships from local businesses - because supporting local prosperity is part of our mission. But here's our promise: Their support will never influence our message. We will always Think and Act Locally, speak truth about local issues, and put community first.

 

Three Ways to Provide Value

⏰ Time

  • Share this newsletter with neighbors who care
  • Attend the events and meetings we highlight
  • Report back on what you discover
  • Join the conversation in our Facebook groups
  • "Hit people in the mouth" (spread the word about Think and Act Locally)

🎨 Talent

  • Submit local stories and tips
  • Share photos from community events
  • Contribute your expertise on local issues
  • Help identify volunteer opportunities
  • Create content that strengthens our community
  • Become an Ambassador for the movement

💰 Treasure

  • Support our mission financially when you receive value
  • Sponsor content if you're a local business (while respecting our editorial independence)
  • Every dollar goes directly to building this movement
  • One-time or recurring - you decide

 

Why This Model?

We believe in treating you like the responsible adult you are. You know better than anyone what value you're receiving and what you can contribute. This isn't charity - it's an exchange of value between neighbors building something together.

Our business sponsors are part of this value exchange too - they support local engagement while we support local prosperity. Everyone wins, and no one controls the message except our shared commitment to thinking and acting locally.

Support Think and Act Locally →

Choose your amount. Choose your method. Choose to make a difference.

 

Producer Credits (Per Donation):

  • $50+ — Supporter (named in newsletter)
  • $100+ — Associate Producer
  • $200+ — Producer
  • $333+ — Executive Producer

 

Civic Titles (Cumulative Giving): As your total contributions grow, so does your standing in our community. Reach $1,000 cumulative and you become a Citizen of the Roundtable—with a ceremony right here in the newsletter. Keep going and rise through the ranks: Precinct Captain, Alderman, Councilmember, Commissioner, all the way up to Mayor and beyond.

 

Not ready for a lump sum? Our Citizen Layaway Plan gets you there at $50/month for 20 months.


Remember: Whether you contribute time, talent, or treasure (or all three), you're not supporting a newsletter - you're investing in a movement that puts local action first.

 

Don't be a spectator. Be a producer of your community's future.

 

Make it a great day.

David Campbell

 

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Think and Act Locally - Deer Park, La Porte, Pasadena

© 2026 Think and Act Locally - Deer Park, La Porte, Pasadena.

Your weekly source for community empowerment, local opportunities, and neighbors helping neighbors across our three cities. Each week, we bring you inspiring stories of local changemakers, upcoming skillshare workshops, entrepreneurship opportunities, and volunteer spotlights that showcase the power of thinking globally while acting locally. From small business success stories to community service initiatives, educational resources to networking events, we connect you with the people and programs working to unleash human potential and strengthen the social fabric of Deer Park, La Porte, and Pasadena. Whether you're looking to start a business, learn a new skill, serve your community, or simply connect with neighbors who share your values of liberty, prosperity, service, and growth - this newsletter is your guide to creating positive change right where you live. Because when we think and act locally, there's no limit to the lives and communities we can transform.

© 2026 Think and Act Locally - Deer Park, La Porte, Pasadena.