Think and Act Locally

Empowering Deer Park, La Porte & Pasadena

Liberty • Prosperity • Service • Growth

Know Your Government: Week 5 - Know Your Government: Harris County Flood Control District
February 1, 2026 | Deer Park • La Porte • Pasadena

Editorial Intro

Here's a question most people never think about until their street turns into a river: Who decides whether your home floods?

Not whether it rains. That's God's department. But whether the bayou behind your subdivision can handle what comes — whether the detention basin upstream holds, whether the channel was cleared last quarter, whether the drainage project your neighborhood needs is even on somebody's list.

That's a government decision. Made by five people you probably already know from Week 3 of this series. And it's funded by your money — $100 million a year of it, which you voted on in November 2024.

This week we're looking at the Harris County Flood Control District. If you live in Harris County, this agency affects your property value, your insurance rate, and whether you sleep easy when the rain starts.

Let's find out if they know your neighborhood exists.

Q: How many miles of bayous and creeks does the Harris County Flood Control District manage — the same channels that determine whether YOUR neighborhood floods?

"The time to repair the roof is when the sun is shining." — John F. Kennedy

Find out if YOUR neighborhood is on the flood control priority list — in 5 minutes.

Go to hcfcd.org → click the 2018 Flood Bond Dashboard → search by location. You'll see every project near you: what's funded, what's under construction, what's still in design, and what's scheduled next.

Bonus: Sign up for free flood warnings at harriscountyfws.org. Enter your address and get alerts when water levels near you start rising. Your phone becomes a flood early warning system. Most people don't know this exists.

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

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

Mariscos El General

2222 Spencer Hwy, Pasadena, TX 77504

Captain Ceviche

4900 Space Center Blvd, Pasadena, TX 77505

Clutch City Cluckers

4815 Fairmont Pkwy, Pasadena, TX 77505

Casual purveyor of juicy chicken tenders, fried to order, along with wings and sandwiches.

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

 

 

Can I curl up on your couch like this? 

 

Hi… I’m Jeremy. I used to have a home. I know because 𝐈’𝐦 𝐩𝐨𝐭𝐭𝐲 𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐝 and still roll over for belly scratches. Someone loved me once… then they never came back.

 

I’ve been here a long time, watching other dogs leave while I stay behind. I’m sweet, gentle, and so tired of sleeping on a hard floor. I just want a warm bed and a family again.

 

But I’m 𝐨𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐔𝐫𝐠𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐋𝐢𝐬𝐭, and I’m scared. Please don't let my story end like this...

- Jeremy

 

𝐀𝐝𝐨𝐩𝐭/𝐅𝐨𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐅𝐑𝐄𝐄 (𝐬𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐥𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐥𝐮𝐝𝐞𝐝 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐟𝐨𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬): https://www.pasadenatx.gov/.../Animal-Adoption-and-Foster...

Rescue holds/questions: foster-rescue@pasadenatx.gov

 

• Jeremy | A182316 | 3 YRS | Neutered | Heartworm negative | Vaccinated | 56 lbs. | Labrador Retriever mix.

 

Pasadena Animal Shelter & Adoption Center

• 5150 Burke Rd, Pasadena, TX

• Shelter: 713-848-5340 | Adoptions: 713-848-5362

• adoptions@pasadenatx.gov

• linktr.ee/pasadenaanimalshelter

SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES

Ways to Make a Difference

Volunteer Spotlight

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)

HASC Tailgate Extravaganza

Friday, February 6
Roaring '20s theme, Pasadena Fairgrounds. Health & Safety Council event celebrating the industrial community and safety culture.

Main Street Trade Days

Saturday, February 7
10 AM–2 PM, Five Points Town Plaza, 200 Block Main St, La Porte. 165+ vendors. FREE. (First Saturday every month — support the local entrepreneurs who show up rain or shine.)

Black History Month Story Time

Southeast Market

Saturday, Feb 7th 2026 at 10AM - 7PM PST

Houston General Go Texan Rodeo in the Park

This Month

Upcoming Events

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

Movies in the Park - Monthly at various Deer Park locations

Check the Deer Park "Deer in the Spotlight" January 2026 Newsletter for more city events!

Coming Up

Save the Date

Friday, February 7 - Father-Daughter Masquerade Ball, 6-9 PM at Sylvan Beach Pavilion ($15/person, register at LaPorteTx.gov/Register)

Tuesday, February 3 - Marketing SBA Session, 2-3 PM at La Porte City Hall

Saturday, February 21 - Mardi Gras on Main, 4-8 PM at Five Points Town Plaza (FREE)  
downtown La Porte. Jazz, food trucks, craft beer garden, New Orleans-style market. All ages. FREE.

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

Warmer days but still pretty cold at night.

COMMUNITY VOICES

Letter of the Week

[Featured reader submission]

Q&A Corner

Q: [Reader question about local topic]

A: [Your answer or community expert response]

Over 2,500 miles — that's more than the distance from Houston to Los Angeles. All of it running through Harris County neighborhoods, including yours. The Flood Control District also manages 280+ detention basins and nearly 50,000 acres of land. Whether those channels are cleared and those basins are maintained determines what happens to your street when the next big storm hits.

Unrivaled Travels

Great travel deals - Find out more click here

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

Liberty Watch

Know Your Government Week 5: The Agency That Decides Whether Your Home Floods

In 1929, a flood ripped through Houston and caused $1.4 million in damage. In 1935, it happened again — $2.8 million. The culprit both times?

Magnolia Bridge, which trapped debris and turned the bayou into a dam.

The Texas Legislature created the Harris County Flood Control District in 1937 so nobody would have to lose their home because a bridge wasn't designed right.

That was almost 90 years ago. Has it worked?

Since then, Harris County has been hit by 30+ damaging floods — Tropical Storm Claudette (1979), Hurricane Alicia (1983), Tropical Storm Allison (2001), Hurricane Ike (2008), the Memorial Day Flood (2015, which flooded 3,000-6,000 homes and stranded 7,000 motorists), Hurricane Harvey (2017), and Hurricane Beryl (2024).

Why should you care? Because the same five Commissioners Court members from Week 3 control this agency. Your commissioner — Adrian Garcia, Precinct 2 — has direct authority over flood control decisions in Deer Park, La Porte, and Pasadena.

Here's where YOUR money goes:

• $100 million/year — Voter-approved in November 2024 for maintenance of 2,500+ miles of bayous and creeks, 280+ detention basins, and nearly 50,000 acres
• $410 million in flood projects going to bid in 2026 alone (30+ project packages)
• $3.5 billion in 2018 bond projects still rolling out over the next 3-5 years
• $1.5 billion already completed — 100+ projects, 16,000+ acre-feet of detention, 46,000+ linear feet of channel improvements
  
  

The district is run day-to-day by Executive Director Dr. Tina Petersen — the first woman to lead it in its 85+ year history.

The question that matters: Is any of that $5+ billion being spent in YOUR watershed? On YOUR street? Do you even know which of the district's 22 watersheds your home sits in?

📋 Your action this week: Go to hcfcd.org and search your home address. Find out which watershed you're in.

Check the 2018 bond dashboard to see if any projects are planned near you.

Takes 5 minutes.

Might change how you think about your next insurance renewal.

Harris County Commissioners Court
Tuesday, February 3 - 10am

10:00 AM, 1001 Preston St, Houston (These are the 5 people who control your Flood Control District. They meet most Tuesdays. You can watch online at harriscountytx.gov.)

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

• • City Council: 
  • February 9, 2026 - 6pm
  • Location: 604 W Fairmont Parkway
    La Porte, TX 77571
  • Agenda: [Link to agenda]
  • Live Stream: Live here and Youtube channel
  • Link to most recent meeting Brief.
  • Link to most recent meeting Deep Dive.
  • Key Items: 

    About the Council

     

    All powers of the City and the determination of all matters of policy are vested in City Council. The Council executes the laws and administers the government of the City. The Mayor and the two councilpersons-at-large are elected by a majority vote of the qualified voters of the city at large. The city is divided into six districts and one councilperson is elected from each district by majority vote of the resident voters of the district. The Mayor and Councilpersons hold their respective offices for a term of three years or until their successors have been elected and duly qualified. The positions of Mayor and Councilpersons Districts 2 and 3 will be elected next in 2027 and 2030; Councilperson At-Large Position A and Districts 4 and 5 in 2025 and 2028; and Councilperson At-Large Position B and Districts 1 and 6 in 2026 and 2029.

     

    Agendas & Minutes

    The City Council meets the 2nd and 4th Mondays of the month at 6:00 p.m. To view the most recent agendas and minutes, view the archive. Council meeting video is available at LaPorteTX.gov/MeetingVideo. To search and/or view past meeting agendas and minutes and historical records, visit the public portal at LaPorteTX.gov/SearchRecords.

    Council Documents

    • City Charter
    • 2023 Strategic Plan
    • City Council Rules of Procedure and Ethics Policy, updated October 14, 2024
    • City Council Conflict of Interest filings
    • City Council campaign finance documents (Per EC 254.0401(b)(e-1)(g) and (h))

   

  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 3rd - 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:

  • Jerry Mouton Jr., Mayor
  • Sherry Garrison, Council Position 1
  • TJ Haight, Council Position 2
  • Tommy Ginn, Council Position 3

  • Justin League, Council Position 4
  • Ron Martin, Council Position 5
  • Georgette Ford, Council Position 6

   

  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

• City Council: February 3rd, 2026 - 6pm
• Location: 1149 Ellsworth 6th Floor
  Pasadena, TX 77506
• Agenda: [Link to agenda]
• Live Stream:  Youtube channel
• Link to most recent meeting Brief.
• Link to most recent meeting Deep Dive.
• Key Items: 

Mapping Our Community
The Hidden Levy, Part 1: "The 430% Tax You Don't Vote On"

You voted on your property tax rate. You voted on the school bond. You even voted on the $100 million flood control maintenance fund we just talked about.

But nobody voted on your water rate.

Water and sewer charges are set by city council — no ballot measure, no public vote. And the rates between Deer Park, La Porte, and Pasadena might surprise you.

Why should you care? Because your water bill is essentially a second tax bill. Except this one can go up any time your council decides it should — and you probably won't hear about it until the bill arrives.

Over the coming weeks, we're going to follow the money through your utility bill, your tax bill, and the fee structures that fund the infrastructure under your feet.

We'll show you what your city charges, what industrial users pay, and how to calculate your own Total Cost of Citizenship — every dollar local government takes from your household each year.

This isn't about blame. It's about knowing what you're paying for.

📋 Your action this week: Pull out your most recent water bill. Find the per-gallon rate. Next week, we'll show you how that compares across all three cities — and why the comparison matters to your wallet.

SUBMIT YOUR CONTENT

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

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• 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