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Growth, Learning & Gossip: HOA Drama in Deer Park ⚖️
Growth, Learning & Gossip: HOA Drama in Deer Park ⚖️
Exciting updates in our local community: Growth & learning, food scene updates, volunteer opportunities, and more! Don't miss out on what's happening in Deer Park, La Porte & Pasadena!
David Campbell
Feb 23, 2026
Think and Act Locally Empowering Deer Park, La Porte & Pasadena Liberty • Prosperity • Service • Growth |
The Votes Are Still Being Cast. Here's What's Next. February 23, 2026 | Deer Park - La Porte - Pasadena |
This is issue #10. Ten weeks of showing up for Deer Park, La Porte, and Pasadena — and today I'm a day late. Sunday slipped. Monday still counts.
Early voting ends this Friday, February 27. The March 3 primary is eight days away. If you haven't voted yet, you still have five days to do it — any Harris County early voting location, 7 AM to 7 PM.
That's not cynicism. That's just the math of low-turnout primaries.
But here's what's often missed: the primary is only one piece. The May 2 elections — the city council seats, school board positions, the La Porte street tax, and the historic La Porte/Shoreacres consolidation vote — those are where your single vote carries the most weight of anything you'll do in 2026.
Those are decided by hundreds of votes, not thousands. Your neighbors probably won't show up.
You can.
And this week, while you were watching the news, there was a Port Commission meeting in Houston. Appointed officials — not elected by you — approved decisions worth hundreds of millions of dollars that will shape the Ship Channel corridor for the next decade.
We're going to start paying attention to that.
Let's get into it. |
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Trivia Question❓Q: The Port of Houston Authority is a political subdivision of the State of Texas with taxing authority. How many Port Commissioners sit on the board — and how many are directly elected by residents? Answer at the bottom of the newsletter |
Quote Of The Day |
"It does not require a majority to prevail, but rather an irate, tireless minority keen to set brush fires in people's minds." — Samuel Adams |
Secret Little Hack |
Early voting — no home precinct required.
Go to harrisvotes.com → click "Polling Locations" → enter your address. Shows every early voting site near you with hours and wait times.
Early voting runs through Friday, February 27, 7 AM to 7 PM. Vote at ANY Harris County location — you don't have to go to your home precinct.
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 TwinsSpeaking 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: Sassy Sisters - Pasadena, TX
"We are your one stop shop for your custom shirt and decal needs! We have supplies for the crafty person who wants to make their own products, but we're also happy to make whatever it is you're needing!
We have hundreds of pre-printed sublimation and DTF (direct-to-film) transfers! We also love custom orders, and making your ideas come to life! If you don't see what you're looking for, just ask!" That's the kind of local business worth knowing about.
📍 7407 Spencer Hwy, Pasadena, TX 77505
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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. |
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FOOD SCENE UPDATE |
What's for dinner tonight? |
The Sauce Pot |
6335 Spencer Hwy, Pasadena, TX 77505
"At The Sauce Pot, we’re three foodies turned food truck owners with one shared passion—bringing the rich, soul-warming flavors of Louisiana to every plate we serve. From our vibrant Cajun shrimp taquitos to Auntie’s legendary shrimp and grits, our mission is to deliver a taste of home that’s as authentic as it is unforgettable." |
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Mi Bendicion Bakery |
3952 Spencer Hwy, Pasadena, TX 77504
Discover freshly baked goods at Mi Bendicion Bakery, your go-to artisanal pastry shop for custom cakes and delicious treats. |
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Andy's Hawg Wild BAR B-QUE |
2826 Dedman St, Pasadena, TX 77503
Relaxed restaurant offering ribs, brisket and pulled pork plus sides, sandwiches and fried fare. |
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REAL ESTATE PULSE |
Featured Property - For Lease4422 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] |
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ADOPT A FRIEND |
Pet of the Week
The shelter is back with a brand new mission — FREE adoptions for all animals 1 year old and older! That’s right, the grown-ups are stealing the spotlight and they’re ready to pack their bags and move into your house rent free (well… except for snacks).
These seasoned pros are past the tiny tornado stage, full of love, personality, and gratitude, and they’re just waiting for someone to give them a couch to claim and a family to adore — so come meet your new best friend and let an older pet show you why age is just a number. City of La Porte TX Adoption Center and Animal Shelter
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SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES |
Ways to Make a Difference Volunteer Spotlight
Save the Date for TRASH BASH 2026!
The River, Lakes, Bays 'N Bayous Trash Bash® will celebrate the 32nd annual cleanup of our Galveston Bay watershed on Saturday, March 28, 2026!
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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:
Contact your district's volunteer coordinator to learn more. |
SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES |
Ways to Give Back This Week Loving La Porte: Feeding Students at the LibraryMichael 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:
[Full story in Around La Porte, Pages 1 & 4] 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 |
The Treasurer's Report — Week of February 17
Some weeks are about planting seeds. Some weeks are about harvesting. Last week was a harvest week — quiet on the surface, methodical underneath, and profitable by Friday.
The week in numbers: Net options income: $382.41 MSTY dividend distributions: $37.79
Total cash produced: $420.20
Consecutive profitable weeks: 31
Running all-time net income: ~$24,500+
It wasn't the biggest week in the books. But the $382 in net options income came on just $1,650 in new collateral deployed. Most of the activity was writing covered calls on stock already owned — no new capital required, just putting existing holdings back to work.
One moment worth explaining: a RUM (Rumble) put was assigned on February 13, delivering 100 shares at $6.00. That sounds like a loss. It isn't. Assignment is an opportunity, not a defeat. The shares were immediately put to work writing covered calls. The system keeps generating income regardless of direction.
The long-term target is $200,000 annually in options income — salary replacement. That requires roughly $400,000 in deployed capital. The accounts are currently around $82,000. The path is clear. Stack pebbles.
This is not investment advice. It's a real family documenting a real attempt to build financial independence through systematic options trading — transparently, week by week.
Learn more at lowstresstrading.com (affiliate link — I use this system personally) |
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.
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. |
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COMMUNITY CALENDAR |
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Relax and Unwind with a Sound Bath by YahYah |
Bring your worries with you and let them melt away as you close your eyes and relax into the sound. You will be asked to remove your shoes, bring a blanket if you'd like and chairs will be provided to those who cannot sit on the floor. This is a free service though donations are always appreciated.
The sound bath is happening at the Clear Lake Gem & Mineral Society's 51st Annual Gem & Mineral Show at the Pasadena Convention Center on February 28 - March 1.
The Sound Bath will happen at:
5 pm on Saturday 11 am on Sunday Pasadena Convention Center
7902 W Fairmont Pkwy, Pasadena, TX 77507-1010, United States
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Lonestar Cookoff |
Lomax Rodeo Arena La Porte, TX
Feb 26 5PM - Feb 28 11PM
Alrighty folks... hope everyone had a great 25.. now on to our 26, which will also bring us to our next cookoff. In just a couple short weeks it will be here. Paperwork has been updated, Scholarships are in the work, and mtgs will be had. Thank you ALL for your continued support over these many years. Looking forward to seeing everyone old and new teams.
Sincerely,
Lil Bear |
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Join us for a showing of the 1998 Ruby Bridges Movie at the Historic La Porte Colored School!
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51st Annual Clear Lake Gem and Mineral Show |
The Clear Lake Gem & Mineral Show is a family friendly event that will have dealers with rock specimens both raw and polished, fossils, jewelry, décor, art and more to add to your collections. Displays and demonstrations will help you learn about lapidary art and geology!
Hourly door prizes and a grand prize!
Dinosaur Shows:
Two shows will be presented at this year's Gem & Mineral Show. Saturday at 12, 2 and 4 pm is "Fossils ROCK!" Sunday at 12,2 and 4 pm is "Dinosaurs of Texas" Scout Geology 101 Information Sessions:
To help get scouts get started on their geology merit badges, geology information sessions will be provided. Geology 101 is daily at 1 and 3 pm. Kids' Activities:
Our kids activity area has a gem mine where kids can sift out their own gems & minerals to take home with them. There is also arts and crafts for them to make and take. Admission to the Gem Show is (good for both days of the show):
$7 General Admission $6 with this $1 off coupon ad, Seniors over 60, Veterans, and College Students with ID FREE for Children 12 and under and Scouts in Uniform Open Saturday 10-6 and Sunday 10-5. FREE PARKING The Clear Lake Gem, Mineral and Jewelry Show is held each year at the Pasadena Convention Center, 7902 Fairmont Parkway, Pasadena, Texas, southeast of the Houston Metro area, 2.5 miles east of Beltway 8.
Print out this image for a $1 coupon or visit http://clgms.org
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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
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Just Released! Local Theory New Album - Flesh and Blood |
WEATHER FORECAST |
Clear skies and beautiful |
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This could be your business. email me david@thinkandactlocally.com |
COMMUNITY VOICES |
Letter of the Week[Featured reader submission] Q&A CornerQ: 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 |
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💡 Answer to Trivia Question: The Port Commission has 8 members. Zero are directly elected by residents — all are appointed. |
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Unrivaled Travels |
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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 |
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Facebook Buzz |
Deer Park Economic Development FB Page:
New Homes in Deer Park!
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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.
Monday, February 23 La Porte City Council Meeting 6:00 PM | 604 W Fairmont Pkwy, La Porte Open to the public.
Watch live: laportetx.gov/MeetingVideo | YouTube: @laportetx Watch for mobile food vendor zoning — council deferred this item in November, may surface tonight.
La Porte City Council — Tonight, Monday, February 23, 6:00 PM 604 W Fairmont Pkwy, La Porte, TX 77571 La Porte meets 2nd and 4th Mondays.
Watch live: laportetx.gov/MeetingVideo | YouTube: @laportetx Agenda: laportetx.gov/agendacenter
Deer Park City Council — Tuesday, March 3, 7:30 PM 710 E San Augustine St (Council Chambers) Agendas: cityofdeerpark.legistar.com
Pasadena City Council — Tuesday, March 3, 6:00 PM 1149 Ellsworth Dr, 6th Floor YouTube: @cityofpasadenatxcouncilmee748
Early voting runs through Friday, February 27 — 7 AM to 7 PM at any Harris County location. harrisvotes.com. March 3 is primary day.
May 2 Elections — Know Your Ballot Filing closed February 13. Candidates are set.
La Porte — At-Large Position B, Districts 1 and 6 + street tax reauthorization + Shoreacres consolidation vote.
Deer Park — Council Positions 4, 5, and 6.
One action this week: Go to harrisvotes.com, pull up your sample ballot, and find out who is running for your city council seat in May.
Five minutes. |
🏛️ 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.
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🗳️ 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.
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. |
La Porte |
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Deer Park |
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Pasadena |
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Mapping Our Community
The Port's Hidden Balance Sheet — Part 2: What Happened Thursday |
Second piece in our ongoing investigation into the Port of Houston Authority.
Last Thursday, February 19, the Port Commission held its regular monthly meeting. Appointed officials — not elected by the residents of Deer Park, La Porte, or Pasadena — gathered to make decisions about infrastructure and spending along the Houston Ship Channel.
The meeting was open to the public. How many residents from our three cities were there? We don't know. That's part of the problem.
Port Houston is running a $726 million operating budget for fiscal year 2026, alongside a $569 million capital plan covering roughly 45 infrastructure projects. The Ship Channel handled a record 54.5 million tons of cargo in 2025. The Port is already planning "Project 12" — another channel expansion following Project 11, which received $345.6 million in federal funding.
All of this runs through our communities. The trucks that tear up our roads carry that cargo. The industrial facilities that line the channel sit next to our neighborhoods, schools, and waterways.
Port Commissioners are appointed — two by the City of Houston, two by Harris County Commissioners Court, and the rest through a joint process. They have taxing authority and issue debt. Most residents in Deer Park, La Porte, and Pasadena have never heard their names. That's not an accusation. It's a gap.
One piece of good news: Port Houston's Community Grants Program opened February 1. If your nonprofit serves communities near the Ship Channel, details are at porthouston.com.
Next Port Commission meeting: Monday, March 23, 2026, 9:15 AM Port Administration Building, 2960 Riverby Road, Houston, TX 77020 Public comment: pharrison@porthouston.com at least one hour before.
This week's action: Visit porthouston.com, look up the February 19 agenda and minutes. Find out what was decided. Email me what you find: david@thinkandactlocally.com
Next issue: Who pays what — industrial tenants, public fees, and who's actually subsidizing whom.
Then email us what you find: david@thinkandactlocally.com |
I Got Elected to My HOA Board. They Sent Me Two Violation Notices the Day Before. |
I got elected to my HOA board on Wednesday. On Tuesday — the day before — they sent me two violation notices.
No specific deed restriction cited. No rule number. Just photos of the front of my house and someone's opinion about curb appeal.
I started looking into the financials. The management company takes more than sixty cents of every dollar collected from homeowners.
The violation letters make a lot more sense when you understand who profits from sending them.
Five days on the board. A lot more to report.
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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
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Three Ways to Provide Value
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