Keeping Commissioner Patterson!

There is something about politics that draws me in like a warm fire on a cold night. You get to close to the fire you may get burned, but if you stay too far away you just may be left in the cold. So with early voting on going and the March primary just days away I hope Texans find their way to the voting polls. Here in Fort Bend County there are several races that will result in runoffs. However there is one race that I find irresistible to comment on and that is County commissioner precinct 4 race.

For the first time in a long time, presiding Commissioner James Patterson has an opponent. So the importance of voting during the primary for this local race is very important. Commissioner Patterson has done an outstanding job for the county. He has demonstrated a superior awareness in the community. From running water for residents to keeping history in a street name, Commissioner Patterson has been there. He can be found at just about any charity auction, church auction or fundraiser giving a helping voice. He has been a champion for the rights of those with disabilities through his tireless efforts with the Arc of Fort Bend County.

Most of my friends know Commissioner as our former high school principal. He touched and encouraged so many students during his days at Dulles High school. These days, many of us may have moved out of the area, but our parents and other loved ones still call the area home. He still inspires the youth and cares for the seniors of our community. It is very comforting to know we can spot him in a crowd and know him, as he knows us.

It is important to take the time to vote. It is right to support Commissioner Patterson, without him, would you really know who your Commissioner is?

Play Tackles Tough Teen Issues

Sex, drugs and drama is not the plot for an HBO special, but instead it is the subject of a play, "Playground of Love". This production hits all the issues that today's teens face and their parents fear. Parents have a tough enough time to talk to teens about homework and house chores. This play encourages an open communication between teens and their parents on real life issues.

The play is based on a book "Teenage Playground of Love" written by author Charmette Fontenot. Fontenot directs and acts in the production. The play follows the lives of three teenage girls and their quest to find love. However, their journeys introduce them to face sexual relationships, betrayed trust and teenage pregnancy. These hard topics are played out by real life teens who act in the play. Most of the cast is from the Houston third ward area.

Fontenot believes the play is necessary to shed light on these subjects that have plagued teens for years. The same old "demons" have taken new paths to entice today's teens. The internet is one way teens and even younger children are being preyed upon or lured into hidden dangers.

The play will be at Houston's Wortham theater on March 13, 2010 at 4pm. It is a must see for both parents and teens. Most important it is way to get the conversation started.

For more information go to shamelesslysaved.com

Fort Bend Business Journal Article on the Lopez Family

Getting paid money for a day at the gym sounds too good to be true, but for the Lopez family it’s a reality. Jean, Steven, Mark and Diana Lopez are known as the first family of Taekwondo. In 2008, the siblings made history as all four represented the USA at the Beijing Olympics. Brother Jean served as coach to his younger siblings Steven, Mark and Diana. All three brought home medals.
Their history making performance has paved the way to making the family an icon in the sport of Taekwondo. The siblings have taken their achievements and built a thriving industry. They have opened their own gym in Sugar Land and are currently preparing to open a second gym in the Houston Galleria area. Top athletes of Taekwondo come to train under the genius instruction of Jean Lopez. “Jean is to Taekwondo, what Phil Jackson is to Basketball…he is the master” says brother and athlete Steven Lopez. Jean’s students come from all over the nation and the world to train under his mastery. Jean is in his tenth year as a Coach with the USA’s Taekwondo’s Olympic team. His ability to train World Champions has made him the maharishi of the sport. Jean and his family chose to keep their business in the community where they grew up. Because of the Lopez family, Sugar Land has become known as the capitol of Taekwondo. Now with their family opening a new location in Houston, the international appeal is even greater.
All the siblings personally train and are instructors at the Lopez Taekwondo Academy. The idea of having an Olympian as an instructor is appealing for both adults and children. “It is an incredible feeling to be training at our very own gym and to share the experience with my siblings” says Jean Lopez. Their gym is the only facility in Houston where you are able to be instructed by an Olympian. Furthermore, each sibling participates in seminars on Taekwondo and training regimes throughout the World. They crisscross the Continents and travel through the Countries as guest of a variety of different groups and organizations. These seminars and demonstrations have been very lucrative for the family. Most important, these events allow the family to promote the sport of Taekwondo.
The ability for the Lopez family to be the best in Taekwondo allows them to continue to reap the rewards. Steven, under the instruction of older brother Jean has won five consective World Championship titles and is currently ranked number one in the World. Mark is quick to say “If jean is the Phil Jackson of Taekwondo then Steven is the Michael Jordon of our sport”. He is the most decorated athlete in the sport which includes two Olympic Gold medals and one Olympic Bronze medal. Mark is also currently ranked number one in the World in his division and is the reigning Olympic Silver medalist. Diana is ranked in the top ten and is the reigning Olympic Bronze medalist. Their dominance in the sport of Taekwondo has opened many doors and continues to allow them financial stability and opportunity.
One of those opportunities was to write a book. Together the siblings collaborated and penned “Family Power: The true story of How “The First Family of Taekwondo” Made Olympic History. The book is the story of all their journeys as a family born to immigrant parents. . “It is our story, our family’s story and I am just so proud that once again we could share it” says Diana. The siblings were able to achieve the American dream through endless hours of training, competitions and sacrifices. The book was released in November and is already in second print. Through book signings, television interviews and social media platforms the family has had a good response to their book. Recently the siblings held a book signing and demonstration of Taekwondo at a local book store. Fans of all ages came out to meet these hometown heroes. The siblings’ ability to adapt and connect with their supporters continues to make them fan favorites.
Companies recognize the siblings marketing potential. Entire advertising campaigns have been built around the Lopezes. AT&T has featured the siblings in a multiplatform media push that includes both English and Spanish language TV ads. In addition, AT&T’s campaign includes radio, online, digital and direct mail. Coca-Cola features Steven Lopez as one of their “Ambassadors of Active Living" to help encourage and inspire people to lead active and balanced lives. As part of the campaign, Steven is one of six athletes that were featured on the cans of a six-pack of Coca-Cola. The branding options for the family vary from their pure athletic abilities and striking good looks to their Hispanic origins. Visa, Hilton Hotels and several others have sponsored and supported the siblings as they continue to expand their marketing potential.
Even the City of Houston has reached out to the Lopez siblings as part of their “My Houston” campaign. In this campaign the siblings are sharing their adoration for Houston. The Lopezes join Beyounce, ZZ top, Carl Lewis, Yao Ming and several other who share their praises and accolades of the City. Mark loves the food and fine dining of Houston, while Diana is a huge fan of shopping. Their spots will be featured both nationally and internationally.

No matter what the public relations campaign may be, it is the sport of Taekwondo where the siblings get most of their recognition. Tournaments are a giant source of revenue for the siblings. In one aspect, the siblings participate and compete in tournaments for prize monies. Purse earnings can be from five thousand to twenty thousand dollars. In addition, the Lopezes serve as hosts of Taekwondo tournaments throughout the year which is a growing entity of their business. In 2010, the Lopezes will also host camps at their gyms. “My goal is to have a camp every quarter” says Jean. Each camp will have different levels of Taekwondo skills and age groups.
Each of the siblings is kept busy with public appearances and speaking engagements. They have spoken in front audicences of Fortune 500 companies to local elementary school children. They are committed to being motivators of the sport and role models on and off the Taekwondo mat.
The siblings are all entrepreneurs with a passion for the sport of Taekwondo. Their entire lives have been committed to family and being champions. Now the siblings have set their sights on the 2012 London Olympics. “God willing, my brothers and I will represent the USA and bring home three Olympic Gold Medals” say Diana. The training, workouts and conditioning will increase as the Olympic trials approach. For now, tournaments and competitions will keep the siblings vying to be ranked number one in the world in their respective divisions.
The immediate outlook for the Lopez family is busy and business as usual. At their Sugar Land gym it is the epicenter for elite Taekwondo athletes to train. Their new Galleria area gym is already signing up students. Their book promotional tour continues to allow the siblings to meet their many supporters. For Jean, Steven, Mark and Diana they have set their minds to making history at the 2012 London Olympic Games by bringing home three Gold medals. It is definitely a Bull Market to be a Lopez sibling.
For information on the Lopez family and their Taekwondo gym go to www.lopeztaekwondo.net.
Sugar Land area gym:
9907 S. Highway Six (near Old Richmond Rd) suite 350
Sugar Land, TX
Galleria area gym:
7615 S. Voss (near San Felipe)
Houston, Tx

Crimes Crossing Borders

As a cold front blows in to Houston, hot topics are being discussed at the Transborder International Police conference. This year’s conference is being held all this week. TIP and their counterparts in Mexico (PIT) are coming together to train, share and establish relationships. Participating members include about 45 different law enforcement agencies. Their one mission is to fight crimes that cross borders.

A simple car theft is now not so simple. Cars that are stolen may be used in major crimes that cross borders. Drug smuggling, transporting of illegal immigrants or money laundering schemes are a few crimes that a stolen car may be utilized for. TIP members work with their counterparts in Mexico and vice versa to bring justice and break down barriers that may exist. A crime committed will be a crime solved with working relationships such as these.

Sharing of intelligence is one way to win against criminal activity. TIP(PIT) serves as an avenue to create the foundation of open communication. Today’s conference is a place where representatives train with each other. Together they learn the latest trends in crime and about the criminals who commit them.

This week will include educational and training sessions. A demonstration of an auto theft bait car and the OnStar GPS tracking system is scheduled for tomorrow. Organized retail thefts, terrorism and false documents are a few topics that will be discussed in other sessions.

With the opening ceremony being attended by Houston’s Mayor Parker, Harris County’s Sheriff Garcia and acting HPD Chief McClelland the TIP conference is off to a strong start. A start that seeks Justice as the ultimate end!