Warrant Arrest 

At 12:20 p.m., an officer was dispatched to 3814 University, the West University Place Police Department, in reference to the release of a prisoner. The subject’s driver’s license who posted bond for the prisoner revealed three outstanding warrants with Harris County Constable’s Office Precinct 1 office. The subject was taken into custody without incident.

02-09-12

Warrant Arrest

At 2:39 p.m., an officer was dispatched to the Ft. Bend County Jail to pick up a female subject who had 5 warrants out of the City of West University Place. Upon arrival, the officer met with jail personnel and custody of the subject was transferred to West U. The subject was transported to West University Place Jail.

Warrant Arrest 

At approximately 2:00 p.m., an officer was dispatched to the Houston jail facility located at 8300 Mykawa to pick up a female subject (suspect) who had five outstanding warrants with the City of West University. Upon arrival, the on duty staff released the suspect to the officers care and custody. The suspect was then transported to the West University Place jail where she was booked and processed without incident. It was also discovered that the suspect had three outstanding warrants out of Harris County Precinct 5 Constable’s Office.

02-08-12

Theft

At 4:07 p.m., an officer was dispatched to Radio Shack, 5804 Kirby, in reference to a theft that had already occurred. The reportee stated two black males entered the store and left with an item without paying for it. The suspects fled the scene in a black SUV going South bound on Kirby.

Meditation and Mindfulness Discussion Group: On the first and third Wednesdays of the month, from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., the Meditation and Mindfulness Discussion Group meets at the West University Place Senior Center at 6104 Auden. The group is a way for people to reduce stress, develop a consistent practice, and get encouragement to continue the practice. Each class has a suggested reading assignment, although it is not mandatory for participation. A summary of the assignment is presented to the group during class. Following the summary, the group engages in discussion about the assignment and participates in a 30 minute guided meditation.

The Meditation and Minfulness Discussion Group is currently reviewing the book “When Things Fall Apart” by Pema Chodron. New participants are welcome to come join this ongoing discussion. A special session for beginners will start on April 18 and will cover the basics of meditation techniques. This group will begin a new book, “The Happiness Trap” on May 2. “The Happiness Trap” by Russ Harris describes Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT), which is a combination of cognitive therapy and mindfulness techniques that are used to help with stress.

Evening classes: Prefer to participate in evening classes? Senior Services has several to choose from on Thursday evenings: Tai Chi, 5 – 6 p.m.; Line Dancing, 6:15 – 7:15 p.m. starting Feb. 23; and basic conversational Spanish, 6:30 – 7:30 p.m., starting Feb. 16.

Advance registration and payment are required for all evening classes.

Active classes: Need motivation to help you work out? Join an exercise classes offered through Senior Services: Early Risers Aerobics, Afternoon Aerobics, Morning Tai Chi, Yoga, Water Aerobics, or a daytime Line Dance class.

For more information about these programs or to register for any of the programs offered through the Senior Services, stop by 6104 Auden St. or call 713-662-5895.

The St. Vincent de Paul girl’s varsity team won the GHCAA division 1 basketball championship this past Saturday, defeating St. Anthony of Padua.

The team has remained undefeated in all their district games from 6th, 7^th and 8th grade.

The varsity team is coached by George Walker.

Players, from left to right, are Meagan Grigsby, Maddie Bambace, Meghan Doyle, Hunter Eriksson, Catherine Schell, Emma Hansen, Marissa Barnes, Christina George and Carly Cone.

Traffic Accident

At 12:00 p.m., officers were dispatched to a public parking lot in the 4000 block of Bellaire in reference to a minor accident (FSGI). The owner of the vehicle advised that an unknown vehicle struck her parked vehicle sometime between 11:30 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. on 02/07/2012. The driver of the striking vehicle failed to leave information as required by Texas statute.

02-07-12

Found Property

At 12:49 p.m., officers were dispatched to the 3700 block of University in reference to found property. Officers met with the reportee who stated that a knife was found on his property on 2/6/12 and he wanted to turn it over to the police. Officers took custody of the knife and placed in the West University Place Police Department evidence room for safe keeping.

02-07-12

Warrant Arrest

At approximately 3:45 p.m., an officer was dispatched to the 3800 block of Mykawa, the Houston Police Southeast facility to pick up a subject who had two outstanding warrants with the City of West University Place. The officer took custody of the subject and his property and transported him to the West University Place jail where he was booked in on the warrants without incident.

02-07-12

Family Violence 

At 12:49 a.m., an officer was dispatched to the Police department lobby in regard to family violence. The resident stated that he and his wife have filed for divorce. He further stated that his wife is abusing him and assaulting him.  At this time, the case is pending further investigation of family violence.

02-07-12

Burglary of a Motor Vehicle 

At 6:35 p.m., an officer was dispatched to the 2600 block of Bissonnet in regards to a burglary of a motor vehicle that had already occurred. The officer arrived on scene and met with several victims who stated that unknown person(s) had entered their vehicle and took several backpacks without permission.

Distribution will occur rain or shine.

The door hangers will provide new guidelines for curbside recycling of paper, cardboard, glass bottles and jars, plastic containers, and aluminum and tin cans. The door hangers will also provide information on nearby recycling resources and proper disposal of Household Hazardous Waste.

Volunteer orientation and door hanger pick-up will be Saturday, Feb. 18 at 9 a.m. at 3825 Milton. Each volunteer will be assigned a distribution area with 200 homes; it is estimated that it will take two hours to complete the distribution. Each volunteer will receive 200 door hangers to distribute, a neighborhood assignment map, instruction sheet and volunteer identification badge.

Service hour slips will be provided to volunteers who need them. High school students, families, scouts and individuals wishing to help are encouraged to volunteer.

For more information or to sign up to volunteer, contact Recycling & Solid Waste Reduction board member Yvonne Jacobs at 713-666-5093 or yvonnejacobs@mac.com.

No crimes reported.

02-05-12

No crimes reported.

02-06-12

Disorderly Conduct

At 10:23 a.m., officers were dispatched to a report of a person urinating in public in the 3600 block of Rice Blvd. Officers arrived and located the suspect and placed him in custody for disorderly conduct. The suspect was transported to the West University Place Police Department jail where he was booked without incident.

02-06-12

Criminal Mischief 

At 10:40 a.m., an officer was dispatched to the 6200 block of Edloe in reference to a criminal mischief that already occurred. The officer met with the reportee who stated an unknown person broke a large window panel in the business. The reportee stated the property manager walked the grounds at 5:00 p.m. and there were no damages. At 8:00 a.m., the property manager walked the grounds and discovered damage to the window. The officer gathered all the information for the report.

02-06-12

Traffic Violations 

At 11:55 p.m., an officer conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle after the driver failed to stop at a red light at the intersection of Buffalo and University. The driver was ultimately arrested for traffic violations and cited for an open alcohol container.

The local price compares with a national average that increased 3 cents per gallon in the last week to $3.43, according to gasoline price website HoustonGasPrices.com.

“The national average has continued on its upward trend as we move closer to spring and EPA-mandated cleaner burning gasoline,” said GasBuddy.com Senior Petroleum Analyst Patrick DeHaan. “The smaller movements in gasoline prices as of late in areas of the country will certainly not hold much longer. Gasoline prices tend to start moving significantly higher towards the end of February and into mid-March, so motorists should be preparing for higher prices.”

Including the change in gas prices in West U during the past week, prices yesterday were 45.2 cents per gallon higher than the same day one year ago and 21.6 cents per gallon higher than a month ago.

The national average has increased 10.2 cents per gallon during the last month and stands 31.9 cents per gallon higher than this day one year ago.

The West U Little League hosted a baseball clinic with Major League Baseball Player Will Rhymes on Jan. 28.

The Holt family purchased the clinic at the 2011 WULL Boogie for Baseball Auction.

Pictured in the back row are Clay Richardson, Ben Sanders, Corbin Dawes, Chico Holt and Logan Knupp. In the front row are Will Juden, Will Lewis, Cole Kelly, Nash Chickering and Andrew Parks.

Rhymes the first West U Little Leaguer to make it to the major leagues. He recently signed with the Tampa Bay Rays.

Warrant Arrest 

At 9:00 p.m., an officer was dispatched to 13000 block of Beamer Rd, the San Jacinto College South campus, to pick up a subject who had three outstanding warrants with the City of West University Place. The officer took custody of the subject and his property and transported him to the West University Place jail where he was booked in on the three warrants without incident.

02-02-12

Harassment 

At 5:55 p.m., an officer met with a victim of harassment at the West University Police Department, 3800 University. The victim said her estranged husband is continually sending her threatening emails and text messages.

02-03-12

Burglary of a Motor Vehicle 

At 1:57 a.m., Bellaire Police Department transmitted an all points bulletin and requested that all agencies be on the lookout for a red 4 door sedan occupied by 2 males wanted for a burglary of a motor vehicle that had just occurred. A West University officer observed the red 4 door sedan traveling away from the City of Bellaire in the 3600 block of Bellaire Blvd., and conducted a traffic stop on the vehicle in the 2700 block of Bellaire Blvd. The two individuals who were occupying the red 4 door sedan were subsequently arrested for burglary of a motor vehicle.

02-03-12

Warrant Arrest 

At 12:04 p.m., an officer observed a silver passenger vehicle traveling north bound in the 6300 block of Buffalo Speedway without a front license plate attached to the front of the vehicle.  A traffic stop was conducted in the 3100 block of Lafayette and after further investigation the driver was arrested for outstanding warrants with the City of West University Place.

No crimes reported.

01-31-12

No crimes reported.

02-01-12

Burglary of a Motor Vehicle 

At 8:35 a.m., officers were dispatched to the 2700 block of Wroxton in reference to a burglary of a motor vehicle that had already occurred. Officers arrived and met with the victim who stated that sometime between 1/31/12 at 8:00 p.m. and 2/1/12 at 8:30 a.m., unknown suspect(s) forcefully entered his locked vehicle and removed personal property without his effective consent.

02-01-12

Warrant Arrest 

At 6:54 p.m., an officer was dispatched to the Galena Park Police Department in order to obtain custody of an individual who was wanted for one West University Place Capias warrant. The subject was taken into custody and later released due to full payment of his fine.

Areas of dense fog are expected to form throughout the West U and greater Houston areas and could cause hazardous driving conditions.

The fog should begin to dissipate around 9 a.m., but may linger in areas near the coast.

Visibilities of less than ¼ mile may occur.

Motorists are encouraged to use their low-beam headlights, slow down and increase the distance between vehicles on the roadway.

A resident recently reported that a young man came to their home displaying a permit with photo identification claiming to be a neighbor who was part of the Diablo Minor League baseball team.

The young man said he was trying to raise funds for the team to go to a tournament in Hawaii.  He also offered his window cleaning services in order to receive additional donations.

Police said this is a common method that many door-to-door solicitors use in order to gain a resident’s trust and adhere to people’s compassion to help.  Many of these solicitors are bused in from out of state, work for companies with F ratings from the Better Business Bureau, and often times have extensive criminal histories.

The city allows residents to register on a No-Knock list.  This list of addresses is provided to properly registered solicitors notifying them that it is a violation of city ordinance to enter upon the property of the address listed to solicit.

The police department recommends that residents purchase goods and services from reputable companies and to properly research organizations prior to making any donations.

The police department would also like to remind residents than unsolicited newspapers left in yards cannot be regulated by the government and the city cannot stop the papers from being delivered.

To report any solicitation or other suspicious activity call 713-668-0330.

Several Strake Jesuit College Preparatory athletes today signed letters of intent to play college sports.

The following students signed letters during National Signing Day.

-          Chance Griffin, Track, Columbia University

-          Nick Pielech, Football, University of Chicago

-          Pace Murphy, Football, Northwestern State University

-          Kyle Ruck, Soccer, St. Edwards University

-          Jordan Underwood, Football, Benedictine College

Rasheed Sulaimon and John Gillon signed letters of intent in the fall. Sulaimon will be playing basketball at Duke and Gillion will be playing basketball at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock.

Max N. Bowman

HC recently joined the Southwest Preparatory Conference, which consists of 19 of the finest college preparatory schools located in Texas and Oklahoma.

Bowman was special teams’ coordinator at Boston College, also coaching offensive line in 1980 when he recruited and signed a young quarterback named Doug Flutie, who went on to win the Heisman Trophy®.

His career also included four years as an assistant head coach and recruiting coordinator at the University of Texas at El Paso; seven years as head coach at Greenville College; and four years as assistant head coach at the University at Buffalo.

In Buffalo, he garnered the opportunity to work under Head Coach Wade Phillips as Assistant to Head Coach/Tight Ends Coach for the National Football League Buffalo Bills organization.

“Max has coached at every level and won everywhere. I don’t know a finer Christian man; he is a great representative for Houston Christian,” Phillips said.

In 2005-2006 Bowman served as the Football Chief of Staff and Assistant Athletic Director at Rutgers University. There he partnered with Head Coach Greg Schiano, newly named Head Coach of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, in assessing program needs, coaching the coaches, and developing a winning mind-set. During that year the team completed its first winning season in 13 years and its first bowl appearance in 27 years.

Most recently, Bowman has served as Assistant Head Football Coach at Houston’s Westfield High School, where he focused primarily on their offensive success. Last fall, Westfield reached the final round of eight in the Texas High School Division 5A playoffs.

First meeting Westfield Head Coach Corby Meekins through Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Bowman led a weekly Bible study for Meekins’ coaching staff before leaving Houston to join Schiano.

“When he returned from Rutgers, I had the opportunity to offer him a position on my coaching staff. He became my right arm,” Meekins said. Bowman developed a strong leadership program for football players that he expanded to include the entire student body.

With a career spanning 30 years, Bowman brings a depth of experience not only in football, but also in leadership development.

“I’ve known Max a long time,” said Bum Phillips, former Houston Oilers Head Coach. “He is an outstanding coach, great with people and really great with kids. They will respect him, and he will give them so much in return.”

“As HC begins a new chapter in the SPC, the school is confident in Bowman’s keen understanding of how athletics can be a tool to build champions, leaders, and Godly men. Coach Bowman is a strong Christian leader and member of Champion Forest Baptist Church where he and his wife co-teach an adult Sunday school class together. His background as a program director, Christian mentor, and catalyst makes him an ideal fit for the HC athletics,” said Dr. Livingston. Mentoring young players to improve and work so that they rise from one level to the next, even to the professional level, Max Bowman knows the intricacies of competing in football.”

He looks forward to dedicating all his faith, energy, and resources to the young men of Houston Christian as they prepare for next fall’s campaign.

Bowman has a MA from NYU in Administration/Physical Education and a BS in Philosophy/Theology from Nyack College in New York.

The event kicks off at 9 a.m. with a parade and opening ceremonies at the West U Elementary fields. The carnival will follow until 2 p.m.

Some of the carnival attractions include a Matterhorn climbing wall, mechanical bull and dunk tank, amongst other things.

Wristbands cost $20 and include a James Coney Island lunch. Other available food items include fried Oreos, kettle corn and Dippin’ Dots.

A bazaar will also feature vendors selling softball apparel, jewelry and hair feathers, amongst other items.

For more information, visit www.wusa.org.

The opening night reception will run from 6 p.m. – 9 p.m. at the West U Recreation Center, 4210 Bellaire Blvd. There will be a special meet and greet with the artists.

The group show features two different generations of Houston artists including Rosella Owens, Crystol Spillars, Chickie Brown and Pascal Bustamante.

The exhibit will be on display from Feb. 3-24.

This is the final show in the Showcase of the Arts series of five exhibits. All exhibits are hosted at the Recreation Center and admission is free.

For more information, call 713-662-7420 or visit www.westutx.gov/events.

Denise Crawford, coach of the Strake Jesuit Crusader Cheerleaders, and Angie Kensinger, coach of the St. John’s School Girls Lacrosse, are among 50 coaches nationwide to be recognized as finalists.

Crawford and Kensinger are also the only two coaches that are being recognized from the Houston area.

Each finalist will receive a commemorative certificate. The 20 award winners from throughout the U.S., which PCA will announce in mid-February, will receive a trophy, $250 and appearances in PCA’s media campaigns, website and e-mail newsletters.

The PCA is a national nonprofit organization committed to providing all youth and high school athletes a positive, character-building youth sports experience.

The Double-Goal Coach® Awards are presented by Liberty Mutual Insurance.

The local price spike exceeded the national average that increased 4.5 cents per gallon in the last week to $3.39, according to gasoline price website HoustonGasPrices.com.

GasBuddy.com Senior Petroleum Analyst Patrick DeHaan said even higher prices are on the horizon.

“Late last week, we saw wholesale gasoline prices rise dramatically on some refinery issues, which leads me to believe that retail gasoline prices will rise in response,” DeHaan said. “We continue to also watch how Iran responds to EU sanctions – there are some concerns that they may cut oil to the European region before the sanctions are to take effect to cause these countries hardship when they can’t find new sources of oil quickly enough. That in itself could draw crude oil prices higher quickly at a moment’s notice.”

Including the change in gas prices in West U during the past week, prices yesterday were 43.2 cents per gallon higher than the same day one year ago and are 26.9 cents per gallon higher than a month ago.

The national average has increased 13.5 cents per gallon during the last month and stands 30.4 cents per gallon higher than this day one year ago.

Orlando Riddick

In Austin, Riddick oversaw 16 high schools serving 15,000 students. Riddick will now guide 67 Houston Independent School District campuses with a combined enrollment of 55,000 students.

HISD Superintendent Terry Grier said Riddick has a history of raising academic achievement levels for students from all backgrounds.

“Mr. Riddick has high expectations for all children and a genuine belief that any student can succeed under the guidance of a quality teacher working in a school led by a great principal,” Grier said. “He is the ideal person to lead our efforts to raise the achievement bar at every HISD high school.”

Riddick began his education career in 1997 as an English literature teacher in Dallas. He later served as an assistant principal on the middle school and high school levels in Fort Worth ISD. At Thomas A. Edison High School in San Antonio, Orlando served as the lead instructional coordinator with duties that included budgeting, data analysis, and staff development.

Riddick was appointed principal of Warren Travis White High School in Dallas ISD in 2007. He led that predominantly Hispanic campus of 2,500 students to produce the district’s largest measurable academic gain in all areas, creating an environment in which 82 percent of students were college bound. Sixty percent of the students enrolled in Warren Travis White High School were taking advanced-level courses when Riddick was hired to oversee high schools in Austin.

“I am excited to join HISD and continue the transformative work that is already under way in Houston’s high schools,” Riddick said. “HISD’s efforts to boost the level of rigor at all campuses through the Advanced Placement program, the Houston Innovative Learning Zone, and other innovative initiatives are setting a high standard for the rest of the nation.”

A U.S. Army veteran, Riddick grew up in El Paso and is proficient in Spanish. He and his wife Yvette have three children, ages 14, 12, and 10.

Riddick will report for duty in HISD after spring break in March.