#Edward R Garcia Plano Texas

[edwardrgarciaplanotx-blog]

Small-town martial artist makes national team, has eye on Tokyo Olympics

Small-town martial artist makes national team, has eye on Tokyo Olympics

Olympic gold is on the mind of a 23-year-old martial arts instructor. With the 2020 Summer Olympics including karate for the first time, Ian Turner has the opportunity to join the first U.S. karate team, along with four of his students. Ian, from the small town of Bailey, was selected to compete at the World Martial Arts Games for the United States Martial Arts Team in September. Participants at…

[edwardrgarciaplanotx-blog]

HOW THE U.S. TRIGGERED A MASSACRE IN MEXICO

HOW THE U.S. TRIGGERED A MASSACRE IN MEXICO

The inside story of a cartel’s deadly assault on a Mexican town near the Texas border — and the U.S. drug operation that sparked it. We have testimony from people who say they participated in the crime. They described some 50 trucks arriving in Allende, carrying people connected to the cartel. They broke into houses, they looted them and burned them. Afterward, they kidnapped the people who lived…

[edwardrgarciaplanotx-blog]

Russia investigation: Trump 'considers firing' Robert Mueller

Russia investigation: Trump ‘considers firing’ Robert Mueller

US President Donald Trump is considering whether to fire the special counsel overseeing the investigation into alleged Russian interference in last year’s election, a friend says. Some conservatives have recently attacked Robert Mueller’s credibility, urging Mr Trump to review his role. Christopher Ruddy, a long-time friend of Mr Trump, said he was considering “terminating the special counsel”.…

[edwardrgarciaplanotx-blog]

188 Texas Chipotles hit by credit card hack

188 Texas Chipotles hit by credit card hack

DALLAS – Chipotle is releasing more information about the credit card security incident they initially reported on April 25, including details about which locations were hit. In a lengthy release, the company says an investigation revealed malware designed to access payment data on credit cards was used at most of its 2,249 restaurants across the country between March 24 and April 18 of this…

[edwardrgarciaplanotx-blog]

Does Texas Ban Non-Christians From Adopting Children?

Does Texas Ban Non-Christians From Adopting Children?

A law passed in the Texas state Senate on 23 May 2017 opens the door for faith-based adoption agencies to legally use “sincerely held religious beliefs” as part of their criteria for child placement, which immediately led to calls of discrimination. If signed by Gov. Greg Abbott (R), House Bill 3859 would also require agencies to refer children or parents to another organization if they deny them…

[edwardrgarciaplanotx-blog]

ASLOT fundraising in Dallas

ASLOT fundraising in Dallas

The Association of Sierra Leonean Organizations in Texas (ASLOT) was formally launched its first fundraising drive on May 27, 2017 in Plano, Texas, with Mr. Aaron Pierce of Restore Hope as the guest speaker. It was an amazing fundraiser that attracted and engaged community leaders from different organizations, professionals from all walks of lives, stake holders, and American friends also…

[edwardrgarciaplanotx-blog]

Police fear more victims after Texas man charged with killing 2nd woman

Police fear more victims after Texas man charged with killing 2nd woman

PLANO, Texas — Police say a man charged in the slaying of an ex-girlfriend has been accused of killing a second woman whose body was found in a Dallas lake days later, and investigators fear there could be more victims. Plano police on Friday announced a capital murder charge against 23-year-old Reginald Gerard Kimbro. Jail records don’t list an attorney for Kimbro, whose bond tops $1 million.…

[edwardrgarciaplanotx-blog]

Creekwalk Village shopping center in Plano sold and other top real estate transactions

Creekwalk Village shopping center in Plano sold and other top real estate transactions

Sales Creekwalk Village, a 174,484-square-foot shopping center in Plano, has been purchased by an East Coast Investor for $24.5 million. The retail center on 15th Street near U.S. Highway 75 is anchored by Bed Bath & Beyond, Old Navy and Barnes & Noble. SRS Investment Properties Group’s Chris Tramontano and John Redfield brokered the sale. Rosebriar Properties sold 4.3 acres in Stemmons…

[edwardrgarciaplanotx-blog]

Did you know: Texas-shaped pool in Plano

Did you know: Texas-shaped pool in Plano

PLANO, Texas — Mermaids, water, volleyball and BBQ…sounds like the perfect recipe for a day of fun in the sun. But did you know, tucked away in Plano, there’s a different kind of swimming experience that’s been around for 56 years and counting? The historic Texas-shaped pool has been entertaining the community for years and is getting ready to open its doors ahead of Memorial Day. Not to be…

[edwardrgarciaplanotx-blog]

Higher education school for special needs to open in Plano

Higher education school for special needs to open in Plano

(Photo: My Possibilities, Custom) PLANO, Texas — A non-profit called “My Possibilities” in Plano is doing everything it can to change options for a student with special needs. Last month, My Possibilities broke ground on a new campus called “My Possibilities University.” Founders say it’s the first of its kind in the United States and will bring a college-like atmosphere to 1600 students a year,…

[edwardrgarciaplanotx-blog]

'Clock boy' discrimination case thrown out by Texas judge

‘Clock boy’ discrimination case thrown out by Texas judge

A US judge has thrown out a discrimination case brought by the family of a Muslim student whose homemade clock was mistaken for a bomb. In 2015 Ahmed Mohamed was arrested in a suburb of Dallas, Texas, after his teacher said the clock looked like an explosive device. Photos of the 14-year-old’s arrest sparked a public outcry. But on Thursday a Texas judge ruled there was no evidence of racial or…

[edwardrgarciaplanotx-blog]

Texas inches toward texting while driving ban

Texas inches toward texting while driving ban

After a decade of trying to ban texting while driving in Texas – one of the few holdout states in the U.S. – Sen. Judith Zaffirini was all smiley faces when her moment came Friday. “I have waited 10 years to make this motion,” Zaffirini, D-Lardeo, said shortly before lawmakers took a last step to banning texting while driving. Senators, by a final vote of 23-8, approved a revised version of HB 62…

[edwardrgarciaplanotx-blog]

My Possibilities' new Plano training center to help adults with cognitive disabilities

My Possibilities’ new Plano training center to help adults with cognitive disabilities

Possibilities broke ground last month on an educational and vocational training center on 20 acres in Plano that will serve adults with cognitive disabilities. “It’s pretty exciting to be building something of this magnitude for a very deserving population,” founder Charmaine Solomon said. “There aren’t that many services available. That’s what gave us the idea that we would own 20 acres.” Only 8…

[edwardrgarciaplanotx-blog]

PLANO — The oldest house in Plano will be no more within the next 18 months, officials said, the result of a failed $3.5 million bond measure to restore and preserve the home.

City officials had decided last year to leave the fate of the Collinwood House, which was built around 1861, up to voters. But they made it clear at that time that failure of the May 6 bond measure meant the end of the city’s efforts to preserve it.

Voters rejected the measure by a count of 13,098 to 12,502, sealing the fate of the two-story frame home east of the Dallas North Tollway along Windhaven Parkway.

“Our only option at this point is deconstruction,” city officials said in a statement.

Robin Reeves, the city’s director of parks and recreation, outlined the next steps at Wednesday’s special City Council meeting. He expects a nine- to 12-month process before deconstruction begins. The city should be done within 18 months. Early estimates put the cost of demolishing the structure at $150,000, he said.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

The front exterior of Collinwood House is shown on Nov. 6, 2014.

The people have spoken, and so we need to move forward,” council member Ron Kelley said Wednesday during a special council meeting that included next steps for the Collinwood House.

Kelley pointed out the irony of the discussion during Historic Preservation Month: “But it makes me sad because there’s nothing else like this house in that part of town. Nothing like it. It has a story to tell …

“This is a sad day.”

‘An amazing heritage’

But some residents don’t believe this has to be the end for the Collinwood House. Resident Michelle Ferrer was among a handful of people who held up signs — “Save Plano’s History” and “Save Collinwood” — in silent protest during the council’s discussion Wednesday.

The election results don’t mean that voters want the home torn down, Ferrer said, only that the city shouldn’t spend taxpayer money to preserve it.

“This is an amazing heritage asset, amazing,” she said.

  She encouraged the city to develop a specific plan — which was lacking on the ballot measure — and give preservationists more time to raise private funds.

“The fact that there is such a small split between the for and the against proves they do not have a clear referendum for what should happen with Collinwood,” Ferrer said. “Collinwood deserves a fair hearing.”

The home’s removal paves the way for the city to develop Windhaven Meadows Park, which would include trails, ponds, pavilions and a dog park.

In 2015, the city tried twice to find someone willing to move the home to another location at the new owner’s expense. No one met the city’s requirements. Private fundraising to restore the home in place fell short of the $1.5 million goal set by the city.

  Protecting the legacy

Last year, Collinwood House made Preservation Texas’ list of Most Endangered Places. The Texas Historical Commission has ruled that the property lacks “sufficient historical integrity.” But local preservationists say the house could be eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places if it were “restored to its period of significance.”

Plano City Manager Bruce Glasscock said city leaders have been trying for nearly three years to find a solution for Collinwood. He said the city will do what it can to document the structure’s significance before it is taken down.

“That deconstruction will be done respectfully,” he said, “and it will be done in an effort to protect pieces of the house so that it can then serve as a bridge between the past, present and future.”

EDWARD GARCIA, PLANO

City estimates $150,000 and 18 months to demolish Plano’s historic Collinwood House PLANO — The oldest house in Plano will be no more within the next 18 months, officials said, the result of a failed $3.5 million bond measure to restore and preserve the home.

[edwardrgarciaplanotx-blog]

PLANO CELEBRATES NATIONAL TRAVEL AND TOURISM WEEK

PLANO CELEBRATES NATIONAL TRAVEL AND TOURISM WEEK

Plano TX It’s National Travel & Tourism Week and Plano is celebrating a fabulous year thanks to you — our visitors. Whether you were visiting on business at one of our many Fortune 500 companies or here for a weekend getaway experiencing all ourshopping, dining, and live music options, you’ve made an impact on our city and we truly appreciate it. PLANO TOURISM FACTS $630 million total direct…

[edwardrgarciaplanotx-blog]

DINING IN DOWNTOWN PLANO

DINING IN DOWNTOWN PLANO

Plano TX Calling all foodies! If you haven’t yet visited the Downtown Plano Arts District for an event like the Art & Wine Walk, Night Out on 15th, Steinfest, or for some live music at McCall Plaza, then we invite you to at least come check out some of the amazing one-of-a-kind restaurants and eateries. From Austrian to Italian and burgers, there’s a little something for everyone. DOWNTOWN PLANO…