CenterPoint Energy Operations Manager Santos Calderon took the podium Oct. 26 to provide an update on West University Place's Streetlight Conversion Project—just over a year since the installation agreement was first authorized by City Council.

As of late October, nearly 200 of the 1,743 outdated streetlights in West U have been replaced with Light Emitting Diode, also known as LED, fixtures.

The local impact: The newly installed bulbs are expected to improve street visibility through light direction, reduce street light outages long-term through increased lifespan and further support energy efficiency in the community, per the meeting presentation.

What's different: For years, West U has utilized High-Pressure Sodium Vapor and Metal Halide streetlights. The city website indicates that the existing streetlights have an estimated 5-year replacement time and lifespan, while LED light panels have an estimated 15-year window.

Notable quote: Council member Clay Brett said that while many residents may enjoy increased energy savings in West U through the installation of new lighting, others may strongly prefer the visual appearance of the old streetlights.

Houston School Options will be celebrating its 40th anniversary this November, commemorating four decades of service to families throughout the Greater Houston area.

Two-minute impact: Founded by co-owner Dee Dee Halpin in 1986, the organization strives to help local and relocating families navigate the complex educational landscape of Houston, which hosts over two dozen public school districts and more than 200 private secular, parochial and special needs institutions, according to its official website.

How it works: Houston School Options provides personalized recommendations to guide families through the school search, including the application process and the steps leading to a family's final placement decision for their children.

School options are narrowed down based on information gathered through phone conversations, emails, questionnaires and in-person meetings with parents and guardians.

• No physical office location; consultation bookings and packages available online

Houston City Council is considering 11 locations for landmark or protected landmark status.

Explained: The proposed locations include churches, houses and a bank downtown.

Kathleen Nuzzo, a Southampton resident, spoke during the public speaker session in support of the designations. Southampton has six of the 11 proposed locations.

“Many people are drawn to Southampton for the same reason that we were,” Nuzzo said. “Its historic charm, beautiful tree canopy and central location. Neighbors take pride in its history.”

Nuzzo added that the neighborhood has seen a wave of teardowns over the past few years, and though there are deed restrictions, they don’t protect the properties.

“Every demolition takes away a piece of the neighborhood’s history that can’t be replaced, and with it, the history that draws people here,” Nuzzo said.

How it works: The city of Houston defines landmarks and protected landmarks as historic properties that have officially been recognized by the city for their historical, cultural or architectural significance. The city currently has over 35 landmarks and 192 protected landmarks.

Harris County Attorney Abbie Kamin announced Oct. 27 that the county has joined a lawsuit with the city of Houston and the State of Texas against the owners and operators of The Life at Jackson Square Apartments in Meyerland.

The big picture: The lawsuit alleges the 39-acre complex has become a common nuisance due to intentional neglect, crime and disrepair. The lawsuit alleges the property neglect includes:

• Inadequate exterior lighting

• Infrequent to no security officers

• Most or all vehicle gates being inoperable and kept open

• Multiple abandoned and unsecured apartments

• Pedestrian gates kept unlocked

How we got here: The city of Houston initially filed the lawsuit in April 2025 based on frequent criminal activity. From May 2023 through Sept. 1, 2026, police documented 16 criminal instances at the complex, including gunshots, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and drug possession.

The lawsuit targets Pecos Housing Funding Corp., PHFC Jackson Square MM, LLC and 5410 N. Braeswood Blvd Houston LLC.

More than 4.5 million Texans cast ballots in the first seven days of early voting in the Nov. 3 election, state data shows.

The overview: From Oct. 19-25, 23.8% of Texas' 19 million registered voters had voted in-person or by mail, according to voter turnout data submitted by counties and reported by the secretary of state. This is slightly below early voting turnout at the same point in 2018 and several percentage points above turnout in 2022.

Some context: Turnout this fall follows voter enthusiasm during the March primary election, when more Texans voted early than in recent primaries. In total, about 4.5 million people—or one-fourth of voters registered at the time—cast ballots in Texas' March election, setting a primary turnout record.

At the polls: Registered voters can visit any polling place in their county through Oct. 30, the last day of early voting. Election Day is Nov. 3. Texans can read Q&As with dozens of candidates, find local polling sites and print a custom sample ballot at communityimpact.com/voter-guide.