Racist or anti-littering message?

Signs prohibiting piñatas in Harris County Precinct 4 parks come down, but ban continues

KHOU Houston/Channel 11

Is it racist or just a mere anti-littering message?

That's the question that has been the basis of contention since a Hispanic group complained about signs forbidding piñatas that are posted in Harris County Precinct 4 parks. County officials say the prohibition is strictly an anti-littering measure, and also bans other messy party favors, such as confetti eggs and silly string. But according to this KHOU report, Hispanic activists believe the signs are targeted specifically at Houston's large Latino population.

"'Piñatas Prohibited' is not a synonym for 'Do Not Litter,' it's a synonym for 'No Mexicans Allowed,' " said Tony Diaz.

"'Pinatas Prohibited' is not a synonym for 'Do Not Litter,' it's a synonym for 'No Mexicans Allowed,' " Tony Diaz, the leader of a group called El Librotraficante, told Channel 11 reporter Doug Miller. "It's almost as if all the signs that talk about the speed limit were to say '20 mph for your low-riders.' "

The policy was adopted six years ago and only applies in Precinct 4, which stretches over a wide area of northwest Harris county. County officials decided to take another look at the policy after Diaz complained about the signage.

"We don't want to hurt anybody's feelings," said Mark Seegars, a spokesman for Harris County Commissioner Jack Cagle. "The signs are coming down while we review the best way to put the message out to people that we need their help in keeping litter out of the parks."

Both sides have suggested alternatives to the solution, but for the moment, piñatas are still banned in Precinct 4 parks.

Watch KHOU's full video report:

KHOU Houston/Channel 11

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no more trips to Colorado

Bill to legalize marijuana in Texas filed by Dallas Democrat

Photo courtesy of Texas Original

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Texas Rep. Jessica González (D-Dallas) has filed a bill to legalize recreational marijuana in Texas. House Bill 1208 would legalize the cultivation, manufacturing, transportation, and sale of cannabis.

The bill would allow adults 21 and older to use, possess, and transport up to 2.5 ounces of marijuana for personal use. Adults could also keep up to 10 ounces of cannabis in their residence, as long as it is stored in a secure location.

Smoking or consuming cannabis while in a public place or in a car on a public road would not be allowed.

Gonzalez filed the bill in mid-November, one in a suite of bills that also included expanding insurance coverage for in vitro fertilization for LGBTQ couples; and requiring landlords to disclose all fees before a rental lease is signed.

Her bill was filed prior to an initiative launched by Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick on December 4 to ban THC products in Texas entirely.

In addition to legalizing recreational use, the bill also makes provisions for its production and sale including requiring that the packaging be child-resistent and clearly labeled, so that it's not confused for candy.

Businesses looking to grow, transport, test, or sell cannabis would need to be licensed by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation. A 10 percent tax would be imposed on the sale of all cannabis and cannabis products. Some of the profits would go towards funding public schools.

If passed, the bill would take effect on September 1, 2025.

Medical cannabis is currently legal in Texas under the Texas Compassionate Use Program, which allows low-THC cannabis to be prescribed for conditions such as epilepsy, MS, autism, cancer, and post-traumatic stress disorder.

Some cities have also approved decriminalization for the possession of four ounces or less of marijuana, including Austin, Bastrop, Dallas, Denton, Elgin, Killeen, and Lockhart.

politics marijuana