We'll have a packed agenda for the next BAND meeting. Houston City Council member Stephen Costello will speak about Renew Houston, also known as Proposition 1, on the November ballot in Houston. Voters will decide on a charter amendment that would create a dedicated drainage and street renewal fund to provide for the enhancement, improvement and ongoing renewal of Houston's drainage and street.

Don't forget about the BAND monthly meeting at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 11 at the Harris County Courthouse Bay Area Annex.

The previously announced topic, the BP oil disaster, has been rescheduled for the September meeting because of the speaker's schedule conflict. We will discuss the 2010 campaign and planned local headquarters instead.

Bring your swimsuits and the kids and come cool off on the water slide! You are invited to join the Bay Area New Democrats (BAND) for an old-fashioned family event 4 to 8 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 1 in Landolt Pavilion at Clear Lake Park on NASA Parkway!

The BAND Family Picnic and Rally features food, fun and music, plus appearances by local and statewide candidates in the upcoming election. Among the candidates confirmed so far is Jeff Weems, the Democratic nominee for state railroad commissioner.

Amusements include a moonwalk and water slide, plus carnival-style games like ring toss and beanbag toss. We'll also play Bingo for prizes.

On Thursday, July 22, there will be a phone bank at the Panera Bread off of the Gulf Freeway. Come support Bill White while enjoying a delicious soup and sandwich!

This is a great way to get involved with the campaign while meeting other supporters. The group will be calling from a list of targeted voters from 5 to 8 p.m. Please bring your cell phone and a laptop if you have one.

Here is a another fun summer event, coming up Sunday, July 18. Area 5 Democrats invite you to a barbecue fundraiser honoring Ed Watson's 90th birthday. The event is 2-6 p.m. Sunday at the Jimmy Burke Activity Center, 500 West 13th St., Deer Park 77536. The Democratic nominee for lieutenant governor, Linda Chavez-Thompson, is the keynote speaker. Sylvia Garcia, County Commissioner, Pct. 2, is the emcee.