Odessa Chamber of Commerce Along with Chevron Host 12th Annual New Teacher Welcome

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(David Gomez, AiNews Anchor-DRB Media Communications Digital News) 

This is DRB Media Communications Digital News. The Odessa Chamber of Commerce hosted the 12th Annual ECISD New Teacher Welcome and Reception. Danny Barrera has the story. 

Odessa, Texas/August 9, 2026-As the first day of school fast approaches, the Odessa Chamber of Commerce held its 12th Annual New Teacher Welcome at the MCM Grande Hotel and Fundome. 

Chamber-member vendors welcomed new Ector County ISD teachers by providing goodie bags and information about services available throughout the community. Representatives from financial institutions, healthcare providers, retail businesses, and entertainment companies were on hand to introduce teachers to local resources and businesses. 

The annual event gives new teachers an opportunity to connect with the Odessa community as they prepare for the upcoming school year. 

(Renee Earls, CEO/President-Odessa Chamber of Commerce/Odessa, Texas) 

“So, we have new teachers coming from across the world, across the United States. We have new teachers who are coming from parts of Texas or even the Odessa area, regardless of where they’re coming from. We want them to know that they’re appreciated. They’re valued. If they are moving here from another community, they need to know what dentists they’re going to use, what doctor, what bank, what insurance company. All of our members here have different resources for these new teachers. And they’re not only walking away with a bag full of goodies, but also some contacts for any of those services they may need.” 

Ector County ISD welcomes teachers from across the country and around the world who bring their knowledge, experience, and diverse perspectives to the classroom. These educators play an important role in helping ECISD students succeed while making a lasting difference in their academic careers. 

(Keeley Boyer, Superintendent of Schools-Ector County ISD/Odessa, Texas) 

“We have around seventy international teachers. The majority of our international teachers do come from Spain, but we also get quite a few teachers from the Philippines and we get some from Africa. And so, we do have a wide variety, um, in terms of where our teachers come from, from other countries.” 

Several international teachers have applied for a special program that allows educators from other countries to come to Odessa for one year and teach students in Ector County ISD. The program gives ECISD an opportunity to welcome experienced educators from around the world while providing students with exposure to different cultures and perspectives. 

(International Educators) 

“It’s very exciting. Yeah. We are honored to be here to impact positively in the lives of the kids.” 

(International Educators) 

“I came here with the program. With the assistant program, uh, with my boyfriend. So, he’s Spanish, and we got the program and me, I came because I’m. I got the nationality of America. So, I came with him. We didn’t choose Odessa. We didn’t really, we didn’t really care where in the United States. When they told us Odessa, we didn’t know the the city. But we are really grateful to have the opportunity to know Texas and to know the city.” 

Diego Romero, originally from Madrid, Spain, will be teaching at Pease Elementary School. Romero chose Ector County ISD in part because he wanted to be close to his sister, who has been teaching with ECISD for the past 10 years. 

(Diego Romero, From Madrid, Spain-Pease Elementary/ECISD) 

“Mi hermana vino como yo hace diez años como profesora internacional y después de esos cinco años consiguió cambiar su visado y ser profesora certificada en Texas y está en PISA Elementary School y mi hermana siempre me me me dijo que tomara esta oportunidad, que viniera para aquí para vivir la experiencia con mi familia y con mis hijas y por eso decidí aplicar para Texas y en Odessa. Yo quería venir aquí.” 

For DRB Media Communications Digital News, Danny Barrera 

(David Gomez, AiNews Anchor-DRB Media Communications Digital News) 

Follow us on Facebook, X Formerly Twitter and Instagram. Subscribe to our YouTube Channel and visit DRB MEDIA COMMUNICATIONS DIGITAL NEWS.TV. I’m David Gomez. Thanks for watching. 

Ector County Republican Women Kick Off the Inaugural PATRIOT CAMP

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(David Gomez, AiNews Anchor-DRB Media Communications Digital News) 

This is DRB Media Communications Digital News. The Ector County Republican Women kicked off the Inaugural Patriot Camp. Danny Barrera has the story. 

Odessa, Texas/August 3, 2026-In celebration of America’s 250th anniversary, the Ector County Republican Women held its inaugural Patriot Camp for school-age children. The educational event took place in the community room at the 87th Street Apartments. Children who attended the camp participated in interactive activities designed to teach them about the importance of voting and civic engagement. 

(Donna Kelm, Party Chair-Ector County Republican Party/Odessa, Texas) 

“These little kids don’t understand. You know, they do do know we have a president, but they don’t really understand the dynamics of voting. But if you ask them, do you like Whataburger, French fries or McDonald’s French fries? Then you get to find out what the you know, they understand what voting is all about. And then as they go through school, they will learn more about voting, but it just builds them up for the importance of voting for president. Local city, city council, county commissioners, and all the way up to state.” 

Former Ector County Judge Debi Hays presented an abbreviated, kid-participatory historical presentation about the Boston Tea Party. The interactive activity introduced the children to an important chapter in American history. 

(Debi Hays, Board Chair-Ector County Republican Women-” Patriot Camp”) 

“This idea was kind of introduced at a convention, and the idea of putting together Patriot camps. And so, there are other communities across the state that they’ve been doing this for several years. And it was laid upon my heart that this is an event and a camp for patriots, for volunteers to be able to learn some of our history. And while during that period, I served as your county judge, then I went off to serve to help the West Odessa citizens get water and my life got busy, but God continued to lay it on my heart. And so this year, I was so excited to try to put it together for our kids, for your kids, so that they would learn about the flag and the freedoms that your dads, your brothers and your grandfathers and before them have fought for. So, it’s been my privilege to be able to put this camp together today for your community.” 

The PATRIOT CAMP educated children about the creation of the American flag, including the story of Betsy Ross and the significance of the 13 original colonies. The historical presentation was led by members of the Ector County Republican Women. 

The second Annual Patriot Camp will be scheduled for the summer of 2027. Visit the Ector County Republican Women on Facebook and other social media for updates and upcoming community events . For DRB MEDIA COMMUNICATIONS DIGITAL NEWS, Danny Barrera. 

(David Gomez, AiNews Anchor-DRB Media Communications Digital News) 

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Raza Style Ministry’s Annual Hygiene Drive Benefiting Harmony Home in Odessa

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(David Gomez, AiNews Anchor-DRB Media Communications Digital News) 

Odessa, Texas/August 2, 2026-Raza Style Motorcycle Ministry, along with Harmony Home, held a Hygiene Drive on Saturday, August 1st, at the Market Street location at 42nd Street. Danny Barrera has the story. 

The motorcycle ministry distributed a list of needed hygiene items to shoppers, encouraging the community to donate and support children and families served by Harmony Home. Raza Style Motorcycle Ministry members also brought out their motorcycles, giving attendees an up-close look at the bikes and their impressive, high-powered engines. 

(Robert Ceniceros, Founder and President- Raza Style Motorcycle Ministries) 

(Tim Garza aka “TURTLE”, Disciple-Raza Style Motorcycle Ministries) 

“And my name is Robert Ceniceros, president and founder of Rochester Motorcycle Ministry. And I’m going to let turtle my one of my disciples to, uh, to tell you exactly what’s going on right here. Good morning. Odessa, Texas. My name is Tim Garza. I’m with motorcycle ministry, and we’re out here partnering with Harmony home, the Children’s Advocacy Center. Uh, these are the people who come together to give abused children a safe place to do their interview in a comfortable environment. We’re out here doing a hygiene drive for them. Uh, for all the children, the families of all those associated with Harmony home. Uh, just to raise some hygiene items and other necessities for these children. And as you can see, we got the bikes out here. We got our brothers and sisters in Christ out here, and we’re just out here trying to do a good thing. And all proceeds are going for the kids.” 

Raza Style Motorcycle Ministry recognized the growing need for hygiene products for children and families served by Harmony Home Children’s Advocacy Center. Through its community hygiene drive, the ministry is helping provide essential personal care items to support children and families during difficult times. 

(Loralinda Cruz, Program Director-Harmony Home Children’s Advocacy Center/Odessa, Texas) 

“Some of the families that walk through our doors are in desperate need of some of these items. So, this helps us make sure that we are able to provide those to them at any time that they are walking through our doors.” 

Raza Style Motorcycle Ministry also provides QR codes for those who would like to make a monetary donation instead of purchasing hygiene products. This gives community members another option to help stock the hygiene closet at Harmony Home and provide much-needed supplies to children and families receiving services. 

(Tim Garza aka “TURTLE”, Disciple-Raza Style Motorcycle Ministries) 

“So, we do have QR codes set up. Uh, these QR codes are associated with motorcycle ministry. We are a five hundred and one C three non-profit organization. All funds that go to that are paid virtually with these QR codes. These funds will be used to make a hygiene purchase by us and donate it to Harmony home.” 

Raza Style Motorcycle Ministry is one of the most recognized independent nonprofit organizations in the community. The ministry continues to support other nonprofit agencies while bringing people together and making a positive impact throughout the community. 

(Loralinda Cruz, Program Director-Harmony Home Children’s Advocacy Center/Odessa, Texas) 

“Raza Style and Harmony home has been partnering up for the past four years. Not only do we do the hygiene drive, but we also do a food drive. The food drive is usually closer to the end of the year around Thanksgiving. Um, and so we are helping each other, um, make sure that we are serving our families.” 

(David Gomez, AiNews Anchor-DRB Media Communications Digital News) 

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Skip navigation Search or ask a question Create 9+ Avatar image The 4th Annual Professional Women Relaxation Conference-Odessa Marriot Hotel and Conference Center

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(David Gomez, AiNews Anchor- DRB Media Communications Digital News) 

Odessa, Texas/August 1, 2026-This is DRB Media Communications Digital News. The PWRC recently held its fourth annual women relaxation conference in Odessa. Vanessa Lujan has the story. 

(Vanessa Lujan, AiReporter-DRB Media Communications Digital News) 

(Vanessa Lujan, AiReporter-DRB Media Communications Digital News) 

Thank you, David. We’re having a great time at the annual Professional Women’s Relaxation Conference. Listening to the awesome speakers and visiting the wonderful vendors. 

The Odessa Marriott Hotel and Conference Center hosted the fourth annual Professional Women’s Relaxation Conference. The PWRC event featured discussions by experts on various topics on women’s health that focus on nutrition and relaxation. The annual event kicked off Friday evening prior to Saturday’s conference with fellowship and networking. 

(Dr. Deitrick Gorman, Founder and Organizer-Professional Women Relaxation Conference) 

“Stress can actually show up similarly in men and women, but then it can also show up differently in men and women. So, for example, women typically have the role of caregiver mommy taking care of the family where the the man has typically the role of, you know, being the strong one and having to keep things together or whatnot. But the bottom line is, is if you aren’t able to manage what you perceive as a stressor, it will wear down your, your body, it’ll wear down your mental, it’ll wear down how your relationships are, how you actually perceive yourself, your self-esteem. And then of course, the way you function in your workplace. So, either if you’re a man or a woman learning how to better manage your life stressors, coming to conferences like this, we do have men who attend as well.” 

The Professional Women’s Relaxation Conference provided inspirational and motivational resources, along with interactive individual and group activities designed to improve the quality of life for women. The conference also focused on empowering women with tools and strategies to better manage the stresses of home, work, and finances. 

(Daisy Morales, Attendee/Visitor- Professional Women Relaxation Conference) 

“After this, I hope to come away with a better understanding of myself. I plan to get more resilience after this, after seeing all these other powerful women kind of putting themselves out there and sharing their vulnerable stories, and it makes me feel like I’m going to leave here being a better woman and a better person than I can be than I was yesterday.” 

(Vanessa Lujan, AiReporter-DRB Media Communications Digital News) 

The Professional Women’s Relaxation Conference was very inspirational and informative and a great way to network. For DRB Media Communications Digital News, I’m Vanessa Lujan. 

(David Gomez, AiNews Anchor- DRB Media Communications Digital News) 

Follow us on Facebook, X Formerly Twitter and Instagram. Subscribe to our YouTube channel and visit DRB MEDIA COMMUNICATIONS DIGITAL NEWS.TV. I’m David Gomez. Thanks for watching. 

Odessa Police Department “Back to School Bash 2026”

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(David Gomez, AiNews Anchor-DRB Media Communications Digital News) 

Odessa, Texas/July 30, 2026-This is DRB Media Communications Digital News. The Odessa Police Department will be having their annual Back to School Bash at the Ector County Coliseum. OPD Corporal Steve Le Swear has the information. 

(Cpl. Steve Le Sueur, Public Information Officer-Odessa Police Department/Odessa, Texas) 

“And it’s our annual back to school block party. We’ve done these seven out of the last eight years. There are a lot of fun to be a part of. As you know, we usually have them usually right before school starts. And so, it’s an excellent opportunity for kids who need extra supplies. This is your chance because we’re going to be we’re going to be giving out five hundred backpacks, along with a lot of great supplies to the first five hundred kids. So, this year, the block party is going to be held on Saturday, August eighth from ten a m to two p m at the Ector County Coliseum. And it’s going to be inside the Coliseum. So, it’ll be air conditioned, so it’ll be nice and cool over there. And so come out and hang out with us. We usually we average about one thousand or two thousand people every single year. It’s a lot of fun. We’re going to be raffling off a lot of great prizes. This is a free event. So we’re going to be we’re going to have hot dogs, drinks, uh, cotton candy, popcorn, uh, for anyone who would like to attend. It’s also an excellent opportunity to meet your local first responders and address any concerns or any, you know, issues you may be experiencing in your neighborhood. So it’s just a lot of fun. It’s a win win for everyone. You know, one of the reasons why we do this is to help build that trust between the community and police. Um, we’d like to we’d like a shout out to school for, for being the sponsor for making this possible. So, they really stepped-up big time, uh, to help us out with not only the backpacks, but the food and the raffle prizes. Um, so a big thank you to school for, for making this event possible.” 

(David Gomez, AiNews Anchor-DRB Media Communications Digital News) 

Follow us on Facebook, X Formerly Twitter and Instagram. Subscribe to our YouTube channel and visit DRB MEDIA COMMUNICATIONS DIGITAL NEWS.TV. I’m David Gomez. Thanks for watching. 

The Odessa Rainbow Room-School Supply Drive and Stuff The Backpack Event

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(David Gomez, AiNews Anchor-DRB Media Communications Digital News) 

This is DRB Media Communications Digital News. Phillips 66 presented a check for school supplies to the Odessa Rainbow Room. Danny Barrera has the story. 

Odessa, Texas/July 26, 2026-Child Protective Services recently held a School Supply Drive from June 1st through July 17th. The donated school supplies will be provided to children and families working with CPS, helping ensure they have the essential items they need to start the new school year. 

(Maddison Bacon, Faith Based Community Engagement Specialist-Texas Department of Family and Protective Services-DFPS) 

“So, this is a huge endeavor. We provide backpacks to over eighteen counties in the Permian Basin for any child involved with Child protective services. So having the community support to not only fund it, but also to give their time and effort to make sure these backpacks are ready for pickup and available before school starts is very important. It also shows that our community is stepping up to support the kids from their community, which is also very important.” 

The annual Stuff the Backpack event brought volunteers together to fill 500 backpacks with required school supplies. The backpacks will be distributed to children and families working with Child Protective Services on Monday, July 27th. The effort is designed to ensure children have the essential supplies they need to begin the new school year ready to learn and succeed. 

(Amy Martin, Board President-The Odessa Rainbow Room/Odessa, Texas) 

“We’ve successfully grown the number of backpacks. I think when we first started, we were doing about two hundred backpacks. We’re up to five hundred this year. Our community continues to grow, so we just try to continue to provide as many backpacks as we can to help the students in need.” 

(Jackie Duarte, Volunteer Coordinator-Phillips 66/Permian Basin) 

Through its Philanthropy Grant Program, Phillips 66 donated $10,000 to support the purchase of backpacks and school supplies for local children. The generous monetary donation will also help the Odessa Rainbow Room maintain a supply of basic-needs items throughout the year for children and families in need. 

“The ten thousand dollars was able to cover everything you see here. So the backpacks and school supplies, the glue, the headphones. This donation will be able to go towards the foster children here in the Permian Basin, and they’ll be able to have all these supplies and be ready for the new school year.” 

Those interested in donating to the Odessa Rainbow Room can find additional information on the organization’s Facebook page. For DRB Media Communications Digital News, Danny Barrera. 

(David Gomez, AiNews Anchor-DRB Media Communications Digital News) 

Follow us on Facebook, X Formerly Twitter and Instagram. Subscribe to our YouTube channel and visit DRB MEDIA COMMUNICATIONS DIGITAL NEWS.TV.  I’m David Gomez. Thanks for watching.