Tag: Texas

City of Odessa Introduces David A Vela, the new City Manager to Employees and Staff

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Odessa, Texas/June 2, 2025-The City of Odessa held a special press conference to formally introduce David Vela the new city manager to employees and staff and to the citizens and residents of Odessa. The Odessa City Council under the leadership of Mayor Cal Henrick, voted unanimously for David Vela for the city manager position. 

(David Vela, City Manager-City of Odessa/Texas) 

David Vela has a bachelor’s degree, master’s degree and is finalizing his Doctorate studies related to government, with the discipline study on local government. 

(David Vela, City Manager-City of Odessa/Texas 

Odessa Mayor Cal Hendrick along with members of the City Council are excited and hopeful for a new and better direction for Odessa. 

(Cal Hendrick, Mayor-City of Odessa/Texas) 

David Vela started day one as city manager visiting departments and staff and acquainting himself with city of Odessa protocols. 

For DRB Media Communications Digital News, Danny Barrera. 

 

Farewell Reception in Honor of Richard Morton, Interim Odessa City Manager

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Odessa, Texas/May 30, 2025-Hispanic Heritage of Odessa held a farewell event for interim City Manager, Richard Morton at Ajuua’s Mexican Food Restuarant. City of Odessa staff including members of the city council, Eddie Mitchell, District 1, Greg Connell, District 4 and Gilbert Vasquez of District 3 attended the special event. Representatives with Hispanic Heritage of Odessa say that Richard Morton had a major impact on reshaping city government and building relationships with the Hispanic community. 

(Liliana Marquez, President-Hispanic Heritage of Odessa/Odessa, Texas) 

Richard Morton had been in Odessa for about 20 years and served as City Manager from 2002 to 2017. In early 2025 the new Odessa City Council asked for his help in finding a qualified city manager. 

(Richard Morton, Interim City Manager-City of Odessa/Texas) 

David Vela is now the new Odessa City Manager and will begin his duties on Monday, June 2nd. 

 

Masa Bakery in Odessa, Texas Celebrates End of the School Year with Free Hot Dogs and Drinks

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Odessa, Texas/May 22, 2025-MASA BAKERY in Odessa celebrated the end of the school year with kids and parents with free hot dogs and drinks. Children from Lamar Pre-School and other surrounding ECISD elementary schools came out to the celebration. MASA BAKERY staff and volunteers helped prepare the yummy hot dogs several hours before school let out for the summer break. 

(Daniel Morales, Owner and Operator-Masa Bakery/519 Jefferson Ave/Odessa, Texas) 

Moms and some dads were delighted to have a quick break with their school age children for the tasty hot dogs and purchasing pan dulce. 

For DRB Media Communications Digital News, Danny Barrera. 

VFW Post 4372 Car & Bike Show Benefitting Local Veterans

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Odessa, Texas/May 20, 2025-The VFW Post 4372 recently held their mega car show at the VFW Headquarters off of Andrews Hwy and VFW Lane. The car show featured vintage cars and trucks from yester-year as well as motorcycles and other attractions. The funds raised from the Car Show event benefit veterans who need assistance for bills, healthcare and other special needs like funeral costs. 

(Kory Grant, Senior Vice Commander, VFW Post 4372/Odessa, Texas) 

Vendors from across the Permian Basin showcased specialty items for sale as well as several food trucks. A motorcycle ministry provided snacks and information on resources available to visitors as well as the Honor Flight Organization giving out information and fundraising. 

(Kory Grant, Senior Vice Commander, VFW Post 4372/Odessa, Texas) 

This event was made possible by sponsors supporting local veterans. 

(Daizy DeLeon, Public Relations-VFW Post 4372/Odessa, Texas) 

Awards were handed out for the various classifications during the VFW Car Show. Follow the VFW Post 4372 on Facebook and other social media for upcoming community events. 

For DRB Media Communications Digital News, Danny Barrera. 

 

Cinco de Mayo Celebrations in the Heart of Southside Odessa

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Odessa, Texas/May 4, 2025-Hispanic Heritage of Odessa and L.U.L.A.C. held the Cinco de Mayo kick-off at the Police Athletic League facility at Floyd Gwin Park on Friday, May 2nd. The kick-off celebration featured a reading of a City of Odessa proclamation by Mayor Cal Hendrick and a Welcome by Odessa Councilman At-Large Craig Stroker. Traditional and popular Mexican songs were performed by the Mariachi from La Universidad Autonama de Nuevo Leon in Monterrey, Mexico. Several awards were handed out to those Hispanics who have made an impact in education, business and in media including radio, broadcast television and in digital news gathering outlets. 

(Liliana Marquez, President-Hispanic Heritage of Odessa/Odessa, Texas) 

This year’s billboards featuring local American Mexican icons were unveiled at the finale of the Cinco de Mayo Kick-off celebration. 

(Liliana Marquez, President-Hispanic Heritage of Odessa/Odessa, Texas) 

The Cinco de Mayo Kick-off celebration continued at Ajuua’s Mexican Restaurant featuring a historical presentation of the Mexican Army’s victory over France at the Battle at Puebla on May 5th, 1862, by Gamaliel Bustillos Munoz, the Mexican Consulate, Consul de Mexico located in the city of Presidio, Texas. Odessa Mayor Cal Hendrick welcomed the Mexican Consulate and extended gifts of friendship during the special presentation. 

(Cal Hendrick, Mayor-City of Odessa/Texas) 

On Saturday, May 3rd, Hispanic Heritage of Odessa, L.U.L.A.C. and Jesse Porras Productions presented the annual Cinco de Mayo Parade in the heart of southside Odessa. 

(Nat Sound) 

The parade ended at La Margarita Festival Grounds, where the festivities continued hosted by the Odessa Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. A wide variety of venders participated in the event featuring jewelry, advertising items, t-shirts and caps, wide selection of novelty items and a wide selection food menu items. Nonprofit organizations as well as banking institutions were at the event providing information to visitors. 

(Esperanza Garcia, Chair-Odessa Hispanic Chamber of Commerce/Odessa, Texas) 

On Monday, Cinco de Mayo, Liliana Marquez, President of Hispanic Heritage will be honored as LULAC’s Woman of the Year for her contributions to the Hispanic and Odessa Community at 6pm at the Odessa Marriott. 

For DRB Media Communications Digital News, Danny Barrera. 

 

City of Odessa Holds Annual Easter Egg Hunt

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Odessa, Texas/April 20, 2025-The City of Odessa held its annual Easter Egg Hunt at Sherwood Park on Saturday, April 19th. The event featured food trucks, Jumpers and a painting activity. Hundreds of children with their moms and dads enjoyed the Easter Egg hunt event that yielded an overabundance of easter eggs filled with candy for many children. 

Children took pictures with the Easter bunny and several Latino radio stations provided easter egg candy and goodies for the kids. 

Follow the City of Odessa online and on social media for upcoming events. 

For DRB Media Communications Digital News, Danny Barrera