Welcome back to another wonderful edition of Houstonicity.  It’s Friday and it’s a great day.  Enjoy your day today and have a spectacular weekend.

In this edition of Houstonicity:

·         Texas Power Grid Held Strong During This Year’s Storm

·         Astros Add Pitching Depth With Kai-Wei Teng Trade

·         Houston Dynamo Sees Early Boost In Ticket And Sponsorship Sales

·         And more…

Today: 53F | 35F | ☁️ | 2% Precipitation | NNW 16 MPH Winds

Saturday: 46F | 30F | ☀️| 1% Precipitation | N 15 MPH Winds

Sunday: 55F | 39F | ☀️| 1% Precipitation | SE 7 MPH Winds

Monday: 68F | 58F | 🌤️| 8% Precipitation | S 14 MPH Winds

Tuesday: 68F | 54F | 🌦️ | 53% Precipitation | S 15 MPH Winds

Link for more weather information.

Valentine’s Day in Houston does not have to mean squeezing into a crowded restaurant. Houstonia provided a guide that offers date ideas built around shared experiences that invite conversation, curiosity, and connection, whether you want something quiet and reflective or lively and a little bold.

A few standout date ideas

·         Solving immersive art mysteries together at Meow Wolf

·         Wandering secluded galleries or gardens at the MFAH or Bayou Bend

·         Experiencing a sound meditation or art installation inside the Buffalo Bayou Cistern

From DIY nights at Post to picnics, drive-in movies, stargazing, dancing, and burlesque shows, each suggestion focuses on creating memories that feel personal, relaxed, and far more meaningful than another prix fixe menu.

The Astros added pitching depth Thursday by acquiring right-handed pitcher Kai-Wei Teng from the San Francisco Giants in exchange for minor league catcher Jancel Villarroel and international slot money. Houston designated J.P. France for assignment to clear a 40-man roster spot. Teng, 27, has pitched as both a starter and reliever, splitting the past two seasons between Triple A and the majors with San Francisco.

Texas’ power grid remained stable during the recent winter storm, avoiding the widespread outages that defined challenges with previous storms, like in 2021. State officials credited weatherization efforts, expanded battery storage, and a more diverse energy mix for meeting demand, even as localized outages and storm-related deaths occurred. At one point, battery storage supplied nearly 10% of the grid’s power, helping keep electricity flowing during peak demand.

But experts caution that this storm was far less severe than the one that crippled the grid in 2021. While investments in batteries, solar, and infrastructure have strengthened reliability, Texas faces a sharp rise in electricity demand from data centers and industrial growth, raising questions about whether the grid can keep pace without higher costs for consumers.

ALDRIC MCCARDELL

Occupation: Personal Training Director/Personal Trainer@HoustonGym

What do you love about Houston: Houston exists as the melting pot of Texas. You have a diverse culture of beings of all races and ethnicities that come together through the cuisine we eat and the entertainment we all partake in.

How do you stay optimistic: Through my training from day to day. I love to workout and the stress relief conceived from it really calms the nerves.

What advice would you give a new resident: Find a great local gym (like Houston Gym) where your local community feels like a home away from home because everyone pretty much knows each other. Everyone from the front desk to the members greet you with open hands to shake and arms to hug.

What should people know about you: I’m consistent in the energy I put out. I believe I never meet a stranger and will talk to any and everybody.

You can find Aldric at:

@Aldric1980 on Instagram

MARQUEE UPTOWN

I spoke with Austin Vaughan, the manager at Marquee Uptown.

What does your business offer: We’re an apartment community offering 1, 2, 3 BR townhomes with boutique style living.

How long have you been operating in the community: 12 years

What makes your business special: Our residents. And it’s an affordable and hidden gem in a desirable location (Houston Galleria).

What do you wish more people knew about your business: We have straightforward billing and affordable living given the current economy.

Where can people find out more about this business:

Link to Marquee Uptown.

The Houston East End Chamber of Commerce has announced the honorees for its 2026 Scholarship Golf Tournament, recognizing leaders whose work has strengthened the East End and expanded access to education. During the tournament ceremony, scholarships will be awarded in each honoree’s name to support local students. The event also marks the chamber’s 35th anniversary and brings together community, business, and labor leaders for a day focused on impact and giving back.

2026 East End honorees

The tournament will also be led by returning co-chairs Sara Montelongo-Oyervidez of Valero Houston Refinery and Gabriel Garza of ILA Local 24, continuing a tradition of golf, philanthropy, and community support.

Houston Dynamo leadership says the club is seeing strong early momentum in season ticket and sponsorship sales as Houston prepares to host matches during the 2026 FIFA World Cup. President of business operations Jessica O’Neill cited growing confidence tied to World Cup visibility and plans for fan experiences at Shell Energy Stadium. The club aims to use the global spotlight to reach new fans, especially youth audiences, while building its largest ticket base and corporate revenue year yet.

CarterBaldwin Executive Search and Alloy Roofing announced the appointment of Matt Malone as general manager for the company’s Houston business. Malone joins from Generator Power Systems, where he led revenue and margin growth. His background includes leadership roles at John Moore Services, six years of service in the U.S. Navy, and a degree from the University of Arizona.

Thanks for reading Houstonicity today. Enjoy your Friday! And we’d love it if you could please follow the Houstonicity Facebook page. - O.B.

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