Middle of the World Ecuadorian Festival Celebration in Odessa, Texas

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

This is DRB Media Communications Digital News. The much-anticipated Middle of the World an Ecuadorian Festival was recently held at the MCM Grande Hotel and Fundome. Danny Barrera has the story. 

Odessa, Texas/May 27, 2026-Organizers of the Middle of the World Ecuadorian Festival celebrated a successful community event that welcomed more than 200 people to enjoy a vibrant day of culture, food, and community connection. 

(Johana Zambrano, Ecuadorian Attorney/Event Organizer-Middle of the World, Ecuadorian Festival) 

“Apoyar el talento, apoyar a los artistas locales y por supuesto, mostrar un poquito de nuestra cultura, mostrar nuestra música, mostrar nuestra danza, que es bastante importante, ya que Ecuador también está presente en el Permian Basin.” 

The festival featured a wide variety of vendors offering everything from jewelry, cosmetics, and lotions to authentic Ecuadorian cuisine and desserts. Visitors had the opportunity to experience traditional flavors, shop local businesses, and learn more about Ecuadorian culture throughout the event. 

(Johana Zambrano, Ecuadorian Attorney/Event Organizer-Middle of the World, Ecuadorian Festival) 

‘Bueno, si hay más de diecisiete vendedores que ellos están con sus con sus emprendimientos, con sus negocios, para que podamos también apoyar a los a los negocios locales.” 

Odessa Mayor Cal Hendrick and Odessa City Councilman, District 3 Gilbert Vasquez were in attendance along with Chris Stanley, Ector County ISD School Board representative.  

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

“Odessa, like America, is a melting pot. We have people from all over the world that are in Odessa, and each one of them have a unique and distinct culture. And while we all want to celebrate, whether you’re a German, whether you’re Italian, whether you’re from England, whether you’re from Mexico, we all have our individual heritages. But it’s great to come together and share with one another things that are unique to your culture, whether it be food, whether it be, uh, dancing, whether it be some of the arts and crafts, and what’s that important really, because it brings everybody together.” 

During the Middle of the World Ecuadorian Festival the Consul General of Ecuador based in Houston-Luis Espinosa Salas was introduced to the attendees. 

(Luis Espinosa Salas, Consul General/Ambassador-Consul of Ecuador in Houston, Texas) 

“Sí, es súper importante porque tenemos gente que está muy capacitada. Ecuador es un país petrolero desde hace muchas décadas y tenemos gente que está muy preparada, profesionales que están acá aportando con el desarrollo de Odesa de esta zona de Texas y además el momento en que ellos no pierden el contacto con Ecuador, con sus raíces, también están aportando con sus familias que se quedaron en el país. Así que yo creo que es una experiencia de doble ganancia en los dos, en las dos comunidades.” 

The Middle of the World Ecuadorian Festival had an art competition that featured the art of an upcoming artist Bri Guerrero. Her art display-CELLO, an important but controversial piece of art was among several artists. A wide variety of entertainment that included Tai Kwon Do demonstration, a kids fashion show and dancing. The night’s festivities ended with a special concert featuring SAN ANDRES CUMBIA REGGAE STYLE that generated frenzied excitement. 

(San Andres Cumbia Reggae Style-Ecuadorian Cumbia Band/From Ecuador) 

“No pensamos que que iba a ser tan hermoso que realmente la la reacción de la gente iba a tener ese alcance. Eh, ¿Qué tal? Cómo pasaste vos? Felices. Nos llenamos y nos nutrimos mucho de su energía. La gente la gozó, hicieron el trencito. Realmente muchas gracias por todo a todos. Qué locura, ¿no? Un. Un trencito muy grande. En realidad. Estamos bastante felices. Impresionados de estar acá. Que lindo como la gente bailó con nuestra música, simplemente fascinados. Estamos súper contentos por lo que pasó. Esperamos volver pronto. Muchas gracias, mi gente de Odessa. Muchas gracias. Mi gente de Midland. Muchas gracias. Mi gente de Texas. Nosotros somos San Andrés. Cumbia, Cumbia, Cumbia Reggae Style.” 

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. 

 

Leadership Odessa Graduation Class of 2025 2026

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Odessa, Texas/May 26, 2026-The Odessa Chamber of Commerce celebrated the graduation of the 47th Leadership Odessa class, marking another milestone for the longest-running leadership development program in the State of Texas. Leadership Odessa honored members of the 2025-2026 class during a special dinner and graduation ceremony, recognizing their commitment to professional growth, community engagement, and civic leadership. 

(Jeff Meyers, Chairman-Odessa Chamber of Commerce/Odessa, Texas) 

“It’s extremely important. Another way to give our members an opportunity to to number one, learn more about the community, uh, get to meet and network with some amazing folks. And then, um, also just to find another way to give back to the community as well.” 

Throughout the year, participants gained firsthand knowledge of key industries, organizations, and issues affecting the community while developing leadership skills designed to help shape the future of Odessa and the Permian Basin. 

(Hannah Gore, Leadership Odessa Class of 2025-2026/Odessa Chamber of Commerce) 

“I grew up here, born and raised here, and all my family is from here too. And so I thought I knew everything before I went through this. And that was definitely wrong. One of my favorite days was, um, when we went to the police academy and the fire department and met all of the fire department. And then we also got to go out to, um, the canine training center. And that was really, really cool. So.” 

(Brysa Hinojosa, Leadership Odessa Class of 2025-2026/Odessa Chamber of Commerce) 

“It was a great experience overall. I got to meet a lot of people I never even knew I would ever meet in my life. We’ve made a lot of connections with each other. Um, just as far as I think the class we had all together was great. Everybody connected very well. We can joke around with each other, we could have serious moments, but it’s also a class that I know anytime we need someone, they’ll always be there.” 

Dr. Brian Thomas Jones, keynote speaker for the Leadership Odessa graduation ceremony, reflected on his experiences as a Leadership Odessa alumnus and the impact the program had on his personal and professional development. He encouraged graduates to remain engaged in the community, use the knowledge and connections they have gained, and continue seeking opportunities to make a positive difference in Odessa. 

(Dr. Brian Thomas Jones, Vice President for Institutional Effectiveness/Odessa College) 

“Why would anyone leave Odessa? We’ve got a lot of great opportunities. Leadership Odessa is one opportunity, but we do have quite a bit within our education sectors. We have across Odessa, our health care industries. We’re looking for quality people that could really make an impact, not just today, but also for future generations as well.” 

To Find out more about the Leadership Odessa Program contact the Odessa Chamber of Commerce. 

For DRB Media Communications Digital News, Danny Barrera. 

Operation Graduation Project Graduation Press Conference 2026

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

This is DRB Media Communications Digital News. Project Graduation begins May 21st. Local law enforcement will be on the lookout for underage drinking and parties. Danny Barrera has the story. 

Odessa, Texas/May 20, 2026-The City of Odessa, Odessa Police Department, ECISD Police and the Ector County Sheriff’s Office held the 2026 Project Graduation press conference. 

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

“Really, it’s about keeping everybody safe. It’s just public safety. Uh, the officers, they don’t want to arrest anyone. They don’t want to go to anyone’s house and break up a party. But the truth is, yeah, it is a big night. And I want everybody to celebrate. And sometimes during celebrations, you know, alcohol is served or another drug. And the truth is at least a bad decision matrix, right? And so we want everyone to be safe, want everyone to have tomorrow. We want everyone to, to go home and be assured of a great life. And we don’t want it ruined, though ruined by DWI or by an accident, hurt somebody or somebody serving alcohol to a minor. And there’s a tragedy.”  

Odessa Crime Stoppers encourages anyone who is aware of parties with information on underage drinking to call the Odessa Crime Stoppers tip line.  

(Susan Rogers, Executive Director-Odessa Crime Stoppers/Odessa, Texas) 

“Parents, please pay special attention to pictures that you may see on your student’s social media. Just a few weeks ago at prom, we had a parent that actually saw a picture that her student had taken, and in the background, she saw a lot of alcohol. She made that phone call and we got that taken care of before it got out of hand. So pay attention to what you see on your student’s social media.” 

Project Graduation is a drug and alcohol-free all-night party. Graduates who attend enjoy a wide selection of food and snacks and will be eligible for prizes throughout the night. The event will begin May 21st from 11pm to 6am at the Odessa College Sports Center.  

(Sara Hinshaw, Director of Community Programs-Basin Lighthouse/Odessa, Texas) 

“Our young people there so their brains aren’t developed. Right? That’s where we’re going with the science is their brains aren’t developed. They’re not fully developed even at high school for another seven to eight years. So, every time, especially alcohol that they are taking in that alcohol, it is impacting and doing some kind of damage to every part of their brain, not just one or the other. It’s every part. So, you know, that’s where we want to hone in. You know, if you look at data, you know, about the age of seventeen to nineteen, our addiction rates go up as well. And that’s because our young people are out, you know, spreading their wings, doing what have you. So again, it goes back is we have to give these kids the education and the awareness to make those informed decisions. They’re going to do this. They’re going to do it, you know, but we have to educate them on why they should not do it.” 

The Project Graduation event has experienced a slow response from sponsors this year; however, organizers say the event will still move forward as planned and continue the tradition established in previous years 

(Clara Pride, Youth Program Director/President/Chair-Project Graduation) 

Odessa Police Department Chief Mike Gerke is reminding parents and graduates that hosting parties involving underage drinking can lead to serious legal consequences, including fines and possible arrests for adults who allow alcohol consumption by minors. Police officials continue encouraging parents to know where their teenagers are, monitor graduation parties closely, and provide safe transportation options to prevent tragedies during the graduation celebration. 

(Michael Gereke, Chief of Police-Odessa Police Department/Odessa, Texas)  

“The Siege of Odessa has a social host ordinance, and that social hosting ordinance can cost you up to one thousand dollars and a night in jail, but also as as a as an adult, if you furnish alcohol to a minor that is furnishing out, furnishing alcohol, right, which is a class B misdemeanor, which is no longer a ticket, that is a jail term. I mean, that’s up to six months in jail if you if you’re convicted in a court of law. So those are things that you need to think about before you go down this road.” 

Any tips that result in a citation can result in a cash reward by calling 432-333-TIPS or using the P3TIPS app. 

For DRB Media Communications Digital News, Danny Barrera. 

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

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

 

 

ECUADORIAN FESTIVAL

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Es pa mi gente. Nosotros somos San Andrés y te esperamos mañana a las seis de la tarde para echar la mejor rumba de la vida. Mi Pana, vamos a estar en el MGM Grand Hotel de fundó, así que por favor caigan porque va a ser un evento increíble con toda la cumbia, cumbia, cumbia, reggae, side. “This is for my people. We are San Andrés and we’ll be waiting for you tomorrow at six in the evening to throw the best party of your life. My friend, we’re going to be all the way in the back at the MGM Grand Hotel and Fundome, so please show up because it’s going to be an incredible event with all the cumbia, cumbia, cumbia, reggae, and more.”

Chevron Presents a $250,000 Grant to Odessa College

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

This is DRB Media Communications Digital News…Chevron presented a large grant in support of Odessa College’s Automation programs and FABLAB. Danny Barrera has the story. 

Odessa, Texas/May 19, 2026-Odessa College hosted a check presentation of $250 Thousand dollars from Chevron. This grant will support Automation programs and provide equipment for the college’s Fab Lab located on the main campus. This grant will also support Odessa College campuses in Pecos, Andrews. 

(Syed Naqvi, Dean of Business & Industry –Odessa College/Odessa, Texas) 

“Automation is very much needed for this oil and gas industry in our upstream market. It is the way to go and with the technology is changing the PLCs and instrumentation and electrical work, it is much needed. Every single industry partner outside requires the needs that type of technology and certifications for the employers.” 

Chevron’s investment reflects the continued commitment to workforce development and technical opportunities for students in high demand careers in the Permian Basin. 

(Alex Moreno, Director of the FABLAB-Odessa College/Odessa, Texas) 

“One of the things about the FabLab, it’s just like computers, technology in itself. They have a lifespan. And so, we have to upgrade our not only technology but also the machines, the equipment themselves. So whether you think about the tools, like the power tools, like the bits themselves that cut and create some of the parts in the 3D printer, one of our biggest and most exciting machines that we have is a laser engraver and a 3D printer. So, if you think about those machines and how often they have to be replaced, updated, upgraded, it’s things like that is what they help and compensate the the price of everything.” 

This new investment by Chevron in Automation, I&E and the FabLab will help Odessa College expand hands-on learning for students in a rapidly evolving oil and gas industry that powers the Permian Basin. 

(Val Acosta, -Public and Government Affairs Advisor-Chevron) 

“Automation is really tied to the energy sector when it comes to working into the field of oil and gas, along with manufacturing all types of industries. It feeds into. So, this is not just a gift that helps the energy sector. It also helps many different across the area. Any student that goes through this program and chooses a career with Chevron, we couldn’t be more happy to embrace them into our culture.” 

For DRB Media Communications Digital News, Danny Barrera. 

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

Follow us on Facebook, X Formally 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 Library Hosts Summer Reading Kickoff Party

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

This is DRB Media Communications Digital news. The Ector County Library held Reading in the Park, a special event. Danny Barrera has the story. 

Odessa, Texas/May 18, 2026- On Saturday, May 16th, the Ector County Library held its Summer Reading Kickoff Party at the Noel Heritage Plaza in Downtown Odessa. This year’s theme UNEARTH A STORY brought families together for an afternoon filled with fun and interactive activities. Guests enjoyed a T-Rex bounce house, a foam party, face painting, sno-cone stations, and more as the community celebrated the start of the summer reading season. 

(Howard Marks, Library Director-Ector County Library/Odessa, Texas) 

“We’re really excited and we think the kids and families will love coming to the library this summer and seeing all the fantastic stuff that that we programs ahead for them.” 

Community partners such as Alliance of Therapy Dogs, Bubba’s 33, ECISD Early Childhood, Education Foundation of Odessa, Ellen Noel Art Musuem, First 5 UT Permian Basin, Harmony Home Children’s Advocacy Center, H-E-B, Odessa Arts, Raising Cane’s and Southwest Heritage Credit Union providing fun for kids at the event. 

(Howard Marks, Library Director-Ector County Library/Odessa, Texas) 

“You know, we want, uh, they’re all free books. We have the Friends of the Ector County Library giving away books. And we we think it’s a wonderful tool for families. You know, uh, we have a Beanstack app where they can log in, everything’s free, and there’s prizes and a reading contest. And, and it’s a great way to motivate, uh, keep the kids busy this summer.” 

Follow the Ector County Library online and social media for upcoming summer events. For DRB Media Communications Digital News. Danny Barrera. 

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

Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Subscribe to our YouTube channel and visit DRB Media Communications Digital TV. I’m David Gomez. Thanks for watching.