It was early Saturday morning. I noticed that little red circle with that white number pop up near my Facebook icon. The number was unusually high . . . I thought: What did I post most recently? Or more importantly, what post have I been tagged in?

Turns out it was neither. I had received around 100 (actually 102 to be exact) new “friend” requests, almost all from men, almost all unknown to me, within a very short period of time. Many were from Houston and had friends in common but many were out of state with no ties to me or my friends or our city. To be honest, it got me a little nervous.

Like so many, I use Facebook primarily for work and to keep in touch with friends and family who live back home in Boston or around the world. And it’s a wonderful tool to keep in touch. But this weekend, it reminded me that Facebook, like all social media platforms, can take harmless forms of communication and throw them right into the lap of complete and utter strangers . . . I had a mini “come to Jesus moment” with myself.

We talk about it all the time, in the schools and with youth wherever we can:

Be smart!

Turn your locations services off on your smartphone camera!

Don’t post in real time!

Don’t accept friend requests or follow requests from people you do not know.

When was the last time I took my own advice…?

It was time for some action. After declining a majority of those friend requests, I also took it one step further. I decided to create a professional page called “The Rania Report with Rania Mankarious.” A professional page adds a few more safeguards and just seemed to make sense. As for the name, The Rania Report is the username I have used for some time (I had a blog ages ago back in Boston by the same name) and @theraniareport is also my Twitter handle and Instagram username.

This professional Facebook page is a page that I will use to share stories about work, life, public safety finds and messages and hopefully engage with so many of you who are public safety minded. It’s a page that I hope you will like or follow and reach out to me through. I encourage you to post questions, share articles and create discussion.

Since 2006, I have been making the public safety of all my main focus. It started when as an attorney with a master’s degree in marriage and family therapy, I walked through the doors of Crime Stoppers of Houston and immediately fell in love with the mission. In fact, while my last job in Boston was running an international publication, I took whatever position Crime Stoppers of Houston had at the time {which by the way was an internship for a few dollars an hour . . . my husband nearly fainted when I told him}.  And I have loved every day since. I love what we do and the results it has for our collective community. I love that I get to work with the best team in Houston. I love that we were the team that got to make history when we opened the first-ever Crime Stoppers headquarters anywhere in the world. And I love what we have lined up for all of you this year. I’ve teased a bit of it online and encourage you to take a peek when you have time.

Through it all, as I wake up each day and think about what public safety message I have for the community, I was recently reminded to take my own medicine. I hope my small incident serves as a reminder for you too . . . in the meantime, I’m looking forward to connecting with all, in a healthy and safe way!

The Super Bowl has come and gone. We can all agree Houston did an incredible job! Here’s a look back at everything that went on in the 10-day period.

The third time’s the charm. This was the third time Houston has hosted the Super Bowl, the first being in 1974 (Super Bowl VIII), which took place in Rice Stadium and the second being Super Bowl XXXIII, which took place at Reliant. Many are calling this third round as the best – not only for Houston – but when looking at all Super Bowl hosting cities generally. In fact, Houston was named the “second best city” to ever host the big game!

It’s the economy…: With fans spending approximately $190 million and the city standing to see $350 million in net economic growth, #SB51 was great for our local economy. Additionally, many non-profits benefited from $4 million in donations from the NFL’s Charitable Giving Program.

Speaking of visitors, how many came to Houston for #SB51: While all accounts say an estimated 1 million came to Houston for the big game, according to Group 1 Automotive and CEO Earl Hesterberg, who was part of the team that brought #SB51 to Houston, “there are 135,000 or more visitors . . . it’s good economically any way you cut it.”

Sex crimes by the numbers: Houstonians should be so proud of our city following #SB51 but we should be especially proud of the many law enforcement agencies that protect our city so incredibly. Working around the clock, here were the arrests by the numbers:

• Houston Police Department arrested 217 for prostitution (21 of those were brought in from other parts of the country to “work” #SB51; those who were officially “trafficked” were rescued).
• Harris County Precinct 4 arrested 32 for prostitution.
• Harris County Sheriff’s Office arrested 178 “buyers” during the National John’s Suppression Initiative that ended Super Bowl Sunday. Interestingly, the total HCSO arrests during this 10-day period equals the state-wide totals of Arizona, California, Maryland, Massachusetts, New York, Nevada and Virginia combined.
• Law enforcement also seized $1,000,000 in counterfeit Super Bowl merchandise including tickets

And of course, after all that, who won? The New England Patriots defeated the Atlanta Falcons 34–28 in the first Super Bowl ever to go into overtime. Proud mother moment, my middle child guessed the Patriots would win by 34 – 29!

Before we go, let’s not forget about “Jerseygate”: Sadly, moments after this historic win, New England Patriots Quarterback’s famous #12 jersey was swiped from his bag in the team’s locker room. The winning jersey is expected to be worth $500,000 as it was worn by Tom Brady, during his fifth and historic win, in the first-ever Super Bowl game to go into overtime. Crime Stoppers is a tool being used by law enforcement to gather information. That said, there is a possibility that this famous jersey was not stolen but simply in the team’s dirty laundry pile! Fingers crossed that that’s the case!

I hope you and yours enjoyed #SB51. Aside from visiting with Chester Pittsand Michael Strayan for a bit, I actually stayed very low key. I’d love to hear what you and yours were up to!

On Friday, Jan. 27, 2017, I had the incredible pleasure of announcing and cutting the ribbon on the very first Crime Stoppers of Houston headquarters anywhere in the world, The Dave Ward Building, Crime Stoppers of Houston. The new home will be in Midtown, on bustling Main Street. To say I am proud and was moved is an understatement.

As I stood at the podium and looked out to an incredible sea of media cameras, elected officials on the city, county, state and federal level as well as our friends HPD Chief Art Acevedo, Sheriff Ed Gonzalez, District Attorney Kim Ogg, Commissioner Jack Cagle, Constable Alan Rosen and so many others, I was overwhelmed. We have a great community. We have an incredible community and there are many in the spotlight who should be, who deserve to be and we are so proud. But I also thought of the many women behind the movement. The women who are behind the community events, behind the fundraising, behind the work. Today, I had to do a tribute piece to those women. And there are many.]

We all love and adore Dave Ward. That goes without saying. But I want to highlight his incredible wife, Laura. Many have said that with Laura in your corner, nothing else is needed. And that’s true. A dedicated mother and grandmother, Laura has served Houston’s other children through her work at Variety Club and now Houston’s Children’s Charity. In her “spare” time, she raises much-needed funds for our men and women in blue through her board position on the Houston Police Foundation. And as if I could add one more “and” – Laura has also become Crime Stoppers’ largest and most active volunteer, offering guidance, support, direction and above all else, her time and talents. If Laura loves you and values what you are doing, you will know it and you’ll be lucky. And those she fiercely values, value her right back. Crime Stoppers is truly thankful to her for her partnership and dedication.

The volunteer community in Houston is one that would leave any other city jealous. The following women come to mind: Debbie Pakzaban (who is chairing Crime Stoppers’ spring prom event taking place at Tootsies thanks to Shelley Taylor Ludwick), Tena Lundquist Faust, Tama Lundquist (both superhuman advocates for our animal community); Council Member Brenda Stardig, Donae Chramosta, Jerri Duddlesten Moore, Cyndy Garza Roberts, Jennifer Reyna, Roula Christie, Michelle Heinz, Constance Whiteand Sheila Aron (passionate about children and school safety); Ruchi Mukerjee and Stephanie Von Stein (committed to end domestic violence); Joy Partain and Tracey Faulkner (determined to end human trafficking); and then there are those who say just tell me what needs to be done and let’s do it for our community: Carol Sawyer, Vicki Rizzo, Leisa Holland Nelson, Alma Kombargi, Officer Ann Marie Carrizales, The Buzz’s own Joni Hoffman, Great Day Houston’s Debra Duncan, Gail Stalarow, Sneha Merchant, Sippi Khurana, Crystal Parker, Nina Verma Magon and so many more.

Give me a moment to make a really important distinction though. Crime Stoppers, the critical work we do every day, quietly takes us into the deepest and darkest corners of this city to help those in greatest need. That is the work we do, every single day. But the criminals we deal with do not deserve the time or attention to be highlighted and the victim families require respect and discretion. When we highlight the volunteers it is because we are thankful for the power they give us to drive our efforts and mission forward.

People ask me all the time – how do you do what you do? My answer is simple. One, I was born with a deep love and passion for others, for children and for a safe community. Two, I know the key to success is to be surrounded by others who care too. Between our growing volunteer community and a staff that simply stands above the rest: Nichole Christoph, Mimi Zarenchansky, Tania Cruz, Cabell Wood, Allison Lewis, Michelle Sacks, Paige Holleck, Sonia Soto, Danesa Samuels, Stuart Hudson and the one and only, Jeff McShan – I have found my recipe for success. Together, we are making a difference for all and becoming a model for the nation. We build, we rise and we move forward because we stand so tightly together. And I am so thankful for it.

Whether or not a team you like will make it into the Super Bowl, there is an increased excitement surrounding the event, especially for us Houstonians. Many have been wondering if there’s an opportunity to cash in by renting a room in their home – or their entire home – to out-of-town fans here for the big game. Actually, with the number of hotel rooms already booked, the desire for rentable homes is on the rise. If you’re considering renting out your home, here’s what you need to ask yourself now:

How would you price your house?

• Prices go up the closer you are to the stadium. According to agents, homes in the Inner Loop, the Heights, Montrose and even the east side of downtown will get the most per night.
• Does a stay in your house include amenities (gym, pool, chef or more)?
• Will you use a third-party agency like Airbnb? If so, what types of rates do they take out of your rental?
• Will you list with an agent or through a company like Craigslist? Beware of the latter – you never know who will be interested in your home. Remember, a licensed realtor is always the best route. It allows you to collect a security deposit and may come with an insurance policy.

What type of agreement will you draft and how will you execute it?

If you are trying to do this on your own, do you know how to build in securities for your home? What damages can you collect? What limitations are you facing? Is there a limit to how many people can stay in the home? What about parties in the house? Is there a pool? What about liabilities that stem from injuries in or around your property? Will you be indemnified? Can you be? What court of law will govern in the case of a dispute?

Does your Home Owners Association (HOA) prohibit you from renting your home? Usually the answer is yes.

• Beware! Recently, a San Antonio court of appeals ruled in favor of a HOA that sued a homeowner who had rented his home on several short-term leases. The deed prohibited anything but residential use of the home.
• Short-term leases are considered violations of the “residential use provision” and are more akin to business use (like a hotel) which is prohibited.
• HOAs can go to the court to get an injunction and in effect, stop you from renting your home in a short-term lease.

If you’re in a townhouse or apartment, find out – are you allowed to sublet your property? It will depend on whether or not you own or rent, what the rules are for the community in which you live as well as what your insurance says.

Speaking of insurance, is renting your home or room covered by your insurance company? This will depend on your specific policy so please check with your carrier. The last thing you want to deal with are damages or injuries that occurred on your property that fall outside the parameters of your insurance coverage.

What an exciting time this is! We are all thrilled that Houston will be this year’s Super Bowl host city. From plans to potentially rent your home to going out and enjoying the hustle and bustle of the city with Super Bowl excitement, please think carefully and cautiously to stay safe through it all.

Read more on renting out your home for Super Bowl in Mi Casa Es Su Casa by Tracy L. Barnett. 

I, like you, was shocked and upset to hear that Memorial High School students returned to school last Wednesday to find hateful and horrific language sprayed across their campus. Their principal, Lisa Weir, addressed the crime in a letter:

I am writing to inform you that Memorial High School was the target of racist and hate-filled graffiti [which] appears on the walls, sidewalks, and a library window along the main courtyard, and on a west parking lot wall. It includes racial slurs, hate symbols, and foul language. Spring Branch ISD Police are conducting an investigation, and the district operations team has removed nearly all graffiti as of this time.

Crime Stoppers of Houston is now also joining the efforts to find those wanted for this horrific activity and will pay up to $5,000 for information that leads to the identification and/or arrest of those involved. {Call 713-222-TIPS anonymously with any information.}

Graffiti is from the Greek word to write; it’s what we call inscriptions or drawings that have been added illicitly on exterior walls or other surfaces within public view. It’s a practice that has existed for centuries, dating back to Ancient Greek and Egyptian times as well as the Roman Empire.

When reviewing cases, we find that people engage in graffiti:

• As a form of artistic expression
• To praise or attack groups or individuals
• To make political commentary, raise social issues, or in protest
• To show an affiliation with a gang or claim territory

Here’s my problem – no matter what the reason, it’s illegal. And when graffiti touches public property with hateful speech, I have an even bigger problem with it.

Do you know what the legal consequences are for this type of vandalism? My hope is we can proactively share this information to deter other young adults from engaging in this behavior.

• Defacing any type of public property with graffiti is a criminal offense in Texas.
• Graffiti devalues property and creates a financial burden to others.
• Section 28.08 of the Texas Penal Code states that any person who, without effective consent of the owner, creates inscriptions, drawings or designs on property with spray paint, permanent markers or with etchings may be arrested and prosecuted. Note, the law is specifically speaking of permanent or difficult to remove drawings or designs.

The penalty for a graffiti conviction varies based on the estimated or actual amount of financial loss the property owner is subject to as a result of the graffiti. Here’s a guide to what this can look like:

• Damage less than $100. Class C misdemeanor. Punishable by $500 fine.
• Damages between $100 – $750. Class B misdemeanor. Punishably by up to 180 days in jail + possible fine.
• Damages between $30,000 – $150,000. Third Degree Felony. Punishable by up to 10 years in prison + possible fine.
• The court may also order compensatory damages as well as that the culprit work to remove the graffiti or engage in community service.

Regardless of your position on “art,” the defacing of public property is a nuisance that negatively impacts many. When there are additional efforts to blast hateful speech – especially in places that cater to young adults – it rises to the level of being a horrific, unconscionable and indefensible action. The world has evolved and our communities have evolved in a way where more of us will stand together than apart. We will take the necessary steps to stamp out hateful speech and stop it from taking place again.

And last but certainly not least, to those students at Memorial High School, please know that you are a bright and shining community of young brilliant minds. We support you and stand with you. Each and every single one of you is valued and appreciated. Your light has already outshined this hate.

Memorial High School student Holly Kurisky shares students’ reactions to the situation and discusses the newly-created #MustangLove campaign in this School Buzz blog post. (http://thebuzzmagazines.com/articles/2017/01/mustang-love-through-adversity)