All the attention given the Pearland All-Stars has helped put their city on the map. The Little League World Series has a powerful effect on publicizing a town. For example, had you heard of Fairfield, Conn., or Auburn, Wash., before the series?

Pearland police are trying to solve a string of thefts in which someone steals credit cards and other items from motorists as they pump gas. One worried victim noted that the theif slipped into her car only a few feet from where her young daughter was sleeping in a car seat.

Crossing guard Angie Foret stops traffic as parents greet each other after dropping off their kids for the first day of school at Silverlake Elementary School. Foret has been a crossing guard as Silverlake for six years and says the 4 p.m. forecast is 100 degrees, when she'll return to let kids out of school.: Nick de la Torre Chronicle
Silverlake Elementary head back to class today as the 2010-2011 school year kicks off.

A sign outside Beef O'Brady's restaurant in Pearland.: Greg May photo
Some Pearland restaurants are hosting Little League World Series watch parties for the game, which is at 2 p.m. today. But if you go, you'd better show up early.