May 27, 2022, Newsletter

May 27, 2022

Questions? Contact us at 713-229-0900

Welcome to our newest team member,

Bianca Gavarrette

We have a new team member. Bianca Gavarrete joined the Greater Northside Management District family this month as our part-time administrative assistant.

Bianca is fluent in English and Spanish and is responsible for answering our office phones, assisting with day-to-day operations, helping with special events and cleanups, working with constituents and more.

Bianca graduated from Bellaire High School and has been a business owner, manager and fitness trainer.

Please extend a warm welcome to Bianca next time you see or talk to her!

Happening this weekend

Holiday office closure

Greater Northside Management District will be closed on Monday, May 31, 2022, for the Memorial Day holiday.

If you have a non-emergency matter, you may reach Rebecca Reyna at 281-914-0652 and leave a message.

For All Emergencies, call 911
For Non-Emergencies, call 713-884-3131

The Houston Fire Department has a list of Memorial Day safety tips that can be accessed here. The tips include grill safety, avoiding heat-related emergencies, and pool-and-water safety. Have a safe and happy Memorial Day!

Upcoming events

Celebrate with Saint Arnold Brewing Company

Saturday, June 4

Get ready to celebrate 28 years of independent craft brewing in Texas at Saint Arnold Brewing Company. This 28th Anniversary Party is free and open to the public.

Join Saint Arnold on Saturday, June 4, as they celebrate their 28th Anniversary. Art Car IPA may not be their original beer, but it’s their most popular.

All day long (and while supplies last), they'll have several special variations of Art Car IPA on draft, commemorative Art Car IPA-themed 28th Anniversary "glassware" and art cars galore.

From 4 to 9 p.m., they'll have live entertainment throughout the Beer Garden including music, fun and good vibes by East of EaDo, demrootsmusic and Bayou City Funk.

The Beer Hall will also be open from 2 to 9 p.m. with beer on draft and local artists and makers.

Maintenance and repairs to White Oak Bayou

Over the next six months, Harris County Flood Control District will be conducting maintenance and repairs to short stretches of White Oak Bayou between Hogan Street and 43rd Street. The Hike-and-Bike Trails may also need to be closed for safety reasons while the work is being done.

Click here to view current trail closures and detours.

We need your input

for the Quitman Street Project

Please help choose the design options for the Quitman Street Project. To participate in this brief, easy-to-answer survey, click here.

Your participation enables you to help select trees, pedestrian lights, street name markers and provide other thoughts and comments.

Tell the City of Houston

your traffic safety concerns about Irvington Blvd

Super Neighborhood Alliance

resources for redistricting

The Super Neighborhood Alliance has created a summary of helpful information and suggestions to help deliver impactful statements during public meetings during the redistricting process. View the document here.

The initial Town Hall meetings have concluded, but there will be additional public hearings in July after the proposed redistricting maps have been released.

Click here to check out the full redistricting timeline and other important details.

Safety & health

Prevent catalytic converter theft

The Houston Police Department - North Division - recently presented a Positive Interaction Program on catalytic converter theft. According to Sgt.T. Hicks, vehicle owners can follow three steps to protect themselves: Etch it – Paint it – Cover it.

Here is more information from a recent Consumer Reports article on how to prevent catalytic converter theft.

"Catalytic converter theft is on the rise and to a shocking degree. Theft of this pricey part rose 325% nationwide between 2019 and 2020, according to the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB).

"The catalytic converter is an exhaust system part that’s necessary for your car to pass safety and emissions inspections in many states. Some vehicles have more than one, and the NICB says replacing stolen converters can cost as much as $1,500 to $3,000. Trucks, which are higher off the ground, are at greater risk, simply because the converters are easier for thieves to access. Also at risk are street-parked vehicles and trucks parked overnight in unattended lots."

Free COVID booster shots are available

People over the age of 50 and certain immunocompromised individuals who received an initial booster dose at least four months ago are now eligible for the second COVID booster.

All children ages 5 to 11 can now receive a free booster shot at all Houston Health Department vaccination sites. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that children in this age group receive a booster shot five months after their initial vaccination series.

COVID testing, vaccination and boosters at Houston Health Department-operated sites remain FREE and do not require insurance.

HHD-operated sites are located across the city and can be found at HoustonHealth.org or by calling

832-393-4220.

Keep your dog(s) safe this summer

Summer storms and extreme heat pose serious threats to outdoor pets.

BARC reminds owners: If it's not safe for you, it's not safe for them! The Safe Outdoor Dogs Act went into effect earlier this year and bans the use of chain-tethers and requires pet owners to provide outdoor pets with adequate shelter that offers protection from inclement weather.

Learn more about the Texas State law here.

Employment & educational opportunities

Small business resources

Our state's 3 million small businesses employ nearly half of all working Texans and serve as the cornerstones of our local communities.

That's why the Governor's Office of Small Business Assistance is focused on ensuring small business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs have access to the resources they need to be successful in Texas.

The Governor's Office of Small Business Assistance offers these resources for those looking to start and grow their business in the state:

Start a Business in 7 Steps.
Texas Business Licenses & Permits Guide.
Governor’s Small Business Handbook.
Governor’s Small Business Resource Portal (including new permit and licenses feature).
Governor's Small Business Webinar Library.

For more information, visit gov.texas.gov/smallbusiness.

Employment assistance at SER

SER is a nonprofit community organization that educates and equips people in the Texas Gulf Coast Region who come from low-income backgrounds or who have significant barriers to employment. SER believes the power and purpose of work can transform lives and communities.