Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month | |
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Hispanic Heritage Month was a time of celebration and reflection across Precinct 2. Our seniors hit the dance floor at our annual Hispanic Heritage Month Luncheon for seniors at the historic Sylvan Beach Pavilion. We also recognized community leaders, including the Houston Police Department's Chicano Squad -- a group of police officers who epitomized courage for their work to solve an unprecedented number of violent crimes in the 1980s.
We also reflected on the contributions of Latinos in the U.S. with the Mano a Mano video and photography series. And we had fun celebrating Latinos in the arts by sharing Commissioner Garcia's favorite movies to watch in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month. Which one is your favorite?
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Discussion on domestic violence | |
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On October 17, Precinct 2 hosted a live discussion on Facebook on domestic violence with Commissioner Adrian Garcia, the Harris County Sheriff's Office, the Houston Area Women's Center, and Araceli, a domestic violence survivor. This insightful discussion shared vital information and resources related to domestic violence.
A few takeaways from the discussion:
- Domestic violence can happen to anyone.
- Abuse can happen in different forms, not just physical.
- Those experiencing domestic violence often face multiple barriers to leaving their abusive situation.
- Agencies like the Houston Area's Women's Center and the Harris County Sheriff's Office work with survivors and their families to life-changing free and confidential support services.
If you know someone who experiencing abuse, please call these free services:
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Breast cancer awareness: Early detection is key | |
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“Had I gotten my mammogram 10 years prior, I would have caught this much in a much earlier stage. So, please do not put [it off.]”
- Tanya Kelley, Manager, Flukinger Community Center
If you’ve ever been to Flukinger Community Center, you’ve likely been greeted with a warm smile from Tanya Kelley, the center’s manager. She’s also one of the toughest people you’ll ever meet. We are incredibly honored to be able to share her story as a breast cancer survivor.
Precinct 2 offers mammogram referrals through our Access2Health Smart Pods, or mobile clinics. To learn more about Precinct 2 Health Services Department click here, email Health@pct2.hctx.net, or call 713-274-2124.
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Prioritizing public safety | |
More efficient response time
The TeleDeputy Unit program is now underway in Harris County. The program's goal is to direct less urgent calls to the HCSO's TeleDeputy Unit in order to decrease response times for higher priority service calls that require on-site investigation. It aims to address 4,000 service calls monthly and produce 1,500 reports. This investment is public safety is possible due to American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds.
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National Night Out
National Night Out was a memorable evening of community bonding! We had fun interacting with our officers, and we want to extend our thanks to the Harris County Sheriff’s Office for their support. We even had the privilege of shadowing Deputy Casanova and Alvarado! Click here to watch the video and relive the fun!
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Revive2Thrive: Infrastructure project updates | |
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New playgrounds in Precinct 2
This month we celebrated the completion of two park renovations in the Channelwood and Cloverleaf areas. The equipment updates provide a safer, more accessible space for our children to grow and thrive. The upgrades include:
Channelwood Park:
- A refreshed park amenity on top of the new sidewalk and solar power lights
- New ADA-accessible play features
- The mulch was replaced with an accessible, rubber play surface called Pour-In-Play
- Installation of new play equipment for ages 2-5 and 5–12
Cloverleaf Park:
- New playground with enhanced and ADA-accessible play features
- Installation of accessible, rubber play surface called Pour-In-Play
- Installation of shade over playground and swings
Park improvements are a vital part of our Revive2Thrive mission. Our goal is to focus on revitalization by empowering communities and creating opportunities for our existing neighborhoods to be more resilient, inclusive, and thriving. We want everyone to know Precinct 2 is a great place to live, work, and play!
There are also several community planning meetings in October. Click on the name of each one for more information.
Next week, there will be two meeting on the South Houston Liveable Centers Study. Click here for more information.
This month in Commissioners Court, the following Precinct 2 infrastructure projects were approved:
- Approval of the Fred Roberts Middle School Campus Trail project. Fred Roberts Middle School in Pasadena ISD applied for funding to construct a hike and bike trail at their school. Due to the school being located off a major highway, students, parents, and community members do not have a safe place to walk and exercise.
- Approval of the Development of Sylvan Beach Park. This project’s goal is to restore Sylvan Beach Park; one of 55 parks located within Harris County Precinct 2. Sylvan Beach was once a weekend resort destination for residents of the Houston and Galveston area in the early 1900s. The estimated $25M project will revitalize the park and make it once again a countywide destination.
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This month, Commissioner Garcia led or voted in favor of the following items:
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New ACCESS2HEALTH Pods: Thanks to work by Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia, up to eight new ACCESS2HEALTH Smart Pods (mobile health clinics)are coming to Precinct 2. $3 million in federal funds will be used to pay for the pods to be built and placed around the precinct. ACCESS2HEALTH Pods provide residents with mental and physical health services. This initiative will work to reduce the vast health disparities gap in Precinct 2 by increasing access to healthcare with the goal of improving outcomes in our communities. Additionally, the clinics' locations will be strategically chosen to serve the most vulnerable in our community and continue fulfilling the public health goals set by the Commissioners Court.
Early Learning Quality Network: Commissioner Garcia voted to approve multiple awards improving the quality of childcare and early learning initiatives within Precinct 2. Among the organizations that will receive funding are the East Harris County Empowerment Council and YMCA of Greater Houston, which will lead their communities in ongoing efforts to improve childcare quality.
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Resolutions
Operation Green Light for Veterans: Precinct 2 joins Operation Green Light for Veterans, an initiative designed to shine a light on the service of our veterans and their families. By shining a green light from November 6–12, 2023, we let veterans know that they are seen, appreciated, and supported. Green lights will shine on these Precinct 2 facilities: V.V. Ramsey Veteran Services Center in Channelview; Challenger 7 Memorial Park in Webster; and Mangum Howell Center, in Doss Park in Houston. Ms. Cassie Gibson, Precinct 2 Veterans Service Manager and veteran, received the resolution.
Digital Inclusion Week: To expand affordable internet connectivity, Commissioner Garcia presented a resolution recognizing Digital Inclusion Week, October 2–6, 2023. Together with the Harris County Universal Services Department, we work on initiatives across the county to bring affordable internet connectivity to more households for work, education, and access to essential services. Sindhu Menon, Executive Director & Chief Information Officer, Universal Services, spoke about the county’s work on these efforts.
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Tip of the month: How to stay up-to-date on Precinct 2 events | |
Precinct 2 uses an online tool called CivicRec for event and program registration and facility reservations. Once you create an profile, you will also receive notifications about upcoming events such as the annual turkey giveaway, Kids2Gether camp registration, senior programs, and more!
You can create an account at your convenience or contact 713-274-2222 and someone from our team will assist you.
Don't miss another Precinct 2 event, click here to register today!
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