Season of gratitude and giving | |
As part of our annual tradition, Precinct 2 hosted two turkey giveaway events this year. On Turkey Thursday, we distributed 1,00O turkeys among 10 locations to pre-registered families. And on the Saturday before Thanksgiving, we gave away 1,000 turkeys on a first-come, first-serve basis at Hardy Community Center. Thank you to our staff and volunteers who help make the holidays brighter for families across Precinct 2! | |
It was a privilege to host our veterans at our annual luncheon this month at Sylvan Beach Pavilion. We salute them on Veterans Day and every day. Join us in thanking our nation’s veterans and their families for their courage and sacrifices! | |
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Precinct 2 community members commemorated El Día de los Muertos at a community altar at Leonel Castillo Community Center. Thank you to the families and staff at the RYSS Leonel Castillo Early Childhood STEM Academy who joined us in this tradition by sharing the photos, stories, and offerings of their loved ones.
In this heartfelt video, Commissioner Garcia and two Precinct 2 residents remember their loved ones who passed away.
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Prioritizing public safety | | |
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Harris County Commissioners Court recently passed a public safety item that supports female offenders in their reentry journey by partnering with Santa Maria Hostel. This collaboration aims to provide comprehensive reentry services through its Path to Recovery Program. Santa Maria Hostel is recognized as one of Texas' largest and most versatile substance use disorder treatment centers for women. It has been a longstanding partner with the Harris County Sheriff's Office (HCSO) in delivering reentry services. Together, the agencies seek to enhance community stability, reduce recidivism, and promote a recovery-oriented approach by offering pre and post-release support to female offenders. | |
Revive2Thrive: Infrastructure project updates | |
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Looking for a great outdoor space for your next gathering? We are excited to announce that Partnership Park has a brand-new pavilion for all our residents to enjoy. This month we celebrated the opening of the new facility that provides:
- An ample shaded outdoor space for special events, including birthday parties and family reunions
- Grills, charcoal disposal boxes, picnic tables, ceiling fans, LED lighting, and electrical outlets
- Additional handicapped parking, accessible sidewalk, and entryway
Parks are an essential part of our communities and central part of our Revive2Thrive initiative which aims to make Precinct 2 the best place to live, work, and play.
This month, we also marked the completion of the WCID 50 Drainage Improvement Project! The El Lago area community has historically experienced ponding and flooding during extreme weather events such as Hurricane Ike in 2008 and Hurricane Harvey in 2017. Flooding in this community was primarily due to undersized storm sewer pipes and high tailwater conditions from Taylor and Clear Lakes.
Improvements in the subdivision include:
- installing new storm sewer systems
- enlarging existing storm sewer capacity
- changing the direction of stormwater flow
- improving and repairing existing outfalls that drain to Taylor Lake or Clear Lake
Every drainage improvement helps our neighborhoods be better prepared to weather the next storm!
This month in Commissioners Court, the following Precinct 2 infrastructure projects were approved:
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East End District Bikeway Projects: As part of his Revive2Thrive initiative, Commissioner Garcia was happy to announce an interlocal agreement with the East End District. The agreement is for the study and design of two key bike connectivity projects: Milby Street from Polk Street to Tony Marron Park and Buffalo Bayou, plus Forest Hill Blvd./72nd Street from Sunset Trail to Brays Bayou and Mason Park. The anticipated study and design are expected to take 12 months.
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Cloverleaf Area Drainage Improvements: The proposed enhancements include upgrading roadside ditches and establishing connections to storm sewer boxes, with the overarching goal of significantly improving drainage flow throughout the area.
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Q: Describe your role and how it impacts Precinct 2 residents.
A: In my current position, I oversee a team of 15 staff, each contributing to the seamless operation of our department. Since January, we've covered over 26,000 miles, averaging around 800 miles or less per day, depending on weekly demands...READ MORE
Q: The holiday season is a busy time for our transportation and support services team. What role does your department play in our major events this season?
A: Our department plays a crucial role in major events such as turkey giveaways and the senior Christmas party. The transportation division supports all Precinct 2 events by providing fleet services to transport residents who are 55 and older and who no longer drive. We facilitate their participation to special events and assist with setup and distribution at community gatherings like the annual turkey giveaways...READ MORE
Q: Considering Thanksgiving, what are you most thankful for this year?
A: This year, I am particularly thankful for the opportunity to honor our veterans by providing access to their medical needs in every possible way, enhancing their quality of life. Additionally, I am grateful for the chance to assist our senior groups in traveling, allowing them to enjoy beautiful scenery, good food, and camaraderie with friends and neighbors...READ MORE
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This month, Commissioner Garcia led or voted in favor of the following items:
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$4 million in ARPA funds for more affordable housing: Commissioner Garcia and members of the court voted unanimously to approve the use of $4 million of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds for Community Services Department (CSD) to acquire the Old Spanish Trail Lofts. This is an affordable multifamily housing development which is currently under construction in Precinct 2, just south of Brays Bayou in the Gulfgate/Pine Valley area. Once construction is complete in October 2024, this new development will provide 109 affordable rental units for working families at or below 60% area median income. In addition, the Old Spanish Trail Lofts will include prekindergarten and before-and-after school care programs provided by The Tejano Center for Community Concerns.
2024 Latino Health Summit: Harris County Public Health entered into an agreement with the Hispanic Health Coalition to cosponsor the 7th Biennial Latino Health Summit in March 2024. The mission of the Latino Health Summit is to address health inequities through education, advocacy, research, and access to healthcare. The event will convene individuals focused on supporting the needs of the Hispanic community in effort to make strides toward positive outcomes for the social determinants of health.
The Survivor Services in Immigration Law Program: Harris County Commissioners Court approved the continuation of The Survivor Services in Immigration Law Program (SSIL). SSIL is a Harris County CSD countywide program aimed at providing legal representation for indigent immigrant adults, children, and families who are survivors of crime residing in Harris County.
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Resolutions
World Sanfilippo Awareness Day: To bring awareness to a rare neurodegenerative disease that affects children, Commissioner Garcia presented a resolution recognizing November 16, 2023, as World Sanfilippo Awareness Day. He was joined for the presentation by Glenn O’Neill of the Cure Sanfilippo Foundation and Mr. & Mrs. Jeff Wallis, local parents, whose daughter Abbey is affected.
Honoring Eugene Jefferson "Jeff" Miller, III: Commissioner Garcia honored the life of Jeff Miller, III, a friend, leader, and someone who loved serving the community of Galena Park. Mr. Miller served 25 years as a GPISD board member, helped upgrade many district facilities, and built new schools and the new stadium. His son Jeffrey, Galena Park ISD Superintendent Dr. John Moore, and President of the GPISD Education Foundation Wayne Oakland, were present to receive the resolution.
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Tip of the month: Reserve a tricycle at a community center | |
Want to go for a ride? Precinct 2 offers tricycles that residents can borrow for a fun new way to get outdoors.
the following community centers have tricycles available:
- Bay Area Community Center
- JD Walker Community Center
- Deputy Darren Almendarez Community Center
- Hardy Community Center
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Mangum Howell Community Center
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