Suicide Prevention Awareness Month | |
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Sandra Ramirez, from Pasadena, turned her pain into purpose. After the heartbreaking loss of her 16-year-old son, Tory, to suicide, she watched her eldest son, Paul, battle depression and post-traumatic stress disorder. Tragically, four years later, Paul also lost his life to suicide.
After Tory’s death, Sandra went on a mission to empower parents with information about suicide prevention. She joined the board of the Southeast Texas Chapter of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention and, this month, they hosted their annual Out of Darkness Walk in Pasadena.
If you or someone you know needs help, please call or text 988 to connect with the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. Remember, you are not alone.
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Revive2Thrive: Infrastructure project updates | |
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Community planning begins with you
On Wednesday, September 27, Precinct 2 held a community meeting with residents from the North and South Castlewood communities. The purpose of this meeting is to provide the residents an opportunity to voice their needs and concerns as to the future of the Castlewood community with Commissioner Garcia and the Precinct 2 team.
Some of the concerns addressed include curb streets and gutters, new water pipes, more street lights, and street repairs.
Mark your calendars for these community meetings happening in October:
This month in Commissioners Court, the following Precinct 2 infrastructure projects were approved:
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Approval of the Highlands Reservoir Improvements Study. This is a partnership project with the San Jacinto River Authority to identify and prioritize improvements to make Highlands Reservoir an even more cherished amenity that improves the quality of life for residents. Some of the potential enhancements include dedicated parallel parking areas at the pier, renovated fishing piers, and an accessible loop trail.
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Approval of interlocal agreements for Corridor Studies with Greater Northside Management District and Hardy/Near Northside Redevelopment Authority. Both of these partnerships involve corridor studies that seek to fully reconstruct and reimagine major streets. One is with the Greater Northside Management District for “Reimagine Jensen,” and the other is with the Near Northside for “Reimagine Hogan-Lorraine." Reimagine Jensen extends from Kelly St. to IH-69, and Reimagine Hogan-Lorraine extends from IH-45 to IH-69.
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Q: Describe your role in Precinct 2 and how it impacts Precinct 2 residents.
A: I oversee the day-to-day operations of the department and implement programs and initiatives aimed at improving the health outcomes of our constituents. While Precinct 2 is a wonderful place to live, work, play, and pray, many of our constituents face serious health challenges and barriers to quality healthcare...READ MORE
Q: September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, what programs or resources does Precinct 2 have that address this important issue and mental health, in general?
A: We have different programs and services that address mental health. First is the Access2Health Mental Health Smart Pod located in the parking lot of the Deputy Darren Almendarez Community Center at James Driver Park. This Access2Health Mental Health Smart Pod is a collaborative effort between Precinct 2, Catholic Charities, and The Harris Center for Mental Health and IDD...READ MORE
Q: What do you like most about your job?
A: My favorite thing about my job is getting to serve my community! Precinct 2 is very special to me, because I am a long-time resident of East Harris County and a proud graduate of Channelview High School...READ MORE
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This month, Commissioner Garcia led or voted in favor of the following items:
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Solar for All Grant Application: Commissioners Court unanimously endorsed the submission of an application for the Environmental Protection Agency’s Solar for All grant. Commissioner Garcia has led the county in the development and implementation of clean energy strategies, including the creation of a countywide rooftop solar pilot project that will provide clean and resilient energy to county facilities in each precinct. His efforts garnered the county a SolSmart Silver designation from the U.S. Department of Energy. The Solar for All grant will allow Harris County to alleviate the burden of high electricity bills for our most vulnerable residents.
U Visa Dashboard Update: Victims of a crime while in the United States, might qualify for temporary permission to live and work here. Following a request by Commissioner Garcia, the Office of Justice and Safety has completed the U Visa Dashboard which will be available in both English and Spanish. This dashboard will help us keep track of how many U Visa applications have been received, signed, declined, referred, or are repeat applications. This visa encourages victims of domestic violence and human trafficking to cooperate with law enforcement agencies, assisting them in solving crimes and bringing perpetrators to justice.
Traffic Calming Guidelines: In January 2022, Harris County Engineering Department (HCED) initiated the Harris County Neighborhood Traffic Calming Guidelines project. The guidelines were developed in accordance with national guidance from the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE), National Association of City Transportation Officials (NACTO), and state codes and regulations. By reducing vehicle speeds and/or traffic volume on residential streets our communities will be made safer, especially for pedestrians and children. At the September 19 Commissioners Court meeting, it was decided that traffic calming guidelines should be uniform across the entire county. County Engineer, Dr. Milton Rahman, is tasked with providing a follow-up to Commissioners Court regarding the uniformity of the guidelines.
Casa De Amigos Health Center: Major renovations and expansions at Harris Health’s Casa De Amigos Health Center were approved which will allow individuals to receive enhanced patient quality and access to healthcare services for the surrounding northeast Harris County community. The center is located at 1615 N Main Street.
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Budget and Reduced Tax Rate Approved
After unanimous approval of the proposed budget, Harris County taxpayers will be paying a reduced property tax rate for the fifth straight year. The approved cumulative (county plus flood control, hospital district, and Port Houston rates combined) tax rate will be 0.53029 (down from .53058) per $100 of assessed value.
Commissioners Court also approved the Fiscal Year 2024 budget, prioritizing spending in key areas such as public safety. Setting a budget shows what the county government’s values are, and the budget passed Tuesday shows how Commissioners Court is investing in Harris County by Building a Better Tomorrow. Building a Better Tomorrow means building infrastructure with safe roads, maintaining and improving flood control projects, good quality jobs, and combating the climate crisis with clean energy while lowering costs and improving the supply chain.
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Resolutions
Chicano Squad: Commissioner Adrian Garcia passed a resolution to recognize the original Chicano Squad; a group of Houston Police Officers who were instrumental in solving many cases involving Latinos during the late 1970s. The squad was nationally recognized in 1997 by the National Latino Peace Officers Association, after posting a clearance rate of 91 percent. Four members of the original squad accepted the resolution.
Honoring Dr. Stephen Klineberg: Dr. Stephen Klineberg, founding director of the Kinder Institute for Urban Research at Rice University, was presented with a resolution honoring his work and distinguished career as the creator of the annual Houston Area Survey. Commissioner Garcia recognized the survey, which is in its 42nd year of tracking the shifts in economic outlooks, demographic patterns, experiences, attitudes, and beliefs among Houston residents, and honored the value it provides to policymakers.
Latino Education Day: In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, Commissioner Garcia presented a resolution praising the third Annual State of Latino Education event that takes place on September 28, 2023, Latino Education Day. Dr. Armando X. Orduña, Executive Director, Texas of Latinos for Education received the resolution.
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More September highlights | |
Tip of the month: Flu & COVID vaccines | |
Precinct 2 is partnering with Aetna to bring you FREE flu and COVID vaccines. They will be offered at Magnum-Howell Community Center from 9am to 3pm on the following dates:
- October 19
- November 9, 16, 30
- December 7
To learn more, click here.
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