In honor of Pride Month, Commissioner Garcia engaged in a heartfelt conversation with Houston Chronicle writer Joey Guerra. They discussed personal struggles and the pressures to conform to societal norms. This conversation focused on embracing one's identity and the challenges many face in the LGBTQ+ community.

Commissioner Garcia also reflected on his commitment to inclusivity, sharing a significant moment from 2014, when the Harris County Sheriff's Office first participated in the Houston Pride Parade. He recalled a staff member who risked her job to walk proudly beside the sheriff, marking a historic and memorable event.

Click Here To See Video!

HURRICANE SEASON IS HERE

Are you ready?

Last month, Precinct 2 staff and local responders gathered for a disaster drill to improve Precinct 2's response to weather events and ensure that the staff would be ready to help our residents in a crisis when a natural disaster does happen. With experts predicting between 17 and 25 named storms forming this season, we want to do our best to help our residents.

During this time, we ask the community to do their part during this Hurricane season by being hurricane-ready. This includes planning, getting an emergency kit ready, and taking steps to protect homes. To see our Hurricane Season Preparedness Guide, click here!

To stay up to date on roadways conditions, residents can download the Houston Transtar app.

DO YOU STILL NEED

STORM DEBRIS PICKED UP?

The FINAL round of debris clean-up after the May 16th storm begins on Monday, July 8th. We ask residents to please place debris on the public sidewalk by Sunday, July 7th. Once a zone has been cleared, we will not return to it. The clean-up is expected to last approximately two weeks.

If you would like more information on how to separate your debris, please click here.

TOUR OF PROGRESS 2.0:

Working to Reduce Flooding

Join Commissioner Garcia on our latest Tour of Progress 2.0 as we celebrate the completion of another Revive2Thrive project! This episode highlights our collaborative efforts with the Harris County Flood Control District to mitigate flooding risks. The newly completed South Shaver Stormwater Detention Basin project is at the forefront of our efforts!

This milestone is pivotal for our community, significantly reducing flooding impacts that have plagued surrounding neighborhoods. Previously prone to severe flooding, this $9.9 million upgrade includes the basin's impressive 136 million-gallon capacity, relieving over 449 homes. Enhancements also feature a new access road from Hartsook Street to Milstead Middle School, increasing our readiness for future rain events. Plans include a scenic hike and bike trail around the basin, promising to enhance community connections and leisure opportunities for families.

Click here to watch the video!

IN HONOR OF JUNETEENTH:

Preserving History at Historic

Harrisburg Jackson Cemetery

In honor of Juneteenth, we highlighted veteran and educator Dr. Donald Williams, who takes care of the Historic Harrisburg Jackson Cemetery, where formerly enslaved are resting, to ensure that the past remains unforgotten, even when we look to the future. To read more, click here!

Revive2Thrive:

Groundbreaking of New Social Services Hub Marks a Significant Milestone.

This month, we began construction on the East Harris County Health & Social Service Hub in the Channelview area. We are grateful to all our partners for their collaborative effort on this long-awaited project, which was first developed in 2019 to bring a variety of social services to the community.

As part of Commissioner Garcia’s Revive2Thrive initiative, this project addresses long-standing community service gaps. Scheduled for completion in early 2025 on a 3-acre site, the $6 million facility will offer healthcare, housing support, job opportunities, and homeless outreach, enhancing community resilience.

Honoring a Devoted and Deeply Loved Community Leader

It was a great honor to remember a beloved community leader in the Near Northside and his family. Commissioner Adrian Garcia, the Davalos family, and neighbors gathered at the Leonel Castillo Community Center to honor the life and legacy of Mr. Joe Davalos, a devoted leader, passionate advocate, and respected veteran. Joe was instrumental in installing the flags at the center and consistently advocated for his community. Remembered for his kindness, dedication to family, and willingness to help others, Joe passed away on June 29, 2023.

A memorial plaque now commemorates his relentless spirit and the difference he made in the lives of everyone privileged to know him.

We thank the Semper Fi #3 Memorial Honor Detail for honoring Joe's service in the United States Air Force and the Davalos family for allowing us to celebrate his legacy. Joe's memory lives on through his family and all who were touched by his life, inspiring us to positively impact our communities.

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Prioritizing Public Safety: Gun Safety

June is National Gun Violence Awareness Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about the impact of gun violence in our communities and promoting measures to enhance public safety. This month, we wanted to promote gun safety at home and how you can protect yourself and your family.

Gun Safety at Home:

Gun safety is paramount to protecting our loved ones and preventing accidents. Here are some essential tips to promote gun safety in your home:

Always keep the firearm's muzzle pointed in a safe direction.
Use a gun-locking device that renders the firearm inoperable when not in use.
Always keep your finger off the trigger until you intend to shoot.
Firearms should be unloaded when not in use.
Be sure you know how your firearm operates.
Store your firearms in a locked cabinet, safe, gun vault, or storage case when not in use.
Store your ammunition in a locked location separate from firearms.
Ensure young people in your home know and understand the safety guidelines concerning firearms.
Always unload, clean, and place your firearms in their secure storage location immediately after returning from a hunting trip or a day at the range.

To support our community's commitment to gun safety, the Harris County Sheriff's Office is offering free gun locks. If you are interested in obtaining a gun lock, please call 346-286-3125.

Upcoming Community Meetings

Commissioner Adrian Garcia is dedicated to enhancing Precinct 2 for everyone. Through our Revive2Thrive initiative, our team is working on community plans that are being shaped by residents. These plans aim to address issues such as mobility, housing, and sustainability.

You're invited to participate in upcoming community meetings to help shape the future of Precinct 2. Your involvement is crucial. Please take note of these dates:

July 10th - James Bute Park Community Planning
July 16th - Reimagine Market St. Community Planning Meeting
July 18th - Reimagine Wallisville Community Planning Meeting

For more information, click here!

Here2Serve:

Meet Kris Banks, Deputy Chief Of Staff for Public Affairs

Kris Banks

Pct. 2 Deputy Chief of Staff for Public Affairs

Q: Describe your role with Precinct 2

A: As Deputy Chief of Staff for Public Affairs, my role is working to enact the vision and goals of Commissioner Garcia regarding public policy and county operations and to ensure the public understands his vision and goals for Precinct 2......READ MORE

Q: What impact do you hope Pride Month has on the broader community?

A: Nothing in the world is inherently permanent, including the gains in rights and acceptance that the LGBTQ community has earned over the past few decades. Pride is a welcoming environment.......READ MORE

In the last month, Commissioner Garcia led or voted in favor of the following items:

EPA Lawsuit Support: Commissioners Court approved the County Attorney’s Office to support the Environmental Protection Agency in a lawsuit challenging the agency’s authority to enforce the Federal Clean Air Act concerning chemical accident prevention. This action enables Harris County, which has the highest number of impacted facilities in the U.S., to advocate for enhanced accident prevention requirements and emergency preparedness to protect residents from chemical incidents in Precinct 2’s industrial corridor.

Funding to Combat Domestic Violence: Commissioner Garcia approved an agreement with the Harris County Domestic Violence Coordinating Council to train service providers and streamline financial assistance to survivors. This initiative addresses the increase in domestic violence reports and high shelter turn-away rates, offering flexible aid for housing, childcare, and other needs.

TxVEMP Grant Award for Precinct 2 Electric Vehicles: Commissioner Garcia pushed for the approval to accept the Texas Volkswagen Environmental Mitigation Program (TxVEMP) grant for Precinct 2, which would enable replacing eight diesel vehicles with electric ones. This initiative promotes energy resilience, reduces emissions, and reduces noise pollution while enhancing operational efficiency. Commissioner Garcia thanked the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) for selecting Precinct 2 for this grant.

Resolutions

Justice for Janitors Day: Commissioner Garcia passed a resolution recognizing June 15, 2024, as Justice for Janitors Day to celebrate recent wage and hour gains won by unionized janitors in Harris County. The resolution highlighted the sacrifices and dedication of past janitors, emphasized the importance of fundamental fairness, and stressed the need for living wages, affordable health coverage, and dignified retirement for all workers.

World Elder Abuse Awareness Day: Commissioner Garcia passed a resolution recognizing June 15th as World Elder Abuse Awareness Day to increase understanding of elder abuse. In 2023, APS investigated nearly 18,000 cases of elder abuse in Harris County, with financial exploitation being the most common. Commissioner Garcia emphasized the importance of protecting seniors and highlighted the collaboration between Harris County Resources for Children and Adults and APS in raising awareness and supporting victims.

Park and Recreation Month: Commissioner Garcia passed a resolution designating July as National Park and Recreation Month in Harris County. The resolution emphasizes the integral role of parks in promoting health and wellness, encouraging active lifestyles, supporting childhood development, and enhancing community economic prosperity.