Back to School Events Throughout the District
This is a special time of year when families get ready for kids to return to school. Some families need a little extra help with making sure their children have the proper supplies before the first day of school. There are several back-to-school events planned within the district that local residents can take advantage of, which also include free health screenings, face painting and other entertainment. There are also opportunities to donate school supplies as well. See the flyers below for information.
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Glenshannon Community Meeting
Council Member Edward Pollard spent time visiting with residents of Glenshannon in Alief, where he received feedback from the community about the installation of license plate reader cameras throughout the district as well as other topics. The District J office extends a sincere thanks to everyone who came out.
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National League of Cities
Sharing great ideas is one of the best ways to come up with creative solutions to problems in the community. That's why Council Member Pollard attended the National League of Cities National Black Caucus of Local Elected Officials with Council Member Leticia Plummer in Nashville, Tennessee. The local leaders met with council members from other cities throughout the country to discuss ideas and initiatives to address major issues.
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Pet Pantry in District J
Bring your fury friends to the latest Pet Pantry event happening in District J. Those in need will receive free pet food from 9 to 11 am, at Sharpstown Baptist Church. Special thanks to the Houston Humane Society for organizing this event.
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South African Trade Mission Trip
Council Member Edward Pollard will lead a delegation of civic, business and elected leaders on a trade mission to South Africa. The purpose of the trip is to build relationships between Houston and South Africa, and to provide strategic economic and business opportunities by promoting Houston as a global partner. The trip will take place August 31 - September 9 with the Houston International Development Trade Council. Anyone interested in participating in the trade mission trip should contact Val Thompson at [email protected].
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BuildStrong Academy
Anyone interested in starting a new career in construction is encouraged to apply for a free training program at BuildStrong Academy. The program includes hands-on training, certification, and help with job placement. No previous experience is required. Applicants must be at least 18 years old. See the flyer below for more details.
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Pollard Honored with Houston Humanitarian Award
The City of Houston honored Council Member Pollard as a recipient of this year's Houston Humanitarian Award, along with some of the most influential and philanthropic leaders in the city. The black-tie gala was held at the Royal Sonesta Houston Hotel. Pollard was recognized for his nonprofit organization, Suits for Success, which mentors inner city teen boys on etiquette, finances, and other important life skills.
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Bahamas Independence Day
Council Member Pollard joined Vice Mayor Pro-Tem Martha Castex Tatum and other dignitaries in celebrating Bahamas Independence Day at Bayland Park in District J, the most diverse district in the city of Houston. Thanks to Honorary Consul to the Bahamas, Lynden Rose, for coordinating a successful event.
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Community Celebration & SLAB Parade
In recognition of the birthday of legendary Hip Hop artist DJ Screw, the inaugural Community Celebration and SLAB Parade took place on July 17th in south Houston. DJ Screw has had a global influence on music from right here in Houston. Council Member Pollard presented certificates of recognition to organizers. Special thanks to the Executive Director of Screwed Up HQ nonprofit, Robert “RUEROB” Jackson, the Screwed Up Click and everyone who helped make today happen. Big thank you to Exoticpop for coordinating and the Houston Police Department for providing escort and ensuring a safe event.
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Autism Services for Families in Underserved Neighborhoods
Families with autistic loved ones sometimes need extra help, but they can't always afford it. Social Motion and The Center for Pursuit have merged to offer unparalleled service provided that enables the expansion of services and locations with the power to increase outcomes and impact for the community. Families will enjoy many services including:
- Behavior health services
- Transition medicine services provided by Texas Children's Hospital and Baylor College of Medicine
- Dental clinic services specializing in care for those with special needs
- Employment services
- Parent resources
For more information, contact The Center for Pursuit at 713-525-8400 or visit https://thecenterforpursuit.org/.
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Gulfton Public Safety Forum
A Public Safety Forum for the Hispanic community took place in Gulfton at the Holy Ghost Catholic Church. Law enforcement officers were on hand to talk about public safety in the area. The Faith and Citizenship Ministry hosted the meeting. Thanks to Sandra Rodriguez for including the District J office.
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Discussing Darfur
Council Member Pollard attended the History and Informational Forum of Genocide in Darfur event at the Southwest Multipurpose Center, hosted by the American Sudanese Chamber of Commerce. Special thanks to President Ibrahim S. Ibrahim for the invitation to Council Member Pollard.
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Video: Hurricane Preparedness
We are in the middle of hurricane season, and history shows that we are gearing up to the most active part of the season in the next couple of months, so it's important to be prepared. District J is working with Harris County Commissioner Jack Cagle and Pct. 4 to ensure we have all equipment, vehicles, and disaster recovery resources ready for any severe weather events that may happen. Residents are also asked to make sure you have enough food, water, and other emergency items in case of bad weather. Also, if you are able to get flood insurance for your home you are advised to do so. Watch the video below to see preparedness measures in place.
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Maximize Your Alarm System
Just having an alarm system isn't enough to keep you safe. Residents with an alarm are required to have a valid permit on file with the Houston Police Department (HPD). Be sure to contact the Burglar Alarm Administration by phone, online or in person by the details listed below. You may also scan the QR code for more information.
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Rules for Large and Commercial Vehicle Parking
The parking of large or commercial vehicles on the streets of residential neighborhoods can sometimes be a nuisance to residents, impacting the flow of traffic and causing safety concerns. The information below offers details on when and under what circumstances these vehicles may park on residential streets. Residents are asked to adhere to these parameters so that our district can be safer for everyone.
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Burn Ban in Harris County
The Harris County Commissioners' Court approved a burn ban in response to an increased threat of wildfires across unincorporated Harris County. There are now 171 Texas counties with burn bans, including Harris, Galveston, Waller, Fort Bend, Brazoria and Liberty counties.
No outdoor burning is allowed except: in an enclosure that contains all flames and/or sparks; outdoor burning activities authorized by TCEQ; approved ceremonial fires; non-commercial cooking such as backyard cookouts and barbeques are allowed; and welding and other “hot work” performed in accordance with county fire code requirements.
Violation of the ban is a Class “C” misdemeanor, punishable for up to a $500 fine. In addition, any person who starts a fire that causes damage to property without the consent of the owner may be charged with Reckless Damage or Destruction, a Class C misdemeanor, or arson, a felony.
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District J Jobs
DistrictJJobs.com is an online portal for employment opportunities located throughout the greater Houston area. The website was created with District J residents in mind, however, every Houstonian is welcome to explore the site and take advantage of job opportunities. The site has listings from companies of all sizes, operating in a variety of industries. DistrictJJobs.com will be updated on a regular basis, with new postings added each month. Residents may visit the website directly or scan the corresponding QR code located at each sheltered METRO bus stop within District J.
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District J Projects
Harwin & Gessner
The Pubic Works team replaced damaged concrete pavement panels on the southeast corner of Harwin Dr. and S. Gessner Rd.
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HOT Team
The HOT Team assists with picking up scattered debris, removing heavy trash, tree waste and illegal dumping, and handling specific landscaping issues. All requests for assistance from the HOT Team should be submitted via 311. The HOT Team makes pickups according to the following schedule:
1st Thursday - Sharpstown
2nd Thursday - St. George, Gulfton and Richmond Plaza South
3rd Thursday - Braeburn Area
4th Thursday - Alief/Westwood
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IIlegal Dumping
The HOT team was dispatched to the 9,000 block of Maplecrest, where they cleared 600 pounds of illegally dumped items including 6 pieces of furniture, 9 shopping carts, 5 tires, and other debris.
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District J Patrol is a three-pronged approach to public safety bridging the gap between the law enforcement officers in District J and the communities they serve. Sponsored by the District J office, this pilot initiative includes community patrolling by Houston Police Department’s Differential Response Team (DRT), the use of two Polaris vehicles and the District J Patrol Task Force. Residents may report small neighborhood violations and infringements, such as panhandling, loitering, overgrown lots, graffiti, homeless encampments and other public nuisances. To file a report, visit the online portal at www.DistrictJPatrol.com.
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District J Office Staff
The District J office staff is here to serve you.
David "Alex" Brizuela, Director of Constituent Services
Ana "Francis" Ellis, Scheduler and Executive Secretary
Council Member Edward Pollard
Misty Starks, Director of Communications
Cameron Mudd, Intern
Paul Young, Chief of Staff
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Council Member Edward Pollard
City Hall Annex, 900 Bagby, First Floor, Houston, TX 77002
Phone: (832) 393-3015
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